Spring Break 2011 on the DREAM

[pnyltwk]

Dear 3/27 Dream Cruiser,

Welcome to the 3/27 Dream Cruise thread! To help you out here are some emails and thread links:

To sign up for the FE please PM esbrick or email her at eskrick@live.com. She will be able to add you to the list and then send you an updated list with your information.

To find out information for FEs such as where to get them and ideas please visit the following links:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...&postcount=167
ESK post link

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...&postcount=170
ppiew post link

We look foward to hearing from you and meeting you in March!

Best,

Eilis
esbrick

[IrishCowboy]

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

[Monkida]

We will be going for spring break along with my mom! First cruise for my family - Me, DH, DD (7 at cruise), and DS (4 at cruise).

I am so excited to get to planning and drooling over any Disney Dream detail I can find!

[pnyltwk]

We went on our first cruise on the Wonder last year at Halloween. It was alot of fun and completely different than going to WDW. I will admit that it is expensive but when you consider that everything is included then it is not as bad. There is me, DW, DD (14) and DS (17). Our trip last year was a 3 night cruise and the time went by so fast. That is why we want to do the four night cruise. We did not schedule any shore excursions but I know that we will this trip. I would like to check out Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas. It looks like fun. The day spent at Castaway Cay is fun also. From what I have seen of the DREAM it is going to be amazing. My kid's can not wait to ride the AQUA DUCK!!!

[Monkida]

We will be visiting WDW after our cruise - but this time experiencing something other than the main parks. We have been to WDW many times and never took the time to see what is beyond the castle and the "big ball."

We intend on doing the "other stuff" that WDW offers that we haven't done - staying in a deluxe (AKL or WL), going to blizzard beach, miniature golf, tea parties, pirate cruises, fort wilderness shows, boat parades, resort dining & kids clubs, pool time, etc., etc., etc. Don't have it planned yet (which is really surprising knowing me) but I plan to continue to more relaxing feeling of a cruise rather than the chaos of the parks.

Oh, and right now the plan is to stay @ POP the night before the cruise to try out a value too. We stayed @ CBR 10/09 and loved the on-site experience...want to try them all! OK, maybe not the All-Stars resorts. :)

[pnyltwk]

I remember the days when we would go to WDW Commando Style. I would be so exhausted by the last day that I would need a vacation from my vacation. We have progressed through the years. Once we stayed on property "back in 95 I believe it was" I knew that staying at a Disney Resort made the experience so much more enjoyable. We looked at DVC for a few years but I could not get past the initial purchase price. We finally took the plunge in 2004 and bacame members at Saratoga Springs. If you get the chance to stay in one of the DVC Villa's it will be hard to go back to the standard motel rooms.
Our last trip started with two nights at the Tree House Villas. They are part of the Sarotoga Springs resort. The suites are a three bedroom Tree House Villa unit. They are very nice. They are situated to be secluded and makes you feel like you are in your own tree house. We spent two days going to the parks. We had two days left on our tickets from our previous trip during Christmas 2008. That trip the parks were so packed that we decided to spend the last few days just exploring resorts and relaxing and returning later at a less busier time. We then spent two days at Vero Beach. Vero Beach is another DVC resort on the Atlantic Coast. Very nice but I think you can run out of things to do after a few days there. Then we went on our 3 night cruise on the Wonder.
So all things considered our last vaction was pretty busy. We are gong to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina this year for Spring Break. At Hilton Head DVC has another resort. It is very relaxing. The resort has alot of actvities to keep families busy and have a good time. It is about a 9 hour drive from our home. That is the toughest part.
But we are looking forward for the trip to begin.

[Mom2J&P]

Super excited. Booked in late October 2009 for the Spring Break 2011 Cruise. This will be our 4th Disney Cruise. We are looking forward to cruisin' with some of our local friends and meeting lots of new friends on this brand spankin' new ship :banana:

Counting Down.......

[pnyltwk]

We were on our first cruise in October for Halloween. It was a cool experience. We are looking forward to the DREAM. It looks like it will be a blast. Do you actually live in Orlando? I think that could be a real problem for us. I guess you have to get use to being that close to WDW.

[Mom2J&P]

We were on our first cruise in October for Halloween. It was a cool experience. We are looking forward to the DREAM. It looks like it will be a blast. Do you actually live in Orlando? I think that could be a real problem for us. I guess you have to get use to being that close to WDW.

Yes, we live in far east Orlando. We only visit the parks a couple of times a year and stay away from most of the tourist areas. Orlando has so much to offer other than Disneyworld but the very very best time to visit Disney is early to mid November. Weather cooler and most people holding out until Thanksgiving through Christmas. We are Texas natives but LOVE Orlando and can not imagine living anywhere else.

See you on the Dream :beach:

[pnyltwk]

Counting the days till we are sailing on the DREAM!!!

[magchavez]

Just paid our deposit today! Count us in. It will be DH, myself, ds (9 at time of sailing), and dd (7 at time of sailing). We haven't told the kids yet. Might keep it for a Christmas surprise. Wonder if I'll be able to keep quiet for that long!:banana::banana:

[Monkida]

Just paid our deposit today! Count us in. It will be DH, myself, ds (9 at time of sailing), and dd (7 at time of sailing). We haven't told the kids yet. Might keep it for a Christmas surprise. Wonder if I'll be able to keep quiet for that long!:banana::banana:

Too funny, we had to tell the kids right away. I am torturing them with a year-long wait, but we have had a lot of fun watching the DVD, travel shows, and finding out new tidbits about the ship. I am too engrossed in it already to worry about keeping a secret!

I keep forgetting I have a trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley in August this summer - for my sister's wedding no less - I'd rather be planning the Disney adventure! Shhh....don't tell her...oh wait, she already knows...

[dthogue]

We will be joining you - we just changed our 7-night 11/13, Western reservation to this sailing. We all wanted to try the "new" ship. It will be me, DH and my youngest DD who will be 12 at the time of sailing. Our older 2 DD's are in college and are not able to join us!!

[Mean Queen]

We will be joining you - we just changed our 7-night 11/13, Western reservation to this sailing. We all wanted to try the "new" ship. It will be me, DH and my youngest DD who will be 12 at the time of sailing. Our older 2 DD's are in college and are not able to join us!!

Count us in too! We just changed our Thanksgiving 2010 to the Dream Spring Break cruise. We're actually doing a back to back, which will make the trip our 5th and 6th cruises. Unless we find a good deal before then. :rolleyes1

We are very excited to check out the Dream. It'll be me, DH, and our DD's who will be 11 and 5 at cruise time. We have another family probably joining us too.

[pnyltwk]

Looks like this thread is finally starting to pick up. Welcome to all who have joined. We are counting the days for this coming Spring Break trip. 16 more days to go. Then it will be time to start planning for the cruise. I wonder (not the ship but a state of mind) if the fact that this is during Spring Break will make the number of people on board seem like being at the parks during this time. I know that some years we have gone during Spring Break and the parks are just packed. Personally I do not like that overly crowded feeling. That is one of the reason why over the years we have altered our travel dates to WDW to be during off peak times. And as DVC members our accomodations are cheaper.

[dthogue]

We just returned on Monday from the 4-night Wonder cruise followed by 4 days at WDW. I guess we hit the beginning of Spring Break - lots of groups of students - from college kids, to lacrosse teams, dance teams, cheerleaders and softball players. I must say though, they were all very well behaved - we didn't have any problems, but the parks were crowded, especially in the late afternoon into the evenings.

Thanks for the welcome - we are looking forward to getting to know everyone over the next year (wow that sounds like such a long time).

[Presentation]

We are booked on this cruise. :yay:

Hi everyone! :sail:

[pnyltwk]

We are booked on this cruise. :yay:

Hi everyone! :sail:


That room is AAWWEESSOOMMEE!!!!!

[esbrick]

We just switched our cruise from the Easter 4/24 cruise after we found out that DSD's Spring break had changed because Easter is late this year. My parents, and DH, DSD13 at cruise time and I will be cruising! It will be agreat time!:cool1:

[Mean Queen]

We are booked on this cruise. :yay:

Hi everyone! :sail:

Hello! Great video. I hope all other rooms don't pale in comparison to the Roy suite.

[esbrick]

I am so excited to start planning this trip! It is going to be a great time! I truely can't believe we are going to be on the DREAM! I mean we loved the Wonder but I really can't wait to see how Disney makes the Dream special:goodvibes!

Everyone have their FE's ready? I need to get one for my parents! We are putting a bag together for them for thier next Anniversary, February 2011 with stuff they will need for the cruise! It will be great!:thumbsup2

[nordkin]

We are sailing with you guys. It will be me (Donna), my partner (Joi), and my mother (Katherine). My mother was so excited about the literature she has been receiving about the Dream we just had to book it for her. We are squeezing this in between the September 2010 WB Transatlantic by ourselves and the June 28 Alaska with our grown children, their significant others, and my mother.

I look forward to getting to know all of you over the next few months.

[Mean Queen]

We are sailing with you guys. It will be me (Donna), my partner (Joi), and my mother (Katherine). My mother was so excited about the literature she has been receiving about the Dream we just had to book it for her. We are squeezing this in between the September 2010 WB Transatlantic by ourselves and the June 28 Alaska with our grown children, their significant others, and my mother.

I look forward to getting to know all of you over the next few months.

Sounds like you have some great cruises planned! The family who joins us on all cruises (including this one) also planned an Alaskan Disney cruise. I said that we were sorry but we could not reciprocate going on every cruise they go on. Though I wish I could!

[esbrick]

So has anyone read anywhere whether or not they will have pirate night on the Dream cruises? I mean I am assuming that there will be the sail away party but i've been talking about the pirate night party for so long to may parents it would be my luck that they wouldn't have it!

[Mean Queen]

So has anyone read anywhere whether or not they will have pirate night on the Dream cruises? I mean I am assuming that there will be the sail away party but i've been talking about the pirate night party for so long to may parents it would be my luck that they wouldn't have it!

I can't imagine that they would get rid of that. It is one of the biggest events on the ship. I generally see more people at the Pirate party than the sailaway. I think if they didn't have it, they would have a bunch of pirates to deal with.

[pnyltwk]

So has anyone read anywhere whether or not they will have pirate night on the Dream cruises? I mean I am assuming that there will be the sail away party but i've been talking about the pirate night party for so long to may parents it would be my luck that they wouldn't have it!

No way would Pirate Nite disappear. On our cruise we had fireworks that night. I think some of the other cruise ships followed close by just so they could see the fireworks from the Wonder.

[pnyltwk]

Got our cruise planning package in the mail yesterday. Only a little over of year to go. We booked our first cruise in June of 2008 that had a sail date of October 2009. It seemed like the year and a half just flew by. The date for this cruise will slip up on us before we know it. We are very anxious to see the DREAM. I just know that it is going to be a spectatcular awesome ship.
We are getting ready to leave this Saturday for our Spring Break trip to Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. We are going to have a great trip. What are you guys doing for Spring Break?

Mike

[esbrick]

We are going to be here for Spring Break as DSD is with her Mom this year for her holiday.:) DH and I are going to WDW adn staying at SSR though at the end of May for a week! So looking foward to that too. We got our planning disk as well but we just finished the 6th grade science project for 2010 this eveing so hopefully this weekend I will get a chance to look.

Have a great time in Hilton Head! My dad used to go there on business trips. I think that DH would like it there as well because he is an avid golfer. Hmmm maybe a spontaneous weekend trip is in order. . . :scratchin Something to think about anyway! :thumbsup2

[esbrick]

No way would Pirate Nite disappear. On our cruise we had fireworks that night. I think some of the other cruise ships followed close by just so they could see the fireworks from the Wonder.

That was the same with our cruise last year! We could see the ships start to circle while we were at Palo's for dinner. It was such a spectacular night! I'm glad it's not going away:cool1::)

[pnyltwk]

We are going to be here for Spring Break as DSD is with her Mom this year for her holiday.:) DH and I are going to WDW adn staying at SSR though at the end of May for a week! So looking foward to that too.

I see that you have stayed at SSR a few times. Are you guys DVC members?

[esbrick]

I see that you have stayed at SSR a few times. Are you guys DVC members?

Yep we are! We joined about 3 or 4 years ago. We love going down just the two of us and for family vacations with my DSD. It was/is a great investment! Are you DVC members too? I am assuming so since I saw the SSR tag in your siggie:)

[Mean Queen]

Yep we are! We joined about 3 or 4 years ago. We love going down just the two of us and for family vacations with my DSD. It was/is a great investment! Are you DVC members too? I am assuming so since I saw the SSR tag in your siggie:)

We're actually using our points for the cruise for the first time. We own both SSR and BLT. We love our DVC! We have stayed at all of the resorts, except the new Grand Californian.

[pnyltwk]

Yep we are! We joined about 3 or 4 years ago. We love going down just the two of us and for family vacations with my DSD. It was/is a great investment! Are you DVC members too? I am assuming so since I saw the SSR tag in your siggie:)

We bought at SSR in 04. We have enjoyed DVC and wish we had joined when we first looked at it. We have stayed at quite a few of the resorts but not all of them. Believe it or not we try to get the most bang for our point buck. We have not stayed at AKL, BLT, BW or BC yet. But have been everywhere else on the east coast. We are actually cruising on points too. What we did last cruise and this cruise was use points for half of our party and paid cash for the rest. There are four of us on this trip. Our two children that are still at home are 12 and 15. I have an older son that will be 23 this year. He has gone with us in the past but at his age he is more interested in being an adult that going on trips with us. Our last vacation we stayed in the THV's for two days and then spent two days at VB and then a three night cruise on the WONDER. That was very good vacation and made us realize that we wanted to go on a longer cruise.

Mike

[scrapbookjulie]

We just booked our first cruise. Very excited! We go to Disney every year, but we thought we'd try the cruise next spring break. It'll be DH, me and our dd (9 next year).

[dceks cruisers]

We are moving our reservation to this week! We're so excited about going on the Dream! We will be going with 3 other families and the rest of you! This will be fun! DH, DW (me), DS15 and DD10. This will be our third cruise.

Connie

[misha-ginger]

We changed our booking from the Wonder to the Dream. DS is very excited to have his 12th BD during the cruise.

[dceks cruisers]

We're at the one year mark! Tick tock, to the dock in 365 days! :thumbsup2

I just played hubby a game of Rummy and he wanted to know what we were playing for so I said a Bounce Back! I won! :woohoo: :rotfl:

What's a family to do with those extra days after we are supposed to get off on 3/31??? Time will tell if we really do BB...I've got extra placeholder cruises booked! Got to make the most of the flights we'll need!

[pnyltwk]

We are going to Disney's Hilton Head Island resort this morning. We drove all day yesterday and spent the night in a dive in Savannah, Ga. Looking forward to getting in to a nice room this afternoon. Yes we are under a year and counting until Crusing on the DREAM!!!

[Mean Queen]

We're at the one year mark! Tick tock, to the dock in 365 days! :thumbsup2

I just played hubby a game of Rummy and he wanted to know what we were playing for so I said a Bounce Back! I won! :woohoo: :rotfl:

What's a family to do with those extra days after we are supposed to get off on 3/31??? Time will tell if we really do BB...I've got extra placeholder cruises booked! Got to make the most of the flights we'll need!

Well, we're getting back on the ship. :rolleyes1 But my second choice would be to continue the Disney magic at the World.

[dceks cruisers]

Shay:

I think we'll be doing Kennedy Space Center and not sure what else but the BB is not out of the question. Want to move from Silver to Gold level faster so this would be a fast track for that plan! Next up after a BB like this would be a BB consisting of a 3 or 4 night and then a 7 night on the Fantasy. That would be a fun plan! Or throw in a maiden voyage on the Fantasy?

Any bets the Dream becomes the 7 night ship and they hook all the people again for a 3 or 4 night all over again on the new Fantasy ship and throw in enough differences between Dream and Fantasy so we all can't resist doing both?

Connie

[Mean Queen]

Is anyone else here a fan of Disney Cruise on Facebook? Today they posted pictures of the new Animators Palette. It's much different than the current ones. The walls look more like an animators room. At the end, you will be under the sea and can interact with characters like Crush. The big ending wasn't revealed. I am so excited to see the new twist on the animator theme.

[nordkin]

We are DVC members as well owning at Beach Club and Animal Kingdom. Booked the cruise with cash and still haven't decided if we will convert to points or not. We are planning on staying at Beach Club after the cruise for a few days. We are really looking forward to being on the Dream and wil reshop the cruise when we are on the Magic in Sept for the transatlantic. It won't hurt to see if it is a better price.

[pnyltwk]

Is anyone else here a fan of Disney Cruise on Facebook? Today they posted pictures of the new Animators Palette. It's much different than the current ones. The walls look more like an animators room. At the end, you will be under the sea and can interact with characters like Crush. The big ending wasn't revealed. I am so excited to see the new twist on the animator theme.

I saw that earlier today. Yes it does look quite different. But different can be good. If you are a D23 fan on facebook there was also information on the themeing on the ship along with the technology (virtual portholes) that came out today I believe.

[esbrick]

We are going to stay at SSR starting the Friday before our cruise and then go back to continue the Disney Magic after the cruise. i so can't wait to take my parents to the Magic Kingdom for the first time and on this cruise. It is so out of the ordinary for them!

I have to go ahead and join the FB pages for DCL and D23! DH gave me a membership to D23 for my b-day this year. :thumbsup2 I can't wait to see all the new stuff coming out. We will be making our DVC reservations next month too which will be great!

Getting ready for our end of May visit to SSR now. I am looking over my boss' schedule to see when he will be out so I can call/ go online to make my dinner ressies for our trip! Planned our nights out last night so now I can't wait!:banana:

pnyltwk ~ Have a great time on your trip!

scrapbookjulie, dceks cruisers, misha-ginger, and nordkin:welcome:

[pnyltwk]

We had a good week at HHI and did not want to come home.

I found a site with some information about the DREAM at allears.net. Not sure if this link is allowed or not. If it gets removed just PM me and I can provide it again if you are interested.

esbrick-enjoy your trip to SSR. Are you staying in a THV or at the main resort?

http://land.allears.net/blogs/MT-3.34-en/mt-search.cgi?tag=Disney%20Dream&blog_id=24

[esbrick]

We had a good week at HHI and did not want to come home.

I found a site with some information about the DREAM at allears.net. Not sure if this link is allowed or not. If it gets removed just PM me and I can provide it again if you are interested.

esbrick-enjoy your trip to SSR. Are you staying in a THV or at the main resort?

http://land.allears.net/blogs/MT-3.34-en/mt-search.cgi?tag=Disney%20Dream&blog_id=24


Thanks! We are "hopefully" staying at the Springs! We like staying there because of the proximity to the main pool and to use that path way by the golf course to go to DTD OR use the boat ride to go over that way. I did my ADR's the other night and the only one I couldn't get was The Coral Reef in Epcot! I told DH that we would just not make ressies for dinner anywhere on Friday night and see if we could get on a wait list when we are there. It's not like we will go hungry!:laughing: We want to go to Epcot on Friday because they have EMH that night:banana:

I looked at the posting of the dream cabana's the other day to and also changed our reservation to include my parent's neighbors from last year. In doing so I was also able to move my parents closer to us which makes it that all three families are next to each other. :banana: I was thinking that next weekend I am going to put in an order for my parent's FE so that they are all set with that. I already told DSD that she and the other child will be able to go deliver our stuff.

Have a great day everyone!:thumbsup2

[misha-ginger]

Thanks! We are "hopefully" staying at the Springs! We like staying there because of the proximity to the main pool and to use that path way by the golf course to go to DTD OR use the boat ride to go over that way. I did my ADR's the other night and the only one I couldn't get was The Coral Reef in Epcot! I told DH that we would just not make ressies for dinner anywhere on Friday night and see if we could get on a wait list when we are there. It's not like we will go hungry!:laughing: We want to go to Epcot on Friday because they have EMH that night:banana:

I looked at the posting of the dream cabana's the other day to and also changed our reservation to include my parent's neighbors from last year. In doing so I was also able to move my parents closer to us which makes it that all three families are next to each other. :banana: I was thinking that next weekend I am going to put in an order for my parent's FE so that they are all set with that. I already told DSD that she and the other child will be able to go deliver our stuff.

Have a great day everyone!:thumbsup2

I know what FE's are but where do you get them or do you have to make them? Also how does it work? Do you give deliver something everyday or just once? Any suggestions as to what to give. Sorry about all the questions just never did this on our last cruise. Any help would be useful, Thanks

[Mean Queen]

I know what FE's are but where do you get them or do you have to make them? Also how does it work? Do you give deliver something everyday or just once? Any suggestions as to what to give. Sorry about all the questions just never did this on our last cruise. Any help would be useful, Thanks

Some brave person will help organize it. It seems to be different based on who does it and how long the cruise is. On the shorter cruises, I've generally just done one day of delivering. There are lots of cool things to give, from Pirate/Princess/Disney themed items bought on Oriental Trading Company to homemade gifts. I bought my FE on Ebay. My friend made a really nice one using no-sew directions found on the Dis.

[esbrick]

I know what FE's are but where do you get them or do you have to make them? Also how does it work? Do you give deliver something everyday or just once? Any suggestions as to what to give. Sorry about all the questions just never did this on our last cruise. Any help would be useful, Thanks

I bought mine on ebay as well. from Gradysmommy, http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Pocket-Minnie-Mickey-Head-Custom-Fish-Extender_W0QQitemZ320505374506QQcmdZViewItemQQptZL H_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f9be72a as I have no Crafty ability whats so ever! She is great and does a lovely job. I will be getting one for my parents in a few weeks too.:thumbsup2

We didn't do this on our first cruise but did it last year and it was a great way to help spread the magic! We also had a DIS meet up one night which was alot of fun too!:thumbsup2 I would be willing to set it up if everyone is game. I'll just start an spread sheet and work from there. Basically people give their Cabin numbers, last names, and who will be in your cabin, ie:

The Kricks
Cabin # 10XXX (I forgot it!)
DH, DW, DSD13

We brought little bags that I had the 2 girls put together on Saturday evening that had crazy straws; pirate tats; beads; and a bottle opener from the brewery I work at. I am thinking of doing the same this year but that is definately subject to change.:rotfl: Just depends on what we, as a group deside. We can have it that certain familys have certain days; We all do what we want or each family do a little somehting daily. I am a fan of having days assigned.;) I will post a schedule as we get closer and we will all know each others rooms# and # of people in them. If you PM me email addresses I can also email this info if someone is scetchy having it on the board. Just let me know.

I hope we can do this as it is alot of fun!:cool1:

Back to work! My DCL break is over:rolleyes:

[4everGoofy]

This is our first Disney cruise. Myself, DW, DD (10), DD (8). Can't wait for next Spring! We would also like to do FE.

[pnyltwk]

This is our first Disney cruise. Myself, DW, DD (10), DD (8). Can't wait for next Spring!

This is our second cruise. We sailed on the Wonder last year. Cruising is different. Everything is all in one place. We really enjoyed our cruise and I am sure that you guys will also.

[magchavez]

I made our fish extender last summer. I followed the directions I found here on the DIS. It was actually pretty easy. My kids were so excited to find their gifts in it. They also had a great time delivering our gifts to other cabins! Here's a picture of our FE:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/ChavezMaggie/IMG_6726.jpg

[Mean Queen]

I bought mine on ebay as well. from Gradysmommy, http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Pocket-Minnie-Mickey-Head-Custom-Fish-Extender_W0QQitemZ320505374506QQcmdZViewItemQQptZL H_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f9be72a as I have no Crafty ability whats so ever! She is great and does a lovely job. I will be getting one for my parents in a few weeks too.:thumbsup2


I hope we can do this as it is alot of fun!:cool1:

Back to work! My DCL break is over:rolleyes:

That's who I bought mine from also. The gifts were a great way to get the kids back to the room.

[whamma]

I can't believe this thread is already on page 4!! We just booked this cruise while onboard the Wonder this week. Looking forward to cruising on the Dream since we've been on the Wonder and the Magic in the past. 352 days to go!! popcorn::

[nordkin]

We are in for fish extenders.
We are:
Donna
Joi
Katherine (Donna's mother)

I have to look up our cabin number and post it later.

[esbrick]

We are in for fish extenders.
We are:
Donna
Joi
Katherine (Donna's mother)

I have to look up our cabin number and post it later.

Welcome! We will have a great cruise!

[nordkin]

Thank you for the welcome. We and my mother are looking forward to it. She talked so much about the dream we had to book a cruise on it for her so she will have been on all three ships. I see a trip on the Fantasy in the future.

[pinky1908]

We are also doing the Dream for Spring break :cool1:

[esbrick]

Thank you for the welcome. We and my mother are looking forward to it. She talked so much about the dream we had to book a cruise on it for her so she will have been on all three ships. I see a trip on the Fantasy in the future.

This will be the first year my parents will be joining us. They are super excited! :cool1:

[esbrick]

We are also doing the Dream for Spring break :cool1:

:welcome:

[esbrick]

Just couldn't help but think how lucky we are to be waiting to be going on the DREAM! Can't wait til it comes true!

[Mean Queen]

Just couldn't help but think how lucky we are to be waiting to be going on the DREAM! Can't wait til it comes true!

We couldn't wait so much we just booked a 4-day for this August. I plan to think of it as a way of saying goodbye to the old ship so I don't think about all the cool Dream stuff we won't have.

[pnyltwk]

We couldn't wait so much we just booked a 4-day for this August. I plan to think of it as a way of saying goodbye to the old ship so I don't think about all the cool Dream stuff we won't have.

I am really envious of all your cruising. Do you guys want to adopt us and let us tag along? We could leave the kid's at home if that is an issue.

[Mean Queen]

I am really envious of all your cruising. Do you guys want to adopt us and let us tag along? We could leave the kid's at home if that is an issue.

:rotfl2: Sorry, we already have the 4 that we can (just barely) afford to fit in a room. We used our DVC points for the cruise. We cancelled a 4-night Grand Villa at BLT since our friends weren't sure they could go. Better to do the cruise then waste the 3-bedroom for the 4 of us.

[pnyltwk]

I just stumbled across these pictures.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/cruises/orl-disney-dream-cruise-ship-pictures,0,6198629.photogallery

[dthogue]

Wow this thread has been busy since I last checked - its great to see everyone we'll be cruising with.

We would like to participate in the FE exchange as well - its one of my DD's favorite on-board activities - jsut hoping the new ship has the "fish"

Tammy

[esbrick]

:rotfl2: Sorry, we already have the 4 that we can (just barely) afford to fit in a room. We used our DVC points for the cruise. We cancelled a 4-night Grand Villa at BLT since our friends weren't sure they could go. Better to do the cruise then waste the 3-bedroom for the 4 of us.

OMG I told Mike last night how you were going in Aug and he says, "Do we have any points to borrow?":lmao: I had been thinking the same thing! I have to take a look at the DCL website and see what our options are for a 3 day:)

[pnyltwk]

OMG I told Mike last night how you were going in Aug and he says, "Do we have any points to borrow?":lmao: I had been thinking the same thing! I have to take a look at the DCL website and see what our options are for a 3 day:)

I know the feeling. We used our 2011 points to pay for me and my wife's portion of the cruise and paid cash for the two kids. So we will finally be even on points after that. It is a true statement that you can never have enough points. At least for us anyway.

[odhrty]

They cancelled our Mexican Riveria spring break cruise on the Mariner of the seas(moving the ship to Europe) so I just talked DH into making the long flight back to Florida for the new Disney ship. 4 days on the dream is costing me what 7 days on RCL Mariner was going to cost but the kids seem excited about the waterslide. They will be 13 and 14 then so i thought we would go to a more teen ship like the Mariner but the kids say you're never too old for disney. Yeah! Now comes the waiting. I didn't do the extenders on our last cruise (only 3 days) but it sounds fun. We are going to try and see the new Harry Potter Land at Universal after the cruise. I wish we could head to WDW also but it was all I could do to get the $'s for this much of the trip.

[odhrty]

Just paid our deposit today! Count us in. It will be DH, myself, ds (9 at time of sailing), and dd (7 at time of sailing). We haven't told the kids yet. Might keep it for a Christmas surprise. Wonder if I'll be able to keep quiet for that long!:banana::banana:

good luck I was going to do the same thing but lasted about a week and now have the cruise ship screen saver up on the computer.:rotfl2:

[Mean Queen]

Welcome odhrty! My girls are excited about the slide too, but not as much as my DH.

We just booked a cruise for August and are keeping that one a secret, but I could never keep the Dream a secret. We talk about it at least once a day!

[esbrick]

Hi everyone! Just popped in for a quick hello!:wave2: We are on our way to WDW next week and I can't wait! I'm dreamin of Raglan Road and Epcot at this point. :goodvibes Last night I couldn't sleep so Mike told me (God bless him at 3AM when I accidentially on purpose rolled over waking him up:lmao:) go to your happy place! You're on Castaway Cay and you have a beer in your hand and your looking at the Black Pearl with the Dream behind it!:beach: Ahhh and then all was good with the world and it was 6:30 AM! Great dream though!

How's everyone else doin?

[pnyltwk]

How's everyone else doin?

We just got our DVC 2010 Vacation Planner last Sarurday. I am still looking at that for my Disney fix. Pictures look alot like last year but with a different angle or perspective. We could possibly make a quick trip this summer. With the deals WDW is offering with the Dining plan it is hard to pass up.

[Mean Queen]

I'm heading to Disney this weekend for a mommy trip away with my two best friends (who will also be on the Dream with me.) We're staying at AKV. I'm very excited because we're doing the Keys to the Kingdom background tour. Also, we're having dinner at Blue Zoo and doing the Wishes dessert buffet. Ahh, the fun of Disney without the kids.

We are almost 90 days away from our surprise August cruise. I'm excited, but still much more excited about seeing the new Dream.

[esbrick]

I'm heading to Disney this weekend for a mommy trip away with my two best friends (who will also be on the Dream with me.) We're staying at AKV. I'm very excited because we're doing the Keys to the Kingdom background tour. Also, we're having dinner at Blue Zoo and doing the Wishes dessert buffet. Ahh, the fun of Disney without the kids.

We are almost 90 days away from our surprise August cruise. I'm excited, but still much more excited about seeing the new Dream.

oooo how fun! Have a wonderful trip:thumbsup2 Where/ What is Blue Zoo?

[Mean Queen]

oooo how fun! Have a wonderful trip:thumbsup2 Where/ What is Blue Zoo?

It's a restaurant at the Swan by Todd English. My friend really wanted to try it, so we're checking it out.

[pnyltwk]

I'm heading to Disney this weekend for a mommy trip away with my two best friends (who will also be on the Dream with me.) We're staying at AKV. I'm very excited because we're doing the Keys to the Kingdom background tour. Also, we're having dinner at Blue Zoo and doing the Wishes dessert buffet. Ahh, the fun of Disney without the kids.

We are almost 90 days away from our surprise August cruise. I'm excited, but still much more excited about seeing the new Dream.

I am green with envy. Have a nice trip.

[esbrick]

It's a restaurant at the Swan by Todd English. My friend really wanted to try it, so we're checking it out.

Wow! I'm going to look it up! Sounds great:thumbsup2

[clubfig4]

Hi all
This is friend of Mean Queen and we are also doing the back to back so a full week of sailing on the Dream. Yeah!! Is there a FE list yet? Besides me there is DH, DS will be 14 (wow!) and DD 11.





http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/tickers/oy57uvyc55g16ftk.png (http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/)

[ppiew]

We are either 6 or 7 (not sure yet but rooms are reserved). By all means we need an FE!!! My grands would be horrified without one! Has anyone volunteered to run it yet? Gotta make sure you know. Last year we had 19 families!!!
If not I will unless someone else wants it. Here goes:

Rob & Lori (mom & dad) Cabin GTY

Jack & Gert (grandma & grandpa)
Susie (aunt)
Sophia ( granddaughter age 14 at cruise time, girl)
Olivia (granddaughter age 9 at cruise time, girl)
Cabin #12502

[ppiew]

Whoops sorry ESBRICK - that is what I get for jumping to the end of a thread. I missed that u have volunteered to do the FE.. GREAT! will be happy to help anyway I can. Names etc. are in the above post.

[esbrick]

Jack and Gert ~ Just got back from vacation so g:cool1:ot ya covered! (I'm assuming this is you since you wrote "your grands"!) I will definately let you know if I need help! We have a great group here and we will have alot of fun!:dance3:

Take Care now!
E

[esbrick]

Hi all
This is friend of Mean Queen and we are also doing the back to back so a full week of sailing on the Dream. Yeah!! Is there a FE list yet? Besides me there is DH, DS will be 14 (wow!) and DD 11.
http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/tickers/oy57uvyc55g16ftk.png (http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/)

Hey there you're all good! Just back from vacation so I will put you on the list!
Cheers,
E

[misha-ginger]

We would like to be on the FE list too. There is me, DH and DS (turning 12 on the dream) and DD(9). The kids thought the FE's were an awesome idea when I told them about it.I don't have our stateroom on hand but will post it later. Are we supposed to list our names as well?

[ppiew]

On previous cruises, we listed our screen name, our (given) first names, and the kids names/ages/gender. Also of course the cabin #. Some cruisers also indicated allergies (good thing for FE gifts!!).

[EmmasGrammy]

We just booked this cruise also and wanted to join this thread. Our sailing party includes Myself and DH (both 54) ( Lynda & Mike)and our 2 DD and their families. DD Jennifer, her DH Ian (both 31) their DD Delaney (1). DD Shelley (29) her DH Bruce (33) and their DD Isabella (2). DH and I have cruised DCL once before on the Wonder with another DGD in 2004 and everyone else will be enjoying their first cruise with Disney! This is their Christmas gift from us.

Looking forward to getting to know some of you fellow DISers through the boards.

Lynda

[pnyltwk]

We just booked this cruise also and wanted to join this thread. Our sailing party includes Myself and DH (both 54) ( Lynda & Mike)and our 2 DD and their families. DD Jennifer, her DH Ian (both 31) their DD Delaney (1). DD Shelley (29) her DH Bruce (33) and their DD Isabella (2). DH and I have cruised DCL once before on the Wonder with another DGD in 2004 and everyone else will be enjoying their first cruise with Disney! This is their Christmas gift from us.

Looking forward to getting to know some of you fellow DISers through the boards.

Lynda

Welcome aboard. That sounds like quite a crew you got sailing with you. I think that we are all going to love the DREAM!!!

[LuvDisney09]

Hi everyone.... We are also booked for this sailing. This will be my DD 1st Disney Cruise and we are surprising her for her 5th birthday. We will also be visiting WDW the week before the cruise. I can't wait. It's so hard to keep it a secret. Me and DH have sailed Disney once before in 2003 we are so excited to take our DD.

[Mean Queen]

Hi everyone.... We are also booked for this sailing. This will be my DD 1st Disney Cruise and we are surprising her for her 5th birthday. We will also be visiting WDW the week before the cruise. I can't wait. It's so hard to keep it a secret. Me and DH have sailed Disney once before in 2003 we are so excited to take our DD.

My DD will turn 5 the week before the cruise, so glad to see she can have a little buddy for the kids club. Though my older DD and her friends think the new kids club looks so cool they plan to "visit" my little one.

[LuvDisney09]

I know the clubs do look like they're going to b awesome. I want to spend some time there myself. :)

[DisneyMom2B1G]

I would like to join this wonderful group if I may......
This is our first Disney Cruise. We go to the parks every year and are ready to try something new. There's myself, DH, DS (10 time of cruise), DS (8 time of cruise), and DD (5 time of cruise). I love planning our family trips to Disney but I feel totally out of my element planning this cruise! I am sure with lots of reading I can figure out most of what I need to know but if I may ask one quick question what are FE's? I don't want to miss out on anything fun! I look forward to getting to know you all.
Tammy

[ppiew]

FE stands for 'fish extender.' It is a metal 'fish' that hangs outside your cabin door for messages. But a creative person came up with the idea of everyone or at least those interested, make a 30" long 9" wide hanging thing with pockets with names on them (do a search here or ck Ebay you will see many of them as well as instructions how to make them). Then you sign up on the Cruise Meets (this one) thread here by clicking on the cruise you are going on. Leave the names ages and cabin #. The idea is to bring, make, buy trinkets for fun and put them into the proper envelope on the FE. It is fun and just like Halloween! Each time you return to your stateroom it seems there is a surprise! Kids love it and so do the adults.
"

[Mean Queen]

I love the FE because it makes a great excuse to get the kids back to the room. "Hey, let's go back and see what's in the fish extender. Oh, while we're here let's change you for dinner/take a bath/go to bed." Sneaky but useful.

[dthogue]

Welcome everyone - glad to see so many new faces - its going to be a great cruise - we can hardly wait.

To hold us over we will going to WDW in September to take advantage of the Free Dining promo - can't wait.

Tammy

[LuvDisney09]

We also booked a trip to Disney cause March 2011 was just to long to wait. We will be visiting WDW in October and attending MNSSHP.

[Mean Queen]

We also booked a trip to Disney cause March 2011 was just to long to wait. We will be visiting WDW in October and attending MNSSHP.

MNSSHP is one of our favorite events. Last year was the first time in 6 years we didn't go. Once our oldest DD turned 10 and the youngest turned 3, the cost got way too high when we already have passes.

We may drive up tomorrow night to see the Electrical Light Parade before our seasonal passes go into blackout dates.

[LuvDisney09]

MNSSHP is one of our favorite events. Last year was the first time in 6 years we didn't go. Once our oldest DD turned 10 and the youngest turned 3, the cost got way too high when we already have passes.

We may drive up tomorrow night to see the Electrical Light Parade before our seasonal passes go into blackout dates.
Last year was the first time we attended MNSSHP and my DD loved it at the time she was 3. I understand what you mean about the cost they are getting a little crazy.
Although we don't live in FL we are thinking of purchasing annual passes because we are visiting WDW in October 2010 then we plan on visiting again prior to our cruise in March. DH and I are still going back and forth on whether it's cost effective or not. Everyone I talked to says yes. Are there any perks to have an annual pass?

[Mean Queen]

Last year was the first time we attended MNSSHP and my DD loved it at the time she was 3. I understand what you mean about the cost they are getting a little crazy.
Although we don't live in FL we are thinking of purchasing annual passes because we are visiting WDW in October 2010 then we plan on visiting again prior to our cruise in March. DH and I are still going back and forth on whether it's cost effective or not. Everyone I talked to says yes. Are there any perks to have an annual pass?

Free parking and discounts on shopping and dining at certain places (they give you a list but it's always subject to change). Plus, they have passholder only events, passholder pins you can buy, and a very small renewal discount each year you renew your pass.

[LuvDisney09]

Free parking and discounts on shopping and dining at certain places (they give you a list but it's always subject to change). Plus, they have passholder only events, passholder pins you can buy, and a very small renewal discount each year you renew your pass.
Thanks for the info. I think it will be worth it for us to purchase the pass.

[DisneyMom2B1G]

Thanks for the info on the FE's! That sounds really fun and we would love to participate!

Tammy (myself)
Steven (Dad)
Caleb (10)
Jacob (8)
Bethany (5)

We too are going to WDW in October. LOVE going to the MNSSHP. This will be our fourth year. My DS and I will be taking part in the 5K and DH is doing the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. Should be lots of fun!

In March we plan on hitting the parks a couple of days before the cruise and maybe a couple of days after. Our kids know we are planning a "Spring Break Disney Vacation" but the CRUISE will be a surprise (if I can keep a secret that long!)

[Mean Queen]

Thanks for the info on the FE's! That sounds really fun and we would love to participate!

Tammy (myself)
Steven (Dad)
Caleb (10)
Jacob (8)
Bethany (5)

We too are going to WDW in October. LOVE going to the MNSSHP. This will be our fourth year. My DS and I will be taking part in the 5K and DH is doing the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. Should be lots of fun!

In March we plan on hitting the parks a couple of days before the cruise and maybe a couple of days after. Our kids know we are planning a "Spring Break Disney Vacation" but the CRUISE will be a surprise (if I can keep a secret that long!)

Good luck with keeping the secret. We planned another short cruise this August and are keeping that a secret and that's hard. I can't imagine keeping a big secret much longer.

[scrapbookjulie]

Will anyone be staying on deck 11? I'm hoping 9 yo dd will find some friends nearby! :)

Julie

[ppiew]

Our Spring Break is 3/27 with a 9 and 14 yr old females.

[esbrick]

Looks great everyone! It's going to be March before we know it! Yahoo!:cool1:

[dthogue]

In March we plan on hitting the parks a couple of days before the cruise and maybe a couple of days after. Our kids know we are planning a "Spring Break Disney Vacation" but the CRUISE will be a surprise (if I can keep a secret that long!)

We surprised my DD last year with a cruise for her birthday - boy was it hard!! we loaded her up in the car on a Sunday morning and drove to the airport - told her we were going on a surprise trip as we approached the airport - she had no clue. We spent a fews at Disney - letting her make all the decisions on what we did - then on Thursday morning (her actual birthday) we gave her a letter inviting her to "cruise with Mickey" - she was soooo excited - it was a priceless moment - good luck - it is well worth the look on their faces when they find out!

Tammy

[pnyltwk]

:mad:We received notification from our school district yesterday that the dates for Spring Break have changed to the week of March 13, 2011. Which means that we are trying to make alternate reservations to accomodate that week. Sorry guys. Have a fun cruise and we will see you at the World next time.

[Mean Queen]

:mad:We received notification from our school district yesterday that the dates for Spring Break have changed to the week of March 13, 2011. Which means that we are trying to make alternate reservations to accomodate that week. Sorry guys. Have a fun cruise and we will see you at the World next time.

That really stinks! I doubled checked after your post to make sure my school district didn't change also. They changed school start times, but not holidays. Sorry you won't be joining us this time.

[ppiew]

well, the good news is it seems Spring Break this year is all over the map. Should result in less wait times at the parks and maybe easier to get cruise ressie. It seems they start mid March and are going right up until Easter in mid April!!! Our break is March 26th.

[pnyltwk]

I checked with DVC members services today to see if we could get comparable rooms for the new week. The points and out of pocket money would be almost double the price. The same category staterooms are not available. So we are going to check out alternative destinations.

[magchavez]

Count us in for the FE's. It will be DH (Brian), myself (Maggie), dh William - 9 at time of cruising, dd Christine - 7 at time of curise. We did the FE last year and the kids loved it! People got so creative with their gifts. It was really fun! Now I need to start planning....

[magchavez]

Forgot to mention that we too are surprising the kids with this cruise. Not sure if we'll do something for Christmas, or wait until it gets even closer. We usually go to Arizona for spring break. Maybe I'll let the kids think that's the usual plan. Then see what they say when we check in for our flight to Orlando instead...

[pnyltwk]

After about a half dozen calls to MS I finally changed our reservations today. I cancelled the cruise reservations and got four nights at the Wilderness Cabins. We stayed at the VWL a few years back and really enjoyed the resort. We are hoping this will suffice for our upcoming trip. Sucks that I had the cruise all paid for. Of course a cruise includes meals and entertainment. So I will have to use the money that I get refunded and buy tickets. The cabins have a full kitchen so that is a plus for us. We always try to eat as many meals as practical in our room to help cut down on the price of the stay. We will use points for our first two days of the trip and stay in a studio at one of the DVC resorts. That will allow us to extend our trip to six nights.
Would definitely say that I learned a valuable lesson about using points for booking a cruise. I will be hesitant to that again.

On a side note while I was on the phone with MS to cancel the cruise guess what commercial was playing on t.v.? You guessed it a Disney Cruise Line commercial. Made me a little sad.

[dthogue]

Oh my its been awhile since anyone posted - where did everyone go :confused3

We are planning our WDW trip for September for free dining :cool1: Can't wait - what's everyone else doing to pass the time?

Tammy
:hippie:

[magchavez]

We're going to WDW in September for free dining too. After that trip I will be thinking of the Dream 24/7!!! Is it still really 8 months away?

[Mean Queen]

Oh my its been awhile since anyone posted - where did everyone go :confused3

We are planning our WDW trip for September for free dining :cool1: Can't wait - what's everyone else doing to pass the time?

Tammy
:hippie:

We are less than 3 weeks away from our surprise cruise on the Wonder. I didn't even make a ticker because I was worried my oldest would see it over my shoulder while I'm posting. Packing without them finding out will be the hardest part. But they know about the back-to-back cruises on the Dream and can't stop talking about it.

[LuvDisney09]

Hi everyone .. I hope everyone is well and enjoying their summer.

Well we are passing the time with a cruise in Oct on the Oasis of the seas followed by a week at WDW to atten to MNSSHP. After that we will start the countdown to the Dream.

[Vulcan Muppet]

Hi everyone. Just booked last week and I am so excited for my first cruise ever!! At this point I'm going by myself, but it still sounds like I'll have an amazing time. pirate:

[esbrick]

Hi everyone! I am putting together the list and wanted to confirm cabin numbers. You can PM me with them if you prefer. I should have a list soon with what info I have recived.

So excited!:cool1:

[esbrick]

Hi everyone! I have a preliminary FE list started. Please remember when giving me FE information I need to have the following:

DISNAME/Family Name
Number of Adults (DW, DH or names, whatever you prefer)
Number of childern (ie: DD9, DD12, DS10)
Cabin Number (Very important so we can find you!)

Currently I have:

20 Families and info for 15 (I do not have complete info for 15)
30 Adults
15 DD's
7DS's

If you have sent me info but left anything out above you can post it or PM me with it. In past FE's I have participated in the organizer posted the following way:

DISNAME/Family Name
DW/DH
DD11
DS12

This is how I plan to post the list unless anyone has any objection. I can also email the final list in excel form if you provide me your email address.

This is going to be a fun time!:cool1: I am so excited! 7 months away! Yahoo!:yay:

[whamma]

esbrick thanks for coordinating the FE exchange. :goodvibes I coordinated it on our last cruise. I know it's fun but also hard work.

I'm resisting the urge to join the FE list this time. :( Maybe I'll change my mind in the next 7 months. If you decide to try to have "meet" I'd be interested in that.

We went to WDW last week (7/25-7/31) and won't be back before this cruise. 7 months and 19 days sounds so far away!

[JackNMel]

Hello everyone!! Just read through all the posts for the cruise. I am the other friend of Mean Queen (the G part of GBF!). I am Melody, cruising with Hubby Jack, 3 DD (13, 11, and 8 by cruise time). Boy, this sounds like a fun bunch!! So looking forward to March on the Dream on a B2B with the Peeps!!

Our family is cruising on the Wonder in November with my Parents, my brother and his family, and my sister and her family. The parents are very generously paying for everyone, it is their 50th anniversary !! Hoping for a drama free cruise but not getting my hopes up where that is concerned, lol!

I am so in for the FE. Don't have our cabin # handy at the moment, but I will try to post tomorrow with it.

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone before the cruise. Would love to have a fun friend for my 13 yr old DD. She has a unique view of the world and would have a great time with a cruise buddy. She loves all things Japanese ( just throwing that out there :rolleyes1). Have a great weekend everyone!! Esp. you Mean queen!!:thumbsup2

[JackNMel]

My tickers are a little cockeyed, and why is the sentence floating above the Dream ticker so high? Oh well, a problem for another day... goodnight all :cloud9:

[dthogue]

Hello everyone!! Just read through all the posts for the cruise. I am the other friend of Mean Queen (the G part of GBF!). I am Melody, cruising with Hubby Jack, 3 DD (13, 11, and 8 by cruise time). Boy, this sounds like a fun bunch!! So looking forward to March on the Dream on a B2B with the Peeps!!

Our family is cruising on the Wonder in November with my Parents, my brother and his family, and my sister and her family. The parents are very generously paying for everyone, it is their 50th anniversary !! Hoping for a drama free cruise but not getting my hopes up where that is concerned, lol!

I am so in for the FE. Don't have our cabin # handy at the moment, but I will try to post tomorrow with it.

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone before the cruise. Would love to have a fun friend for my 13 yr old DD. She has a unique view of the world and would have a great time with a cruise buddy. She loves all things Japanese ( just throwing that out there :rolleyes1). Have a great weekend everyone!! Esp. you Mean queen!!:thumbsup2

Welcome aboard Melody - my DD is 12 and would love a cruise buddy if your DD is interested - does your DD do facebook??? My DD will be going into 7th grade, loves swimming, runs cross country and does dance.

Tammy

[rachelsmom97]

Hi Everyone,

I am brand new to this board. I found it a few weeks ago while we were looking into a cruise on the Dream for our spring break. We are now booked and excited to go. We have not been on DL cruise since Feb. 2004 and did not know about door decorations or FE. My DD who will be 13 thinks it is a fun idea and would love to participate in the FE. It will be myself, DH and DD13.

My DD will be in 7th grade and does irish dance. She would love to meet other girls her age so they can all hang out in the tween lounge.

I will send a Pm to esbrick so we can get on the FE list. We can hardly wait to cruise in March 2011!:yay:

[esbrick]

esbrick thanks for coordinating the FE exchange. :goodvibes I coordinated it on our last cruise. I know it's fun but also hard work.

I'm resisting the urge to join the FE list this time. :( Maybe I'll change my mind in the next 7 months. If you decide to try to have "meet" I'd be interested in that.

We went to WDW last week (7/25-7/31) and won't be back before this cruise. 7 months and 19 days sounds so far away!

Whamma ~ I figured it would be great to be able to meet people at some point. I organized a meet the last time we cruised so I figured I'd try my hand at organizing the FEs this go! Let me know if you change your mind and I'll add you to the list!
Cheers,
Eilis

[esbrick]

Hello everyone!! Just read through all the posts for the cruise. I am the other friend of Mean Queen (the G part of GBF!). I am Melody, cruising with Hubby Jack, 3 DD (13, 11, and 8 by cruise time). Boy, this sounds like a fun bunch!! So looking forward to March on the Dream on a B2B with the Peeps!!

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone before the cruise. Would love to have a fun friend for my 13 yr old DD. She has a unique view of the world and would have a great time with a cruise buddy. She loves all things Japanese ( just throwing that out there :rolleyes1). Have a great weekend everyone!! Esp. you Mean queen!!:thumbsup2

Welcome aboard Melody - my DD is 12 and would love a cruise buddy if your DD is interested - does your DD do facebook??? My DD will be going into 7th grade, loves swimming, runs cross country and does dance.

Tammy

Hi Everyone,

I am brand new to this board. I found it a few weeks ago while we were looking into a cruise on the Dream for our spring break. We are now booked and excited to go. We have not been on DL cruise since Feb. 2004 and did not know about door decorations or FE. My DD who will be 13 thinks it is a fun idea and would love to participate in the FE. It will be myself, DH and DD13.

My DD will be in 7th grade and does irish dance. She would love to meet other girls her age so they can all hang out in the tween lounge.

I will send a Pm to esbrick so we can get on the FE list. We can hardly wait to cruise in March 2011!:yay:

Hey there ladies my DD is 13, and going into 7th grade. She loves those little japanese figurene things; loves plaing in the pool & plays basketball on a team at school and although she does not take Irish dancing she is very familiar with it since we go to local Irish Fests and went to Ireland to visit my family last Christmas. Maybe we can set it up so the girls can all meet up somewhere before hand? Last year we cruised with another family and I'm not sure if they will be joining us again this year. DD showed the other DD the ropes last year and earned the responsibility of signing herself in and out of the kids/tween clubs this year. We do have a few "cautions/rules" but they are more common sence then "You can't do this or that" things. :thumbsup2

Looking foward to seeing everyone soon!

Eilis

[rachelsmom97]

Well, it sounds like there will be a few girls my DD's age on the cruise so she will be happy to hear it. We are arriving in Orlando the night before (from Seattle) and staying by the airport. We will be renting a car to drive to PC. Maybe we can do a meet up before the welcome party. I can't pm until I hit 10 posts so I will try and get my posts over the next couple days.

[JackNMel]

Wow, sounds like lots of girls of the teenage persuasion will be on board. My daughter doesn't do facebook yet (still 12), although she really wants to be. Probably will be when she turns 13 in October, so that would be a great way to let them chat and get to know each other. How many girls going on the cruise do facebook? Lets take a survey!!!

[ppiew]

My DGD has been banned from doing facebook! Too many 'not so good' situations have been publicized on facebook lately so her parents have banned her from participating. She does have an email address though so if that would be appropriate i am sure she would love it! She is 13 and will be 14 in December. (Name is Sophia)

[Mean Queen]

Just got back from the Wonder! It was so much fun. We heard lots of talk of the Dream. Many crew members are moving to the new ship.

[esbrick]

Wow, sounds like lots of girls of the teenage persuasion will be on board. My daughter doesn't do facebook yet (still 12), although she really wants to be. Probably will be when she turns 13 in October, so that would be a great way to let them chat and get to know each other. How many girls going on the cruise do facebook? Lets take a survey!!!

My DD does not have a FB account yet. More a protection on my part. Right now it is just not necessary. She has a cell phone and an email address but after she left camp she did ask if she could set up a page. I told her that we would wait until after 1st semester and see how she was doing at school. ;) She and I changed my FB page last night and she picked my profile pic because of course she is in it:goodvibes.

TGIF!

[dthogue]

My DD does have a facebook - as well as email. For those with DD's in the 12-14 age group would like to email me, I can get everyone's email addresses to all the girls, so they can get to know each other.

dthogue5@verizon.net

In your email include your daughter's name, where you are from, grade in the fall, age and her likes/interests. This should help the girl's get to know each other. If you she has a cell phone number and texts and would like to include that as well, that would be great!

DD is very excited to get to know others her age!

Tammy
:love:

[SweetDolly]

We'll be joining ya'll for Spring Break! Can't wait to sail the Dream; it will be our family's 4th Disney cruise.

Please count us in for FE, if anyone has begun to organize it:

Kevin & Angela
Jackson (6)
Charley (1)

I look forward to getting to know everyone, and cruising with you in March!

[Kate716]

I would like to join this wonderful group if I may......
This is our first Disney Cruise. We go to the parks every year and are ready to try something new. There's myself, DH, DS (10 time of cruise), DS (8 time of cruise), and DD (5 time of cruise). I love planning our family trips to Disney but I feel totally out of my element planning this cruise! I am sure with lots of reading I can figure out most of what I need to know but if I may ask one quick question what are FE's? I don't want to miss out on anything fun! I look forward to getting to know you all.
Tammy

Wow Tammy, your story sounds just like ours! My family also goes to the Disney parks every year and this year we were also looking to try something new.... so we booked this cruise (and it's our first cruise ever!!!). I also feel totally out of my element planning a cruise, but hope all the Disney cruise veterans here can help out with all my questions that I know I'll have! :)

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

-Kate

P.S.- My family is Me (Kate), DH, DD11, and DS7 (and I'm certain my DD11 would LOVE to meet some new friends to buddy with)

[Mean Queen]

Wow Tammy, your story sounds just like ours! My family also goes to the Disney parks every year and this year we were also looking to try something new.... so we booked this cruise (and it's our first cruise ever!!!). I also feel totally out of my element planning a cruise, but hope all the Disney cruise veterans here can help out with all my questions that I know I'll have! :)

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

-Kate

P.S.- My family is Me (Kate), DH, DD11, and DS7 (and I'm certain my DD11 would LOVE to meet some new friends to buddy with)

We have 3 - 11 year old girls in our group who'd probably love to have another partner in crime. I'm really hoping someone has a 5-6 year old girl for my little one. On our last cruise, she made a friend and constantly wanted to be in the club to see her friend. That meant lots of alone time for DH and me. :banana: I can't believe we're just over 6 months away.

[esbrick]

So excited to see everyone posting on here! Mike and I are trying to plan a quickie trip in the beginning of November! Fingers crossed it will work out:thumbsup2 I also just changed all the ressies for the second part of our trip so that we are staying at the Beach Club! :cool1: So excited! We have never stayed before so we are definately pumped up for the experience!

Hope you are all doing well!

E

[Mean Queen]

So excited to see everyone posting on here! Mike and I are trying to plan a quickie trip in the beginning of November! Fingers crossed it will work out:thumbsup2 I also just changed all the ressies for the second part of our trip so that we are staying at the Beach Club! :cool1: So excited! We have never stayed before so we are definately pumped up for the experience!

Hope you are all doing well!

E

Great on both counts. Early November you can still catch the Food and Wine Fest (my favorite Disney event) and the pool at the Beach Club is so much fun.

[DisneyMom2B1G]

We have 3 - 11 year old girls in our group who'd probably love to have another partner in crime. I'm really hoping someone has a 5-6 year old girl for my little one. On our last cruise, she made a friend and constantly wanted to be in the club to see her friend. That meant lots of alone time for DH and me. :banana: I can't believe we're just over 6 months away.


Just thought I would throw out there that my daughter just turned 5 last week and loves playing with other little girls! I am hoping that she will find some great friends on board :)


Well, I am just sticking my head in again to see what everyone has been up to lately to "pass the time". We are looking forward to our Disney Trip the first of Oct.. Then our "silent" countdown for the cruise can begin :)

[Mean Queen]

Just thought I would throw out there that my daughter just turned 5 last week and loves playing with other little girls! I am hoping that she will find some great friends on board :)


Well, I am just sticking my head in again to see what everyone has been up to lately to "pass the time". We are looking forward to our Disney Trip the first of Oct.. Then our "silent" countdown for the cruise can begin :)

Yeah! I'm sure she will love to have a friend her age in the club. I thought there was someone but we are doing a back to back and I'm getting confused as to who is in which group.

[SweetDolly]

So excited to see everyone posting on here! Mike and I are trying to plan a quickie trip in the beginning of November! Fingers crossed it will work out:thumbsup2 I also just changed all the ressies for the second part of our trip so that we are staying at the Beach Club! :cool1: So excited! We have never stayed before so we are definately pumped up for the experience!

Hope you are all doing well!

E

I am excited for you - Beach Club is one of our favorites! Great atmosphere, pool, restaurant (Beaches 'N Cream - yum!). And the ability to walk to Epcot is an added bonus. :thumbsup2

[chernabogfamily]

Hello Everyone!

We will be coming on this cruise with all of you! Yea!!:banana::banana: This will be our 2nd cruise~~~there is no other way to travel baby!!:cloud9:

I think a little pixie dust pixiedust:was sprinkled on my computer to let us book this cruise. I first saw it (pricing it out so Hubby and I could decide on it), then we decided to book it, and it was no longer offered. On a whim, I would check the site every day to see if someone had cancelled...after a week...Woohoo jackpot!

We are:
DH (J)
myself (Kellie) :cheer2:cruising to celebrate my 40th:cheer2:
DS (Hunter-11 on the cruise) He's celebrating his 11th on the cruise:dance3:
DD (Piper- 7)

We are interested in the FE also. We didn't do it on our last cruise, but it looked fun (although I don't have a clue where to look on EBay for the holder). We are in a GTY Family Verandah room, so I don't have a room number yet.

I'm excited to be joining you all for this trip.

[esbrick]

Hello Everyone!

We will be coming on this cruise with all of you! Yea!!:banana::banana: This will be our 2nd cruise~~~there is no other way to travel baby!!:cloud9:

I think a little pixie dust pixiedust:was sprinkled on my computer to let us book this cruise. I first saw it (pricing it out so Hubby and I could decide on it), then we decided to book it, and it was no longer offered. On a whim, I would check the site every day to see if someone had cancelled...after a week...Woohoo jackpot!

We are:
DH (J)
myself (Kellie) :cheer2:cruising to celebrate my 40th:cheer2:
DS (Hunter-11 on the cruise) He's celebrating his 11th on the cruise:dance3:
DD (Piper- 7)

We are interested in the FE also. We didn't do it on our last cruise, but it looked fun (although I don't have a clue where to look on EBay for the holder). We are in a GTY Family Verandah room, so I don't have a room number yet.

I'm excited to be joining you all for this trip.

Hi Kellie ~
I will put down what information I have for you now! We can fill in the blanks later:)

I am putting in a link for FE's off of ebay. U actually just reminded me I need to order one for my parents. Hope this helps!

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Pocket-Minnie-Mickey-Head-Custom-Fish-Extender-/320561159509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa2ef1d55

E

[Mean Queen]

Hello Everyone!

We will be coming on this cruise with all of you! Yea!!:banana::banana: This will be our 2nd cruise~~~there is no other way to travel baby!!:cloud9:

I think a little pixie dust pixiedust:was sprinkled on my computer to let us book this cruise. I first saw it (pricing it out so Hubby and I could decide on it), then we decided to book it, and it was no longer offered. On a whim, I would check the site every day to see if someone had cancelled...after a week...Woohoo jackpot!

We are:
DH (J)
myself (Kellie) :cheer2:cruising to celebrate my 40th:cheer2:
DS (Hunter-11 on the cruise) He's celebrating his 11th on the cruise:dance3:
DD (Piper- 7)

We are interested in the FE also. We didn't do it on our last cruise, but it looked fun (although I don't have a clue where to look on EBay for the holder). We are in a GTY Family Verandah room, so I don't have a room number yet.

I'm excited to be joining you all for this trip.

Welcome to the cruise! That is great that you were able to get a room. I ordered my FE from, I think, the same people esbrick linked. It's lasted me quite a few cruises since I skipped putting a date on it. :thumbsup2

[chernabogfamily]

Thanks a bunch for the Ebay link for an FE. I'll check out the site. I'm still trying to talk my hubby into the whole FE idea (he's not quite on board with it yet). I have time...5 months, 3 weeks, 3 days so the tickers all say!!!

[chernabogfamily]

I've been reading everyone's posts and it seems that most everyone is going to WDW for a few days either before or after the cruise (or lucky enough to do B2B cruises). We are just flying in the night before the cruise and heading home the day after the cruise. Is anyone else doing this?

Does anyone have a suggestion for a fun hotel to stay at the night we disembark (that is not a Disney property)? Last year we went to the WDW after our cruise, and we did not enjoy being thrown into the crowds and lines after the utterly relaxing experience of the cruise. So, this year we just want to keep the relaxation going until we head home the next day, but I don't know where to look for hotels away from the World but convenient to head to the airport the next day.

[Kate716]

Hi Kellie ~
I will put down what information I have for you now! We can fill in the blanks later:)

I am putting in a link for FE's off of ebay. U actually just reminded me I need to order one for my parents. Hope this helps!

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Pocket-Minnie-Mickey-Head-Custom-Fish-Extender-/320561159509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa2ef1d55

E

Hi esbrick,

Can you also put us down for the FE fun! I think my kids would love it! :)

-Kate

[esbrick]

Hi esbrick,

Can you also put us down for the FE fun! I think my kids would love it! :)

-Kate

Hi Kate ~

Awesome! Who all is going to be in your cabin? I see you have 1 princess and 1 prince charming. Would you let me know their ages and your room number when you get a chance? You can either post here or PM me.

Glad you're on board!

E

[esbrick]

Thanks a bunch for the Ebay link for an FE. I'll check out the site. I'm still trying to talk my hubby into the whole FE idea (he's not quite on board with it yet). I have time...5 months, 3 weeks, 3 days so the tickers all say!!!

OK well I have you on the list as of now you can let me know and I can always amend the list:-)

[esbrick]

Wow, sounds like lots of girls of the teenage persuasion will be on board. My daughter doesn't do facebook yet (still 12), although she really wants to be. Probably will be when she turns 13 in October, so that would be a great way to let them chat and get to know each other. How many girls going on the cruise do facebook? Lets take a survey!!!

Hi there! When you get a chance will you PM me your FE info?
Thanks so much!
E

[magchavez]

I've been reading everyone's posts and it seems that most everyone is going to WDW for a few days either before or after the cruise (or lucky enough to do B2B cruises). We are just flying in the night before the cruise and heading home the day after the cruise. Is anyone else doing this?

Does anyone have a suggestion for a fun hotel to stay at the night we disembark (that is not a Disney property)? Last year we went to the WDW after our cruise, and we did not enjoy being thrown into the crowds and lines after the utterly relaxing experience of the cruise. So, this year we just want to keep the relaxation going until we head home the next day, but I don't know where to look for hotels away from the World but convenient to head to the airport the next day.

We're in the same boat (ha, ha). We're flying in on Sat. At the moment I have a room booked at the Residence Inn in Cape Canaveral. We're going to go to Cape Canaveral the day we get off the ship, spend one more night somewhere and fly home to Denver on Friday. Any hotel suggestions out there?

[esbrick]

Currently I have:

26 Families and info for 19 (I do not have complete info for all 19)
38 Adults
16 DD's
10 DS's

If you have sent me info but left anything out above you can post it or PM me with it. In past FE's I have participated in the organizer posted the following way:

DISNAME/Family Name
DW/DH (or Adult count)
DD11
DS12

If anyone would like an updated list please PM me your email address and I will send you the spread sheet.

Have a great day everyone! Happy Dreams!:goodvibes

[ppiew]

wow! is this a record # of people or what? Guess I will have to mail ourstuff ahead of time or something!!!!

[chernabogfamily]

Hmmm... how shall we go about this? That seems like an awful lot of items that I will have to bring in an already packed bag.

[Mean Queen]

Hmmm... how shall we go about this? That seems like an awful lot of items that I will have to bring in an already packed bag.

You could ship them ahead of time or dedicate a bag for the items since you will leave with many more items than you arrived with between FE gifts and souvenirs.

[ppiew]

I do believe that their are some who haven't confirmed by giving full info. I am sure that later in the year or first part of next, it will be more definite. Then a decision can be made how to address the # of people. It could be a non-issue. Last year I did mail a box ahead of time as we were going to be in Florida for 1 month ahead of the cruise. It wa delivered to my room perfectly! No problem at all.
But This year I am smarter - I am going to make SMALL things!!!

[chernabogfamily]

Okay, so the last thread I posted this question to, got me seriously laughed at. But....I'll ask again.
Is there anyone on this cruise that is a runner and interested in doing the Castaway Cay 5K? I'm guessing that the Dream will keep doing this part of the itinerary, but who really knows until the maiden voyage. Is anyone a walker that might do the powerwalk?

[nordkin]

wow! is this a record # of people or what? Guess I will have to mail ourstuff ahead of time or something!!!!
The WB Transatlantic cruise we just returned from had 95 staterooms so we broke it down to 5 groups of 15 so it would be easier for people.

[Mean Queen]

Okay, so the last thread I posted this question to, got me seriously laughed at. But....I'll ask again.
Is there anyone on this cruise that is a runner and interested in doing the Castaway Cay 5K? I'm guessing that the Dream will keep doing this part of the itinerary, but who really knows until the maiden voyage. Is anyone a walker that might do the powerwalk?

Definitely not me. But I bet you could get some beautiful pictures during a powerwalk.

[chernabogfamily]

I'm hoping that there might be someone else who runs and may be interested. When I did the run this year, it was quite miserable (mid 90's and humid- it was June). So, I keep hoping that maybe I'll meet someone else on the cruise and this thread that will also be doing it, because a friendly face is always nice to see. The big plus, the weather should be much nicer in March than in June!

[ppiew]

My daughter in law runs, I will ask her next week

[Kate716]

Hi Kate ~

Awesome! Who all is going to be in your cabin? I see you have 1 princess and 1 prince charming. Would you let me know their ages and your room number when you get a chance? You can either post here or PM me.

Glad you're on board!

E

Sent you a pm with our info!

[chernabogfamily]

Hey, I totally forgot about this. Was there any other info needed by me (ie: names/ages/etc) for the FE exchange? I have been quite spacy lately and don't know if I gave all the info needed.

[esbrick]

I received a few emails / posts regarding FE's this weekend. My boss is in today AND Ive been out of the office because my parents were in town. When I am caught up here, hopefully in the next hour, I can catch up with my FE list:) So much more fun!:goodvibes Emails / posts to be answered soon;)

[esbrick]

Okay, so the last thread I posted this question to, got me seriously laughed at. But....I'll ask again.
Is there anyone on this cruise that is a runner and interested in doing the Castaway Cay 5K? I'm guessing that the Dream will keep doing this part of the itinerary, but who really knows until the maiden voyage. Is anyone a walker that might do the powerwalk?

I would love to! It will keep me motivated to stay on my fitness regime. . . Well, it's a fitness regime to me, may not be to anyone else but definately count me in!:cool1:

[esbrick]

Sent you a pm with our info!

Gotcha! Ur all set!

[esbrick]

Hey, I totally forgot about this. Was there any other info needed by me (ie: names/ages/etc) for the FE exchange? I have been quite spacy lately and don't know if I gave all the info needed.

Hi there! I need your cabin number and names if you would like to include them.:goodvibes

[esbrick]

So thanks to some lovely posters, ie PPiew & Mean Queen just wanted to give some tips:

1. One thing to keep in mind is allergies, ie peanuts. As of now I have not received any requests for peanut free bags, however, I wanted to suggest that, just in case, we might want to keep our stuff peanut free if it's ok. :) Darn allergies, when I was younger I can swear it wasn't as bad. . . Is everyone ok with this?

2. Keep in mind when you are packing for your trip you can dedicate a small bag for FE stuff. You can make it a souvie bag:thumbsup2 This is also a good thing to keep in mind for souvies to help you plan:thumbsup2

3. It is HALLOWEEN! It is a great time to go to Costco, Walgreens, CVS or wherever you get your candy and pick up the bite size stuff. You can put it in the freezer until March. . . and pray it lasts that long!:rotfl:

4. On the Halloween theme, it is also a great time to check out your pirate themed things for the Pirate Party! Also if you think of it you can take a look at your local party store and probably find some cool pirate themed chachkies to put into your FE give away stash. Oriental trading is good for this stuff too, if you order now, as shipping can get expensive;)

5. If you have not ordered your FE pockets you can get them on Ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Pocket-Minnie-Mickey-Head-Custom-Fish-Extender-/320599401132?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa536a2ac Most of us have used gradysmommy but I believe that there are other people who make them on Ebay.

6. There are great places to check out ideas for FE's on the Cruise boards too. It is always fun to get something from someone's home town, and equally cool to get stickers, suckers, crazy straws, light up bracelets, remember it's meant to be fun and the idea is to spread a little magic pixiedust: to our little community! This should not be something that is going to stress you out:headache: Have fun and enjoy!:goodvibes

If anyone else can think of things to add please do! Hope everyone is well!

Take care!

E

[chernabogfamily]

I would love to! It will keep me motivated to stay on my fitness regime. . . Well, it's a fitness regime to me, may not be to anyone else but definately count me in!:cool1:
Cool! Way more fun to run if you know someone else running too!!

[chernabogfamily]

How many of you have done the exchange before?
How small should we try to make everything be?

[ppiew]

I have been on two FE cruises. Here are some of the things we gave and got: (some small - some not so) you can use your own judgement as to size of each. regardles, a bunch takes up a LOT of space! I ended up (last year) sending a box ahead to the ship - address is at top in the cruise info sticky. won't be bringing big stuff this year!!

(adults) deck of cards, CD of Caribbean Music, scrapbook made holder for photos etc., (made out of envelopes - very talented), wine charms, luggage tags, small photo albums, Cruise Kit of essentials (bandaids, needle/thread highlighter etc), plastic cruise stuff holder, kozees

(Boys) chapstick, matchbox cars, pirate eye patch, photo frames, inflatable beach balls, hacky-sacks (oriental trading)

(girls) net bath puffs, bracelets (various kinds), glow necklaces, photo frames, necklaces, beach toys

also a LOT of candy of many types - had to ration it out or they would have been flying high on the sugar! didn't know about this one, but someone said that bubble things (soapy stuff in bottle with thing to blow bubbles) wasn't allowed anymore because the liquid is slippery on the deck.. don't know if true but was told that.
Hope these ideas help. Can't think of others at the moment

[esbrick]

Last year we did our first FE cruise. We put little green bags (DIS Green) filled with crazy straws; pirates gold chocolate pieces; pirate rings; some other candies and for the parents we put in key chain bottle openers from the brewery I work for. I gave my DD and our friend's DD a list of room numbers and how many bags went to each room. They had a great time being the delivery girls.:goodvibes I do wish I had broken it out a bit and will do so this year.

We received glo necklaces; note pads; pens; anti bacterial hand wipes, tiny suntan lotion tubes; a photo album and some other things that I just can't remember right now;)

It was alot of fun:cool1:

[chernabogfamily]

I have been on two FE cruises. Here are some of the things we gave and got: (some small - some not so) you can use your own judgement as to size of each. regardles, a bunch takes up a LOT of space! I ended up (last year) sending a box ahead to the ship - address is at top in the cruise info sticky. won't be bringing big stuff this year!!

(adults) deck of cards, CD of Caribbean Music, scrapbook made holder for photos etc., (made out of envelopes - very talented), wine charms, luggage tags, small photo albums, Cruise Kit of essentials (bandaids, needle/thread highlighter etc), plastic cruise stuff holder, kozees

(Boys) chapstick, matchbox cars, pirate eye patch, photo frames, inflatable beach balls, hacky-sacks (oriental trading)

(girls) net bath puffs, bracelets (various kinds), glow necklaces, photo frames, necklaces, beach toys

also a LOT of candy of many types - had to ration it out or they would have been flying high on the sugar! didn't know about this one, but someone said that bubble things (soapy stuff in bottle with thing to blow bubbles) wasn't allowed anymore because the liquid is slippery on the deck.. don't know if true but was told that.
Hope these ideas help. Can't think of others at the moment

[/QUOTE]Last year we did our first FE cruise. We put little green bags (DIS Green) filled with crazy straws; pirates gold chocolate pieces; pirate rings; some other candies and for the parents we put in key chain bottle openers from the brewery I work for. I gave my DD and our friend's DD a list of room numbers and how many bags went to each room. They had a great time being the delivery girls. I do wish I had broken it out a bit and will do so this year.

We received glo necklaces; note pads; pens; anti bacterial hand wipes, tiny suntan lotion tubes; a photo album and some other things that I just can't remember right now

It was alot of fun[/QUOTE]

Looks like it's time to get my thinking cap on while all the Halloween/Christmas stuff is out. Thanks for all the great tips!!

[Mean Queen]

How many of you have done the exchange before?
How small should we try to make everything be?

We have taken part in 4 FE exchanges. We have received everything from homemade picture frames to candy to tattoos. The one tip I have is try to make sure the item is small enough to fit in the FE. I got a stuffed animal for a baby on one exchange and it was really hard to deliver it with no place to put it. I often give away stuff from the city I work for. This time, I may try to make something. We'll see how I do on my time management. :rolleyes1

[dthogue]

I'm hoping that there might be someone else who runs and may be interested. When I did the run this year, it was quite miserable (mid 90's and humid- it was June). So, I keep hoping that maybe I'll meet someone else on the cruise and this thread that will also be doing it, because a friendly face is always nice to see. The big plus, the weather should be much nicer in March than in June!

I am by no means a runner, in fact I just started doing to Couch to 5k program last week in hopes of doing my first 5k on Thanksgiving morning. My DD (12) and I plan on doing the Castaway Cay 5k - she runs cross country and will be running track in the spring - I will walk/jog this 5K, hoping to be able to keep up with DD.

Tammy

[chernabogfamily]

I am by no means a runner, in fact I just started doing to Couch to 5k program last week in hopes of doing my first 5k on Thanksgiving morning. My DD (12) and I plan on doing the Castaway Cay 5k - she runs cross country and will be running track in the spring - I will walk/jog this 5K, hoping to be able to keep up with DD.

Tammy

Good for you! The Couch to 5K program is great. I help out with one in my town. We just had a new series start gearing up for a Thanksgiving Day run as well. What better way to start your Thanksgiving Day by "earning" a second helping of dinner/dessert!:woohoo:

We should all make a plan to meet up near the gangway before the run. I do run alone sometimes, but LOVE running with others far better.

[JackNMel]

I am cruising with my parents in November, and I am going to attempt to do the 5k with them then. My dad used to run marathons, but he and my mom just walk now. So we will probably walk/jog a little, and then I will know if I am worthy to do it in the spring. I do love the idea of having the island to ourselves, but I am really out of shape, lol. We will see how November goes, I will give a full report when I get back.

Esbrick, did you get my PM with the FE info? I need to start planning a little bit!

[chernabogfamily]

I am cruising with my parents in November, and I am going to attempt to do the 5k with them then. My dad used to run marathons, but he and my mom just walk now. So we will probably walk/jog a little, and then I will know if I am worthy to do it in the spring. I do love the idea of having the island to ourselves, but I am really out of shape, lol. We will see how November goes, I will give a full report when I get back.

Esbrick, did you get my PM with the FE info? I need to start planning a little bit!

Awesome that you'll be doing it with your parents next month! They also usually have a power walk around the island (or at least they did). Running or walking, doesn't matter which you do...it's all great! Being one of the first to explore the island for the day is pretty great too!

Have a fantastic trip next month, and looking forward to hearing all about it.

[esbrick]

I am cruising with my parents in November, and I am going to attempt to do the 5k with them then. My dad used to run marathons, but he and my mom just walk now. So we will probably walk/jog a little, and then I will know if I am worthy to do it in the spring. I do love the idea of having the island to ourselves, but I am really out of shape, lol. We will see how November goes, I will give a full report when I get back.

Esbrick, did you get my PM with the FE info? I need to start planning a little bit!

Hi Melody! Yes I got your FE Info and I added it this am! I think I'm going to try that couch to 5K to get ready for the 5K at CC as well!:thumbsup2

[chernabogfamily]

I think I'm going to try that couch to 5K to get ready for the 5K at CC as well!:thumbsup2

How exciting!
I'm sorry if I sound like a :cheer2:cheerleader:cheer2: for running and fitness. I don't mean to, bad habit. I help out with a women's running group in my town, and we have beginning running "couch to 5k" programs that are always starting...so I'm ever the gung ho cheerleader when I speak about it. Just shut me up when you get sick of me (and don't take my work with a running group to mean that I am fast--I only watch the fast girls speed away).

[JackNMel]

I am excited about trying the 5K even tho I am not a runner at all! Only when chased... I will let you guys know how it goes in November.

I have been lurking on the FE threads to poach a good idea or two. Esbrick, do you have a current head count for the FE list to give me an idea of how many people are participating? If you have already posted this, I apologize, I haven't looked back on past posts recently.

Off topic, but my oldest daughter turned 13 yesterday, and we let her go on Facebook, with her father and I as friends. We will keep close tabs on her activity. So far it has been great, she likes to chat with me if we are on at the same time! She does much better with this than face to face conversations, so I am actually having better conversations with her now :rotfl:. Have a great week everyone!

Melody

[chernabogfamily]

I'm trying to figure out how I am going to pack the FE and all the gifts in my luggage and get them to the ship. Hmmm...maybe I'll just have to purchase a souvenir bag:cool1: to get it all back home. Darn! :goodvibes

[esbrick]

I am excited about trying the 5K even tho I am not a runner at all! Only when chased... I will let you guys know how it goes in November.

I have been lurking on the FE threads to poach a good idea or two. Esbrick, do you have a current head count for the FE list to give me an idea of how many people are participating? If you have already posted this, I apologize, I haven't looked back on past posts recently.

Off topic, but my oldest daughter turned 13 yesterday, and we let her go on Facebook, with her father and I as friends. We will keep close tabs on her activity. So far it has been great, she likes to chat with me if we are on at the same time! She does much better with this than face to face conversations, so I am actually having better conversations with her now :rotfl:. Have a great week everyone!

Melody

Melody ~

OK we have:

34 Children, 22 DDs & 12DSs
41 Adults
Hope this helps!
E

[Mean Queen]

Melody ~

OK we have:

34 Children, 22 DDs & 12DSs
41 Adults
Hope this helps!
E

There are lots of girls in our group! My DD4 is having a hard time understanding that the friend she met on her last cruise won't be there and that friends she makes in the first half of our trip won't be there the second half. But she's very social and won't have trouble making new friends. My oldest on the other hand, we're lucky her two BFF's (plus mine) are coming with us. :banana:

[chernabogfamily]

Melody ~

OK we have:

34 Children, 22 DDs & 12DSs
41 Adults
Hope this helps!
E

So, what are the age ranges of all the girls? My daughter will be 7 on the cruise. How many are younger than 10 and older than 10?

How about the boys? Any around 10-12 yrs old?

[misha-ginger]

So, what are the age ranges of all the girls? My daughter will be 7 on the cruise. How many are younger than 10 and older than 10?

How about the boys? Any around 10-12 yrs old?

My daughter will be 9 and my son turns 12 on the cruise

[scrapbookjulie]

We're not in the FE group, but my dd will have just turned 9 before the cruise, and I know she'll be anxious to meet new friends in the kids club!

Julie

[chernabogfamily]

My daughter will be 9 and my son turns 12 on the cruise

We're not in the FE group, but my dd will have just turned 9 before the cruise, and I know she'll be anxious to meet new friends in the kids club!

Julie

Awesome! My daughter is a social butterfly (she'll be turning 8 ) and loves to meet new people and really wants to meet some kids on the cruise.

My son will be 11 on the cruise and is more shy, but really wants to go to the new Tween club (to be on "his own cruise" as he said). That would be great for him to find a few other boys.

[JackNMel]

My three girls will be 13, 11, and 8 at cruise time. Not sure how social any of them will be outside of our traveling group!! I can always hope though. Sounds like a big group. I better get my thinking/crafty cap on.

But first, I am less than 3 weeks away from my Thanksgiving cruise with my dear family for my parent's 50th anniversary!!

I am wanting to turn in a picture mat to have the characters sign for them. I was wondering if Mickey has ever written anything like "Happy 50th Anniversary" or "50 magical years"? Or do they do names/autographs only? Has anyone heard or seen anything like this? Just wondering...

[Mean Queen]

Mel - I had the photo mat done on our last cruise. There is a spot on the paper for special requests, so maybe you can ask there.

My girls will be 11 and 5 (by a week) on the cruise. Though DD11 will have her 2 besties on board, she will probably be happy to add more to her entourage. My 5 year old is definitely looking for friends her age.

[esbrick]

OK group here are the age ranges of children:

DD's Age #
5yrs - 3
7yrs - 2
8yrs - 1
9yrs - 4
10yrs - 1
11yrs - 5
12yrs - 2
13yrs - 3
14yrs - 1

DS's
Age #
11mths - 1
4yrs - 2
6yrs - 1
7yrs - 1
8yrs - 1
9yrs -1
10yrs - 1
11yrs - 1
12yrs - 1
14yrs - 1
15yrs - 1

My boss is out today so I was able to do this!:laughing:

My daughter and our family friend are among the DD13 and DD12 girls.

Mel ~ You must be so excited for your cruise! Shoot I'm excited just to get my Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations out:laughing:. This weekend all the Halloween stuff gets put away. If I didn't work it would be down and we'd be halling our holiday decorations out of the crawl space already!:goodvibes

[ppiew]

do you have cabin #'s to go with these?

[esbrick]

do you have cabin #'s to go with these?

For the most part. I am missing 7 cabin numbers as some havent received their cabin #s yet. :goodvibes

[rachelsmom97]

Thanks for the update with the age breakdown of the kids. That helps so much in planning our FE!

[JackNMel]

Yes, esbrick, thank you for the breakdown! I am starting to get excited! I am also going to Epcot this weekend with my 2 girlfriends (MeanQueen included) for the Food and Wine Festival. An annual treat that I have come to depend on!! So looking forward to it. And I love decorating the house for the holidays, I just never seem to have enough time to do everything I want to do. Anyone else have this problem? :confused3

[LuvDisney09]

Just stopping in to say HI .. I hope everyone is well. Well we came back from Disney a few weeks ago and are now on countdown to the Dream. We were planning to go to WDW a few days before but due to finances we are just doing the cruise. Which is totally fine. I am trying to find a cheap way to get us to the port with out having to pay Disney the 70 $ R/T per person. Anyone have any good ideas? Since we are going in March and you never know the weather in NJ we will be flying in the night before. So I am also trying to figure if it's better to stay in Orlando area the night before or just stay near to the port. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks :)

[chernabogfamily]

Just stopping in to say HI .. I hope everyone is well. Well we came back from Disney a few weeks ago and are now on countdown to the Dream. We were planning to go to WDW a few days before but due to finances we are just doing the cruise. Which is totally fine. I am trying to find a cheap way to get us to the port with out having to pay Disney the 70 $ R/T per person. Anyone have any good ideas? Since we are going in March and you never know the weather in NJ we will be flying in the night before. So I am also trying to figure if it's better to stay in Orlando area the night before or just stay near to the port. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks :)

Sorry, I don't have any good suggestions for you. We are also arriving the night before (you never know what weather can bring to MO in March). We had the same dilemma with where to stay. We finally decided to just stay near the airport since our flight doesn't get in until 8:30 pm. We don't want to worry about driving for another hour to get to the port that night (with the thought that there could be any sort of flight delays en route to Orlando). I don't know if this will help you in your decision or not.

We are very excited and can't wait for the cruise though!!!

[ppiew]

do you have first names/ages of the kids? I am thinking of a FE gift that requires a name so was just wondering.

[got2travel]

HI folks

I just switched a June reservation to this cruise. Gave up an extra day at Castaway Cay, but my son has summer school so it just wouldn't have worked for us. Still not sure we'll keep this date or I might decide to move it again.

It is DS15 and myself. I've been on 3 Disney (8 overall) cruises and DS has been on 2 Disney (3 overall). I have no idea how I'm going to handle such a short cruise because all my other DCL cruises have been 14+ days, but we are really excited about exploring the Dream. We do have a short 2 day cruise to nowhere on the Wonder in January. Couldn't pass up the chance to spend a weekend at sea for pertty much the same cost as a weekend at DL.

I'm interested in the FE, but won't officially sign up until I know for sure we will be sailing.

[JackNMel]

Ok, we are sailing in the morning on the Wonder!! I am so excited! I plan on doing the 5k with my parents, I will probably just walk it with my mom, while my dad will jog it. I will give a full report when I return. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody!!

Melody

[chernabogfamily]

Ok, we are sailing in the morning on the Wonder!! I am so excited! I plan on doing the 5k with my parents, I will probably just walk it with my mom, while my dad will jog it. I will give a full report when I return. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody!!

Melody

Have a magical time!!

[Mean Queen]

Ok, we are sailing in the morning on the Wonder!! I am so excited! I plan on doing the 5k with my parents, I will probably just walk it with my mom, while my dad will jog it. I will give a full report when I return. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody!!

Melody

I'm so jealous! Have a great time!

[dthogue]

Just stopping in to say HI .. I hope everyone is well. Well we came back from Disney a few weeks ago and are now on countdown to the Dream. We were planning to go to WDW a few days before but due to finances we are just doing the cruise. Which is totally fine. I am trying to find a cheap way to get us to the port with out having to pay Disney the 70 $ R/T per person. Anyone have any good ideas? Since we are going in March and you never know the weather in NJ we will be flying in the night before. So I am also trying to figure if it's better to stay in Orlando area the night before or just stay near to the port. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks :)

We fly in on Saturday as well, our plane usually lands around 10am or so. We rent a car from Avis, one way to the port for about $50-60. It is usually cheaper to stay in the Lake Buena Vista area then it is at the port. We then get up Saturday morning and drive to the port. DH drops me and DD off with the luggage, returns the rental car (aboput 3-4 miles from port), then returns to the port on their free shuttle. We do the same on the return trip to the airport - one way rental.

Tammy

[dthogue]

Ok, we are sailing in the morning on the Wonder!! I am so excited! I plan on doing the 5k with my parents, I will probably just walk it with my mom, while my dad will jog it. I will give a full report when I return. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody!!

Melody

Hope you have a great time!

Tammy

[scrapbookjulie]

Just booked the Blue Lagoon dolphin swim...SO EXCITED!! :cool1:

[Mean Queen]

Just booked the Blue Lagoon dolphin swim...SO EXCITED!! :cool1:

Are you platinum Castaway Club or staying concierge? We're Gold castaway club and can't book yet. But a friend going with us is platinum and we're trying to get her to book Remy's and Palo's brunch. I don't even care about booking excursions, I'm all about seeing the ship this trip. :woohoo:

[scrapbookjulie]

We upgraded to concierge just so we could book the dolphin swim before it booked up. That was the only excursion I cared about!

[Mean Queen]

We upgraded to concierge just so we could book the dolphin swim before it booked up. That was the only excursion I cared about!

I would love to sail concierge some day. :thumbsup2

[scrapbookjulie]

Just me again...I thought I was as excited as I could get after booking the dolphin swim the other day, but today I just booked a cabana and now I'm over-the-moon excited!! :) Can't wait until the cruise! :yay:

[Mean Queen]

Just me again...I thought I was as excited as I could get after booking the dolphin swim the other day, but today I just booked a cabana and now I'm over-the-moon excited!! :) Can't wait until the cruise! :yay:

Woo hoo! You are going all out. How many people do they allow in one cabana? We have a group of 13 so the cost could be split, as long as we could all use it.

[scrapbookjulie]

The cabanas are for 6 people. I read on the cabana thread that they're allowing you to pay $50 extra per person to have up to 8 people in each cabana. So with a group of 13, you'd need to pay for 2 cabanas plus an extra $50.

[basketrn]

Hello everyone! We just switched our cruise from the March MR cruise to this Dream cruise. This is our second disney cruise. We are excited to be on the Dream! We are going to do pre and post stays with DVC. Staying at AKV before (Fri & Sat) and BCV after (Thur, Fri, Sat).

We would love to participate in the FE exchange. I coordinated this our last cruise and it was lots of fun!

We are the Utz Family
me - Dawn
DH - Jeremy
DS - Zach, 14
DS - Keegan, 2

We are in cabin 10040. With booking so late we have 2nd dining...which kinda stinks with a 2 year old, they put us on the waiting list for 1st dining. We will see how that goes.

I am very excited to get to know everyone!

Now on to looking at what excursions to do.

Dawn

[esbrick]

Hello everyone! We just switched our cruise from the March MR cruise to this Dream cruise. This is our second disney cruise. We are excited to be on the Dream! We are going to do pre and post stays with DVC. Staying at AKV before (Fri & Sat) and BCV after (Thur, Fri, Sat).

We would love to participate in the FE exchange. I coordinated this our last cruise and it was lots of fun!

We are the Utz Family
me - Dawn
DH - Jeremy
DS - Zach, 14
DS - Keegan, 2

We are in cabin 10040. With booking so late we have 2nd dining...which kinda stinks with a 2 year old, they put us on the waiting list for 1st dining. We will see how that goes.

I am very excited to get to know everyone!

Now on to looking at what excursions to do.

Dawn

Welcome to you and your family Dawn! :welcome: Glad you will be able to join us in March!:yay:

I have updated the FE Spread sheet with your information on it so you are all set there. The stats are currently:

41 Adults
22 DD's
14 DS's (including your boys)

[chernabogfamily]

Glad to have you aboard Dawn and family!!

[dceks cruisers]

Just checking in with the group. I haven't been on for a while. Are there any meets planned?

We are going with 2 other families now instead of 3 other families. Our whole group will be 6 adults, 4 DD and 3 DS. Kids ages are as follows:
DS15
DD 13
3 DD 10 (they've been friends since daycare!)
DS 9
DS 6 (I think!)

We looked up our cabin locations on the pictures posted on a Dream thread. We can't wait until we are onboard!
Connie

[Mean Queen]

Just checking in with the group. I haven't been on for a while. Are there any meets planned?

We are going with 2 other families now instead of 3 other families. Our whole group will be 6 adults, 4 DD and 3 DS. Kids ages are as follows:
DS15
DD 13
3 DD 10 (they've been friends since daycare!)
DS 9
DS 6 (I think!)

We looked up our cabin locations on the pictures posted on a Dream thread. We can't wait until we are onboard!
Connie

That sounds like our group of three familie, but there's only 1 DS in our bunch. My DD11 and her two BFF's have been friends since they were 4. Maybe the 6 of them will be able to run the ship together.

[mardonna]

Does anyone else have a booking window for this weekend? We have 2 outside staterooms and are planning on booking Remy for 2 adults......anyone else doing this? I have heard it sells out so quickly? I have no idea what time to book it and for which night....would love to hear your thoughts? I'm sure someone has a plan.....we have seen Villians tonight already so we can skip that show.....let me know

[Mean Queen]

Does anyone else have a booking window for this weekend? We have 2 outside staterooms and are planning on booking Remy for 2 adults......anyone else doing this? I have heard it sells out so quickly? I have no idea what time to book it and for which night....would love to hear your thoughts? I'm sure someone has a plan.....we have seen Villians tonight already so we can skip that show.....let me know

Our booking window opens this weekend. I know DH and I want to do Remy's. I'm not sure who else in my group wants to. I also don't know what night to book. I know I want to do the Palo's brunch on the day at sea. Since we're doing back to back, we'll do the Palo's dinner on the 3 night.

Is Villains on the Dream? I thought it was only on the 7 night. I hope I finally get to see it.

[chernabogfamily]

I saw that Villains Tonight will be on the Dream. I'm very excited to see it...I love the villains the most!
My husband and I are talking about Remy, but we're unsure about booking it. We don't feel like we enjoy french cuisine enough to pay an additional $150 for the meal. If it was $20-25 per person, then sure...but $75 per person is taking away from excursions, drinks, or souvenirs for us.

[Mean Queen]

Woo hoo! We are now booked for Palo's brunch and dinner for 4 at Remy's. It wouldn't let us book for 6 people at Remy's. We're hoping we can add more, if everyone in our party wants to go.

I was reading about the new entertainment on the Dream. It sounds amazing!

"In addition to “Disney’s Believe”, other evening shows in the Walt Disney Theater will include a re-vamped “The Golden Mickeys’: A Timeless Tribute” and “Villains Tonight!” (that premiered in Spring 2010 on the Disney Magic). The “Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean” party will be plussed on the Dream with a special appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow. Captain Jack will host a brand new event called “Club Pirate” where guests can dance the night away on the upper decks of the ship. Pirate night is capped off by “Buccaneer Blast!” – the only fireworks spectacular at sea."

[nordkin]

We are booked for both Palo and Remy dinners, but we are rethinking Remy. We wanted Palo brunch, but could not book it. I guess we will try when we get on the ship, but I am not holding my breath. We are not doing any excursions in Nassau so we are set to go.

[magchavez]

I am getting so excited. We have yet to tell the kids about the cruise. It will be their Christmas present. :santa: I took the Disney Dream logo and added text to it that says "Spring Break on the Disney Dream March 27 - 31, 2011" and had it made into a puzzle. They are going to have to put the puzzle together to figure out what their present is!!!

We booked this cruise on 1/28/2010 and have managed to keep it a secret all year long! I can't wait til the kids find out. They have been following everything about the Dream's construction and float out online. They will die when they find out we're going on it and it's only 3 months away!!!!!:banana::banana:

Had to share my excitement!!!

[Mean Queen]

I am getting so excited. We have yet to tell the kids about the cruise. It will be their Christmas present. :santa: I took the Disney Dream logo and added text to it that says "Spring Break on the Disney Dream March 27 - 31, 2011" and had it made into a puzzle. They are going to have to put the puzzle together to figure out what their present is!!!

We booked this cruise on 1/28/2010 and have managed to keep it a secret all year long! I can't wait til the kids find out. They have been following everything about the Dream's construction and float out online. They will die when they find out we're going on it and it's only 3 months away!!!!!:banana::banana:

Had to share my excitement!!!

Very cool! Make sure to video them as they do the puzzle.

[nordkin]

Melody ~

OK we have:

34 Children, 22 DDs & 12DSs
41 Adults
Hope this helps!
E
It would be helpful for me to have the staterooms listed with the number of adults and children with the ages of the children in each stateroom. We customize the FE gift according to the people in the stateroom. No sense giving things for kids if there are no kids in the room. Thank you if you can provide the breakdown.

[ppiew]

Yes, I agree. It would be helpful to have Disboard Name/ cabin #, and also # of adults, and children, both sex and ages. Maybe a mini spreadsheet could be made easily and emailed/PM'd or posted whichever is easier. Also any allergies or special information we might need - ie. disabilities or physical limitations. Anything that could affect the gifts.
Thanks for your efforts!

[esbrick]

hi ~ I have been keeping a running spread sheet with this information on it and have emailed it on request. I update as I get more information and was planning on posting after the new year asking for email addresses so that I could email updated spread sheets to everyone. If you prefer we can start now. Also if you give me permission I will add your email address to the spread sheet.

Please send me a private message with your email address and I will send you the most updated sheet per emails I have received. If you want me to include your personal email on the spread sheet let me know.

You will received an email from eskrick@live.com, Eilis, that is my personal email. I will do this tomorrow as I would like to give others a chance to get this spread sheet.

Take care!

E

[jennslite]

Does anyone have the link to sign up for an FE on the March 27, 2011 Dream cruise?

I just found out about this FE (fish exchange) thing from a friend, but I cannot figure out how to find it on here.... HELP Please!!!

Plus what is the FE? she told me a little about it.:dance3:

[Ruth4663]

We are so excited to take our first Disney cruise on March 27 and celebrate 25 wonderful years together. We are taking our 5 year old granddaughter with us. Our son, daughter-in-law and their new baby are also going on this cruise and we would love to get to know our fellow cruisers!
Following this cruise we are going to the Flower Festival at Epcot for a few days. It's going to be great!
:banana:
Not sure if fish extenders are used on the shorter cruises. Any advice for us?
Ruth and Brian Gardner
San Jose, Ca

[Ruth4663]

Here is our info:
Disboard Name: Ruth4663
cabin #9052
2 adults
#children: 1 granddaughter, age 5

also booked my son and daughter in law:
cabin #9055
2 adults
1 son, age 5 months

we'd love to play along with everyone else!
Ruth

[dthogue]

Just checking in - the excitment is building in our house!

Welcome to our new cruisers - its great to have you "on board" with us. Looking forward to getting to know everyone as we get closer.

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday and safe, healthy New Year!

Tammy
:santa:

[Corfam]

We are excited to participate in the FE gift exchange during the cruise. However, I don't really understand how it works. Can you explain how many gifts we need to bring, how many times we will be giving the gifts, the types of gifts typically given, when they are distributed etc? I'm shopping for items but it is hard to know what items will be popular with everyone. Thanks for the info.

[esbrick]

Hi everyone! Was in NY over the weekend and stuck in the blizzard! Sheesh here we were going to surprise my parents and we got the surprise. We got home on Tuesday Thank God and of course with everything going on I got the flu! I am planing on sending out the sheet today with all recent updates and information you are looking for. I would love to be able to repost on the beginning page the information but I did not start the thread. I will email the origional thread starter today to see if they would mind updating the origional 1st post with information on where to find info re FE's in our thread.

Happy New Year!

[esbrick]

Here is our info:
Disboard Name: Ruth4663
cabin #9052
2 adults
#children: 1 granddaughter, age 5

also booked my son and daughter in law:
cabin #9055
2 adults
1 son, age 5 months

we'd love to play along with everyone else!
Ruth

Not a problem! I will add your family today!

E

[njmom23grls]

Hi everyone - just booked and paid today:)

Myself (Lisa) and dd (12) are looking forward to exploring the Dream!

[dceks cruisers]

I've been telling my 10 1/2 year old that her and her friends will have a tween stack hangout and I just read yesterday that it is for 11-13 yr. olds. We are both bumming about this and are wondering how rigid they'll be on the 11 year old age thing. Her other two friends going on the cruise are 10 1/2 too so all are in the same boat!:sad2:

[Mean Queen]

We are excited to participate in the FE gift exchange during the cruise. However, I don't really understand how it works. Can you explain how many gifts we need to bring, how many times we will be giving the gifts, the types of gifts typically given, when they are distributed etc? I'm shopping for items but it is hard to know what items will be popular with everyone. Thanks for the info.

Generally, each family gives one gift on one day. The gifts I have received have ranged from personalized picture frames, bubbles for the kids, pirate related items for pirate night, Disney tattoos and stickers, candy, handmade luggage tags. The possibilities are endless. You will probably want to choose something small because the FE pockets are small and you don't want to take up precious luggage space. I try to make the gift fit the age and gender of the giftee. For example, on my last cruise I did silly bands for the kids and aloe vera for the adults. The babies got tiny board books.

[JackNMel]

Hi everyone! I haven't been on in a while, thought I should check in and catch up on what's going on! I cruised in November on the Wonder with my parents for their 50th anniversary, it was a special time. I loved it! We walked the 5k, if anyone is interested, I can provide details...

I am so looking forward to this cruise in March, I think I have a good idea for FE gifts, I will PM you esbrick for the spreadsheet of people that are participating so I can start my planning.

Back to reality tomorrow, kids back to school, getting into our regular routine again...

[esbrick]

Hi everyone - just booked and paid today:)

Myself (Lisa) and dd (12) are looking forward to exploring the Dream!

Lisa ~ Would you and your daughter like to join the FE group. Just let me know and I will add you to the list. You can pm me your cabin number if you prefer.

Glad to have you on board!:goodvibes

[esbrick]

I've been telling my 10 1/2 year old that her and her friends will have a tween stack hangout and I just read yesterday that it is for 11-13 yr. olds. We are both bumming about this and are wondering how rigid they'll be on the 11 year old age thing. Her other two friends going on the cruise are 10 1/2 too so all are in the same boat!:sad2:

Hi ~ Just double checking to see if you would like to join the FE list!
Thanks!
E

[esbrick]

Hi everyone! Hope you are all doing well!

Just a quick update! Sorry for the delays in sending out the FE list. I sent them today so please check your emails for an email from eskrick@live.com. :goodvibes Unfortunately the flu and traveling got the best of me! It is the first NYE in years I spent in bed :sick: Well, at least I will be able to make up for it in March right!

Currently we have:

55 Adults
24 Girls
17 Boys

I am still missing info from some people and i have PM'd you for that information and also to confirm you are participating!

Hope all of your holidays and plans are going well!

Best,
E

[got2travel]

I've been telling my 10 1/2 year old that her and her friends will have a tween stack hangout and I just read yesterday that it is for 11-13 yr. olds. We are both bumming about this and are wondering how rigid they'll be on the 11 year old age thing. Her other two friends going on the cruise are 10 1/2 too so all are in the same boat!:sad2:

Usually they are pretty strict about the ages. They would only allow a 10 yr old in if her birthday was within 30 days.

[Mean Queen]

Usually they are pretty strict about the ages. They would only allow a 10 yr old in if her birthday was within 30 days.

They were strict with my DD on a previous cruise, she was maybe 2 months from the cut. Though 10 year olds can check themselves in and out on the ship, so maybe they can check themself out and join the tween activities? It won't hurt to ask when you get on board, but I'd prepare her to not be in the actual Tween club.

E - it looks like we have a big group! I better get working on my FE gifts soon. Our group is talking about doing a craft day where we get together to make all our FE gifts. Though Mel will blow all of us out of the water, she's a crafty chick.

[pinky1908]

We would also like to do FE. THis is our first cruise and we are so excited it is going to be with Disney.

There is 5 is our group

Me-Stephanie age 35
DH-Thomas age 37
DD-Tyler age 13 looking to possibly connect with others in her age group to meet up with and hand out with in the tween area
DD-Makayla age 10
DS-Malachi (nickname Mali) age 7

let me know if you need anything else
Stephanie

[esbrick]

Stephanie ~
I will go ahead and add your information. Would you email (eskrick@live.com) or pm me your cabin number as well please?
Welcome and we look forward to meeting you!
Eilis

We would also like to do FE. THis is our first cruise and we are so excited it is going to be with Disney.

There is 5 is our group

Me-Stephanie age 35
DH-Thomas age 37
DD-Tyler age 13 looking to possibly connect with others in her age group to meet up with and hand out with in the tween area
DD-Makayla age 10
DS-Malachi (nickname Mali) age 7

let me know if you need anything else
Stephanie

[basketrn]

So what as everyone booked as far as excursions?

We are doing the Blue Lagoon Sea Lion experience, parasailing at CC and jet ski's at CC.

I didn't get a palo brunch :( I will try again when we get on board. I am anxious to see some of the activities on board so we can plan for the 2 year old to go to flounders.

Dawn

[scrapbookjulie]

Great question, Dawn! We're doing the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Swim, and we booked a cabana on CC. We weren't interested in Palo or Remy this time. Since it's our first cruise, we're just going to stay in the main dining rooms and enjoy those!

Julie

[DisneyMom2B1G]

Oh..yes... I would love to hear what eveyone is doing:thumbsup2 This is our first cruise and I haven't been able to decide on what to do! I am totally out of my element here LOL....I am much better at making decisions for the parks!

I can't believe how close we are getting to finally being on the DREAM:cool1: And as hard as it has been this is still a surprise to our kids.;) I watched the video yesterday of the DREAM coming home and I will admit it brought tears to my eyes. Guess I better have plenty of tissues for our boarding:goodvibes

This weekend my DH and I are heading to Disney for him to run in the Half Marathon.

Hope everyone is having a magical :wizard: new year!

[JackNMel]

We don't have any excursions booked, although I would love to book a cabana one day when I am rich. I can't see doing it now, we have such a big group (13), it would cost an arm and a leg. Maybe one day...

We do have brunch at Palo and a dinner at Remy's thanks to my platinum club friend!! Looking forward to that.

I just ordered a bunch of supplies from ebay for my FE gifts, I am excited to get started on them!! Mean Queen, you, Deb, and I have a craft date to plan. Maybe more than one!! Put the men in charge of the kids, mix up a batch of flaming eyeballs, and get to crafting. Sound good?

I am starting to get so excited! Everyone sounds so great, this will be an awesome cruise!:yay:

[nordkin]

We are not doing any excursions. We will only get off the ship in Nassau to go to the straw market. I collect leather masks and always find different ones at the straw market. We have been there so many times and there really isn't anything for us to see.

[Mom2J&P]

Feeding the stingrays on Castaway Cay was so awesome.

[JackNMel]

Hi everyone!!

I am toying with the idea of doing some personalization for the FE, so if you are on the list for FE, would you make sure you get everyone's names to esbrick (she is keeping the list) if you don't mind? I understand if you don't feel comfortable doing this, but if it is ok, it would be cute! Hope everyone is getting excited for the cruise. The Dream looks so amazing, I am starting to get really hyped up!!

What is everyone looking forward to the most?
I can't wait to see the virtual portholes, and the fact that we will have a cabin for the kids and a cabin for the adults!!!:yay:

Have a spectacular day everyone!!