March 13, 2011 - DREAM

[MACfamily4]

WELCOME ABOARD, EVERYONE!

If you're looking for the FE list, please see post #120 (page 8)!

Have a DREAM-y cruise!! :thumbsup2

[IrishCowboy]

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

[sneakypigs]

Finally someone else is on board. There will be 3A 1K in our group. We will be celebrating my daughter's 7th birthday and my 31st birthday when on board. We are sailing at this time because it will be Spring Break for her school here in Florida. We are doing B2B, we will also be on the March 17th sailing. Can't wait, we are super excited. Can't wait to do the Aqua Duck.

[ShirleyR]

Yes, my family and I will be on this cruise and we are planning on doing a back-to-back cruise on March 17 too! Can hardly wait!

[sneakypigs]

Yes, my family and I will be on this cruise and we are planning on doing a back-to-back cruise on March 17 too! Can hardly wait!

AWESOME we are both doing B2B. We are new at the B2B but we just had to do it, we have to be onboard for 7 days at least. Can't wait. Any children and ages?

[MACfamily4]

It's spring break for us, too; DH and I are both teachers. Our DD will be 14 and, as I said in my original post, DS will be turning 12. This will be our second Disney Cruise. How about you all?

[my3sonstx]

Hi everyone! I just booked this cruise for our spring break as well. This is our very 1st cruise:banana:

My DH, myself, and 3DS ( they will be 4,6,11)

[jenerra11]

We are from Houston Texas and will be cruising for the very first time. Myself, DH, DD, 2DS and Step son. We have two connecting rooms on deck 5. We will be celebrating my DD graduation. She is finally leaving:cheer2: We can't wait to ride Aqua Duck. I bet the lines will be so long, being this is a spring break cruise. I just wish time will just :tink:by.

[jenerra11]

popcorn::Are there any adult shows on the Disney Cruise? I know there is an adult beach and an adult pool on the ship.

[my3sonstx]

How funny, we are in Houston too (Cypress to be exact).

[bevgray]

Lot of March babies, it appears. I'm booked on this cruise to celebrate my birthday too. Traveling solo this trip for just a decompression trip and to check out the Dream. Look forward to seeing you all.

[ShirleyR]

Hi SneakyPigs,
Yes, we will have Hunter who is 12 years old with us. This is spring break and since we took him out of school last December for a 4-day cruise on the Wonder, we figured that we wouldn't stir up any trouble with the school system this time ;).

[sneakypigs]

Seems like we will have a great group with us traveling and lots of kids, hooray. Even though it's a year away we can't wait. I love doing the fish extender. Any one else going to want to do the fish extender? This is cruise #3 and #4 with Disney.

Yes there is adult shows in the nightclubs, etc. But if you are a Disney Freak like us you will love the main shows, they are like Disney broadway shows. Very nice to see.

[my3sonstx]

I sooo want to do FE! This is our first cruise, but I am already trying to figure out what to do for them.

[jenerra11]

Count me in as well. I love the fish extenders. Do you guy's think the Dream will have something to hang the extender on?

[my3sonstx]

how do you guys put the countdown on your posts?

[bevgray]

I'd enjoy participating in the FE too.

[jenerra11]

We might receive some snow today. Hope they cancel school tomorrow. Yeah right, That will be too good to be true. We love to see snow in Texas!!!:woohoo:

[my3sonstx]

YEA for snow in Texas!! Kids are so excited. Hopefully it will stick to the ground for a little bit.

[my3sonstx]

I know this is a long way away, but do any of you know where you will stay the night before the cruise?

[MACfamily4]

I know this is a long way away, but do any of you know where you will stay the night before the cruise?

I just read about Country Inn suites on another thread. You can get a room from Priceline for $49. It includes breakfast and a free shuttle to the port, which is within view of the hotel. We will drive from Kansas City, so the fact that leaving the car at the hotel is FREE is another added bonus! :thumbsup2 It's too far out yet, but I'll be all over it as soon as the booking window opens up.

I sooo want to do FE!

I'm excited about the fish extenders, too! Who wants to organize? (Am I a little too excited about the cruise?) :banana:


how do you guys put the countdown on your posts?

You can go to tickerfactory.com or ******************** or myvacationcountdown.com. It's very easy; just follow the prompts. When it gets to the cut and paste part, use the one that begins with url. :)

[my3sonstx]

Thank you MACFAMILY4 !!!

[my3sonstx]

one more question. where do I copy the ticker to?

[MACfamily4]

one more question. where do I copy the ticker to?

In the upper right corner of your screen, in the red bar, you will see USER CP (you have to be logged in to see it). Click on it. On the left, in the CONTROL PANEL bar, you'lll see EDIT SIGNATURE under SETTINGS AND OPTIONS. Click on it. Paste your url into the text box. Click PREVIEW SIGNATURE. If you like it, click SAVE. I can't wait to see it! :thumbsup2

[DisneyMama629]

We just booked this cruise! It will be myself, my son who will be 20 months and my mother. I can't quite convince my DH to go on a cruise yet. It will be my first cruise and my mom's first Disney cruise!

[jenerra11]

Welcome Krista, It will be my family and I, first cruise too. I think it will be fabulous. My only concern is sea sickness. I hope none of us get sea sick. I read that the drug stores have something over the counter for sea sickness. I guess I will have to try it out. Overall, I think the cruise will be amazing!!!

[taymaesmom]

We just booked this cruise too! It will be all of our first cruises. It will be me, dh and our two dd's, one will be 15 and the other 11. I think I would like to do the FE too, I've been looking into it.

[MACfamily4]

WELCOME EVERYBODY!

I started a Fish Extender list on post #1. Let me know if I missed anyone. :thumbsup2 Every day is one day closer! :banana:

[grantclaire]

Hi, we are going on this cruise as well! Third time on DCL. Family of 4 from Southern Ontario. Spring Break here too.

[jenerra11]

Bad news guys. I finally convinced my husband to go on the DC. He is afraid of open water, even though he is a good swimmer. Yesterday, We was watching tv and when a commercial came on, he changed the channel to the news. As soon as the news came on, they reported the cruise ship that was hit by those waves. You know that pain you get in your stomach, when you know something is fixing to go sour . Well, I felt that pain. He said that is why he is not getting on nobody's ship . Guys, please can you give me some tips on how I can change his mind. :confused3

[MACfamily4]

One year from today and we'll be DREAMing!!! :cool1::banana::dance3::banana::cool1:

[jenerra11]

I am so glad that we are in the months now, rather than the year.:woohoo: Now I might try to relax and not think about the cruise so much. I am always trying to find every little dream detail. Maybe I should just chill and let Disney surprise me.pirate:

[tidefan]

Well, we are set to go. Using our DVC membership to do a 4-night cruise followed by 4-nights at WDW. We sailed 2008 on the Magic (7 nt Eastern) and are very much looking forward to getting back on DCL. Looking forward to meeting everyone and doing the Fish Extenders and Door Magnets...

[MACfamily4]

Well, we are set to go. Using our DVC membership to do a 4-night cruise followed by 4-nights at WDW. We sailed 2008 on the Magic (7 nt Eastern) and are very much looking forward to getting back on DCL. Looking forward to meeting everyone and doing the Fish Extenders and Door Magnets...


Great to have you in the group! I added you to the FE list. :thumbsup2

[jenerra11]

Macfamily4, sorry about not listing the ages. G (17) B (6) B(10) B (15)

[MACfamily4]

No Worries. ;) I think some folks just like to know ages of the kids when doing FE surprises. I'm really just looking for something cruise-related to do. I don't know how I'll get through the next year - just have to make a conscious decision to let it go for a while. :goodvibes Spring break here is just about over (although we got 3 inches of snow last night and are expecting another 6-8 today :scared1:) so maybe I can go back to my regular life. :thumbsup2

[garytam]

We booked on the first day Dreams was available. There will be me, DW Angie, DS(14) and DS(13).

Can't wait to see the new ship and do the Aquaduck :cool1::cool1::cool1:

[tidefan]

Meant to tell you. It is me, DW, and DD(7)...

I see that a number of you are doing Back to Back. Do they give you the same stateroom? Is there any discount for doing this? (I am assuming not...)

We were thinking of hanging out at the BCV for 4 days after the cruise, but a B2B doesn't sound too bad...

Sidenote: We just got back from WDW and did a 7-night stay at the Treehouse Villas. Talk about awesome. If you get a chance, you should try them...

[bevgray]

'Fraid I have to jump ship, gang. Due to family issues, I've had to push the Dream cruise out to May. Happy sailing everyone.

[DisneyMama629]

So are FE just for kids?

[tidefan]

OK, we won't be doing the Back to Back, so just the 4-night on the 13th for us. We combined Points and Cash through DVC to book and not knowing about the B2B, we did a GTY cabin. Well, we are not keen on switching staterooms between cruises and in order for us to get an assignment now, we'd have to cancel and rebook another category with DVC (incurring a $95 fee), so we've decided to go to WDW for 3-4 nights after the cruise.

We've done parks 3 years in a row if you count our 2008 trip to Disneyland in CA, so we wanted to switch it up this year. However, we've decided that those 3 days may be a great opportunity to enjoy Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach...

[jenerra11]

Tidefan, We too will cruise and then do a park or two. However, Do you think those water parks that you mentioned will be too cold during March? Will they even be open in March? We are kind of burnt out on the DW parks. We did universal last year. Just wanna try something new.

[MACfamily4]

So are FE just for kids?

Nope! They're for everyone. :thumbsup2 Let me know if you want me to add you all to the list.

BEVGRAY, sorry you won't be joining us. Have a great May cruise! :goodvibes

[taymaesmom]

I think we are going to do the cruise and then do Universal for 2 days, if not I'd like to try the Nickelodeon Hotel. We did Disney parks twice last year and never been to US so we are headed there to see Harry Potter and the Simpsons!

[jenerra11]

I think we are going to do the cruise and then do Universal for 2 days, if not I'd like to try the Nickelodeon Hotel. We did Disney parks twice last year and never been to US so we are headed there to see Harry Potter and the Simpsons!
The Simpsons ride is amazing. My opinion,It was the best ride at universal.

[sneakypigs]

We have to change the dates for our Dream cruise to Sept or later. Sorry guys!!

[Spiffie]

My family and I were on our first DCL vacation that sailed on March 14th. We were in the car on the way home and I was on the phone booking for the Dream for March 13, 2011. We are so very excited!

I am just now learning about FE. And I don't really know what to do, so I hope that some of you experienced cruisers will guide us newbies! I definitely want to participate!!!

Me, DH, DS 10 and DD 10 (obviously twins):rotfl:

[tidefan]

Tidefan, We too will cruise and then do a park or two. However, Do you think those water parks that you mentioned will be too cold during March? Will they even be open in March? We are kind of burnt out on the DW parks. We did universal last year. Just wanna try something new.

Florida is usually in the 80's by mid-March, though this can vary (see this year). The water parks are open year round, however, fear not because the water is heated!

My family and I were on our first DCL vacation that sailed on March 14th. We were in the car on the way home and I was on the phone booking for the Dream for March 13, 2011. We are so very excited!

I am just now learning about FE. And I don't really know what to do, so I hope that some of you experienced cruisers will guide us newbies! I definitely want to participate!!!

Me, DH, DS 10 and DD 10 (obviously twins):rotfl:

Welcome fellow DVC'ers!

[Spiffie]

Florida is usually in the 80's by mid-March, though this can vary (see this year). The water parks are open year round, however, fear not because the water is heated!



Welcome fellow DVC'ers!



I see you are in my neck of the woods. We live in Trussville!

[jenerra11]

Welcome Spiffie!!! To all on this board, Have A Happy Easter!!

[MACfamily4]

I am just now learning about FE. And I don't really know what to do, so I hope that some of you experienced cruisers will guide us newbies! I definitely want to participate!!!

Welcome! :yay: I'll add you to the fish extender list.:thumbsup2

[tidefan]

I see you are in my neck of the woods. We live in Trussville!
We are close. We are on 280 between Inverness and Chelsea...

[Spiffie]

We are close. We are on 280 between Inverness and Chelsea...

AH! The 280 death trap. Was just out your way this week to shop at Hobby Lobby. Of all the things that we finally have over here, HL is not one of them. We met some people from Oak Mountain on this past cruise. It really can be a small world.

Is anyone else here a pin trader? My husband and I are going to the Pin Trading Celebration in August at Epcot. No kids! The kids are NOT happy!

Nice to meet you all!

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Hello all!!
I just booked this cruise yesterday!! We just did our first Disney cruise(first cruise period) March 14th. I fell head over heels. I did not rebook onboard although. Instead I added on to my DVC membership 100pts. So, I did not think I should cruise until 2012. But, ever since getting home I have been dying to return. So, I am going next year now!!:banana::cool1: I am so excited about the new ship.
Last time we went with friends. This time, it will just be my family. We have 2 children a girl who will be 13 at time of sailing and our son will be 6 next year on the cruise. I am hoping DD will meet some other children. Anyone else have a DD or DS that will be 13??
I am crossing my fingers that the weather will be better than this year.
We will be going on the cruise and then going to stay DVC at the World after for 2 nights before flying back to cold and snowy Ontario.
I am going to try and keep this a secret from the kids. I doubt I will last!;)
Any speculation as to whether or not there will be any new shows on the new ship??
I kinda doubt it.
I am psyched about the new kids clubs. They look amazing. The whole ship seems incredible.
I know now what to expect and the number one thing I learned on the first cruise--Don't pack so much!!
Happy Easter everyone--we are off to family functions and egg hunting!! I look forward to chatting with you all in the months to come.

[Spiffie]

I hope everyone had a great Easter. We had some of the best weather! I can't remember the last Easter that it was so pretty!

Since I am trying to speed up the passing of the next 11.5 months, I was wondering if anyone here would post a picture of their fish extender or if anyone here makes and sells them? Any suggestions would be great. I have already begun to bounce ideas around about what my gift will be!!!:laughing:

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Anyone else get a GTY for their stateroom??
I booked cat 9A and was told that I was gty a deck 5 or higher del. oceanview room. I may get an upgrade but cannot be lower than deck 5. We shall see. I don't care if I stay 9A.
I actually liked the inside stateroom for the darkness but they were sold out already so if I wanted to do these dates I had to go with an oceanview or higher.
I was only able to get second seating for dinner but waitlisted for first. Cross your fingers for me.
I do not know how I am going to manage to wait 11 and a half months!! Thank god I am going at the end of June to WDW for a fix.:banana:
I am going to try and keep it a secret from DD and DS but it has only been 2 days and I have been majorly fighting the urge to blab it out.:laughing
Last cruise I made magnets. That was fun. I learned however that they were not as common as I thought they would be. Oh well- I am going to do them again. It was kinda cool. Anyone else doing magnets?
Where should I stay the night before--Country inn and suites --Radisson--or Four Points sheraton??(this last time I was fortunate that my parents had been renting a condo only 5 min. from the port and we stayed with them)
I have to stop rambling and obsessing already!! :rotfl::rotfl: It is going to be a LOOOOOONG 342 days!!

[jenerra11]

LOUIE, WAS YOUR CRUISE IN MARCH A 3,4, OR 7 DAY? IF IT WAS A 4 DAY? I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR HOW FAST A 4 DAY GOES BY ON A CRUISE SHIP. THIS WILL BE OUR FIRST CRUISE EVER AND WHEN I READ OTHER THREADS, PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT 3 AND 4 DAYS GO BY SO FAST AND THEY WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN. WE ARE SPENDING PLENTY OF MONEY ON THIS CRUISE AND I DONT WANT TO FEEL LIKE IT WASN'T WORTH IT WHEN WE GET OFF THE SHIP. IT WILL BE SIX OF US, SO WE CAN'T AFFORD TO DO A B2B.:sad2:

[Louiepipbgeeco]

jenerra I did the 4 day. I loved every minute of it(it was my first). I stayed on the ship the Nassau day to enjoy it (so they may factor in) But, I think any cruise on DCL is going to feel too short. NO ONE wants to leave and of course good times fly by. But, honestly 4 night is really 5 days if you get on the ship early on embarkment day--I was on by 12-12:30. This way you enjoy the whole afternoon aboard and you can get your lunch, enjoy the pools, walk the ship and explore. You will get your stateroom by 1-1:30. I enjoyed the 4 day. Did not feel short-changed and am doing it again.
(although I did worry a 3 day may be cutting it) 4 to me seems good. Especially if it is your first cruise --to test the waters.
You will LOVE LOVE LOVE this trip!! In all the years and all the Disney trips --this was BY FAR my best and my FAVOURITE. NOBODY DOES IT LIKE DISNEY!The service, the entertainment:wizard::banana: Absolutely amazing.
The new ship looks wonderful too.
I did learn that you will not need to pack as much as you think.
Be sure to see the shows. They are excellent.
My kids really enjoyed the clubs and the family club for karaoke etc.
4 night has a day at sea before the end so that made it seem a bit longer which is nice.
Secretly--I hyped the trip up soooo much before going that I worried that once I got on it would not live up to all I had anticipated. NO WORRIES THERE> Disney delivered and then some:wizard:

[jenerra11]

Thanks louie, that makes me feel better. We will stay on the ship on nassau day too. You mentioned that you overpacked. Do you mind sharing what you packed, that wasn't necessary?

[tidefan]

Anyone else get a GTY for their stateroom??

We did. We are in an 11B GTY. Here's hoping for an upgrade...



Anyone else doing magnets?


We'll be doing magnets and fish extenders. Here is what we had from our Magic Cruise back in 2008...

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g253/bradcass/DSC_0039.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g253/bradcass/DSC_0038.jpg

LOUIE, WAS YOUR CRUISE IN MARCH A 3,4, OR 7 DAY? IF IT WAS A 4 DAY? I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR HOW FAST A 4 DAY GOES BY ON A CRUISE SHIP. THIS WILL BE OUR FIRST CRUISE EVER AND WHEN I READ OTHER THREADS, PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT 3 AND 4 DAYS GO BY SO FAST AND THEY WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN. WE ARE SPENDING PLENTY OF MONEY ON THIS CRUISE AND I DONT WANT TO FEEL LIKE IT WASN'T WORTH IT WHEN WE GET OFF THE SHIP. IT WILL BE SIX OF US, SO WE CAN'T AFFORD TO DO A B2B.:sad2:

It will be extremely hard for us to only do a 4-day. We have been on 5 cruises (4 with Princess - Love Princess too! - and 1 on DCL) and all have been for at least 7 days. One was a 10 day cruise which was awesome! Well, we'll have 3 days after the cruise at WDW (Typhoon Lagoon here we come!) to continue out the trip.

Counting down the days...

[Spiffie]

We did. We are in an 11B GTY. Here's hoping for an upgrade...




We'll be doing magnets and fish extenders. Here is what we had from our Magic Cruise back in 2008...

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g253/bradcass/DSC_0039.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g253/bradcass/DSC_0038.jpg



It will be extremely hard for us to only do a 4-day. We have been on 5 cruises (4 with Princess - Love Princess too! - and 1 on DCL) and all have been for at least 7 days. One was a 10 day cruise which was awesome! Well, we'll have 3 days after the cruise at WDW (Typhoon Lagoon here we come!) to continue out the trip.

Counting down the days...

Did you make this FE? If so, do you sell them? I love it! I need one! This will be my first FE exchange. If you didn't make them or sell them, can you recommend someone?

Thanks!

[MACfamily4]

If you didn't make them or sell them, can you recommend someone?

Thanks!

Hey Spiffie,

I got my FE from gradysmommy (Tiffany) on ebay. She custom makes them and they are absolutely beautiful. I don't have a picture, but if you search for "custom fish extender" in the ebay search, her creations show up. :thumbsup2

[Louiepipbgeeco]

tidefan
Love the FE. So cute!!
Anyone else going on another Disney trip before this cruise??
I am going on June 29th-July 8th to use DVC. I am finding that I am NOT at all focusing or thinking about that trip because I am more focused on cruising again. Crazy because the other is so much sooner.:confused3

jenerra-What I overpacked:
clothes. Did not need so many. Could get by with 2 pair of nice black capris and just changing into nicer blouse or top for dinner. I brought bunch of shoes that I did not end up wearing. DD wore his Crocs for everything. Even in the dining room(they were nice tan and new btw).
Did not need to bring 2 pair of dress pants for DH . He only wore dress pants on dress up nights. The other nights nice Khaki or other dressy shorts with polos or button downs was sufficient. And we looked to be the dressier of many in the dining room. So, don't stress too too much about it. I only needed one swimsuit and cover up vs 2 of each. Did not swim much.I brought toys for DD for the room--did not need (DS would have been sufficient and a couple dinky cars)
Extra stuff that WAS USEFUL however-
mini highlighters different colours to go over Navigator
extra batteries and charger
my magnets were fun.
Dramamine (just in case- I bought the 24hr stuff. I did not feel drowsy at all and gravol makes me loopy. I had to buy it in the States as we do not have in Canada. I will buy this again)
If you like to walk --or workout don't forget your running shoes
I loved the promenade deck. I had great walk/sprints there.
Bring sand sets if you have kids (I bought cheap one and left it on Castaway Cay. I was even able to check it in its little netted bag instead of carrying on board)
**I brought photo mattes and red and black sharpies to leave at Guest services our attendant delivered them autographed before we left. Neat keepsake.
Just typing this makes me excited for the next time.
I am feeling a bit bummed because a group of my girlfriends are all planning a getaway--no hubbys--no kids. A trip to an all-inclusive resort. But it is next FEB. Well, I am a teacher. In my school board --the holidays are in Dec. for Christmas, March Break(during the cruise), Easter we get the weekend and the summer is very end of June-beg. of Sept. I cannot go in February. To do this I would have to
1. request a leave (they do not always get approved)
2. take the week off with NO PAY
3. AND pay the cost of the supply teacher
4/ add the cost of the trip to no pay, paying the supply and it is a whopping amt of $$$$$
I am bummed that I will miss this epic trip with my girlfriends. But, I plan to make up for it on this cruise!! So that just makes planning this trip that much more necessary for me.

[tidefan]

Did you make this FE? If so, do you sell them? I love it! I need one! This will be my first FE exchange. If you didn't make them or sell them, can you recommend someone?

Thanks!

Hey Spiffie, are you a Crimson Tide fan?

We had a friend of ours make this for us (funny thing is, she's a South Carolina fan and didn't understand the whole Houndstooth thing) and she did a great job. I don't think that she does this commercially, but if you are interested, I could pass it by her...

Also, are ya'll driving down for the cruise? We drive and go 280 to Columbus/Phenix City then to Albany and over to Tifton where we catch I-75 down to the Turnpike over to Orlando. Just wondering how ya'll would go? Being in Trussville, I bet going over I-20 to ATL then down I-75 is more convenient (if you can stay out of traffic)...

[Spiffie]

Hey Spiffie, are you a Crimson Tide fan?

We had a friend of ours make this for us (funny thing is, she's a South Carolina fan and didn't understand the whole Houndstooth thing) and she did a great job. I don't think that she does this commercially, but if you are interested, I could pass it by her...

Also, are ya'll driving down for the cruise? We drive and go 280 to Columbus/Phenix City then to Albany and over to Tifton where we catch I-75 down to the Turnpike over to Orlando. Just wondering how ya'll would go? Being in Trussville, I bet going over I-20 to ATL then down I-75 is more convenient (if you can stay out of traffic)...

Well, tidefan, we are a split family! My DH is an Alabama Alum and our DD sides with her Daddy (can you say Daddy's girl). However, DS and I are DIE HARD War Eagle fans! (turn about is fair play - Momma's boy!!)

I don't want to put any pressure on your friend. Plus I wouldn't want houndstooth!! ha!

You are right, we go I20 to I75 mostly because we leave a day early and spend the night in Gainesville when we visit the parks. However, for the cruise, we drove all the way to Port Canavrel and stayed the night before. My DH and I are going in August to the Pin Trading Celebration and then we are going back as a family in Dec/Jan to celebrate New Years/Birthdays. Then back in March for cruise and parks. I am very excited!!!

Since we are so close, we should try to meet before! Maybe we could toss around some FE ideas!!

[tidefan]

Since we are so close, we should try to meet before! Maybe we could toss around some FE ideas!!

Sounds fun. I'll pass that along to DW. She tends to get things like this organized, plus, she really is the FE expert.

We go 280 because we are already almost to Chelsea, so 280 works better for us. We make WDW in 8.5 to 9.5 hours, depending on stops...

One other thing, we also did a DISmeet exchange on our last cruise (Magic 2008) where everyone brought a basket/bag/gift of stuff from around where you are from and we drew numbers and traded the baskets. We ended up with some neat stuff from Ohio. Some other folks (also from Ohio) ended up with our basket of Dreamland BBQ sauce, Golden Flake chips, and Dale's seasoning...

[Spiffie]

Sounds fun. I'll pass that along to DW. She tends to get things like this organized, plus, she really is the FE expert.

We go 280 because we are already almost to Chelsea, so 280 works better for us. We make WDW in 8.5 to 9.5 hours, depending on stops...

One other thing, we also did a DISmeet exchange on our last cruise (Magic 2008) where everyone brought a basket/bag/gift of stuff from around where you are from and we drew numbers and traded the baskets. We ended up with some neat stuff from Ohio. Some other folks (also from Ohio) ended up with our basket of Dreamland BBQ sauce, Golden Flake chips, and Dale's seasoning...

Is your DW a DISer? My DH is not because he is too busy keeping up with blogs about Survivor, Biggest Loser, and Amazing Race. We are reality TV junkies!! So he keeps me informed of reality tv gossip and I keep all the Disney stuff together. He just shows up when I tell him to! ha! Don't tell him I said that!!

The DISmeet sounds like fun! Now, are there people who do that instead of the FE? Do some do both? I would like to do both if that is allowed and if it is done again. Being a whole year away, I am sure more people will join the thread in time, huh?

How old are your children again? We have twins who will be 10 on the cruise. A boy and a girl. I am so thankful that they are Disney junkies like me!

We have been your way to Disney before, but found that it had fewer places to stop for RR breaks. With our two, we end up stopping about 3 times, so we have to plan strategically. Now, with just DH and me, we could go with one stop.

[jenerra11]

Thanks Louie, I wrote some of those items down on my (TO DO LIST:woohoo:). I am so excited about the new french resturant. I bet it will be more expensive than Palo. The pictures of the resturant looks amazing. You know those reservations will fill up fast.

[Spiffie]

Hey Spiffie,

I got my FE from gradysmommy (Tiffany) on ebay. She custom makes them and they are absolutely beautiful. I don't have a picture, but if you search for "custom fish extender" in the ebay search, her creations show up. :thumbsup2

Thank you! I ordered one from her. I think I may be driving her crazy though!!:rolleyes:

[tidefan]

Is your DW a DISer? My DH is not because he is too busy keeping up with blogs about Survivor, Biggest Loser, and Amazing Race. We are reality TV junkies!! So he keeps me informed of reality tv gossip and I keep all the Disney stuff together. He just shows up when I tell him to! ha! Don't tell him I said that!!

The DISmeet sounds like fun! Now, are there people who do that instead of the FE? Do some do both? I would like to do both if that is allowed and if it is done again. Being a whole year away, I am sure more people will join the thread in time, huh?

How old are your children again? We have twins who will be 10 on the cruise. A boy and a girl. I am so thankful that they are Disney junkies like me!

We have been your way to Disney before, but found that it had fewer places to stop for RR breaks. With our two, we end up stopping about 3 times, so we have to plan strategically. Now, with just DH and me, we could go with one stop.

DW is not a Dis junkie at all. She is a Facebook junkie. Myself, I am not even on Facebook. We both, though love Amazing Race, Survivor, Big Brother, and Biggest Loser. Can't get enough Reality TV!

On our last cruise, we did both. The FE's were just something that you'd put stuff in daily, whereas the DISmeet was usually done in a lounge somewhere on a sea day morning. It was a good forum to meet everyone.

DD is 6 1/2, but will be 7 1/2 next year on the ship.

As to driving, we avoid Atlanta at all costs. We find that we have a number of places to stop, but, we've gone that way so many times, we get to know the route...

[Spiffie]

DW is not a Dis junkie at all. She is a Facebook junkie. Myself, I am not even on Facebook. We both, though love Amazing Race, Survivor, Big Brother, and Biggest Loser. Can't get enough Reality TV!

On our last cruise, we did both. The FE's were just something that you'd put stuff in daily, whereas the DISmeet was usually done in a lounge somewhere on a sea day morning. It was a good forum to meet everyone.

DD is 6 1/2, but will be 7 1/2 next year on the ship.

As to driving, we avoid Atlanta at all costs. We find that we have a number of places to stop, but, we've gone that way so many times, we get to know the route...

I can tell that we are going to be great cruise mates! My DS and I can forgive you all for being Tide fans if you can forgive us for being War Eagle fans! ha!

I would say that the worst part about coming home from our cruise was having to watch all the shows we missed before the next one came on. We pretty much had to camp in front of the DVR for a day to catch up! We love Big Brother, too!

DH and I are both Facebookers. We both blog, too. I love technical gadgets, so anything on the computer interests me!

I bet our children will get along great! My son plays travel ball and poor DD has to tag along. She is always the lone girl, so when she gets to meet and socialize with other girls, she is in heaven!

[Spiffie]

This thread has been awful quiet. I guess life goes on and we all have to get back to reality sometime!

Still, I am very excited about the cruise next year. Not to mention that I will visit WDW twice in between!!!

[jenerra11]

I am so glad I booked this cruise early.... If I was to book this cruise now for the first time, It would be an extra 2,100 dollars for 2 rooms. The ship is filling up fast. :yay:

[Louiepipbgeeco]

I am so glad I booked this cruise early.... If I was to book this cruise now for the first time, It would be an extra 2,100 dollars for 2 rooms. The ship is filling up fast. :yay:

Wow. Glad we all got on.:cloud9:
Booking early pays.

[tidefan]

Looks like we may do the B2B after all... More to come...

[jenerra11]

If I win the lottery by the time we sail, then we will book b2b too:cutie:

[Spiffie]

Looks like we may do the B2B after all... More to come...

I'm jealous!!!

[jen-n-greg]

Hi everyone! Can't wait to get to know everyone ;0) This will be our 5th Disney cruise and we can not wait to see the Dream! We are Greg, Jenny and our 3 kids Skylar, Taylor and Ryan. We also (finally!) convinced my mother and her husband to join us for their 1st cruise ever :thumbsup2 I haven't had a chance to read all the posts yet - but we are definitely interested in doing the fish extender. We did it for the 1st time on our last cruise and the kids loved it :) I do have a question though -- I am thinking a FE would be a fun Mother's Day gift for my mom, since she is so excited for this cruise. Is this something for adults too-- or mainly for kids? Oh, I almost forgot -- we are doing a B2B -- March 13th and March 17th -- which is a total surprise for the kids-- they think we are just doing a 4 day cruise - which they are kinda bummed about :lmao: Can't wait to tell them on the last day of the 4 night that they don't have to pack-- we are going again!

[MACfamily4]

Hi everyone! Can't wait to get to know everyone ;0) This will be our 5th Disney cruise and we can not wait to see the Dream! We are Greg, Jenny and our 3 kids Skylar, Taylor and Ryan. We also (finally!) convinced my mother and her husband to join us for their 1st cruise ever :thumbsup2 I haven't had a chance to read all the posts yet - but we are definitely interested in doing the fish extender. We did it for the 1st time on our last cruise and the kids loved it :) I do have a question though -- I am thinking a FE would be a fun Mother's Day gift for my mom, since she is so excited for this cruise. Is this something for adults too-- or mainly for kids? Oh, I almost forgot -- we are doing a B2B -- March 13th and March 17th -- which is a total surprise for the kids-- they think we are just doing a 4 day cruise - which they are kinda bummed about :lmao: Can't wait to tell them on the last day of the 4 night that they don't have to pack-- we are going again!

Welcome! :wave2: We've got a great group started. I will add you to the FE list. I've been a teacher a long time and have had Skylars, Taylors, and Ryans of both sexes. I don't want to guess and do it wrong when I add you all to the list. Can you help me out? FEs are absolutely for adults, too. Would you like me to add your DM and DD, too? :)

[tidefan]

Booked today! Couldn't get the same staterooms as both cruises ended up being GTY (11B on 3-13 and 11C on 3-17). We haven't told DD about the second one either. We figure we will tell her when we disembark that it was so fun that we should go back on...

[Spiffie]

Booked today! Couldn't get the same staterooms as both cruises ended up being GTY (11B on 3-13 and 11C on 3-17). We haven't told DD about the second one either. We figure we will tell her when we disembark that it was so fun that we should go back on...

YAY for yall! I wish it was us, but we just have to have our time in the parks too, so we spend those 3 days at WDW which is just as good!

Help a girl out here, what exactly does GTY mean? I have been trying to figure it out, but haven't come up with it!

Still very excited about this cruise!!

[tidefan]

YAY for yall! I wish it was us, but we just have to have our time in the parks too, so we spend those 3 days at WDW which is just as good!

Help a girl out here, what exactly does GTY mean? I have been trying to figure it out, but haven't come up with it!

Still very excited about this cruise!!

GTY means Guarantee. It means that we are Guaranteed at least that room category.

This actually messed us up a bit. Since we booked the 4-day portion first, which was all we originally intended to do, and the only thing they had for cheapest DVC points was an 11B GTY, we took it. Now fast forward a month, and we find out about B2B's and say "Hey, that would be fun", we look into getting the same cabin, but we can't since the 11B is a GTY. So, you might say, well, just upgrade the cabin, well, by that time only Verandas were available (too many points) and DVC charges a $95 fee for any reservation changes, so we stayed put.

Anyway, since they can't guarantee us the same room on the 3-day, we just went with the cheapest point booking, the 11C. Funny enough, we got another GTY...

For us, we have done Verandas before and while they are nice, quite honestly, the cruise experience (especially for the Bahamas) is the same for us either way, so we went with getting on the boat as cheaply as possible...

Best thing is that we still have a few points left over to save for Aulani the next year...

[jen-n-greg]

Welcome! :wave2: We've got a great group started. I will add you to the FE list. I've been a teacher a long time and have had Skylars, Taylors, and Ryans of both sexes. I don't want to guess and do it wrong when I add you all to the list. Can you help me out? FEs are absolutely for adults, too. Would you like me to add your DM and DD, too? :)

Sorry-- didn't think of that, lol! Skylar and Taylor are girls - and will be 16 and 13 when we sail. Ryan is my son, and will be turning 11 during the cruise on March 19th. And, yes, please add my mom and stepdad - I ordered her a FE and am giving it to her for Mother's Day :)

[jen-n-greg]

Booked today! Couldn't get the same staterooms as both cruises ended up being GTY (11B on 3-13 and 11C on 3-17). We haven't told DD about the second one either. We figure we will tell her when we disembark that it was so fun that we should go back on...

Love it! We have the same rooms both times so I have to tell mine that they don't need to pack up - they are gonna be so excited :banana:

[Spiffie]

GTY means Guarantee. It means that we are Guaranteed at least that room category.

This actually messed us up a bit. Since we booked the 4-day portion first, which was all we originally intended to do, and the only thing they had for cheapest DVC points was an 11B GTY, we took it. Now fast forward a month, and we find out about B2B's and say "Hey, that would be fun", we look into getting the same cabin, but we can't since the 11B is a GTY. So, you might say, well, just upgrade the cabin, well, by that time only Verandas were available (too many points) and DVC charges a $95 fee for any reservation changes, so we stayed put.

Anyway, since they can't guarantee us the same room on the 3-day, we just went with the cheapest point booking, the 11C. Funny enough, we got another GTY...

For us, we have done Verandas before and while they are nice, quite honestly, the cruise experience (especially for the Bahamas) is the same for us either way, so we went with getting on the boat as cheaply as possible...

Best thing is that we still have a few points left over to save for Aulani the next year...

Well, thanks for the lesson on that!

I agree about the points and the rooms. We don't care about the veranda or a view. Matter of fact, I think we prefer inside rooms for the pure total darkness and privacy. Plus we squeeze as much out of our points as possible! We only get 320 pts a year so we are stingy with them. Now that you can buy a few points a year, we may have more options. We are going back to WDW in August and December plus the cruise next year and that takes care of our points for all of 2011. But I am gonna have fun all three times!!!!

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Hi everyone! Can't wait to get to know everyone ;0) This will be our 5th Disney cruise and we can not wait to see the Dream! We are Greg, Jenny and our 3 kids Skylar, Taylor and Ryan. We also (finally!) convinced my mother and her husband to join us for their 1st cruise ever :thumbsup2 I haven't had a chance to read all the posts yet - but we are definitely interested in doing the fish extender. We did it for the 1st time on our last cruise and the kids loved it :) I do have a question though -- I am thinking a FE would be a fun Mother's Day gift for my mom, since she is so excited for this cruise. Is this something for adults too-- or mainly for kids? Oh, I almost forgot -- we are doing a B2B -- March 13th and March 17th -- which is a total surprise for the kids-- they think we are just doing a 4 day cruise - which they are kinda bummed about :lmao: Can't wait to tell them on the last day of the 4 night that they don't have to pack-- we are going again!

That is so cool!!! Now I am wondering if I should add the 3 day to ours....hmmm BTW I have a DD who will be 13 on this cruise too. My kids don't know we are going on this cruise yet

[MACfamily4]

Sorry-- didn't think of that, lol! Skylar and Taylor are girls - and will be 16 and 13 when we sail. Ryan is my son, and will be turning 11 during the cruise on March 19th. And, yes, please add my mom and stepdad - I ordered her a FE and am giving it to her for Mother's Day :)

I got it - thanks! :thumbsup2 FE for mother's day, what a great idea.

Happy May, everyone! :)

[MACfamily4]

I wish it was us, but we just have to have our time in the parks too, so we spend those 3 days at WDW which is just as good!

We're spending a few days at the World after our cruise, too. Wish I had two weeks and a lot of money; I'd do it all! ;)

[Spiffie]

We're spending a few days at the World after our cruise, too. Wish I had two weeks and a lot of money; I'd do it all! ;)

ME TOO!

I tell people that I hope my kids can work for Disney after high school because we are spending their college fund on vacations!!! This is not true at all, but if even one of mine were to get a full scholarship, I am sooo spending our money!!!!

[CBEB]

WELCOME ABOARD, EVERYONE!

Here's the beginning of our Fish Extender list. If you would like to participate, let us know in your post. :thumbsup2

jen-n-greg - 2A; G(16); G(13); B(11)
jen-n-greg+ - 2A
spiffie - 2A; G(10); B(10)
tidefan - 2A; G(7)
my3sonstx - 2A; B(11); B(6); B(4)
jenerra11 - 2A; G(17); B(15); B(10); B(6)
taymaesmom - 2A; G(15); G(11)
macfamily4 - 2A; G(14); B(12)

A= adult
G= girl (age)
B= boy (age)

Hi Everyone!

My DH, DD14 and her girlfriend will be joining you on the Dream! this will be cruise #7 for us. We can't wait to see the Dream - always been on the Magic for our other cruises.

Please count us in for Fish Extenders - so glad there's a group that wants to do this - one of our favorite things on the cruise!

cbeb - 2A, G14, G14

[Spiffie]

Hi Everyone!

My DH, DD14 and her girlfriend will be joining you on the Dream! this will be cruise #7 for us. We can't wait to see the Dream - always been on the Magic for our other cruises.

Please count us in for Fish Extenders - so glad there's a group that wants to do this - one of our favorite things on the cruise!

cbeb - 2A, G14, G14

WELCOME CBEB AND FAMILY AND FRIEND!

Glad you are joining us! I am so excited! My FE is all ready and I am trying to decide what kind of goodies I am going to be using for my give aways!!

[MACfamily4]

:wave2: Welcome, cbeb. I added you all to the FE list. :thumbsup2

[Louiepipbgeeco]

I cannot believe I have still kept this secret from DS and DD:thumbsup2
It has been so hard.
Having a hard time finding deals on flights for this cruise. I hope things look better soon. I don't want to drive.
Heading to the world in exactly one month and once that trip is done--I will be back to obsessing about cruisin.

[ksoehrlein]

Hello everyone! I just canceled our Alaska cruise on the Wonder tonight. :sad: But the really, really good news is I booked this cruise on the Dream instead! :banana:

I'm very excited to see a familiar face (:wave2: hi, Krista!) and some other Alabama residents on board. I live in Helena, but I work off of that dreaded 280 in the office park behind the big fountain. DH and I are Syracuse grads, so I'm partial to Auburn's colors but am otherwise neutral in the great AU/UA rivalry.

My cast of characters is me, DH, DD (10) and DS (7). I think we're a maybe for Fish Extenders. I love the idea, but can't promise I'll be organized to get my act together. I'll let you know for sure when we get closer to our sail date.

We're doing second dining. Anyone else? It's what we ended up with on our first DCL cruise and we liked it so much we did it again for our last cruise as well. I learned on the DIS about bringing your own wine on board and ordering a fruit and cheese platter from room service to snack on while getting ready for the evening show, and it made for a most enjoyable late afternoon/early evening. I can't wait to do that again!

"Sea" ya real soon!

[CBEB]

Hello everyone! I just canceled our Alaska cruise on the Wonder tonight. :sad: But the really, really good news is I booked this cruise on the Dream instead! :banana:

I'm very excited to see a familiar face (:wave2: hi, Krista!) and some other Alabama residents on board. I live in Helena, but I work off of that dreaded 280 in the office park behind the big fountain. DH and I are Syracuse grads, so I'm partial to Auburn's colors but am otherwise neutral in the great AU/UA rivalry.

My cast of characters is me, DH, DD (10) and DS (7). I think we're a maybe for Fish Extenders. I love the idea, but can't promise I'll be organized to get my act together. I'll let you know for sure when we get closer to our sail date.

We're doing second dining. Anyone else? It's what we ended up with on our first DCL cruise and we liked it so much we did it again for our last cruise as well. I learned on the DIS about bringing your own wine on board and ordering a fruit and cheese platter from room service to snack on while getting ready for the evening show, and it made for a most enjoyable late afternoon/early evening. I can't wait to do that again!

"Sea" ya real soon!

Welcome Ksoehrlein! So glad your joining us! We are DH, DD14, her her GF14 and me. We also have late dining - a new experience for us. This will be cruise #7 and the last 5 cruises have been early seating. Now that DD is older, I think the late seating will work out just great. Like you, we also bring wine on board and have a glass on the veranda before heading to dinner. What a life!!! Just hate it when it ends!

I just got back from a business trip to Disney yesterday. It was really hard to see those cruise buses at the airport and think I have to wait until March before its my turn to ride it again!

Happy summer everyone!

[Spiffie]

Hello everyone! I just canceled our Alaska cruise on the Wonder tonight. :sad: But the really, really good news is I booked this cruise on the Dream instead! :banana:

I'm very excited to see a familiar face (:wave2: hi, Krista!) and some other Alabama residents on board. I live in Helena, but I work off of that dreaded 280 in the office park behind the big fountain. DH and I are Syracuse grads, so I'm partial to Auburn's colors but am otherwise neutral in the great AU/UA rivalry.

My cast of characters is me, DH, DD (10) and DS (7). I think we're a maybe for Fish Extenders. I love the idea, but can't promise I'll be organized to get my act together. I'll let you know for sure when we get closer to our sail date.

We're doing second dining. Anyone else? It's what we ended up with on our first DCL cruise and we liked it so much we did it again for our last cruise as well. I learned on the DIS about bringing your own wine on board and ordering a fruit and cheese platter from room service to snack on while getting ready for the evening show, and it made for a most enjoyable late afternoon/early evening. I can't wait to do that again!

"Sea" ya real soon!

Welcome! Glad to see another Alabamian onboard!

We, too, are 2nd dining. We had that on our first cruise and liked it, so why change?

I have a brother-in-law that works on 280 for the southern co. Is that where you work? I know that isn't the only place around that area, but just thought I would ask!

Very excited about the cruise, but we have two WDW visits before then, so one at a time!! ha!

Great to have you along!!

[ksoehrlein]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I just learned that Krista will not be coming after all (she's sailing the following week instead due to the school calendar changing spring break on her), but I'm glad to know I'll have other "imaginary friends" on board. I don't work for Southern Company, just a small medical/wellness publisher.

CBEB, did you get to go into the parks during your business trip? I just had a work trip last month and had a day to myself to do MK and DHS. I always feel a little guilty when I go without my family, but I get over that quickly! :thumbsup2

[ksoehrlein]

Tough decision time: As you know, we just booked this last night. As you may or may not know, the Kids Sail Free offer was just released today for the Mexican Riviera cruise on the Wonder and the March 13 sail date is still available. I now have a stateroom on hold for that cruise and our stateroom on the Dream is under deposit. The hold only lasts for 5 days, so we have to decide pronto.

Besides the obvious plus of getting to meet all of you, what would you say are the advantages of this cruise versus the Mexican Riviera? For what it's worth, a comparable stateroom will be $200 less than the Dream and we'd get three extra nights, but we'd have to fly out to LA rather than drive to Port Canaveral.

Decisions, decisions. :confused: But what a great "problem" to have!

[mkmommy]

I cannot believe I have still kept this secret from DS and DD:thumbsup2
It has been so hard.
Having a hard time finding deals on flights for this cruise. I hope things look better soon. I don't want to drive.
Heading to the world in exactly one month and once that trip is done--I will be back to obsessing about cruisin.


We are hoping to do this from spring break, said I would not do a 4 day cruise again, but I want to go on the Dream, and we have to do something for spring break:rotfl2:


There are some good rates on Delta , Detroit to Daytona Beach(Aprox $225) , or Tampa. Budget.ca had 1 way rentals staring at $19. using the Walmart code which I think is w810011

HTH

[CBEB]

Tough decision time: As you know, we just booked this last night. As you may or may not know, the Kids Sail Free offer was just released today for the Mexican Riviera cruise on the Wonder and the March 13 sail date is still available. I now have a stateroom on hold for that cruise and our stateroom on the Dream is under deposit. The hold only lasts for 5 days, so we have to decide pronto.

Besides the obvious plus of getting to meet all of you, what would you say are the advantages of this cruise versus the Mexican Riviera? For what it's worth, a comparable stateroom will be $200 less than the Dream and we'd get three extra nights, but we'd have to fly out to LA rather than drive to Port Canaveral.

Decisions, decisions. :confused: But what a great "problem" to have!

We're on this cruise becausse we want to see the Dream. We've never gone on a cruise for less than 7 days but absolutely must see the Dream.

We did the Mexican Riviera on our WBRepo - it was nice but just not our favorite place to cruise.

[CBEB]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I just learned that Krista will not be coming after all (she's sailing the following week instead due to the school calendar changing spring break on her), but I'm glad to know I'll have other "imaginary friends" on board. I don't work for Southern Company, just a small medical/wellness publisher.

CBEB, did you get to go into the parks during your business trip? I just had a work trip last month and had a day to myself to do MK and DHS. I always feel a little guilty when I go without my family, but I get over that quickly! :thumbsup2

I did get to see the fireworks at Epcot one night - a CM got us in the back gate! Unfortunately, no time for much else!

[ksoehrlein]

Cool that you got to see fireworks, at least, CBEB. Sorry you were too busy with work stuff to get any more play time, though.

DH, kids and I all sat down tonight and watched the planning DVD again (which doesn't quite give enough info for 2011 but is still cute anyway). I think we've come to a decision: we're 99% certain we're staying with the Dream! We are all very excited about the new ship and getting to see the improvements to Castaway Cay. I just wish it was for 7 nights instead of 4, but we'll tack on some time at WDW to extend the vacation a bit before the dreaded return to Realityland.

-Kim

[MACfamily4]

Well friends, the KSF was too good a deal for us to pass up. We're changing our cruise to the Wonder Mexican Riviera. The cruise itself is less money, we live right in the middle of the country so travel is a wash, it's seven days (I've longed for a seven day cruise), and we'll be on the Dream in July - it was a no-brainer for our family. I'll look for your reports when you return. Have a wonderful cruise!! :thumbsup2

[jenerra11]

Sorry you are leaving us MF4....We were thinking about changing over too, but this is our first cruise and we have to see cast away cay. I don't think the Mexican cruise goes the Cast away cay. Maybe in September, the Dream will offer a KSF promotion .

[tidefan]

Cool that you got to see fireworks, at least, CBEB. Sorry you were too busy with work stuff to get any more play time, though.

DH, kids and I all sat down tonight and watched the planning DVD again (which doesn't quite give enough info for 2011 but is still cute anyway). I think we've come to a decision: we're 99% certain we're staying with the Dream! We are all very excited about the new ship and getting to see the improvements to Castaway Cay. I just wish it was for 7 nights instead of 4, but we'll tack on some time at WDW to extend the vacation a bit before the dreaded return to Realityland.

-Kim

Welcome aboard Kim from a fellow Alabamian!

Funny, I live right by where you work (off 280 between Inverness and Chelsea), but I work near where you live (well, close, I work in Riverchase). Also, Mrs. Tidefan also ran the Princess Half this year and is doing the DL half in September to get her Coast-to-Coast medal.

If you miss the 7-day, you can just do the B2B with us. We booked with DVC points/Cash combo, so we are a bit tied in to this cruise, but we wouldn't have switched. Mexican Riviera is OK for one cruise (we went in 05), but the only port we really loved was Cabo San Lucas (we'd go there again in a heartbeat). Also, we can drive to Port Canaveral, so take that into consideration as well...

[ksoehrlein]

Too funny, tidefan. Maybe we should just switch houses and minimize both our commutes? ;)

Mrs Tidefan is going to LOVE her Coast to Coast medal. I earned one last year and it's my absolute favorite. Does she train with a group? I'm with Team in Training and she's welcome to join us for a training run or two to see what we're all about. PM me for details.

That reminds me: I did the Castaway Cay 5K when we were on the Wonder last March, and it's a great way to see a lot of the island before everyone else is allowed off the ship. I really hope the Dream will offer it. If they do, does anyone else want to do it with me as a mini meet?

A B2B cruise is super-tempting, but just a little rich for my blood. We are in major "points debt" with DVC (I think we have only 7 points left in our 2011 use year), so a cash/points combo won't work for us!

[Spiffie]

Too funny, tidefan. Maybe we should just switch houses and minimize both our commutes? ;)

Mrs Tidefan is going to LOVE her Coast to Coast medal. I earned one last year and it's my absolute favorite. Does she train with a group? I'm with Team in Training and she's welcome to join us for a training run or two to see what we're all about. PM me for details.

That reminds me: I did the Castaway Cay 5K when we were on the Wonder last March, and it's a great way to see a lot of the island before everyone else is allowed off the ship. I really hope the Dream will offer it. If they do, does anyone else want to do it with me as a mini meet?

A B2B cruise is super-tempting, but just a little rich for my blood. We are in major "points debt" with DVC (I think we have only 7 points left in our 2011 use year), so a cash/points combo won't work for us!

I didn't know anything about the Castaway Cay 5K until I saw people running it. I would love to run, but how do I find out about it?

[ksoehrlein]

It will be in the Navigator. Last March, it was a tiny little blurb, so you may need to keep a sharp eye out. Assuming that it is offered on the Dream, of course.

[princessCKL]

Just back from the Wonder Double Dip yesterday, and I am booking this trip for myself and DH. This will be my third cruise. Love, love, love Disney Cruise Line.

[Louiepipbgeeco]

We are hoping to do this from spring break, said I would not do a 4 day cruise again, but I want to go on the Dream, and we have to do something for spring break:rotfl2:
There are some good rates on Delta , Detroit to Daytona Beach(Aprox $225) , or Tampa. Budget.ca had 1 way rentals staring at $19. using the Walmart code which I think is w810011

HTH

Thanks mkmommy
I have considered nearby airports other than MCO> I have put my airline search obsession on hold while I am crazy busy wrapping up the school year. But as soon as I return from DISNEY:woohoo: I will be stalking travel sites again. I so do not want to drive but may have to .

[princessCKL]

Hubby and I are officially booked on this cruise.:banana:

[CarlonsofVeroBeach]

Just got off of the Double Dip cruise this morning. We had a blast! Booked our spring break cruise while we were on board! This will be our 7th cruise.

We had one of the largest groups ever doing the whole Fish Extender thing! It was a blast - everyone is getting so clever with their gifts! I am going to have to "up my game".

Please count us in for the Fish Extenders for the March 13 cruise as well. We have a category 4D - will post cabin number shortly.

DD 10
DS 6

The CarlonsofVeroBeach

[ksoehrlein]

Welcome aboard, Princess and Carlons! We might need someone else to step up and organize the Fish Extenders since our original poster is no longer on this cruise. Any volunteers?

[txsoccermom]

Pls count us in.....2A, G(9), B(6)

Know our cabin #, but will wait until time gets closer in case something happens. Since we're new to this FE thing (!), can you pls tell me (1) do we bring enough of things for everyone, (2) do we attach our family name to it, (3) what types of things do people bring to swap (homemade only, or anything?), (4) anything else we should know about this?!?!?! I was planning on making a FE for us - will see how that goes ;)

Also, what's us with the magnets? Do we bring those, buy them, etc? SO many things to learn about Disney cruises!

Very excited, except I'm bummed to think how long the lines will be at the Aquaduck :sad1:

Thanks! :banana:

[txsoccermom]

How are ya'll passing the time?? :rolleyes1 I'm going nuts, keeping this a secret from the family - NO ONE, not even DH, knows :rotfl2: I'm trying to hold out until at least Christmas, to surprise them then. Figure my DD (9) can help me make FE gifts and I can do a Disney countdown chain with the kids I got for our trip to WDW last year. But wow, time is creeping by....

[CBEB]

How are ya'll passing the time?? :rolleyes1 I'm going nuts, keeping this a secret from the family - NO ONE, not even DH, knows :rotfl2: I'm trying to hold out until at least Christmas, to surprise them then. Figure my DD (9) can help me make FE gifts and I can do a Disney countdown chain with the kids I got for our trip to WDW last year. But wow, time is creeping by....

Can't believe you're able to keep this a secret - wow! But what a great Christmas present for your family!

We were passing the time by searching for every tidbit of new info we could possibly find on the Dream. Then my DD's band director sent an email that the kids are going on band trip over part of spring break! Argghhhh! Even DD who absolutely loves band is upset at the possibility of missing this cruise! I talked to the band director - if they leave DFW on Thursday we may be able to keep this cruise. Won't know for sure until after school starts.

Pixie dust please!

[txsoccermom]

That's what I'm doing too - on the internet, day in and day out, searching for info on DCL and the Dream! Plus, searching for ideas for the FEs - might have to "borrow" some of the other DISers work ;)

Hope you can make the cruise! We're practically neighbors.....we live in Flower Mound :cool1:

Back to "dreamin' about the Dream!"

[jenerra11]

Yes!!:banana:...!1st room paid for, now on to the next room. I can't wait until we cruise.!!

[txsoccermom]

I will gladly volunteer my time to get the FE list together for this group since the original poster has moved to a different cruise.......unless someone else has already volunteered?!?!:thumbsup2

[txsoccermom]

March 13, 2011 Dream

WELCOME ABOARD, EVERYONE!

As some of you know, the original poster "jumped ship" and is now on another meet list :sad1: So, here's an updated FE list. If you would like to participate, let us know in your post. We'll add stateroom numbers closer to the time.

**FE LIST WILL CLOSE 4 WKS PRIOR TO SAILING (Feb. 13th)....to allow everyone to finalize their FE gifts. Please read post #191 on page 13 for additional info!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ao2A0wF3tH6VdFRGc0FVQkxiYlBaemQ4Ykt3NDNOT lE&hl=en&authkey=CP-V8ZwD

______________________________

Pls let me know if any of the information is incorrect! I need to know ASAP if you are still interested in the FE exchange and/or the DISMeet and to provide me with the information so I can update the spreadsheet. If you do not forward your stateroom # to me (as an act of confirmation for the FE exchange and/or DISMeet by Feb 13th, you will be removed from the list. If you have no stateroom #, simply write "GTY".

I will update the list accordingly. Seems like alot of our children are around the same age, so that should be lot of fun for them to meet people too!! My goal is to keep this a total surprise from the family until the morning of - wish me luck! (goal has now changed to keeping it a secret until at least Jan 1 2011!)

DISmeet....as time gets closer, I will see if this is something you all want to do and we can get it organized too. :cheer2:

[Spiffie]

I am not new to the DCL but I am new to the FE idea. I, too, would like some guidance on what kind of gifts and how many, etc. are usually done. I know there is a thread on one of these DIS forums with a lot of FE photos. If I can find it, I will link it here. Maybe it would help us newbies.

I am also interested in a DISer meet if it works out for everyone else.

[grantclaire]

We have our airfare booked now as well as one night before and after the cruise in Cocoa Beach. Just watching the Canadian dollar as I may pay off the cruise early.

[ksoehrlein]

March 13, 2011 Dream
robnkris - 2A; B(1-1/2)


A= adult
G= girl (age)
B= boy (age)

______________________________

Pls let me know if any of the information is incorrect!

Please remove robnkris. I'm friends with Krista and was excited to see she was sailing with us, but it turns out her spring break dates were changed so she won't be able to join us.

[txsoccermom]

Please remove robnkris. I'm friends with Krista and was excited to see she was sailing with us, but it turns out her spring break dates were changed so she won't be able to join us.

Sorry to hear that :sad2: Will update the list now - thanks for letting me know! Can't believe our group is so small - but in a way I'm glad it's not as large as the 6.12.2011 sailing which I thought of going on for my daughter's bday! Easier to think of gifts :thumbsup2

[jenerra11]

Soon, it will be September, 13 and we will have ONLY 6 months left.:banana::banana::banana::banana:

[txsoccermom]

Only 18 days left and we'll officially be "less than 200 days" until we cruise:cool1: So sad that I get excited over something like that :lmao: I'm probably going to jinx us b/c I like the small size of our FE group (easier on the pocketbook and brain of what gifts to get!), however I'm surprised that it's this small b/c of it being Spring Break and I think it is VERY booked. :confused3 I went out to Expedia to look for a friend and only Cat 4a/4b were left. Makes me think lines at Aquaduck will be llllooonnnggg:sad2: Here's to hoping I'm wrong :wizard:

[I'mWong]

Wanted to stop by and say hi. We just booked last week. There will be the four of us sailing. I am not new to Disney cruises, but am new to the DREAM!!! LOL! I cannot wait. There will be my husband and I and we have two children, a 14 year old daughter and a son who is turning 12 on the ship. We have been wanting to go for a while, but one thing after another kept us from being able to. We have actually changed our date 4 times, so I am hoping against all hope that this is our final change!

I am very excited about the FE idea. I have seen posts about it, but am unsure about how it works. Can someone explain it to me? Also, if there is a pattern out there, that would be great too. I don't sew, but hopefully my daughter and mom can figure it out together! :)

Looking forward to a wonderful time with you!

[jenerra11]

Just checked on Disney's website and do not see the cruise date. Oh, now it is back on the website.

[txsoccermom]

Just checked on Disney's website and do not see the cruise date. Oh, now it is back on the website.

I think it's getting sold out fast.....b/c the other day for the heck of it, tried to look and see what was available for 2A/2 children (same age as mine) and it showed no avail. But then I changed it to 3 adults, and it came up with some. I think also, as we get to the 75-90 day window where you need to PIF, there will be staterooms opening up.

[maleficent, esq.]

My husband and I are bringing our 4yo DGD on her first cruise. (Our fifth disney cruise). The rooms are going very quickly the lowest category we could book was a Cat 5. She is so excited and keeps asking to see pictures of the cruise ship on line. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Best to All
Mal

[txsoccermom]

My husband and I are bringing our 4yo DGD on her first cruise. (Our fifth disney cruise). The rooms are going very quickly the lowest category we could book was a Cat 5. She is so excited and keeps asking to see pictures of the cruise ship on line. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Best to All
Mal

Welcome aboard! I will add your name and info to the list now. So looking forward to the fun:thumbsup2

[txsoccermom]

My FE I ordered from Tiffany (gradysmommy on Ebay) came today - I LOVE IT!:cool1: I have it hanging up in my office, constantly looking at it...thinking how am I going to fit everything in there I've already gotten for folks :rotfl: The pockets are smaller than I thought, but it's still awesome. I want to go NOW - don't know how me and my obsession w/Disney and the cruise will hold out for 209 more days:lmao:

[ksoehrlein]

Oh no. Just signed DS up for Cub Scouts only to learn that one of their two big campouts will be during the cruise. Poor kiddo is bummed that he's going to miss out, but I know we're all going to have a great time on the Dream.

[colorado snowchick]

I do not recall there being an adult show. The only shows were the ones In the main theater. Those were quite enjoyable. There were a couple of adult only entertainment games in the dance club as well as Karaoke. Prizes were being given out. I won a foot massage. I do remember there being many things for adults such as wine and martini tastings, and excursions to the Graycliff hotel in the Bahamas.

[txsoccermom]

Wow - just bought our flights for the cruise. Feeling :banana: and :sad2: b/c I'm glad to have it done, but man, was it $$! However, I think I got decent rates...but I always want the best or feel I didn't win :lmao: We're flying into Tampa on Fri nite, late, and then returning out of Orlando late the day after we dock so we can spend some time @ US. Flights on AA (nonstop!), inc taxes, were $235/pp.

Seems like I just keep dropping $$ all the time for this trip :eek:

[kkruser]

Hi Everyone,
We booked this cruise last November but just found this thread. Thanks, Jenerra11. There are eight of us. My DH, DS and DIL, two GDs, and DIL's Mom and Dad. We have three rooms booked, and from the looks of the current selections we are glad we booked early! My DH and I live in Grand Prairie, Texas; DS and DIL live in Ft. Worth; and DIL's parents live in Hurst, TX. Six of us are flying in on Friday night and returning the Sunday after the cruise. DIL's parents will fly in early on morning of the cruise and return the evening the cruise debarks. DIL is celebrating her 40th bd a couple of weeks early. Granddaughter is celebrating her 10th a couple of weeks early, and DIL's mom will celebrate her 70th on the cruise. It is spring break for DIL who teaches at TCCC and for GDs who attend HEB. It will be a first Disney cruise for all of us.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

[Spiffie]

Hi Everyone,
We booked this cruise last November but just found this thread. Thanks, Jenerra11. There are eight of us. My DH, DS and DIL, two GDs, and DIL's Mom and Dad. We have three rooms booked, and from the looks of the current selections we are glad we booked early! My DH and I live in Grand Prairie, Texas; DS and DIL live in Ft. Worth; and DIL's parents live in Hurst, TX. Six of us are flying in on Friday night and returning the Sunday after the cruise. DIL's parents will fly in early on morning of the cruise and return the evening the cruise debarks. DIL is celebrating her 40th bd a couple of weeks early. Granddaughter is celebrating her 10th a couple of weeks early, and DIL's mom will celebrate her 70th on the cruise. It is spring break for DIL who teaches at TCCC and for GDs who attend HEB. It will be a first Disney cruise for all of us.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Welcome, Kay and Family!!! Wow! That is a lot of celebrating you all will be doing! I can't think of a better way to do it either! :banana:

[txsoccermom]

Hi Everyone,
We booked this cruise last November but just found this thread. Thanks, Jenerra11. There are eight of us. My DH, DS and DIL, two GDs, and DIL's Mom and Dad. We have three rooms booked, and from the looks of the current selections we are glad we booked early! My DH and I live in Grand Prairie, Texas; DS and DIL live in Ft. Worth; and DIL's parents live in Hurst, TX. Six of us are flying in on Friday night and returning the Sunday after the cruise. DIL's parents will fly in early on morning of the cruise and return the evening the cruise debarks. DIL is celebrating her 40th bd a couple of weeks early. Granddaughter is celebrating her 10th a couple of weeks early, and DIL's mom will celebrate her 70th on the cruise. It is spring break for DIL who teaches at TCCC and for GDs who attend HEB. It will be a first Disney cruise for all of us.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Howdy, neighbor! We live in Flower Mound, so not too far. We're also flying in on Friday nite- might see you at the airport :thumbsup2 I just added you all to the FE list....I assumed your introductions to all of us meant you wanted to do that too:cutie:, but if not, just let me know. It is our spring break too - I think all of TX, actually!

Oh well, need to run but "welcome" and can't wait to meet you! Lots of friends for your GDs to play with...

[kkruser]

Thanks for the welcomes. This will be a first Disney cruise for all of us. I'm not sure about the FE. I'll have to talk with DIL.

Txsoccermom, DH and I are flying to MCO on American at 5 on Friday night. DIL and GD are flying at 3:30, and DS and other GD are still looking for a good price. (American has only allowed two award seats for 25,000 miles round trip per flight for our dates so far, and DS would like to spend miles but not 50,000.)

[kkruser]

There is an inside category 10A available this morning. It probably will not last long.

[jen-n-greg]

Hey all - Kids are back in school so now hopefully I will have time to participate on here :cool1: It's been so long - can't remember if we are on the FE list or not. We will have 3 rooms - 1 for DH and I, 1 for the kids, and 1 for my mom and step-dad. Time is gonna fly by - need to get some ebay done so I can pay for this :scared1:

[txsoccermom]

Hey all - Kids are back in school so now hopefully I will have time to participate on here :cool1: It's been so long - can't remember if we are on the FE list or not. We will have 3 rooms - 1 for DH and I, 1 for the kids, and 1 for my mom and step-dad. Time is gonna fly by - need to get some ebay done so I can pay for this :scared1:

Jen - you are on the FE list :cool1: For 2 rms right now - 1 w/you, DH and kids and then the other for your mom & stepdad. Will all 3 rms have FEs hanging from them, or just 2? Pls let me know when you get a chance and I can update the list.

I too noticed that once we hit 200 days to go, time's been going alot faster :banana: Scares me though, b/c I'm afraid that before I know it, time will be here and I will be behind w/FE gifts, packing, etc :scared1: And I've had all the time in the world to plan :laughing:

Oh well, back to work!

[jenerra11]

:scared1: Wow time is really flying by. I need to start ordering copies of our birth certificates. We all have copies; I think we need the original ones. I have 3 kids, so I need to start buying new outfits for the cruise also. There is so much to do. At least I don't have to worry about Christmas shopping:santa:. The kids know that the cruise is their Christmas/Spring Break present. lol!!:rotfl:

[txsoccermom]

Only 6 more months :cool1::banana::yay: Time is really going by fast now:thumbsup2

[jenerra11]

Yes!! And in 4 1/2 months we will be waiting to here about the ship from the maiden Voyage cruisers.:banana::banana::banana:

[ksoehrlein]

Just returned from a 3-night cruise aboard the Wonder yesterday and can't wait to return to Castaway Cay aboard the Dream! Pelican Plunge is terrific, but be warned that it's in an area where the water is 6 feet deep or deeper. (It was about 10 feet deep when I tried it). Time for swim lessons for my son so we can all enjoy!

[txsoccermom]

Just returned from a 3-night cruise aboard the Wonder yesterday and can't wait to return to Castaway Cay aboard the Dream! Pelican Plunge is terrific, but be warned that it's in an area where the water is 6 feet deep or deeper. (It was about 10 feet deep when I tried it). Time for swim lessons for my son so we can all enjoy!

I thought there are life vests the kids can wear.....are there not? If not, then my 2 kiddos will :scared1: at how deep it is and without a "side" to hang onto......oy vey!

[ksoehrlein]

Yes, there are life vests available and I'm sure we'll take advantage of them. I'm just mentally :scared1: at the thought of dragging him out to the slide and back. My lifeguarding skills aren't quite up to par.

[twinstars]

This will be our 2nd cruise. Our first was last March Break on the Magic, which was a blast! I wish that they offered 7 nights sailing, since 4 nights does not seem like it would be enough. But we are anxious to try out the new ship. I am counting the days like everyone else!

[txsoccermom]

Twinstars - Welcome A'board! Would you like to be added to the FE list?

If anyone has updates (i.e. additions/deletions, etc) to their names on the FE list, pls PM me and I will adjust accordingly. Will post a note at the 100-day mark for further updates!:goodvibes

Hope everyone is doing well! My family (DH and kids) still do NOT know about this :yay: I'm hoping I can keep it a secret until somewhere between Valentine's Day and 1 week before. Wish me luck, b/c I'm already trying to make FE gifts, magnets, etc and it's hard to do all of that while working FT, and trying to keep it a surprise :dance3:

Wish we would get some fall weather here in TX - hotter than :furious: I'm ready for cool temps and no humidity (but warm weather on the cruise in March) :woohoo::woohoo:

[kkruser]

Hope everyone is doing well! My family (DH and kids) still do NOT know about this :yay: I'm hoping I can keep it a secret until somewhere between Valentine's Day and 1 week before. Wish me luck, b/c I'm already trying to make FE gifts, magnets, etc and it's hard to do all of that while working FT, and trying to keep it a surprise :dance3:

I can't imagine how you are keeping such a wonderful trip a secret. You're good! :worship:
Wish we would get some fall weather here in TX - hotter than :furious: I'm ready for cool temps and no humidity (but warm weather on the cruise in March) :woohoo::woohoo:

I'm with you on the cooler weather. I keep threatening to pack up the car and drive to Colorado. I love to work in the yard, but it gets uncomfortable by mid morning. My annual beds did not do so well this year.

[travelgal2]

Hi Y'all-
We found this thread a while back but didn't know if we could plan on this sailing...well, DH said to go for it and we are excited to have our first B2B planned for Spring Break next year. :yay:

There are four of us-2 adults and 2 kids, although the "kids" are our sons, ages 18 and 20. The 18 year old will turn 19 on the second sailing. :cake: DCL knows how to make it special!

This will be our 5th cruise with DCL. We are hooked. The boys love the "adult" stuff (like the pool, the fitness center, Palo's, the dancing and games after dark at Wavebands, etc.) as well as seeing some of the characters they loved as children. The excursions are great-sometimes its hard to choose between those or making a day at sea while in port. :banana: Serenity Bay can't be beat-its a favorite for us all!

Both of our boys are in college up in the NE, so we thought this would be a great way for them to thaw out a little. :beach: Looking forward to meeting fellow cruisers, as well as participating in the FE exchange.

Happy cruisin'!

PS-We're UGA fans here, so hopefully those on this thread rootin' for the "other" teams won't hold that against us...:laughing::laughing::laughing:

[CBEB]

Hi Everyone,

So sorry to say that we will not be sailing with you after all. My DD's middle school band now has a big trip scheduled for Spring Break. As much as she is excited about the band trip, we're all disappointed about the cruise.

Good news is that we've booked the Dream for June so we'll get on that new ship eventually! Just hate waiting that long.

Have a wonderful cruise!

[txsoccermom]

Welcome a'board, travelgal2! This should be an awesome group :thumbsup2

CBEB - So sorry you have to leave us :sad2: However, look on the bright side for your June DREAM-y cruise......you can come to us for all the info:thumbsup2

Thanks for your postings!

[kkruser]

Welcome Tracey and family!

We'll miss you CDEB. Have a great cruise in June.

[CDN-DisFan]

Hello Folks,

We're heading down from the GWN to our Second cruise. We would like to be included on the FE list.

Both my kids celebrate their B-days just before we get on the ship. So we are heading down early so they can have a Birthday Disney style.

2 A (DW and myself)
1 G (DD - 11)
1 B (DS - 9)

[jenerra11]

Welcome to the boards DCN-DISFAN!!!

[travelgal2]

Thanks for the welcome! We're gettin' excited! :banana:

[kkruser]

Welcome DCN-DISFAN.

Love the picture Jenerra.

Been looking at January 2012 cruises. Planning is half the fun! :surfweb:

[txsoccermom]

TGIF! Have a great weekend :cool1::banana:

[travelgal2]

Welcome DCN-DISFAN.

Love the picture Jenerra.

Been looking at January 2012 cruises. Planning is half the fun! :surfweb:

Hey...I'm curious...are you looking at DCL for January? If so, where are you looking? I didn't see Jan 2012 as a search option...yet... :confused3 Looking at cruises sure beats pushing the vacuum around...:rotfl:

[tidefan]

Has anyone thought of a good time for the DIS-meet? On our last cruise, we did it in one of the lounges on one of the sea days.

If you are not familiar with the DIS-meet, the way it works (or at least the way it worked on our Magic sailing a couple years ago) is that each family brings a basket/stuff that represents your home area, then you put everyones DIS-name in a hat and whoever's name you draw out, you get their basket/stuff. It was a great way to meet everybody face to face.

We had a great time with that a couple of years ago (we got a basket from Ohio). This would be IN ADDITION to the Fish Extenders...

Hope everyone is having a great day and ROLL TIDE!

[kkruser]

Hey...I'm curious...are you looking at DCL for January? If so, where are you looking? I didn't see Jan 2012 as a search option...yet... :confused3 Looking at cruises sure beats pushing the vacuum around...:rotfl:

No. We're looking at Celebrity Constellation 14-night Southern Caribbean. Lots of islands. Never visited any of them.

[txsoccermom]

Tidefan -

Lucky game today!!! Anyways, re: DISmeet - I like the idea of the "home state basket". Did y'all put a price limit on it? I think that would be a good idea to do so someone wouldn't feel awkward. I think 1 of the lounges is the best to meet at, but was going to wait until the Dream started sailing to see where/when the other meets were taking place!

Thanks for the interest

[txsoccermom]

Oh no. Just signed DS up for Cub Scouts only to learn that one of their two big campouts will be during the cruise. Poor kiddo is bummed that he's going to miss out, but I know we're all going to have a great time on the Dream.

I now know how you're feeling....DD tried out for, and made the dance/drill team at her elementary school (4th gr).:cheer2: She was on top of the world last nite about it. And then I looked at the schedule - they have a dance competition on Mar 12 and our flights are booked for Mar 11 :sad2: The ENTIRE family still does not know about this trip, so I'm hoping that when I do surprise them with it (which might have to be sooner than I planned), she won't be that upset about missing the competition. I wasn't planning on telling them until as close as possible to the date, but might have to go with the original plan of Christmas now so she can look fwd to that instead of getting excited for a competition she won't be here for :confused3 That way, I could get her psyched for the aquaduck, cruise ship, etc.

For some reason, it never fails that when I meticulously plan ahead, something happens!

ARGH pirate:

[travelgal2]

No. We're looking at Celebrity Constellation 14-night Southern Caribbean. Lots of islands. Never visited any of them.

Ah...that sounds like fun too! We are hooked on cruising-so ALL of them sound good!:banana:

[kkruser]

Ah...that sounds like fun too! We are hooked on cruising-so ALL of them sound good!:banana:

Yep, cruising is the best way to go...lots of ports with no packing and unpacking, great food, great service, entertainment every evening, etc. We are totally hooked! :lovestruc

[txsoccermom]

Just wanted to make sure you all saw the thread re: show time reservations with your dinner seating! I hadn't heard a word about this until I read that :confused3 We are second seating (8:30p) and 7p show, waitlisted for first/main seating (6p) and 9p show.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods - weather is AWESOME here in TX:banana: Finally fall :love:

I'll be posting a note in about 30-40 days asking for more info from you for the FE list (cabin #s, etc).

[kkruser]

Yes, the weather is fantastic in DFW! We have early seating dinner, but that late show wil be a little late for our girls. I had read that there are some afternoon Disney shows that cater to the younger set???

[txsoccermom]

Everyone's been so quiet..:surfweb: Is that b/c you're waiting for the 2012 itineraries like the Fantasy ?:confused3 I read on another thread that alot of folks are going to move their Dream cruise to a Fantasy one so they can get a 7-day cruise. Not me - I'll book us on both:rotfl:

Oh well, going to bed after 3 soccer games and a baseball game.....have a great rest of the weekend :goodvibes

[jenerra11]

We are staying on the 3/13/2010 cruise. Unlike others who will switch over, this will be our first cruise. With that being said, I have nothing to compare it to. Maybe 4 nights is too short and Nassau isn't that great, but to get away from the job and my school is PRICELESS.

[HappyontheLake]

We are on this Cruise, following it up with 3 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village.

This is our 2nd cruise (cruised a 7 night Eastern Caribbean on the Magic May 24, 2009) and as soon as my kids saw the AquaDuck we had to book.

Adjoining rooms, Family Verandah, 8612&8614

4 kids who will be 16 (boy), and the girls 13, 10, 8

My oldest daughter cannot wait for the Teen Spa.

Blessings, Carla

[HappyontheLake]

Can we be added to the FE list?
2A, B(16), G(13), G(10), G(8)
Adults will be in 8612 and kids in 8614

[txsoccermom]

Can we be added to the FE list?
2A, B(16), G(13), G(10), G(8)
Adults will be in 8612 and kids in 8614

Of course you can! Welcome to our group and thanks for the info :thumbsup2 I will update the list now and will be getting more info to/from everyone in the next month or so. We'll see who's up for a DISmeet there too ;)

Lots of Texans on this cruise :earsboy:

[kkruser]

We are on this Cruise, following it up with 3 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village.

This is our 2nd cruise (cruised a 7 night Eastern Caribbean on the Magic May 24, 2009) and as soon as my kids saw the AquaDuck we had to book.

Adjoining rooms, Family Verandah, 8612&8614

4 kids who will be 16 (boy), and the girls 13, 10, 8

My oldest daughter cannot wait for the Teen Spa.

Blessings, Carla

Howdy and welcome to folks from the state capital! Looks like we have a ship load of Texans on this cruise.:wave2:

[ksoehrlein]

DH might not make it on this cruise after all. I'm trying not to be upset about it. He received an invitation to lecture in Saudi Arabia and might be able to extend his stay to participate in the Abu Dabai triathlon, which takes place on our sail away day. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! He's still trying to make up his mind and I'm doing my best not to try to push him either way, but it's tough. I did tell him he needs to know for sure by the time we make our final payment on Dec. 13 and have now officially dropped the subject for the time being.

Selfishly, I really hope he decides to opt out so he can sail with us instead. The conference is annual, so he could participate in 2012. (Not sure if the triathlon will work out for 2012 though.) I'm afraid that if he doesn't cruise and the kids love their clubs as much as they did on the Wonder, I will be alone for most of the cruise. Of course, it would be kind of nice to have some "me" time, but I'd been hoping DH and I could have "us" time instead. :lovestruc

Sorry to dump on you guys, just felt in need of a little pixie dust and a virtual hug or two. Thanks for listening.

[kkruser]

Hi ksoehrlein. I'm sending you a virtual hug :love: :grouphug: and wish for your hubby to join you on the cruise. :hug: It sounds like an impressive honor to be invited to lecture in Saudi Arabia. Congrats. Maybe if he doesn't join you a splurge in the spa might cheer you up. :cutie::beach:

[txsoccermom]

Hi ksoehrlein. I'm sending you a virtual hug :love: :grouphug: and wish for your hubby to join you on the cruise. :hug: It sounds like an impressive honor to be invited to lecture in Saudi Arabia. Congrats. Maybe if he doesn't join you a splurge in the spa might cheer you up. :cutie::beach:

Ditto from me too!:hug: It will all work out ....have faith!

Did anyone know today is 10-10-10?!?! And, I think 1/2 way between now and when we depart is Christmas!

[kkruser]

Happy Columbus Day to those of you in the US, and Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in Canada!:jumping1:party:

[txsoccermom]

So, almost 30 days away from platinum members making dinner ressies, shore excursions, etc:cool1: That's not me though :lmao: Anyways, hope everyone is doing well. GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!

I still have kept the trip a secret from DH and the kids, but felt so close to blurting it out last nite :eek: DS keeps saying how he wants to go to Disney World, and even drew a picture of "Disney World" with Cinderella's castle, etc on his glow doodle! And then last nite, DD slept with her Minnie Mouse and DS with his Mickey Mouse. However, mum's the word :cool1:

5 months from today we'll be sailing the ocean blue .....

[kkruser]

So, almost 30 days away from platinum members making dinner ressies, shore excursions, etc:cool1: That's not me though :lmao: Anyways, hope everyone is doing well. GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!

I still have kept the trip a secret from DH and the kids, but felt so close to blurting it out last nite :eek: DS keeps saying how he wants to go to Disney World, and even drew a picture of "Disney World" with Cinderella's castle, etc on his glow doodle! And then last nite, DD slept with her Minnie Mouse and DS with his Mickey Mouse. However, mum's the word :cool1:

5 months from today we'll be sailing the ocean blue .....

Ah, they are going to be so surprised!:dance3::cloud9: You should video tape the reveal. My son and DIL have done that a couple of times when they surprised their girls, and it was priceless! Your will power is amazing!:worship:

Really enjoying this beautiful Texas weather.:cool2: Should be great for Friday night's game. GO TEXAS RANGERS. GIVE 'EM THE CLAW! GIVE 'EM THE ANTLERS!:cheer2:

We had our roof replaced two weeks ago and start installation of double-hung replacement windows and vinyl siding today. All the window treatments are down and all furniture has been moved to the center of rooms away from the windows. It looks like we are moving out. I'll be glad when it is finished, but we have one more project in the works before Thanksgiving.

[jenerra11]

I took a family vote yesterday and It seems like we will be wearing black and white for our family pic. It was between red/black or black/white. We haven't had a family pic in ages, so taking a pic on the cruise will be wonderful for us. Now, the headache of trying to find everyone something nice in black/white will be a nightmare.:confused:

[txsoccermom]

I took a family vote yesterday and It seems like we will be wearing black and white for our family pic. It was between red/black or black/white. We haven't had a family pic in ages, so taking a pic on the cruise will be wonderful for us. Now, the headache of trying to find everyone something nice in black/white will be a nightmare.:confused:

That will look great! Are you having this done on the ship, or on Castaway Cay? I've had several friends lately that did awesome family beach pics in black & khaki....not to throw a wrench in your plans! I've been trying to look thru our clothes and see what we could do to coordinate stuff - it's hard :confused3 We will have black t-shirts & khaki pants though for pirate nite :thumbsup2

[kkruser]

I took a family vote yesterday and It seems like we will be wearing black and white for our family pic. It was between red/black or black/white. We haven't had a family pic in ages, so taking a pic on the cruise will be wonderful for us. Now, the headache of trying to find everyone something nice in black/white will be a nightmare.:confused:

What a great idea! We will have two sets of grandparents, son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters :grouphug:. We have had group pictures made twice around Christmas time. In the first, we were instructed to wear blue by our daughter-in-law. Several chose to wear denim. In the second, we were instructed to wear fall colors. I really like the idea of having a pic taken at Castaway Cay :beach: or on the ship if they have a good backdrop. Thanks for the ideas ladies. :love:

[kkruser]

Hubby received his renewed passport in the mail this afternoon and is ready to roll.:rotfl:

We received our dinner/show assignments last weekend. My daughter-in-law's parents realized they had unwittingly signed up for 2nd seating, while the rest of us are assigned to main seating. I called to link the reservations and was told we could only put DIL's parents on a waitlist for main dining. The sales' agent said there was a good chance for them to getting into main seating.

Great weather here in the DFW area. The only thing that would make it better is to have it punctuated with an occasional shower.

[HappyontheLake]

Oh wow, I just looked for sake of it, and our exact staterooms are available for the B2B cruise (3-17), ACK --- if it wasn't for the fact that we are using DVC points for our AKL stay I would so be campaigning this with my husband right now and surprising our kids, but they are really looking forward to WDW (and so am I -- we LOVE AKL) but then again I really did want to do a 7 night cruise. Oh the agony of it all.

[txsoccermom]

Oh wow, I just looked for sake of it, and our exact staterooms are available for the B2B cruise (3-17), ACK --- if it wasn't for the fact that we are using DVC points for our AKL stay I would so be campaigning this with my husband right now and surprising our kids, but they are really looking forward to WDW (and so am I -- we LOVE AKL) but then again I really did want to do a 7 night cruise. Oh the agony of it all.

Enjoy AKL! I thought about doing the B2B too for the sake of a longer cruise, however I didn't see the point of going to Nassau & CC again so soon. I am definitely looking fwd to our next cruise being longer, but to different ports - maybe Med, Alaska or Hawaii!

GO RANGERS!!!!!!

[HappyontheLake]

Enjoy AKL! I thought about doing the B2B too for the sake of a longer cruise, however I didn't see the point of going to Nassau & CC again so soon. I am definitely looking fwd to our next cruise being longer, but to different ports - maybe Med, Alaska or Hawaii!

GO RANGERS!!!!!!

I would definitely enjoy CC for a 2nd day (we were rained out for more than half the day on our 7 night cruise) and would enjoy just walking around Nassau some and then staying on the ship the 2nd Nassau day since the 1st day we are doing the Dolphin encounter. I will be talking to my husband about the option today. I am all for B2B, my 12yo daughter is all for B2B (she doesn't enjoy the stress of WDW when it is crowded and we don't have a lot of days to enjoy it). We have enough DVC points to pay for the 3 night cruise for the two CAT 4 rooms we have booked for the 4 nights (exact same rooms -- it is meant to be)

[txsoccermom]

I would definitely enjoy CC for a 2nd day (we were rained out for more than half the day on our 7 night cruise) and would enjoy just walking around Nassau some and then staying on the ship the 2nd Nassau day since the 1st day we are doing the Dolphin encounter. I will be talking to my husband about the option today. I am all for B2B, my 12yo daughter is all for B2B (she doesn't enjoy the stress of WDW when it is crowded and we don't have a lot of days to enjoy it). We have enough DVC points to pay for the 3 night cruise for the two CAT 4 rooms we have booked for the 4 nights (exact same rooms -- it is meant to be)

Sounds like it is! Hope your same cabins are still available :-).

[txsoccermom]

I thought I would start looking at weeks left instead of days left b/c they're so much less :cool1:

20 weeks from now, we'll be sailing on the big blue ocean, done with dinner, etc.

Can't wait - hope everyone had a "magical" weekend :banana:

[txsoccermom]

Folks -

Thought I would post this now in case I get super busy with work and the holidays......I am going to start keeping an excel file with our info for the FE exchange :cool1: Pls PM me with as much of the following info as you like, and I will add it to the chart:

* DISBoard Name/ real name
* State you live in
* Stateroom #
* # adults/# children in each stateroom (I know some families have multiple staterooms, so pls let me know if there will only be 1 FE for the group and where that will be, or 1 FE/stateroom)
* Children(s)' ages and notes
* Addtl comments - any health issues (re: FE gifts like peanuts, recovering AA, etc), any celebrations while on the ship (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries)

I saw on another meet board the person attached the spreadsheet as a google doc - I'll try the same, but not promising! It would be great to do that, b/c I could keep it updated as late as Fri., Mar 11.

After that, if anyone gets an upgrade, you could let us know at the DISMeet or if you can't attend that, then call my stateroom by 5p and I will notify everyone else by voicemail to their stateroom.

DISMeet - Pls PM me if you are interested in this too. Am thinking we could do a "basket" exchange, where everyone brings a basket or such that they've put together with items from their state. We put everyone's name in a hat and then draw, to see who gets which basket?! I'm leaning towards putting a $25 price limit on this, and then that will bring out the creativity in us:thumbsup2 Feel free to PM me your comments/suggestions since I am a newbie to all of this! I do think it would be a wonderful thing to do in order to meet everyone and have some fun! Don't know where yet, but it would be about 3/3:30p. Will post more info on the "FE roster" post, #120, as it becomes definitive.

Thanks!:yay:

[mkmommy]

It is exciting to see pictures of the Dream in water:banana: Can't wait to see her in person.

The girls still do not know about this trip, but it is getting harder to say nothing.:lmao:

[txsoccermom]

It is exciting to see pictures of the Dream in water:banana: Can't wait to see her in person.

The girls still do not know about this trip, but it is getting harder to say nothing.:lmao:

MKMOMMY - Welcome! Come join our FE group and DISMeet - we'd love to meet you and your family :thumbsup2 I know what you mean about it's getting harder to say nothing about the trip to the family! None of mine, including DH, know anything about it :lmao: My "reveal plan" though is just about all in place, in case I feel the need to spill the beans early, but I'm doing my best to hold out until at least Jan 2011, if not until Valentine's Day :cool1:

Good luck with keeping the secret and hope we can all see more pictures of the float out tomorrow :banana::banana:

[discruiser]

Hi there...another Texan (Houston area) on this cruise! Sailing will be myself, DH, DS12 (turning 13 a week after the cruise), DD10 (turning 11 a month after the cruise), DD6 and DS4. This will be our 7th Disney cruise...#6 is the 11 night Holiday cruise over Christmas! My kids have no idea about this cruise yet, nor do they know that we are cruising for Christmas, but they are absolutely dying to go on the Dream! I wasn't originally going to book this cruise so soon after the Dec cruise, but we wound up using DVC points so it worked out perfectly! We will be spending 2 nights at Bay Lake Tower after the cruise.

We would like to be added to the FE list and I will pm our info to txsoccermom soon. My kids love finding goodies in the FE!

Nice to meet you all. Hopefully after our Christmas cruise, I can be a bit more active on this board.

Kim

[kkruser]

Welcome mkmommy and discruiser. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

[txsoccermom]

:cool1: Welcome Discruiser :) I feel like such an obsessive Disney freak that I need to go to a Disney-a-holics mtg, after spending most of yesterday morning following the posts and pics on the Dream's float out :lmao: Seriously though, for those who haven't seen it yet, take the time to go thru that thread and then look at the youtube video they mention later in the thread. LOVE the horn :banana: and the fireworks were great!

Have to run before I get caught on here and the secret is blown :rotfl2:

[HappyontheLake]

It is exciting to see pictures of the Dream in water:banana: Can't wait to see her in person.

The girls still do not know about this trip, but it is getting harder to say nothing.:lmao:

My two youngest girls are almost exactly the same age! Mine will be 10 and 8 on the cruise (currently 9 -- 10 the end of November, and the youngest just turned 8 two weeks ago!)

[HappyontheLake]

Hi there...another Texan (Houston area) on this cruise! Sailing will be myself, DH, DS12 (turning 13 a week after the cruise), DD10 (turning 11 a month after the cruise), DD6 and DS4. This will be our 7th Disney cruise...#6 is the 11 night Holiday cruise over Christmas! My kids have no idea about this cruise yet, nor do they know that we are cruising for Christmas, but they are absolutely dying to go on the Dream! I wasn't originally going to book this cruise so soon after the Dec cruise, but we wound up using DVC points so it worked out perfectly! We will be spending 2 nights at Bay Lake Tower after the cruise.

We would like to be added to the FE list and I will pm our info to txsoccermom soon. My kids love finding goodies in the FE!

Nice to meet you all. Hopefully after our Christmas cruise, I can be a bit more active on this board.

Kim

I would love to be able to convince my husband that the 11 night Holiday cruise is a necessity -- but I really don't see that happening.

We are staying 3 nights at AKL -- Kidani after this cruise! We have 4 kids also, but a slightly different age range. Ours will be 16 yo boy, and 3 girls 13, 10, & 8 on the cruise.

[tidefan]

Hey Happy,

Just an FYI, our DD is 7 1/2 (2nd grader), so would be around the same age as your youngest..

[mkmommy]

My two youngest girls are almost exactly the same age! Mine will be 10 and 8 on the cruise (currently 9 -- 10 the end of November, and the youngest just turned 8 two weeks ago!)

My youngest turned 8 last week. She is not a fan of the kids club, but I am sure if she had a friend she would love it, she is a real girly girl and loves all the characters. My oldest will be 10 in January and would care less about clothes and girly things.

[kkruser]

My youngest turned 8 last week. She is not a fan of the kids club, but I am sure if she had a friend she would love it, she is a real girly girl and loves all the characters. My oldest will be 10 in January and would care less about clothes and girly things.

Sounds like our granddaughters. Our youngest who turned 7 in August is the girly girl who loves the characters, clothes, makeup, etc. The oldest who will be 10 in April is the tomboy type. Sometimes I think they play those roles to be different from the other sister.

[HappyontheLake]

My youngest turned 8 last week. She is not a fan of the kids club, but I am sure if she had a friend she would love it, she is a real girly girl and loves all the characters. My oldest will be 10 in January and would care less about clothes and girly things.

Well my youngest loves the girly things but prefers all things horse -- she would be in heaven if Disney had horses on the ship.

My daughter that will be 10 this month is a tomboy, would climb everything if they let her, and would also prefer if Disney had horses on board ship.

Both girls think my husband and I are horrible parents because we won't buy them their own horses but force them to use the school horses at the stables. We are so mean.

They do enjoy the kids clubs because they keep them busy, my 10 year is campaigning for sign out rights but she won't get them because she is so "in the moment" and without the ability to text us constantly we just won't do it. She is a world apart maturity wise from her older sister who at the age we would have done it in a heart beat.

[jenerra11]

I went to target yesterday and found the boy's pirate: costumes for 50% off. I also found all of the pirate: accessories half off also. It feels good to get a great:banana: deal once in a while.

[txsoccermom]

I went to target yesterday and found the boy's pirate: costumes for 50% off. I also found all of the pirate: accessories half off also. It feels good to get a great:banana: deal once in a while.

Way to go:thumbsup2 I LOVE Target.....gets me in trouble too many times though :lmao:

I'm so happy to see folks getting to know each other on this thread! Can't wait to meet everyone :banana: Please continue to send me your individual info and I will add it to the spreadsheet I am compiling. Will try to post as a Google doc soon.

Hope everyone is doing well - cold here in TX! Only 50, feels like 46.....:eek:

[HappyontheLake]

Way to go:thumbsup2 I LOVE Target.....gets me in trouble too many times though :lmao:

I'm so happy to see folks getting to know each other on this thread! Can't wait to meet everyone :banana: Please continue to send me your individual info and I will add it to the spreadsheet I am compiling. Will try to post as a Google doc soon.

Hope everyone is doing well - cold here in TX! Only 50, feels like 46.....:eek:

I am about to hit Target myself to see if I can find some Pirate wear for my girls. The costume we had gotten my 12 yo ended up being "Naughty Pirate Lass" so that is out (anyone have a 4'10" TO 5'2" daughter that needs a pirate lass costume? way to short on my 5'6" and growing daughter) Free for the taking and I will mail it to you.

So off to Target then the grocery store for chili makings for this chilly night (pun intended). Chili for my family and also making a chili delivery for a friend's husband and sick kid (friend is in Fort Lauderdale choreographing for the new Celebrity Cruise show)

[mkmommy]

My youngest did a week at horse camp and loved it which was surprising as she is terrified of most animals.

We do not have Target in Canada but I am heading to the USA
Next week, so I always try and find one, don't think we will be dressing up though, trying to do carry on only for luggage so we are traveling lite.

[HappyontheLake]

My youngest did a week at horse camp and loved it which was surprising as she is terrified of most animals.

We do not have Target in Canada but I am heading to the USA
Next week, so I always try and find one, don't think we will be dressing up though, trying to do carry on only for luggage so we are traveling lite.

I bought a couple of extra costumes so my girls could try a couple out, I may just end up bringing all I have (they take up so little space and we don't have to pay for checked bags) so you are free to use our extra for your girls so they can join in the fun of pirate night!

I am actually having my pirate costume made (yes, I am obsessive -- but we also go to the Texas Ren Fest every year, and it's a corset .. those are always fun ;) ) but I need to find white puffy shirts for my son and husband and black "leather vests" and voila! they're pirates!

[mkmommy]

I bought a couple of extra costumes so my girls could try a couple out, I may just end up bringing all I have (they take up so little space and we don't have to pay for checked bags) so you are free to use our extra for your girls so they can join in the fun of pirate night!

I am actually having my pirate costume made (yes, I am obsessive -- but we also go to the Texas Ren Fest every year, and it's a corset .. those are always fun ;) ) but I need to find white puffy shirts for my son and husband and black "leather vests" and voila! they're pirates!

Sounds like you will have a great costume.

The girls have been on 4 cruises so far and only on the last one did we rush up to catch the fireworks, by the end of the day they are always so tired. With the new Pirate Party and fireworks on the Dream hopefully we will catch it all.

[kkruser]

Has anyone ever booked a pre/post Disney hotel/park package together with a Disney cruise? Is there any discount on the hotel/park package if booked in conjunction with the cruise?

I called Disney to make arrangements for birthday celebrations for our group and asked the above question. The reservationist said she did not know but gave me the reasons she thought the stay should be linked to the cruise.

We have been looking for a price break on hotels immediately after the cruise as well as before, but the price remains high. Even the dining package which is available free through May is not available our week. I guess spring break is a difficult time to enjoy Disney on a budget. :sad2:

Awaiting your replies,

[txsoccermom]

...Platinum CC members get to book Remy, spa stuff, etc:thumbsup2 And yes, that's not me :lmao: I am looking forward though to hearing everyone's experience when they do book, whether excursions are open/full, dining ressies open/full, etc.

Awesome ideas for the pirate costumes! Can't wait to see you all - what a fun, fabulous group we have. Our family will be the ones in pirate t-shirts b/c that's about as far as I can get DH to go with the whole thing.

And oh....they still don't know, although I almost spilled the beans on Friday nite b/c of the coverage they had on GMA! I was soooo excited, and even DS caught me watching the video. He said "Mommy, why can't we do on a Disney cruise? I WANT to go on a Disney cruise! Look - they have cool slides!" And that night, all 3 of them were trying to guess where we were going for Spring Break. DD mentioned a cruise, and DH said, "Oh, not a Disney Cruise!" DS goes "But Daddy, they have really cool slides!" DH says "People will ask me 'What cruise ship did you do on?' and I don't want to tell them a Disney Cruise?" Grumpy! Little do they all know :banana: But I have planned 2 days at Univeral Orlando for after the cruise, to satisfy DH.

Kkruser - there are NO deals at spring break :sad2: I tried and tried to book the CI&S thru priceline for months, went up to $85/nt (looking at Fri and Sat before the cruise), and that wasn't accepted. I finally booked it @ $111/nt for the AAA rate, and I see now that on the Sat before our cruise, it's gone up to $125. I'm going to still try priceline though, as the time gets closer. Good luck!! :cheer2:

Well folks, off to get some :laundy: done and :surfweb:. Chat with you all soon. Ooooohhh - my TA is on both the christening cruise and maiden voyage for the Dream! She promises to take lots of pics and I'm sending her e-mails constantly with questions to answer for me - i.e. is door magnetic, etc. And she is fairly certain the door is magnetic, even though in the pics it looks like wood.

Later :flower3:

[HappyontheLake]

...Platinum CC members get to book Remy, spa stuff, etc:thumbsup2 And yes, that's not me :lmao: I am looking forward though to hearing everyone's experience when they do book, whether excursions are open/full, dining ressies open/full, etc.

Awesome ideas for the pirate costumes! Can't wait to see you all - what a fun, fabulous group we have. Our family will be the ones in pirate t-shirts b/c that's about as far as I can get DH to go with the whole thing.

And oh....they still don't know, although I almost spilled the beans on Friday nite b/c of the coverage they had on GMA! I was soooo excited, and even DS caught me watching the video. He said "Mommy, why can't we do on a Disney cruise? I WANT to go on a Disney cruise! Look - they have cool slides!" And that night, all 3 of them were trying to guess where we were going for Spring Break. DD mentioned a cruise, and DH said, "Oh, not a Disney Cruise!" DS goes "But Daddy, they have really cool slides!" DH says "People will ask me 'What cruise ship did you do on?' and I don't want to tell them a Disney Cruise?" Grumpy! Little do they all know :banana: But I have planned 2 days at Univeral Orlando for after the cruise, to satisfy DH.

Kkruser - there are NO deals at spring break :sad2: I tried and tried to book the CI&S thru priceline for months, went up to $85/nt (looking at Fri and Sat before the cruise), and that wasn't accepted. I finally booked it @ $111/nt for the AAA rate, and I see now that on the Sat before our cruise, it's gone up to $125. I'm going to still try priceline though, as the time gets closer. Good luck!! :cheer2:

Well folks, off to get some :laundy: done and :surfweb:. Chat with you all soon. Ooooohhh - my TA is on both the christening cruise and maiden voyage for the Dream! She promises to take lots of pics and I'm sending her e-mails constantly with questions to answer for me - i.e. is door magnetic, etc. And she is fairly certain the door is magnetic, even though in the pics it looks like wood.

Later :flower3:

There will probably be no deals at CI&S for spring break -- DH tried even using corporate travel :rolleyes1 to get him a room (he travels 30+ weeks a year almost exclusively through Radisson -- CI&S parent company) and no dice for a price break. So we are staying at the Radisson using points (couldn't even get the CI&S for points) the night before.

But AKL Kidani Village with DVC points for 3 nights after! That will be nice, and it will bring back hilarious memories of my girls 4 years ago asking DH from the balcony of AKL if we could shoot the animals (we are a big hunting family). I almost fell off the bed laughing, then had to make sure they understood that they could not mention shooting the animals EVER while in the AKL (didn't want to be banned ya know).

[ksoehrlein]

Speaking of booking Remy and all that fun stuff, what do you think the dining rotations will be like on the Dream? On the Wonder and Magic, it looks like day 3 is a repeat of day 2, just with the Pirates menu the second time around. Do you think the Dream will be the same way? That will play a part in our Remy and/or Palo planning.

[jenerra11]

16 more weeks to go!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

[HappyontheLake]

16 more weeks to go!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Wait, it's that close?

Thanksgiving has snuck up on me, Christmas is sneaking up on me. Now I need to start thinking about spring break clothes for my kids (who refuse to stop growing!)
:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

[txsoccermom]

16 more weeks to go!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

How exciting! Time is flying now - woohoo

[kkruser]

Noticed an inside cabin available this morning. :surfweb: I'm guessing more people will be letting staterooms go as final payment approaches next month. I hope some of the cancellations are for main seating dinner, and DIL's parents can be moved from the wait list to join us. Otherwise, we'll all try to move to late dinner with them if possible when we hop on board.

Enjoying the cool temps in the DFW area,

[I'mWong]

Oh wow, I just looked for sake of it, and our exact staterooms are available for the B2B cruise (3-17), ACK --- if it wasn't for the fact that we are using DVC points for our AKL stay I would so be campaigning this with my husband right now and surprising our kids, but they are really looking forward to WDW (and so am I -- we LOVE AKL) but then again I really did want to do a 7 night cruise. Oh the agony of it all.

We are also staying at AKL for two nights after the cruise using our DVC points.

[HappyontheLake]

We are also staying at AKL for two nights after the cruise using our DVC points.

Cool! Your daughter is just 1 year older than my oldest daughter (but that little age difference will put them in different parts of the ship, LOL)

We will be at Kidani for our AKL stay.

[I'mWong]

Cool! Your daughter is just 1 year older than my oldest daughter (but that little age difference will put them in different parts of the ship, LOL)

We will be at Kidani for our AKL stay.

Too bad for that! I am going to try to get my daughter to start getting in touch with some of the girls that will be in the teen group with her. When we went last summer (09), she only went to the teen club one time. I think it would be easier on her if she had someone she knew atleast a little bit.

We are right up the road from you in Houston. My nephew actually lives in Austin.

[I'mWong]

Noticed an inside cabin available this morning. :surfweb: I'm guessing more people will be letting staterooms go as final payment approaches next month. I hope some of the cancellations are for main seating dinner, and DIL's parents can be moved from the wait list to join us. Otherwise, we'll all try to move to late dinner with them if possible when we hop on board.

Enjoying the cool temps in the DFW area,

I hope we can move down to a lower category. Right now we are in a Veranda. We have always traveled in a verandah, but this time I would really like to move to either an oceanview or even an inside and save the money. I wouldn't mind spending that extra moolah on souveniers and while we are at WDW.

[kkruser]

I hope we can move down to a lower category. Right now we are in a Veranda. We have always traveled in a verandah, but this time I would really like to move to either an oceanview or even an inside and save the money. I wouldn't mind spending that extra moolah on souveniers and while we are at WDW.

There are lots of stateroom categories available if you do a mock booking for two people, but our date does not even appear if you look for a room for four.:confused3 Looks as if you would have to book two rooms to move down. :yo-yo: The rooms that show available for double occupancy sleep either 3-4 or 4-5. The ship must be too close to capacity to book more than two to a room at this time. Since you are already booked as a family of four, maybe you could move to one of the available rooms if you called.

[I'mWong]

There are lots of stateroom categories available if you do a mock booking for two people, but our date does not even appear if you look for a room for four.:confused3 Looks as if you would have to book two rooms to move down. :yo-yo: The rooms that show available for double occupancy sleep either 3-4 or 4-5. The ship must be too close to capacity to book more than two to a room at this time. Since you are already booked as a family of four, maybe you could move to one of the available rooms if you called.

I have been calling and so far nothing they can move four into. I feel like there will be some people that cancel once final payment is due. I am paying off in the next few days so I can do my booking early. I verified that even if we are paid off, we can still change categories without a penalty and was assured we could. I will have paid for the cruise, so if we do not get to move, then it is fine. I am just hoping. I even priced it out with two cabins with 2 per cabin and it was only about $100 less, so that certainly is not worth it. Thanks for the info, though.

[HappyontheLake]

Our friends are trying to get on this cruise (2A 2K) and she is calling twice a day praying that someone has to cancel/rebook. They are indifferent to the category of stateroom they get (would prefer cheaper but just want to get on this cruise).

They would have booked sooner but they just moved back to the states from mainland China after 5 years and want to surprise their girls by taking them on the same cruise as us ... if they can't get on they have a booking on another cruise already.

We are already talking about another date that we can cruise together or maybe taking an all girls cruise together at some point.

[mkmommy]

There are some room only discount codes for WDW, went from 1 night at the Pop Century and 1 night at Cariibbean Beach resort to 2 nights at CBR for $10 less, post cruise.

[I'mWong]

There are some room only discount codes for WDW, went from 1 night at the Pop Century and 1 night at Cariibbean Beach resort to 2 nights at CBR for $10 less, post cruise.

WOW! Congratulations on your savings! Every little bit helps while at WDW!

[txsoccermom]

Just wanted to take a minute to wish ya'll a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe, if you're travelling anywhere. If not, go Cowboys :cheer2:

I promise to post the excel sheet soon - work's been kicking me in the backside, along with getting ready for the holidays. I need my time back to prepare my FE gifts :banana:

Only 109 days left :yay::yay::yay: and I still haven't told them about it :rotfl2: I'm still planning on letting them (kids and DH!) in on the secret sometime between mid-Jan to mid-Feb!

[kkruser]

Just returned from a quick trip to Houston (left Friday and returned Saturday.) Hope everyone had a blessed and relaxed Thanksgiving with family and friends!

[I'mWong]

Hope everyone had a nice holiday. It is going to be Christmas before we know it. This year is really going by quickly!

I booked a reservation tonight for Palo. Wanted to book the brunch too, but it is alreay booked for our cruise. I am sure other spots will open up once we get onboard, but none were available today. I will keep checking. If we don't get in, that will be fine too. It is my son's birthday that day. We will gladly spend the time with him instead!

Have a great Sunday, then back to work. Three quick weeks of school and work. It is a tough three weeks for my kids. Lots of finals, school performances, basketball and all that stuff!

[ksoehrlein]

I booked a reservation tonight for Palo. Wanted to book the brunch too, but it is alreay booked for our cruise.
Yikes! I had really wanted to try brunch this time. Does the fact it's already booked mean that the majority of cruisers are Platinum, Gold, or Concierge? I wonder if we lowly Silver people will feel left out.

[I'mWong]

Yikes! I had really wanted to try brunch this time. Does the fact it's already booked mean that the majority of cruisers are Platinum, Gold, or Concierge? I wonder if we lowly Silver people will feel left out.

I don't know. I thought booking opened at midnight our time but it was actually midnight Florida time so I didn't get online to book until about thirty minutes late. I am not sure if they are releasing so many reservations per booking category and I just got on too late to get in on it, or if they are all booked until boarding time. There are so many people on this cruise that I am sure that is also part of the issue. I am going to try to get a reservation once we get onboard, but not sure if I will get in. Either way, I am going to be happy. The brunch is amazing, though! I am keeping my fingers crossed for both of us! :)

[mkmommy]

Not surprising that there are so many Gold and Platinum members cruising, I am sure the first year there will be a very high number of faithful repeat guests, who have been waiting for so long to go on a new ship.

Getting really excited, I am not doing Palo as I don't want to waste that much time on meals. We have late seating for dinner and I am thinking we may just go for dessert, as there is no way the girls will make it that late without eating and they could live off of pizza and be just as happy, we tend to always get slow servers.

[mkmommy]

We got our room assignment, no longer GTY.

Appears it has the bunk, really did not want a room that only holds 3 and would have had to sleep with my daughter. Still think it is a bad idea not having the ability to split the queen bed into twins, but we are ok this trip, going forward I will always book a room that holds 4 for the 3 of us.

[kkruser]

We finally managed to book all our airline tickets and our hotel in Orlando before the cruse and at WDW after the cruise :surfweb:.

Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista before. (Great AARP discount, and they let us book a room for son and family on the discount. :yay:) The guys are going to play golf, and the girls are going to Downtown Disney to shop on the 12th.

After the cruise, we are staying at Pop Century. They let Son and DIL book two rooms with their passholders' discount:woohoo:.

We are all set except for our park tickets. I will order them soon. This is starting to feel real party:! Now, back to the Christmas shopping...:car:

[HappyontheLake]

We finally managed to book all our airline tickets and our hotel in Orlando before the cruse and at WDW after the cruise :surfweb:.

Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista before. (Great AARP discount, and they let us book a room for son and family on the discount. :yay:) The guys are going to play golf, and the girls are going to Downtown Disney to shop on the 12th.

After the cruise, we are staying at Pop Century. They let Son and DIL book two rooms with their passholders' discount:woohoo:.

We are all set except for our park tickets. I will order them soon. This is starting to feel real party:! Now, back to the Christmas shopping...:car:

Looks like there are quite a few of us doing WDW after the cruise! You must be getting in early on the 12th in order to play golf. We don't land until 645pm so we are taking a limo straight to PC. We are staying at AKL for 3 nights afterwards (we are DVC members) in a 2 bedroom (4 kids). Great that y'all can share each other's discounts!

I am about to make our last payment and just a few days away from booking excursions.

[kkruser]

We are actually flying in on the 11th, so we will have the whole day on the 12th to play.

[travelgal2]

Just wondering if anyone is doing a B2B for the week of Spring Break? If so (or if you've done a B2B before, I'd like your thoughts on FE gifts ( are you bringing enough for both cruises?) and the logistics of the day the first one ends and the second one begins-when would we get off, go through security, what do we do with our luggage, etc? Any tips are greatly appreciated.

This will be our first B2B-we are all looking forward to it, especially our two sons in college (who, like many others, have finals coming up next week and would much prefer daydreaming about the Caribbean over SB vs. studying! :banana: )

Thanks!!!

[HappyontheLake]

We are actually flying in on the 11th, so we will have the whole day on the 12th to play.

Would have LOVED to be able to fly on the 11th! But flying out of Austin with two kids who don't get out of school until 345pm --- just not possible (especially with a husband who works on Pacific time).

[kkruser]

Would have LOVED to be able to fly on the 11th! But flying out of Austin with two kids who don't get out of school until 345pm --- just not possible (especially with a husband who works on Pacific time).

Granddaughters are on early release that day. Our flight is an evening flight, and bed time will be delayed. Maybe they will be tired enough to sleep, as they will have already done WDW three times in 2010. Yeah, right! :laughing::laughing:

[garytam]

Just wondering if anyone is doing a B2B for the week of Spring Break? If so (or if you've done a B2B before, I'd like your thoughts on FE gifts ( are you bringing enough for both cruises?) and the logistics of the day the first one ends and the second one begins-when would we get off, go through security, what do we do with our luggage, etc? Any tips are greatly appreciated.

This will be our first B2B-we are all looking forward to it, especially our two sons in college (who, like many others, have finals coming up next week and would much prefer daydreaming about the Caribbean over SB vs. studying! :banana: )

Thanks!!!

Hi Tracey

We are doing the b2b for the first time also. From what I been gather, if you are in the same room, you can leave the luggage in the room. Otherwise, you need to bring them to customer service before making a round to the terminal for a new set of cards.

Gary

[txsoccermom]

Hi -it's me :flower3: I have finally compiled a spreadsheet for the FE Roster and DISMeet on our wonderful, upcoming voyage! Here it is (and it's also posted on pg 8, post #120):

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ao2A0wF3tH6VdFRGc0FVQkxiYlBaemQ4Ykt3NDNOT lE&hl=en&authkey=CP-V8ZwD

Please forward me any missing/incorrect information for you ASAP. I need alot of stateroom #s, and also need confirmation if you are still doing the FE and DISMeet state exchange basket (location & time to be announced later!).

Have to run as I'm multitasking (conf call on the phone while I type this) :rotfl:

Later. :santa:

[txsoccermom]

crud.....spreadsheet is marked as private and I'm trying to share it with anyone who has the link! Will let you know when it's up and running....sorry :sad2:

[txsoccermom]

Yeah!!! :banana::cool1: Now I have to do real work :surfweb:

Please PM me with stateroom #s and any further updates (also confirm that you still want to participate in the FE exchange and DISMeet state basket thingy).

Thanks - doing the double digit dance :dance3:

** And the family (DH, DD, and DS) still doesn't know!

[tidefan]

Hi Tracey

We are doing the b2b for the first time also. From what I been gather, if you are in the same room, you can leave the luggage in the room. Otherwise, you need to bring them to customer service before making a round to the terminal for a new set of cards.

Gary
We are doing a B2B as well... but DD doesn't know that yet...

[ksoehrlein]

Thanks for setting this up, Cathy! My DH is Chuck. We're also 2nd seating, 7 PM show, so we should see you around from time to time.

Just made our final payment (ouch). That gives me the weekend to figure out what excursions to try to book when our window opens up on Monday! :banana:

[travelgal2]

Hi Tracey

We are doing the b2b for the first time also. From what I been gather, if you are in the same room, you can leave the luggage in the room. Otherwise, you need to bring them to customer service before making a round to the terminal for a new set of cards.

Gary

Gary,
I sort of figured that's how it would work. I've heard varying degrees of this, so I don't think what we've heard so far is off much. I was hoping we'd be available to do laundry when the washer/dryer room is quiet! :laundy:

Next question-has anyone cruised in March? How chilly is the water and are you packing more jeans/pants/sweatshirt/sweaters or sticking with warm weather shorts for your outings? :confused: Are we swimming with blue fingernails and braving it, or just mainly hanging out on the beach? We've only been down in the summer and Oct-so no experience with March. Thanks in advance!

Tracey

[mkmommy]

This will be 4 th year in a row at the same, Weather is all over the place. Last year the girls never got in the pool as it was too cold.

We have never had rain at Castway Cay but only the first year was the water what I would say warm. We still had a great day.

I will be bringing at bit of everthing as it was hot during the day, just very windy on the ship or the water cold

[travelgal2]

This will be 4 th year in a row at the same, Weather is all over the place. Last year the girls never got in the pool as it was too cold.

We have never had rain at Castway Cay but only the first year was the water what I would say warm. We still had a great day.

I will be bringing at bit of everthing as it was hot during the day, just very windy on the ship or the water cold

Thanks for telling me of your experience. I was hoping for something very definitive :confused3 :lmao: as two of us will be coming from (probably) chilly Midwest and two of us from (probably) COLD NE and we wanted to pack light. (I know...yeah, right! :rotfl2:) So, I guess its a little of everything for us as well.

Again, thanks for the insight!


Thank you again!

[txsoccermom]

Hi everyone! I have updated the FE/DISMeet spreadsheet with all the latest updates I've received. We still need lots of stateroom #s! My TA is going on the christening cruise (Jan 19) AND maiden voyage (Jan 26) - lucky :cool1: So I am going to ask her to check out a place where we could have our DISMeet at probably 3p. Keep that in mind for your port arrival time...... Hope we get everyone to whatever the meeting place will be :cheer2:

If your stateroom # changes between the time I leave (Fri, Mar 11) and the time the ship leaves port, you can let us know at the DISMeet or call my stateroom and leave a voice mail. I will then call everyone's room and update them.

Wow - only 10 more shopping days :santa: I am sooooo far behind in things :eek: Seems like Christmas is coming so fast this yr! The kids and I baked and baked this weekend (cookies and yummy bon bons - OMG!). Don't know if I will get the cards out or not - geesh.

Oh well, I need this cruise - seriously need a break from the rat race of work, Christmas, everything :sail:

Later - Cathy

[GeneralMax]

This is our 7th Disney Cruise and I have to admit that I have never had such a hard time getting people to decide if they are going or not going on a trip and for how long. Our problem was that we only booked two rooms and in the end we need three to make it comfortable. Fortunately, my sister stepped up and said if she has to be the one to switch rooms between the cruises she will do it. YEAH SISTER. :woohoo:

I am sure that we are driving the travel agent and DISNEY crazy. [Big plug for All Seasons Travel out of Jacksonville - they have been great] I am sitting by the phone waiting for them to call me back and tell me that it is all worked out and paid for so I can go into the web page and book some excursions. I am going to wait to read through all of the posts and catch up the happenings until I get the call so I do not jinx it.

In the mean time for those of you doing a b2b what happens to us on the day in port. Do we have to leave the ship?

[jenerra11]

ONLY 12 MORE WEEKS LEFT:banana::banana::banana::banana: