Disney Dream March 31, 2011

[ariel68]

...and the countdown begins!!:yay:

We are so pumped for our first DCL cruise on the Dream. I am traveling with my Mom, DD17 and her BFF also 17. They are celebrating their high school Graduation, with their first cruise ever, along with a 6 day visit to Orlando. We would love to have the chance to chat with other guests on this sailing. Looking forward to meeting you all!!

[IrishCowboy]

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

[Mean Queen]

We'll be on this cruise also. We're doing a back to back with the 3/27 cruise then this one. It'll be my family of 4 and two other families for a total of 13 people. We can't wait!

[disneytraceyl]

We are doing this cruise. It is me, husband, daughter 4 and daughter 9. We are very excited to get on the new ship. We will be doing a back to back with the 4/3 saiiling.

[Disney Dad Canada]

Just looking at this point, but a 3 day cruise might be a great way to end our WDW birthday week (my 45th and my son's 11th). We've reserved 8 days DVC at Saratoga Springs, and I'm looking at trying our first cruise afterwards.

I'm a widowed dad with son Brendan (then 11), and twins Jessica and Ciara (6).

I know absolutely nothing about cruises except what's on the DLC web site. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mean Queen]

Just looking at this point, but a 3 day cruise might be a great way to end our WDW birthday week (my 45th and my son's 11th). We've reserved 8 days DVC at Saratoga Springs, and I'm looking at trying our first cruise afterwards.

I'm a widowed dad with son Brendan (then 11), and twins Jessica and Ciara (6).

I know absolutely nothing about cruises except what's on the DLC web site. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've heard many say a cruise is a great way to relax after a week at the parks. Though the kids don't necessarily relax. The ship has so many kid activities, family activities, and adult only activities you are never at a loss for something to do. Or you can just do nothing by the pool.

One good thing about checking in with a DIS thread before is the kids can get to know each other so they have friends on board. We are going with a huge group, but I know my little one would be happy to have someone near her age. She'll turn 5 the week before the cruise. Plus, we'll have other kids in our group from 14 on down. Though there's only one boy and he's already an anti-social teen. ;)

[drag n' fly]

We will be on this cruise. We have 3 kids ages (at the time) 17, 14 and 8. We have booked a pool house for a week and will be doing USO/IOA maybe a little car ride to Sarasota and then finishing it all off with the cruise.:goodvibes

[Disney Dad Canada]

I've heard many say a cruise is a great way to relax after a week at the parks. Though the kids don't necessarily relax. The ship has so many kid activities, family activities, and adult only activities you are never at a loss for something to do. Or you can just do nothing by the pool.

Since it looks like my parents will be coming to WDW with us, trust me, I'll need a few days to relax. I love them dearly, but with them it will be "The Clampets go to WDW".

I assume Disney works out everything for you if you're going from WDW to DCL. I'll fill out the Dreams Unlimited form and ask for some suggestions.

[Mean Queen]

Since it looks like my parents will be coming to WDW with us, trust me, I'll need a few days to relax. I love them dearly, but with them it will be "The Clampets go to WDW".

I assume Disney works out everything for you if you're going from WDW to DCL. I'll fill out the Dreams Unlimited form and ask for some suggestions.

We live in Florida and drive up to the port the day of, so I have no experience with that part. But it's Disney, the service will probably be great as usual.

[Disney Dad Canada]

We just booked today!! Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom Category 09B, whatever that means. :)

Any advice, encouragement, tips or fundraising efforts will be greatly appreciated. :)

[disneytraceyl]

Welcome. We also have an outside 9b. Excited for the cruise. We will be doing back to back cruises. It should be a great time. 3 nights is never long enough for me...

[Disney Dad Canada]

Now that we're confirmed, I thought I should formally introduce myself.

Myself: Paul, widowed dad of 3 kids from Toronto, Canada. DVC member (leaving for first DVC trip May 27th). Caught Disney bug from my late wife, and went into overdrive after taking my kids for the first time to WDW last May. Computer geek, searching for geekette. :)

Son: Brendan (now 10, 11 on the cruise)
Loves Disney movies, Pokemon, sports (especially Toronto teams)

Jessica and Ciara (twins, now 6, 7 on the cruise)
Princess, Hannah Montanah and High school musical crazy

[porknbeans]

My family will be going on this cruise. It will be our first and we are really looking forward to it.
My DS (14) and DD (11) are looking forward to the kid clubs and water slide. DW and I are looking forward to warm weather, cool drinks and a break from "reality".
:woohoo::woohoo:

Now I just need to get a trip counter going.

[Mean Queen]

Welcome porknbeans!

I guess I'll introduce myself too. I'm Shay, married to Doug. My oldest daughter will be 11 at the time of the cruise, my youngest will have just turned 5.

Our friends going with us are two other families. One had 2 kids, a boy who will be 14 and a girl who will be 11. The other has 3 girls, ages at the time of cruise, 13, 11, and 8. They will probably join the cruise thread when it gets closer. I'm the only one who likes to DIS all the time.

[FloridaFamof3]

I have been thinking about this cruise for awhile now....and we finally booked it today! Well, so far we booked one of the three rooms our group will need. We are celebrating our parents 50th wedding anniversary next March. Six adults, 3 kids aged 6, 5, and 4 by that date (if my math is right). Soooo excited! One catch - only DH and I can know, at least til Xmas. It's a surprise. So I'll be here alot...as therapy for keeping a secret for so long. (It's hard for me :rotfl:)

[porknbeans]

Mean Queen, thank you for the welcome. Things have been busy here at work and at home. We're looking forward to the trip and meeting all the DISers that will be traveling on this trip.

[ariel68]

We will be on this cruise. We have 3 kids ages (at the time) 17, 14 and 8. We have booked a pool house for a week and will be doing USO/IOA maybe a little car ride to Sarasota and then finishing it all off with the cruise.:goodvibes
We are renting a home the week prior to sailing as well. We're taking the plunge and driving down. This is a first time trip to Florids for DD17 and her BFF also 17 as well as their first cruise. Hopefully they can hook up with some kids their age. With the srping break schedule being so sporadic everywhere, it's hard to say how many kids their age will be sailing. Either way I am sure they will have the time of their lives.

[chernabogfamily]

Hello All!

We just returned from our 1st Disney cruise and LOVED it so much we had to book another! We will be joining you all on the 3/31/11 sailing.

I can't wait (and neither can the rest of the family- even my completely against cruising hubbie loved it).:cloud9::cloud9:
We are a family of 4 with a son (11 at time of cruise) and daughter (7 at time of cruise). We were on the DIS Boards for our recent sailing and met some of the other families that way. Hope to meet you all too! :wizard::wizard:

[Mean Queen]

Hello All!

We just returned from our 1st Disney cruise and LOVED it so much we had to book another! We will be joining you all on the 3/31/11 sailing.

I can't wait (and neither can the rest of the family- even my completely against cruising hubbie loved it).:cloud9::cloud9:
We are a family of 4 with a son (11 at time of cruise) and daughter (7 at time of cruise). We were on the DIS Boards for our recent sailing and met some of the other families that way. Hope to meet you all too! :wizard::wizard:

Welcome aboard! It sounds like you are all about to become Disney cruise addicts. It's just a great vacation, it's hard to resist.

[Disney Dad Canada]

Hello All!


We are a family of 4 with a son (11 at time of cruise) and daughter (7 at time of cruise). We were on the DIS Boards for our recent sailing and met some of the other families that way. Hope to meet you all too! :wizard::wizard:

Sounds like my family, just with 1 less parent and 1 more 7 year old girl. :)

[chernabogfamily]

Sounds like my family, just with 1 less parent and 1 more 7 year old girl. :)

I noticed that this is your first cruise. We got back last month from our first Disney cruise...and LOVED it. Our kids have requested we never do anything else except cruise from now on (they even enjoyed it more than WDW). Your kids should have a blast as well. They are all the same age, so maybe they'll meet each other and spend time together in either the Tween Club or Kids Club (I couldn't drag mine away most of the time). We are looking forward to it all.

The tastings are great(wine, beer, whiskey, sometimes Cognac). We did one and it was a blast. A World Cup game was on at the time and we had fun helping our wine stewards cheer on their teams (oh, and drinking quite a bit of wine in the process):laughing:

[drag n' fly]

Thought I would pop in and say hi and see what was brewing on our thread! Trying to decide if we are going to stay on the ship in Nassau or submit to the greatest ripoff of all time....the Atlantis Waterpark lol. I refused to pay it last time and dh is actually considering it this time ugggh. What plans do you have for your stop in Nassau??:goodvibes

[Mean Queen]

Thought I would pop in and say hi and see what was brewing on our thread! Trying to decide if we are going to stay on the ship in Nassau or submit to the greatest ripoff of all time....the Atlantis Waterpark lol. I refused to pay it last time and dh is actually considering it this time ugggh. What plans do you have for your stop in Nassau??:goodvibes

I do not plan to even get off the ship in Nassau. I'm all about checking out the ship on this trip. I figure that will be a good time to do the scavenger hunt.

[FloridaFamof3]

On our one & only other Disney cruise (Wonder), we also stayed on the ship & explored. There's so little time on a 3 day...it seems to be the best plan to stay & explore. So that's my goal too. But we're traveling w/a group this time. We may end up going w/the flow if the majority wants to explore Atlanti$.

[chernabogfamily]

Thought I would pop in and say hi and see what was brewing on our thread! Trying to decide if we are going to stay on the ship in Nassau or submit to the greatest ripoff of all time....the Atlantis Waterpark lol. I refused to pay it last time and dh is actually considering it this time ugggh. What plans do you have for your stop in Nassau??:goodvibes

We want to check out the ship too. 3 days isn't nearly long enough...although Atlantis could sway us if they have any good deals either there or at the Comfort Suites for a room (that option seems to be far cheaper for a family than the day pass only). Has anyone ever done that?

[porknbeans]

Thought I would pop in and say hi and see what was brewing on our thread! Trying to decide if we are going to stay on the ship in Nassau or submit to the greatest ripoff of all time....the Atlantis Waterpark lol. I refused to pay it last time and dh is actually considering it this time ugggh. What plans do you have for your stop in Nassau??:goodvibes

We've never been to Nassau or on a cruise before. While it would be nice to explore the ship, we're going to get off and poke around some of the shops or historic sites. I'm going to see if I can find a deal on a watch at one of the stores. Has anyone ever done any shopping in Nassau?

[Mean Queen]

We've never been to Nassau or on a cruise before. While it would be nice to explore the ship, we're going to get off and poke around some of the shops or historic sites. I'm going to see if I can find a deal on a watch at one of the stores. Has anyone ever done any shopping in Nassau?

Last time we went, we did hit the stores but didn't buy anything. We got ripped off at the hair braiders right outside the ship and used up all our spending cash. So be warned if you have girls with long hair. Get the braiding done on the ship or at Castaway Cay. The ladies in the Bahamas were rude, tough on my daughters head, and charged $2 a braid - then did 54 braids! Yep, $108 and not even for a full head. :headache:

[drag n' fly]

We've never been to Nassau or on a cruise before. While it would be nice to explore the ship, we're going to get off and poke around some of the shops or historic sites. I'm going to see if I can find a deal on a watch at one of the stores. Has anyone ever done any shopping in Nassau?

Last time we went our port day in Nassau was Christmas day. All the shops were closed so we did not get much shopping in. We did do the Atlantis tour however which is far more informative with a guide. I was really under impressed with Nassau and I really hope we decide to stay on the ship. If you have not been there however I definitely recommend doing it once.:thumbsup2

The passporter guide to Disney cruises is an exceptional piece of info for planning a Disney cruise. Even though the Dream info may not be in the most recent edition get a recent copy from the library or discounted from the passporter site and read up. It really helped us with our first cruise.:thumbsup2

I will confess drag n' fly's big secret about my thoughts on cruising later:goodvibes

[porknbeans]

Last time we went, we did hit the stores but didn't buy anything. We got ripped off at the hair braiders right outside the ship and used up all our spending cash. So be warned if you have girls with long hair. Get the braiding done on the ship or at Castaway Cay. The ladies in the Bahamas were rude, tough on my daughters head, and charged $2 a braid - then did 54 braids! Yep, $108 and not even for a full head. :headache:

Zowwy!! :scared1:
Thanks for the heads-up.

[porknbeans]

Last time we went our port day in Nassau was Christmas day. All the shops were closed so we did not get much shopping in. We did do the Atlantis tour however which is far more informative with a guide. I was really under impressed with Nassau and I really hope we decide to stay on the ship. If you have not been there however I definitely recommend doing it once.:thumbsup2

The passporter guide to Disney cruises is an exceptional piece of info for planning a Disney cruise. Even though the Dream info may not be in the most recent edition get a recent copy from the library or discounted from the passporter site and read up. It really helped us with our first cruise.:thumbsup2

I will confess drag n' fly's big secret about my thoughts on cruising later:goodvibes

OK, I'll show my ignorance. What IS the passporter guide? Is the site "passporter.com"?

I'm looking forward to your thoughts....

[drag n' fly]

OK, I'll show my ignorance. What IS the passporter guide? Is the site "passporter.com"?

I'm looking forward to your thoughts....

Yes yes the passpoter.com guide to Disney cruises...great info. Ok here I go....guess what???? I absolutely hands down hated my first Disney cruise.:scared1: The rest of the family loved it so I am willing to give it one more crack......why was it so bad??? details to come goin to get my nails done lol:goodvibes

[Mean Queen]

Yes yes the passpoter.com guide to Disney cruises...great info. Ok here I go....guess what???? I absolutely hands down hated my first Disney cruise.:scared1: The rest of the family loved it so I am willing to give it one more crack......why was it so bad??? details to come goin to get my nails done lol:goodvibes

:lmao: I feel like I'm watching a newscast. "Disney cruise goes wrong! Details coming up!" Then you wait for the rest of the show and miss the story when you go to check on dinner.

[Disney Dad Canada]

Well, I'm paid in full, and spent an extra $85 to get category 8D. I figured the extra room, plus being on the same deck as the kids play stuff was worth it.

My kids are expecting the ship to be like "Suite Life on Deck". Lets just hope my twins don't get into as much trouble as Zack and Cody.

[ariel68]

Thought I would pop in and say hi and see what was brewing on our thread! Trying to decide if we are going to stay on the ship in Nassau or submit to the greatest ripoff of all time....the Atlantis Waterpark lol. I refused to pay it last time and dh is actually considering it this time ugggh. What plans do you have for your stop in Nassau??:goodvibes

As it is their first cruise, celebrating their HS Graduation, my DD17 and her BFF17 are calling the shots this trip, so for us The Dolphin Swim at Blue Lagoon is a must-see, must-do. My DD has informed me that even if she does NOTHING else on our entire trip (incl addt'l 6 days in Orlando prior to our cruise), missing the Swim is just not an option...heaven help us if we cant get in on the excursion.

The girls want to check out HRC (we don't dare come home without a tshirt for hubby or else, so I have been informed) and of course want to do some shopping too.

It has been 10 yrs since my DMom and I have been to Nassau so we are looking forward to seeing how much things have changed there since our last cruise, too.

[Disney Dad Canada]

As for our plans for the Nassau stop, we'll just be staying on the ship and exploring. Having never been on a cruise before, I'm sure there will be enough for us to do just looking around the Dream for the day.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Hi everyone! Just booked this cruise. we have sailed many other lines before and 3 "Big Red Boat" cruises which were Disney way back when, but this is our 1st real Disney cruise. We'll spend the week with my mother-in-law and finish it up with the cruise. It is me (Katy), DH, DS9 and DD7. We are trying to convince my sister and her family to book too. So excited!!!!:love:

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Well, I'm paid in full, and spent an extra $85 to get category 8D. I figured the extra room, plus being on the same deck as the kids play stuff was worth it.

My kids are expecting the ship to be like "Suite Life on Deck". Lets just hope my twins don't get into as much trouble as Zack and Cody.

We are on the same deck, same category. I'll bet we are neighbors!

[Disney Dad Canada]

Hi everyone! Just booked this cruise. we have sailed many other lines before and 3 "Big Red Boat" cruises which were Disney way back when, but this is our 1st real Disney cruise. We'll spend the week with my mother-in-law and finish it up with the cruise. It is me (Katy), DH, DS9 and DD7. We are trying to convince my sister and her family to book too. So excited!!!!:love:

Sounds cool. We'll be in WDW from March 24th, staying in a DVC treehouse with my parents. Your kids and mine should meet up.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Sounds cool. We'll be in WDW from March 24th, staying in a DVC treehouse with my parents. Your kids and mine should meet up.

Definitely!

[Disney Dad Canada]

180 days out from our trip/cruise. Booked our ADRs today, and got EVERY place we wanted. We're staying at a SSR treehouse from March 24th to the 31st, then off to The Dream.

March 24th: BBQ at treehouse
March 25th: Crystal palace
March 26th: Le Cellier (Happy 45th to me)
March 27th: 50s Prime Time
March 28th: Ohanas
March 29th: T-Rex (Happy 11th Brendan)
March 30th: Hopp-De-Doo

OMG, I SOOO don't want to go to my weight watchers meeting when we come back. :)

[Mean Queen]

180 days out from our trip/cruise. Booked our ADRs today, and got EVERY place we wanted. We're staying at a SSR treehouse from March 24th to the 31st, then off to The Dream.

March 24th: BBQ at treehouse
March 25th: Crystal palace
March 26th: Le Cellier (Happy 45th to me)
March 27th: 50s Prime Time
March 28th: Ohanas
March 29th: T-Rex (Happy 11th Brendan)
March 30th: Hopp-De-Doo

OMG, I SOOO don't want to go to my weight watchers meeting when we come back. :)

At least with the parks, you'll be walking all those calories off. On the cruise, not so much activity. :rolleyes1

I can't believe it's 180 days away. When you check into SSR, we'll be getting on the first half of our back to back.

[ariel68]

We will be on this cruise. We have 3 kids ages (at the time) 17, 14 and 8. We have booked a pool house for a week and will be doing USO/IOA maybe a little car ride to Sarasota and then finishing it all off with the cruise.:goodvibes

I see that your son will also be 17 at the time of our sailing. That is a huge relief for my DD and her BFF who are both also 17, to know there is at least one other teen their age on their cruise. I have been trying to encourage her to sign up for the DIS so she can maybe have a chance to get to know other teens on our sailing prior to our trip. Is your son on FB or on the DIS? Let me know and perhaps they can get the chance to 'meet'...so hard to believe we are only 183 days away from our dream Cruise :woohoo:

[chernabogfamily]

We had to switch our cruise dates around, so we won't be meeting all of you after all...well, we'll still meet you Mean Queen. We switched to the 4-night immediately before this cruise.
All of you will see us as you're getting on the ship--we'll be the ones with the dejected looks on our faces because we're having to disembark.

Happy Sailings!

[Mean Queen]

We had to switch our cruise dates around, so we won't be meeting all of you after all...well, we'll still meet you Mean Queen. We switched to the 4-night immediately before this cruise.
All of you will see us as you're getting on the ship--we'll be the ones with the dejected looks on our faces because we're having to disembark.

Happy Sailings!

LOL! Sure you don't want to do both like we are? ;) There is a thread for that too.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2387458

[chernabogfamily]

We would love it! But our wallets will be sucked dry by this one, though.

LOL! Sure you don't want to do both like we are? ;) There is a thread for that too.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2387458

[Mean Queen]

Just checking in to see if anyone is still going to be on this cruise. It's a very quiet group. I'm getting excited that we're 4 and a half months away!

[porknbeans]

Most definitely. I've never been on a cruise before so I need to get straight exactly what I can make reservations for and when. Any advice?

[Mean Queen]

Most definitely. I've never been on a cruise before so I need to get straight exactly what I can make reservations for and when. Any advice?

I can not remember what the date is for first time cruisers to make reservations for Palo's and the excursions. I just know the cruise has to be paid in full before you can book anything. It has to be less than 90 days out because one perk of being a repeat Disney cruiser is earlier booking. After just 1 cruise, you become a silver Castaway Club member and can make plans 90 days out. Unless you are traveling in a suite, then you get to book earlier than 90. Did I just confuse you enough? The best way to see what you need to do and when is to log into your reservation on the Disney Cruise site. You'll need your reservation number and a Disney site log in.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Yep...we are still in! I recently paid to upgrade to a balcony from an ocenview room. This is our first balcony ever and I am not telling DH or the kids until we get on the ship. I know it is only for three days, but I think it will be worth it. It has been so exciting checking out the Dream and all of the cool pictures/videos on You-Tube. We are super-excited.

[ariel68]

Well glad someone else said what I was thinking...we are a quiet bunch..but just wait til we get onboard :rotfl:

I am so excited!! I just transferred my money for our final payment onto my Visa account so we can pay off our cruise before our TA leaves on Thursday for a month in New Zealand!

Most definitely. I've never been on a cruise before so I need to get straight exactly what I can make reservations for and when. Any advice?

All of your excursions, Palo ressies, etc can be made 75 days prior to sailing, once you are paid in full. I cant help you with booking Flounders, kids clubs, etc as I dont have little ones. DCL websire should be able to answer those questions, but if you search the DIS threads, you'll probably get a better idea.

Looking forward to sailing with you all in 136 MORE SLEEPS!! Yayyy!!:dance3:

[Disney Dad Canada]

Yep...we are still in! I recently paid to upgrade to a balcony from an ocenview room. This is our first balcony ever and I am not telling DH or the kids until we get on the ship. I know it is only for three days, but I think it will be worth it. It has been so exciting checking out the Dream and all of the cool pictures/videos on You-Tube. We are super-excited.

I was worried about having a balcony with three kids. I know I'm probably over paranoid, and always sleep with one ear open anyways, but I figured a window was good enough for our first cruise.

Anyone else getting excited seeing all the Dream videos??

[Mean Queen]

I was worried about having a balcony with three kids. I know I'm probably over paranoid, and always sleep with one ear open anyways, but I figured a window was good enough for our first cruise.

Anyone else getting excited seeing all the Dream videos??

Very! Though I'm starting to wonder if I'll be brave enough to do the AquaDuck. It's so high up and I have a pretty bad fear of heights. Plus, it looks like you go through much slower than I expected. My friends say just hit up a martini tasting for some liquid courage then try it out. I think they just want me to fall over board.

[porknbeans]

It's our first cruise so I sprung for a balcony. My wife doesn't know yet (shhhh)! I'm jacked about riding the Aqua Duck. So are my wife and daughter but my son (who has a tremendous fear of heights) has already said no way.

[Disney Dad Canada]

Just wondering if IYO our family, myself, son 11 and twin girls 7, would be better off going to Nassau or staying on board that day to explore the ship.

It's our first ever cruise.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Hi! If you have never been to Nassau or want to try an excursion, then you should get off the ship there. We took our kids on an NCL cruise two years ago when they were 5 and 7 and walked around Nassua. The men and boys in our group rented scooters and went around Nassau, to Atlantis, etc. They had fun but the scooters were in horrible shape and had parts falling off them! The moms and girls did a horse-drawn carriage ride around town. You can get these right outside the building you have to walk through at the port. It was cool to see the quaint buildings and the kids thought it was cool to be in another country. We also shopped a bit and ate lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. That being said, it is kind of a one-time experience. We plan to stay on the ship and enjoy The Dream this time.

[Mean Queen]

Just wondering if IYO our family, myself, son 11 and twin girls 7, would be better off going to Nassau or staying on board that day to explore the ship.

It's our first ever cruise.

Since it is your first cruise, you really should check out Nassau. Maybe see what excursions look good to you. We did the Atlantis aquarium tour and enjoyed it.

Woo hoo! We are now booked for Palo's dinner. Since we are doing a back to back, we booked Remy's and a Palo's brunch for the 4 day.

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

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

[disneytraceyl]

Hi everyone. We are still going on this cruise and are very excited. This will be first leg of our back to back cruises.

[Disney Dad Canada]

Wakie wakie? Am I going to be on an empty ship? Fine by me, more tiome on the Aquaduck. :)

[porknbeans]

I'll be making our final payment this week. I'm looking forward to seeing what excursions are available in Nassau as it will be our first trip.

[Mean Queen]

We're still here! I plan to start working on my FE gifts after the New Year since we're doing the back to back. That means back to back FE exchanges. We're not doing any excursions. We only plan to get off the ship at Castaway Cay. Otherwise, I want to spend the day exploring the new ship.

We already have plans to rebook while on board for the Fantasy in 2012 for DD's 13th birthday.

[Disney Dad Canada]

We're still here! I plan to start working on my FE gifts after the New Year since we're doing the back to back. That means back to back FE exchanges. We're not doing any excursions. We only plan to get off the ship at Castaway Cay. Otherwise, I want to spend the day exploring the new ship.

We already have plans to rebook while on board for the Fantasy in 2012 for DD's 13th birthday.

Just noticed your signature, you own at the same two DVC resorts that we do. Have you stayed at BLT yet? We're going to be in an SSR treehouse for a week before the cruise.

I'm thinking the same thoughts as you, and only going to Castaway Cay.

[disneytraceyl]

We will be going on the three night cruise. This group is a little quite. My four night group the sailing right after this one is very active. Is anyone keeping track of a fish extender groups.

[Mean Queen]

Just noticed your signature, you own at the same two DVC resorts that we do. Have you stayed at BLT yet? We're going to be in an SSR treehouse for a week before the cruise.

I'm thinking the same thoughts as you, and only going to Castaway Cay.

We have stayed at all the DVC resorts on this coast (so no GCV), though we haven't stayed in the Treehouse yet. BLT is my absolute favorite. I'm not sure if you can see the fireworks shot in my signature, but that was a panoramic taken from our GV on the 4th at BLT. Amazing. My DD11 stayed in the Treehouse with friends and loved the bunk beds.

ETA: The castle shot was also taken from our room at BLT.

[Mean Queen]

We will be going on the three night cruise. This group is a little quite. My four night group the sailing right after this one is very active. Is anyone keeping track of a fish extender groups.

We are doing the 4 night right before this one and it is much more active also. I guess since there's so little time on the 3 night, you don't want to spend too much of it delivering gifts to strangers.

[njmom23grls]

Just a quick post to say "hi" :) - I just booked a b2b with the 3/27 for my daughter and I for spring break (we moved our Med. reservation) - my DD is 12 and will be thrilled when she opens her gift on New Years ( we always leave one gift for New Years - its a family tradition). She has been following the Dream (and the Oasis:rotfl2:) online - and while I'm not ready to brave the Oasis - I rethought the short cruise by booking them together so we get time to explore the new ship.

Lisa

[ariel68]

Just a quick post to say "hi" :) - I just booked a b2b with the 3/27 for my daughter and I for spring break (we moved our Med. reservation) - my DD is 12 and will be thrilled when she opens her gift on New Years ( we always leave one gift for New Years - its a family tradition). She has been following the Dream (and the Oasis:rotfl2:) online - and while I'm not ready to brave the Oasis - I rethought the short cruise by booking them together so we get time to explore the new ship.

Lisa

Welcome aboard. I trust your New Years surprise was very exciting for your DD!! See you in 88 days :cool1:

[JackNMel]

Hello everyone!! I am finally joining up to chat with you! I am doing a back to back on the 27th and this cruise with Mean Queen and another family. Just now am starting to gear up for things. In my opinion, Nassau isn't that exciting, but we have only gone walking around, and not done any excursions. I am so excited to check out the Dream, but the more people that get off the ship in Nassau, the less crowded it is for the rest of us, so by all means, go explore!! :rotfl:

And Mean Queen, if you need some liquid courage, by all means use it. But you will not fall off of the ship riding the Aquaduck, I guarantee it. It will be fun, I promise...:banana::banana::banana:

So is there an official FE group started? Who wants to do one? I do, I think, the one on the 1st cruise looks large, so what are a few more? Have a great day everyone!

Melody

PS. Forgot to introduce the family, me, DH-Jack, DD13 Savannah, DD11 Emily, and DD8 Veronica. This will be our 3rd Disney cruise, so looking forward to the Dream, it looks amazing.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Wow, lots of back-to-backers! Lucky you. I will be spending the first part of the week with the mother-in-law! Oh well, I guess three days is better than none. We plan to stay on the ship instead of going to Nassau. I am a high school teacher and have been showing my students the Dream in various stages of being built and now complete. They are anxious for my trip so they can see the real pictures! Can't wait! Maybe we can plan a meet and greet!

Katy

[disneytraceyl]

Getting excited, the cruise is getting closer. :yay: We are getting more excited as each day past. Cann't wait and hope all are as excited as we are!:dance3:

[Mean Queen]

Did anyone see the pictures from the Dream arrived at Port Canaveral today? So beautiful! I wish I was there to see it, though there are few things I'd get up that early in the morning for... like maybe getting on the ship.

[porknbeans]

I got updates, live feeds, pics, etc. of the Dream coming home. Great to see.

[gunghomom]

Hi all. My family is joining you on this cruise. It's our first cruise ever and we're so excited! I'm just a little nervous about sea sickness, but I hope it doesn't happen. Anyway, our crew includes me and we're celebrating my 40th birthday aboard. Ugh! We also have my hubby, Daughter 10, daughter 8 and daughter 5. We're bringing my Mom along too! I hope hoping for lots and lots of fun.

We went to Atlantis on our honeymoon and are debating weather to return and show the girls. They really want to do dolphin experience though. Wondering where it might be best? Any ideas?

Hope to meet some of you soon!:cool1:

[JackNMel]

Welcome aboard, GunghoMom!! We always pack dramamine just in case of seasickness, my hubby and girls tend to get motion sick sometimes. We have never had to use it though, the ship is huge and very stable.

I think you guys will have a ball, Disney cruises are the best!! We have never done the dolphin excursion with the cruise, but we were at Discovery Cove in December and did the dolphin swim there, the girls LOVED it!

[Mean Queen]

Welcome Gunghomom! My littlest will be so happy to know there's another girl her age in the group. She turns 5 the week before the cruise. We did the aquarium tour of Atlantis and really liked it, but it was a do one time type of thing. Though I bet the dolphin experience would be lots of fun!

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Hi all. My family is joining you on this cruise. It's our first cruise ever and we're so excited! I'm just a little nervous about sea sickness, but I hope it doesn't happen. Anyway, our crew includes me and we're celebrating my 40th birthday aboard. Ugh! We also have my hubby, Daughter 10, daughter 8 and daughter 5. We're bringing my Mom along too! I hope hoping for lots and lots of fun.

We went to Atlantis on our honeymoon and are debating weather to return and show the girls. They really want to do dolphin experience though. Wondering where it might be best? Any ideas?

Hope to meet some of you soon!:cool1:

Hi and welcome to the thread! We are in Park Ridge, so not too far from you. In fact, I have enjoyed the outlet mall in Huntley quite a few times! My DS will be just shy of 10 and DD almost 8 on cruise, so pretty close to yours. I have a feeling that Atlantis will be packed, but doing the dolphin excursion (having a plan) should be great. Haven't done it, but have heard good things...
Katy

[Disney Dad Canada]

Just wondering what people are looking at in the way of add-ons, excursions etc? We'll be going after a week at WDW, so my energy (and wallet) might be running on empty.

[Mean Queen]

Just wondering what people are looking at in the way of add-ons, excursions etc? We'll be going after a week at WDW, so my energy (and wallet) might be running on empty.

All our money is going towards Shutters pictures, Palo's dinner, a few souvenirs, and lots of drinks (especially the tastings!)

[gunghomom]

Sounds like lots of fun people on board. My kids will be so happy to know their are others their ages, and even one from Park Ridge nearby.

We are on deck 7. Where is everyone else?

Is anyone doing this fish extender thing I keep reading about?

[douglas_in_philly]

Yep...we are still in! I recently paid to upgrade to a balcony from an ocenview room. This is our first balcony ever and I am not telling DH or the kids until we get on the ship. I know it is only for three days, but I think it will be worth it. It has been so exciting checking out the Dream and all of the cool pictures/videos on You-Tube. We are super-excited.

What's a balcony room like? It isn't oceanview? Is it an interior room? Does the balcony overlook something, I guess?

[douglas_in_philly]

Hello, everyone!

First an introduction, as this is my first day here on the forum:

My name is Doug. :-) I'm originally from a little town in central Illinois, but I've lived in Philadelphia for about 16 years. I'm a web database programmer at a college in the Philly burbs.


Now, on to cruise-related matters:

My wife, daughter, and I will be on this cruise along with the rest of you. I found this forum today, as I began the process of figuring out what we'll do during the cruise--both on and off the ship. I just booked the cruise a few days ago.

My daughter is 7 now, but turns 8 a couple weeks before the cruise. It's my daughter's first cruise (she's been asking to "leave the mainland" for some time now, and we're finally doing it). My wife and I don't have much cruise experience, either--we took a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas about 15 years ago, but that was just a cruise of a few hours, then a week on land, and another cruise of a few hours to get back to Ft. Lauderdale.

I asked in a post a couple up in this thread what a "balcony" room was, and I think (based on others' use of the term in this thread) that it's referring to rooms with what Disney calls a verandah. Is that correct? We have a room in category 05B, which is a "Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah."

I think we're on deck 6, based on the deck plans I saw on another web site. My reservation doesn't list the deck (it has a space for "Deck," but nothing listed next to it).

I'm sure I'll be posting more in the coming weeks. I have a lot of research to do!

We're going to be in the Pompano Beach area (south of Ft. Lauderdale) the week prior to our cruise (my dad spends his winters down there), and will be renting a car to drive from Pompano to Port Canaveral. Then after the cruise, we plan to rent another car and drive to the Orlando airport. Renting a car seemed cheaper than the Disney shuttle to the airport, but I will have to look into that a little further. I think the shuttle would be $35/person, or $105 total (plus a tip?), and the rental car would only be about $50 - $60, but we'd probably need a cab to take us from the cruise ship to the car rental place, so that would likely add another $10 - $20.


Anyway.....much more to come, I'm sure, as the days go by.

Hope everyone enjoys their cruise!



Douglas

[douglas_in_philly]

Oh, yeah....can anyone explain what "fish extender" is????

[JackNMel]

Hi Doug, welcome aboard to you and your family!!
A veranda room is a balcony, it has doors that open out onto a small balcony area with a couple of chairs and a table. Oceanview is a window looking out onto the ocean, it doesn't open up.

Fish extenders are are like a sewn pocket fabric thing that you hang outside of your door (Disney has metal fish clips outside the doors to put papers on). Thus the name fish extender. People sign up on the Dis meets and make or buy little gifts to give out to other people on the FE list during the cruise, kind of like a secret santa thing. The goodies go into the pockets for the people to find when they get back to their cabins. It is a lot of fun, the kids love it. You can look around on these sites for examples of what a fish extender looks like, and you can buy them on ebay. There are also instructions for making them. You can also see examples of the gifts that people make/buy/give. There are some really creative people here!!

I don't know if we have an offical FE list started for this cruise. Someone needs to step up and volunteer to organize it...anyone...anyone...Bueller...
Bueller...

Hope my explanation didn't confuse you, I can ramble a bit.
Looking forward to this cruise!!

Melody

[JackNMel]

Gunghomom, we are on deck 8. Just above you, we will try not to be too loud, haha:rotfl:

[Disney Dad Canada]

My daughter is 7 now, but turns 8 a couple weeks before the cruise.

Ive got twin 7 year old girls, Ciara and Jessica. I'm sure Ciara will be running the ship by the second day. :)

[douglas_in_philly]

Thanks, Melody for your reply.

I've been reading posts on the forum here for the past 3 or 4 hours. I think my head is going to explode! ;-) But in a good way, if that's possible.

I've learned a ton, and even saw pictures of the fish extenders! :-) I think I would try to make one if we do it. My daughter wants to make magnets to put on our door, too. Does the Dream have doors that will accommodate that, presumably?

I think I better go to bed. Gotta get up to go to work in about 5 hours! :-(


Douglas

[douglas_in_philly]

So I'm at work...I was doing all my posting from my computer at home. I'm on my lunch break now, though, and thought I'd bookmark all the cruise-related links I was looking at from home.

Just thought I'd say hi, and that I, for one, am VERY excited about the cruise. :-)

When we return to Port Canaveral, I'll have about 6 or 7 hours to kill before we need to arrive at the airport in Orlando. Any suggestions? I'm thinking some NASA related things in Cape Canaveral or maybe the Disney shopping place in Orlando.

[Mean Queen]

Hi Doug - I think either would be great, depending on what your DD likes. We live in Florida and have yet to check out Kennedy Space Center. We usually go to Disney after the cruise so that we can continue the "magic!"

[douglas_in_philly]

I've seen some people on the forum mention their cabin number. I have not found out what mine is. Do most people here know theirs? I wonder if I can call the cruise line to get it. Anybody know?

[njmom23grls]

It should be on your reservation - right next to the category
for instance - Category 5C room XYZ

If it says Category 5C Room GTY - that means that they haven't assigned your room number yet but that you are guareented that cabin level (5C) (or above) - you can login on DCL's website and look for it under the sailing information

hope that helps:)

[douglas_in_philly]

Thanks!

It *does* say, "GTY". I guess i just have to wait...maybe I'll call and ask when they will assign it.

[douglas_in_philly]

So......how the heck are ya?

:-)

I'm busily researching excursion options. Hope I pick things that we love. My daughter really wants to do the dolphin or sea lion swim thing. She also wants to try snorkeling.

If she could ride a bike on her own, I'd enjoy riding a bike around one of the islands.

So the Fish Extender thing is intriguing. My daughter would enjoy that. (Does it seem like everything like my world revolves around my daughter? I guess it does.) From what I've seen, it seems like the Fish Extender gifts are usually just el-cheapo trinkets. Is that usually the case?

[douglas_in_philly]

My daughter is here with me, and asked how to make the cute animated smiley faces and other emoticons.

She just told me to say to everyone how she can NOT WAIT for the cruise!!!!!

She's going to post a bunch of the funny emoticons now. Brace yourself. :-)

:hippie: :wizard: :happytv: :bride: :laundy: :dance3: :cheer2: princess: :cloud9: :flower3: :rolleyes1: :surfweb: :idea: :hug: :love: :confused: :teacher: :grouphug:

[Mean Queen]

My daughter is here with me, and asked how to make the cute animated smiley faces and other emoticons.

She just told me to say to everyone how she can NOT WAIT for the cruise!!!!!

She's going to post a bunch of the funny emoticons now. Brace yourself. :-)

:hippie: :wizard: :happytv: :bride: :laundy: :dance3: :cheer2: princess: :cloud9: :flower3: :rolleyes1: :surfweb: :idea: :hug: :love: :confused: :teacher: :grouphug:

Both my girls love to do that.

The FE gifts are very wide ranging. We've got everything from little plastic bracelets and rings (pirate treasure) to tattoos to handmade personalized gifts. The best part of it to me is it gets the kids back to the room. They get excited to leave whatever they are doing to see if anything was left for them.

[porknbeans]

We can start signing up for our excursions and reservations tomorrow. We're going to go snorkeling in Nassau and the wife and I are going to Palo. If I can swing it, I'm also going to treat my wife and daughter to a little spa treatment.

[douglas_in_philly]

Just finished signing up for excursions. In Nassau, my daughter and I are doing the Blue Lagoon dolphin swim. My wife is skipping it. I think the rest of the day we'll just wander around, and I figured we'd eat lunch somewhere.

In Castaway Cay, I booked us for the Snorkel Lagoon Equipment Rental, and also for Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure.

I read on the forum here, that we'd have no trouble getting bicycles or float tubes throughout the day, and that reserving them isn't necessary. So I opted not to reserve them, since I wasn't sure if we'd do either of them, but I think we'll still be able to get them if we decide we want to.

What's everybody else going to be doing?

[gunghomom]

We did the Blue Lagoon too with my girls 10 and 8, so we will see you there!

[Mean Queen]

After looking back at the thread, it doesn't look like anyone has stepped up to organize the FE swap yet. If no one else wants to do it, I'll do it since I did it on the last cruise I went on. And luckily, this seems like a small group, much easier to organize.

If you are interested in taking part, just private message me the following information:

Cabin Number:
Board Name:
Real Names and ages (for kids):

[lilliansmommy]

Hello everyone!!

My family will also be going on this cruise. We are very excited to finally see the DREAM!! Let me introduce myself. I am Kelly and will be travelling with my DH, Jim, and my DD, Lilly(2). Jim and I are both teachers and this cruise will be part of our spring break. We are booked on deck 6, very back of boat with verandah!! Kind of interested to see what his room looks like.

We will be staying at POFQ for five nights before the cruise and one night at OKW after the cruise. We are all very excited!!! We will be staying on the ship during Nassau day, as we did not really like Nassau the last time we were there. We have second seating for dining and 7pm show!! Looking forward to meeting you all and chatting before the cruise. Chatting and all the planning beforehand is the best part!!!! Nice to meet you all.

Kelly, Jim, and Princess Lilly:wizard:

[douglas_in_philly]

Hi, Kelly, Jim, and Lilly! Welcome! I've sure learned a lot about Disney acronyms in the week or so I've been coming here. CM, POFQ, OKW, DCL, etc., etc. etc. I keep a second browser tab open to Google, just so I can look them all up!

Gunghomom, for which time slot did you book the dolphin swim? The morning or afternoon? We're doing the morning. I was a little concerned the water might be cooler in the morning, and that we'd be uncomfortable, but I was also concerned that the afternoon time slot might not allow us as much time to run around afterwards (or that we'd have to watch the clock during the morning to make sure we got to the Dolphin thing on time). I ended up figuring that the water would probably be fine, so I booked the morning.

Mean Queen, I think we'll be in for the Fish Extender thing. I'll PM you my info--but we didn't have a room number assigned the last time I checked--just GTY. I'll look and then let you know via PM.

[gunghomom]

douglas - we did the early morning session too at Blue Lagoon, so we will see you there.

Would like to do the FE thingy too, just wondering what kind of things to put inside. Do I need to make them? I guess I should look that up!

Getting so, so excited. Still torn about what to do in Nassau - stay on the boat or go to the Blue Lagoon or Atlantis. Settled on Blue Lagoon for now!

[Mean Queen]

For the FE, it doesn't have to be homemade. It just should be small enough to fit in the small pockets of the FE. Plus, you don't want to take up too much space in your luggage.

[ariel68]

We are doing the early Dolphin Swim too..so we will see you all there :)

[gunghomom]

Are you guys doing the Dolphin swim or the encounter? Also, anyone done this before? I'm wondering when it says that after you can enjoy the rest of Blue Lagoon, does that mean you get to use the beaches etc., or do you have to pay extra for that? Anyone been? Is the beach nice?

More questions - has anyone done the observation part of it? It says you are 30 feet away. I'm wondering if my Mom will be able to get pictures of us or not from there and how much she'll get to see.

So, so excited for the trip! Our planning DVD came in the mail this weekend and the kids cannot stop watching it. I only wish the trip was longer!

[lilliansmommy]

Good morning everyone!! Happy MLK day!! We are off school today, just enjoying this Chicago weather!! LOL! Getting ready to buy a Fish Extender for the trip, so sign the Lesnik's up too....Kelly, Jim, and Lilly.

[jenseib]

We just booked this cruise last night. I am so excited. :cool1:
I have a couple of questions. Where can I find the exact itinerary, like the times we will be on each island. So far I can't seem to find it. Also, is there a way to prepay tips online?

[jenseib]

So I have decided I would liek to join in on the fish extender. I'm not sure exactly how this works though. I know you buy little gifts for everyone. I assume we get a leader and that person organizes which room everyone is in? Then we take that list and deposit our little gifts?
Just let me know what to do. I think my little girl will really enjoy it.

[douglas_in_philly]

jenseib, if you go to the place where you can search for cruises (pick a date, a port, a destination, a ship, etc.), do a search for your cruise (as if you were trying to find one to book), and when it loads the search results, you can click on the cruise you want on the left, and then on the right, there'll be three tabs, just under the big picture that loads. The middle tab is "Itinerary"... for the 3/31 Disney Dream 3 night cruise, it shows this:


3-Night Bahamian Cruise

March 31 to April 3
Disney Dream

A wonder-filled long weekend is yours when you sail to the isle of Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay—spending a delightful day at each.

Day Port Ashore Onboard
Day 1 Port Canaveral, Florida — 3:45 p.m.
Day 2 Nassau 9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Day 3 Castaway Cay 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Day 4 Port Canaveral, Florida 7:30 a.m. —

[douglas_in_philly]

jenseib, "Mean Queen" has offered to be the Fish Extender organizer, so if you are interested in participating, go back a page in this thread, and look for her post about it. It tells you what you need to do (I'd tell you, but I forget!).

[douglas_in_philly]

gunghomom, and ariel68,

We are signed up for the morning (9:30 AM, I think) Dolphin *Swim* (not encounter).

I'm not sure about what we'll be able to do after the swim is over. I PM'd with another poster who did the Dolphin Swim, and she mentioned that she was able to go look at the sea lions afterwards, so I'm under the impression that we can at least do that. Not sure about spending the day at the beach, or anything. I think I saw references to that in other posts I read, but I don't remember what they said.

[jenseib]

Thanks :thumbsup2

[Mean Queen]

Yep, anyone that wants to take part in the FE, just PM me. Send me your cabin number (or let me know that it will come later once you get it), board name, and real names with ages of the kids. Some people make personalized gifts so the names help and the ages make sure the gifts are age appropri

When we get closer to the cruise, I will send out the list to everyone involved. I will send the most updated a few days before the cruise. If there are any changes after that, just find my cabin and leave me a message. I will then have the kids in my group deliver an updated list to each room.

[gunghomom]

Hi Mean Queen,

Thanks for stepping up to do this. We'd love to participate. Just wondering if you could maybe give an example of some of the gifts that you've received in the past. Are they all Disney related?

Thanks!

[Mean Queen]

Hi Mean Queen,

Thanks for stepping up to do this. We'd love to participate. Just wondering if you could maybe give an example of some of the gifts that you've received in the past. Are they all Disney related?

Thanks!

The gifts have been pretty wide ranging. We've got a lot of stuff from Oriental Trading Company like Disney and Pirate tattoos, eye patches, jewelry, and craft projects. Some people give gifts that represent the area they come from. Others make homemade crafts, like a wood plaque painted with the childs initial. It's always fun to see what people come up with.

[porknbeans]

We've signed up for the Caribbean Queen Snorkel Tour while we are in Nassau. We've also got the jetski excursion reserved while we are in CC. Along with resi's at Palo, we're good to go!! :yay::yay::yay:

I'm on the fence with the FE as we will be ending our vacation with the cruise. Knowing me and my family, I'm not sure how well the little trinkets will travel for that long with us. :rolleyes1 :blush:

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

OMG, look at all of the action I have missed on our little thread! I guess I should check back more often. Thanks Mean Queen for the FE organizing. I still am not 100% how it works (like how many people you give gifts to, how many times, when, etc.) but it sounds like a lot of fun. We are on Deck 6 too, veranda cabin on port side. I just watched the Christening on-line at work and got teary-eyed. I'll tell you, anything Disney gets me! We plan to stay on the ship in Nassau (been there, done that), so not much in the way of excursions. I did just book the Beach Club for the night we get into port before we fly home Monday. Anyone ever stayed there? It is one of the few we haven't tried so I am excited!

Ok, I will send a PM, Mean Queen. Have a Dreamy day everyone!

[njmom23grls]

Oh! Beach Club is our favorite DVC place - we love to walk to Epcot and the kids (older) love being close to Hollywood Studios. The pool (stormalong bay) is great fun as well!

[gunghomom]

Thanks MeanQueen for the info.

[gunghomom]

So we are doing the back to Back with the March 27 cruise too. Anyone else doing that? We just decided to do both and are so excited!

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

So we are doing the back to Back with the March 27 cruise too. Anyone else doing that? We just decided to do both and are so excited!

Did you just book this? Through Disney? We have been looking to book the 4 day on the 27th too, but there is nothing available on the Disney website.

[gunghomom]

Yes, we just booked it. It keeps coming available one or two rooms at a time. I found it this morning about 7 a.m. central time - the two rooms. It's a gty, but we will take so we can go!:banana:

[gunghomom]

We'd been trying for weeks to get the cruise, but it was all filled up, which is why we originally went with the 3 day. We had wanted a 4 day, but now we're doing both. Join us! We live in Chicago suburbs too!

[njmom23grls]

So we are doing the back to Back with the March 27 cruise too. Anyone else doing that? We just decided to do both and are so excited!

Hi there! believe there are 3 or 4 Disers doing B2B with 3/27 - I know I am and think Meanqueen is and and I know there is another cabin with them also doing a b2b. I booked ours about 3 weeks ago - it doesn't show and then it showed - the problem for us was my 12 yo - DCL told me they were full in that age group - but I checked a few days later and what-do-you know it was open so we booked it.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

We are spending the first part of the week with my mothr-in-law in Naples, FL and driving up for the cruise. I was thinking of bringing her with us for the four day too and then we would just stay on for the 3 day. Nothing at all available for March when I looked today. I will keep trying, but DH is content with the 3 day, so it will be a hard sell! Still, it is getting close!!!

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Oh! Beach Club is our favorite DVC place - we love to walk to Epcot and the kids (older) love being close to Hollywood Studios. The pool (stormalong bay) is great fun as well!

Thanks for the info. We will only have one day, so I doubt we will go to a park (we were just there in Sept. too) but I really wanted a cool pool for the kids to hang out in. Plus, we always stay on the monorail and have never taken the kids to the Boardwalk area, so I think that will be neat to explore.

[JackNMel]

Hey there, gunghomom, we are doing the back to back also. I think a week on the ship will be great to explore all the cool stuff they have, and when we dock the first time, we won't have to be sad like all the other people that are leaving!! We get to turn around and get right back on! Woo Hoo!

[JackNMel]

Hi everyone!! Almost to the 2 month countdown. I have started working on the FE gifts for everyone, it really gets me thinking about the cruise. Has everyone been reading the first reports coming back from the Dream CM cruise? The ship sounds amazing, I cannot wait to get on board and explore!! Apparantly the red pillows in the cabins are a big hit, everyone is raving about them. I wonder if they will be for sale by the time we sail, people are threatening to pack them up and take them home with them!!:rotfl:

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Hi everyone!! Almost to the 2 month countdown. I have started working on the FE gifts for everyone, it really gets me thinking about the cruise. Has everyone been reading the first reports coming back from the Dream CM cruise? The ship sounds amazing, I cannot wait to get on board and explore!! Apparantly the red pillows in the cabins are a big hit, everyone is raving about them. I wonder if they will be for sale by the time we sail, people are threatening to pack them up and take them home with them!!:rotfl:

Hi: Do we know how many people we will have in the FE? I just ordered a fish extender (no artistic or sewing talent here!) and have been reading the threads on FE gifts. They are amazing...not sure if I can compete, but will find something good! I feel like I know The Dream inside and out from all of the pictures and video I have watched. It is really going to be amazing. 3 days is going to be ridiculously short!

[douglas_in_philly]

Yeah, I, too, have been reading the threads, viewing the pics, etc. about the Dream, and all the press coverage. I agree.....3 nights is WAY too short. But it's a lot better than nothing!

I'm planning to try to make my own Fish Extender. Wish me luck! :-)

[Mean Queen]

For the FE - we currently have 5 families signed up (probably 6 since our third family will join in.) That will make 12 adults and 11 kids.

[jenseib]

I just can't wait. It's still so far off.
I'm excited to participate in the FE too. I am thinking of gifts, but haven't gotten anything yet.

[jenseib]

Is anyone going to dress up for the pirate night?

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

For the FE - we currently have 5 families signed up (probably 6 since our third family will join in.) That will make 12 adults and 11 kids.

Great. I have ideas.... Need to get moving on this. I am too type A to wait!

[porknbeans]

Are we having a pirate night? I thought those were only on longer cruises. Does anyone have an itinerary of some kind?

[jenseib]

Are we having a pirate night? I thought those were only on longer cruises. Does anyone have an itinerary of some kind?

Every Disney cruise has a pirate night. We won't have a pirate menu though for dinner.
I think it's on the Nassua day, but not 100% sure.

[Disney Dad Canada]

For the FE - we currently have 5 families signed up (probably 6 since our third family will join in.) That will make 12 adults and 11 kids.

Tell me what I need to do and I'll sign up as well. It's all new to me.

[Mean Queen]

Tell me what I need to do and I'll sign up as well. It's all new to me.

Just PM me the following:
Cabin #:
Board Name:
Real Names with kids ages:

[disneytraceyl]

For the FE - we currently have 5 families signed up (probably 6 since our third family will join in.) That will make 12 adults and 11 kids.

Hi. Do you have my family on the fish extender list?
THanks,

[Mean Queen]

Hi. Do you have my family on the fish extender list?
THanks,

Not yet! Just PM me your information and I'll add you to the list.

[JackNMel]

We will probably dress up for pirate night in some form or another, it is great fun, and you can get pics with Jack Sparrow. He really hams it up with the people, so if you are a pirates fan, this is a great way to make some fun memories. He had fun playing with my grumpy 11 year old, trying to get her to smile. She is 13 now, and grumpier than ever!!:rotfl2:

[KristyL]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,
My sister (37) and I (31) will be on the March 31st cruise also!! We are soooo excited :)

[ariel68]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,
My sister (37) and I (31) will be on the March 31st cruise also!! We are soooo excited :)

Welcome aboard!! Now if only the next two months would pass quickly :rolleyes1

[Mean Queen]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,
My sister (37) and I (31) will be on the March 31st cruise also!! We are soooo excited :)

Welcome aboard!

[KristyL]

Thank you both :)

[JackNMel]

Welcome Kristy and your sister! How is everyone doing this week? It is pretty quiet here on this meet thread! How about a question for everyone...

What are you most looking forward to on this cruise?

I am looking forward to relax with my family and friends, and enjoy our adults only cabin!! :cool1: And seeing the virtual portholes and the interactive pictures!

[gunghomom]

I'm looking forward to our first cruise ever! And so happy it's on Disney. I"m excited to get to be with my whole family, including my Mom. And I guess to celebrate my birthday, even though it's an age I don't want to be. Finally, just to be in some warmth since it's been so cold and snowy here.:banana:

[jenseib]

There is so much I can't wait to try. The dining rotation looks so fun. The kids club for my DD, just everything. And our first balcony room. Of course just in general our first cruise on DCL!! :cool1:

[Mean Queen]

I can't wait to check out all the new things on the Dream. Plus, have some fun time with my family and friends.

[Disney Dad Canada]

I was at the airport last night, and saw a few people coming home with huge Disney Cruise shopping bags. WAYYY too freaking excited now. :)

[Disney Dad Canada]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,
My sister (37) and I (31) will be on the March 31st cruise also!! We are soooo excited :)

Woo Hoo, welcome aboard. Are you gals single adults on the cruise? I felt like Id be the only single person there. :P

[Disney Dad Canada]

Jut reading threads on here and a few other sites, and found out to my horror that our room is the loudest room on the ship, right above a night club. What's worse is the ship is completely sold out.

I'll be calling every day hoping for a cancellation.

[Mean Queen]

Jut reading threads on here and a few other sites, and found out to my horror that our room is the loudest room on the ship, right above a night club. What's worse is the ship is completely sold out.

I'll be calling every day hoping for a cancellation.

That stinks! I'd recommend bringing a white noise machine or a fan to help drown out the sounds of partying.

[Mean Queen]

I figured I'd start reading up on the rooms and I saw this (may be news to some and old to others who are already doing their research)

A great addition to the staterooms on the Dream is the portable Wave Phones. Each stateroom has two phones, which allow families to keep in touch with each other while on the boat and while ashore at Castaway Cay. The phones can call other Wave Phones or any other phone onboard, such as the phones in staterooms, restaurants or activities desks. Disney also recommends that parents keep the phones with them in case the Youth Activities department needs to get ahold of them with updates on their children.

[Disney Dad Canada]

That stinks! I'd recommend bringing a white noise machine or a fan to help drown out the sounds of partying.

According to other threads, people have tried both without success. It seems it's mainly the booming base sound that goes right to your bones that is the problem. My first ever cruise. I don't need this.

[jenseib]

I have read a lot of the Dreams wave phones haven't be working properly. Hopeful;ly they all get into working order by the time we get there.

[douglas_in_philly]

This is SKYLAR I can't wait to see whats in our fish extender.:laughing:But then agin I wonder what there will be in the theater.I can't wait to wear my costume.:tink::tinker:whats the restaurants please reply for best restaurant.And my birthday is march 12.:bday:

I play the violin.:disrocks::earsgirl::charac2:

[douglas_in_philly]

This is Skylar's dad. I don't play the violin, and I don't plan to wear a costume. :-)

As you can see, my daughter is very excited about the cruise. :-)

We're really looking forward to everything about the cruise. It'll be our first as a family, my daughter's first ever, and for me and my wife, our first overnight cruise (we did a day cruise to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale about 15 years ago).

We can't wait to try the different restaurants, order room service, relax in the pool, see the shows (I know one of the shows is "Villains Tonight," but will we be seeing other shows? I thought there was one each night, perhaps, but maybe the Pirate Night party is in place of one of the shows?). We are excited about Castaway Cay (we're snorkeling and doing the sting ray feeding thing). And my daughter can't wait for the dolphin experience in Nassau!

My daughter thinks I need to put some of the animated smiley things in my post, so here goes:
:cloud9:
:yay:
:cool1:
:3dglasses:grouphug::beach:pixiedust::cutie: popcorn::
pirate::mic::stir::artist::rainbow:

[jenseib]

How old is Skylar? My DD is 6 and so excited.
The shows are Godlen Mickeys (which is new and imporved from before) and The villains tonight, and then Beleive is the other, which I hear is wonderful!

[jenseib]

I was just looking at our FE list. It looks like several of the rooms wil lactually be kind of close to each other ( a few right down the hall from me) Thats great, since I will probably get lost. :lmao:
I have my stuff now. I just need to put my little bags together.
I just want to be sure my count is right...Right now we have 8 total (one family with 2 FE's correct), so not including my family, I will need to have 7 FE gifts...right?

[jenseib]

One other thought. Is anyone else going to do a Trip report after? I know I am, and would love to read others experiences on the same cruise.

[Mean Queen]

I was just looking at our FE list. It looks like several of the rooms wil lactually be kind of close to each other ( a few right down the hall from me) Thats great, since I will probably get lost. :lmao:
I have my stuff now. I just need to put my little bags together.
I just want to be sure my count is right...Right now we have 8 total (one family with 2 FE's correct), so not including my family, I will need to have 7 FE gifts...right?

There are 8 families, I just forgot to add the other family traveling with us because I couldn't remember which room they are in next to us. :cutie: They have 1 DD11 and 1 DS13. If anyone else is interested, please PM me your information.

I am really looking forward to the shows. I'd like to see the changes to the Golden Mickeys and check out Villains for the first time. Believe is brand new just for the Dream.

I will probably not do a trip report. I tend to stop midway then forget about it.

[jenseib]

There are 8 families, I just forgot to add the other family traveling with us because I couldn't remember which room they are in next to us. :cutie: They have 1 DD11 and 1 DS13. If anyone else is interested, please PM me your information.

I am really looking forward to the shows. I'd like to see the changes to the Golden Mickeys and check out Villains for the first time. Believe is brand new just for the Dream.

I will probably not do a trip report. I tend to stop midway then forget about it.

OK. I know that two of the ones listed had 2 rooms, one said only 1 FE and the other didn't say. So that other one with 2 rooms, are they having 2 FE's too?

[Mean Queen]

OK. I know that two of the ones listed had 2 rooms, one said only 1 FE and the other didn't say. So that other one with 2 rooms, are they having 2 FE's too?

I will check. The 8th family I didn't put on the list yet. I will add them for the next update and anyone else that wants to sign up.

[douglas_in_philly]

I apologize if this has been answered before, and if so, you can just tell me to look back in the thread, but how exactly does the Fish Extender work? I'm signed up, so that much I get, but what then? I know we get gifts for others--is it one gift/signed-up family? So in other words, if there are a total of 8 familes with 14 kids (or something like that), then we'd give a gift (whether it's a single thing, or lots of things) to each of the kids in each of the families?

Do people generally identify themselves as the giver of the gift, so people know who it's from?

Do you generally just go around one time to all the recipients' staterooms and give the gifts all at once?

[douglas_in_philly]

jenseib, my daughter is 7, but will be 8 in about a month (so she'll be 8 on the cruise).

Thanks for the response about the shows on the cruise. My daughter will be happy to know that info, and also happy to see that someone actually responded to her post!

[gunghomom]

Hi Skylar,

I have a daughter turning 8 just one week after you - on March 19. She is excited that you'll be on the cruise, and that we're both doing the dolphins in Nassau and the snorkeling/stingrays. I also have another daughter that plays the violin. She is 5 and she is excited to meet you too!

All three of my girls are wondering what will be in the fish extenders too. They are so excited to go on their first cruise ever!

[jenseib]

jenseib, my daughter is 7, but will be 8 in about a month (so she'll be 8 on the cruise).

Thanks for the response about the shows on the cruise. My daughter will be happy to know that info, and also happy to see that someone actually responded to her post!

I thought her post was great!

I've never done FE before, but this is how we are going to do it. I am making a bag of a few items for Each FE we deliver to. (we are going to deliver all at 1 time if possible, most likely the 1st night) I will put a little tag saying who it is from. I will get too confused to make sure that each child in the room has something seperate, so basically everything in my FE bags are to shared. LOL! I know some get more personal and do more elaberate things, but this is the first time for us, and I am so overwelmed with everything of the new ship that I am trying to make it slightly less complicated for myself.

[lilliansmommy]

There are 8 families, I just forgot to add the other family traveling with us because I couldn't remember which room they are in next to us. :cutie: They have 1 DD11 and 1 DS13. If anyone else is interested, please PM me your information.

I am really looking forward to the shows. I'd like to see the changes to the Golden Mickeys and check out Villains for the first time. Believe is brand new just for the Dream.

I will probably not do a trip report. I tend to stop midway then forget about it.

Hey there!!

Are we on for FE??? I thought I sent you a PM, could be wrong though.

[Mean Queen]

I apologize if this has been answered before, and if so, you can just tell me to look back in the thread, but how exactly does the Fish Extender work? I'm signed up, so that much I get, but what then? I know we get gifts for others--is it one gift/signed-up family? So in other words, if there are a total of 8 familes with 14 kids (or something like that), then we'd give a gift (whether it's a single thing, or lots of things) to each of the kids in each of the families?

Do people generally identify themselves as the giver of the gift, so people know who it's from?

Do you generally just go around one time to all the recipients' staterooms and give the gifts all at once?

Most of the gifts seem to be anonymous. I usually separate mine into different baggies for each person in the family, then put those bags into one for the cabin. My DD and her friends then deliver the gifts, putting each baggie in the pocket for that person. If I remember, I put a label saying it's from me. The girls try to deliver all of the gifts at one time, when they have nothing else going on. Some exchanges assign days to make sure there's at least one gift on each day (except departure day.) But with shorter cruises, it's not as big a worry. You can give gifts to everyone, just the kids, or just a family gift. It all depends on what you want to do.

Hey there!!

Are we on for FE??? I thought I sent you a PM, could be wrong though.

Not yet! The people signed up are: Mean Queen, JackNMel, Jenseib, Douglas in Philly, "Cinder" Ella's Mom, Gunghomom, and DisneyTraceyl. My friend ClubFig4 is also doing the FE, but hasn't jumped on this thread yet. We still have time to add anyone else that's interested.

[JackNMel]

Hey MeanQueen, Clubfigs ds is 14 not 13. Time flies, huh?
For our FE, we are doing 1 small gift for each person, but I think the idea of one baggie of shared gifts per cabin sounds great, and less complicated too!! I might try that in the future!
We are planning on putting our names on the gifts! I like knowing who I got them from, since we are kind of getting to know each other on these boards!

And I don't mean to be a downer, but I have heard of people signing up for the FE and then not giving gifts, just recieving things. Bad form people! I'm sure none of us will be doing that, ahem:sad2:

Have a great week everyone! 7 more weeks!

And Skylar, I am with you! So excited!! Can't wait! :banana::banana::banana:

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Hi Skylar,

I have a daughter turning 8 just one week after you - on March 19. She is excited that you'll be on the cruise, and that we're both doing the dolphins in Nassau and the snorkeling/stingrays. I also have another daughter that plays the violin. She is 5 and she is excited to meet you too!

All three of my girls are wondering what will be in the fish extenders too. They are so excited to go on their first cruise ever!

Hi There: My daughter Ella is 7 also, turning 8 in June. That should be a lot of fun, although she is also usually happy to hang out with her brother who will be 10 in April. He doesn't want to go near Pixie Hollow, so I am sure she will love to meet up with other girls her age.

It is getting close now! I ordered my F/E and parts of my gifts, but nothing has arrived yet. I hope it is soon!

[douglas_in_philly]

My daughter is excited about Pixie Hollow, too! She has had a sudden rekindling of her interest in Tinkerbell and all things Fairy. :-) She hasn't been a "princess costume" wearer for a couple years, but she wanted me to get her a "Silvermist" cosutme/dress to wear on the cruise. So I did. :-) We'll see if she actually wears it--I think she will.

She keeps asking me if the "Enchanted Garden" restaurant is somehow related to Tinkerbell. :-)

[Mean Queen]

My daughter is excited about Pixie Hollow, too! She has had a sudden rekindling of her interest in Tinkerbell and all things Fairy. :-) She hasn't been a "princess costume" wearer for a couple years, but she wanted me to get her a "Silvermist" cosutme/dress to wear on the cruise. So I did. :-) We'll see if she actually wears it--I think she will.

She keeps asking me if the "Enchanted Garden" restaurant is somehow related to Tinkerbell. :-)

My DD4 keeps putting costumes away "for the cruise." I told her we aren't going to be on there that long, even with the back to back. When she saw there were costumes in the kids club, she got very excited because she doesn't have any of those.

[jenseib]

I know what you mean. We have about 12 costumes we could take and a pirate outfit as well. We are taking the pirate outfit and 2 dresses for the curise and then 3 for our WDW days. Technically one day we wil lbe at Sea World but have a 1900 PF breakfast before we go over there ,so DD will wear her Mary Poppins to that.
So does your DD wear the dresses for dinner? All day, or how does that work. There is just so little time, I don't know when we can wear them all.

[Mean Queen]

She usually wears her regular clothes during the day then her costumes for dinner and the show. She actually hates wearing the costumes too long cause they are too itchy.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Hmmm...hadn't thought of costumes. DD isn't into her princess dresses anymore. I better ask about the Tink costume. Better to be prepared!

[jenseib]

Great. That was my plan! She used to never have a problem with itchiness, but I have noticed over the last year, she now seems to notice of the yare itchy. I think before she was just so happy to be a beautiful Princess, that it didn't bother her. :lmao:

[gunghomom]

My DD10, almost 11, is wondering is wondering if there are any other girls out there her age on our cruise. She has two younger sisters she sometimes :rotfl2: like to hang out with, but was wondering about anyone her age too.

Also, she was wondering if she could go into the tween club. She will turn 11 just a couple of days after the cruise is over. Has anyone done this or going to do this?

[Mean Queen]

My DD10, almost 11, is wondering is wondering if there are any other girls out there her age on our cruise. She has two younger sisters she sometimes :rotfl2: like to hang out with, but was wondering about anyone her age too.

Also, she was wondering if she could go into the tween club. She will turn 11 just a couple of days after the cruise is over. Has anyone done this or going to do this?

My DD and 2 of her friends are 11 and would love to meet your DD. I think if your DD is within a few days of 11, they will allow her to move up to the tween group.

[gunghomom]

Yay, MeanQueen, she'll be happy to hear that, especially since you all are on the B2B too, right?

Also, if anyone is interested in Palo, I saw there were more reservations open for it now on our cruise. Not sure if we want to check it out or not, but thought I'd pass that along for anyone who might.

[Mean Queen]

Yay, MeanQueen, she'll be happy to hear that, especially since you all are on the B2B too, right?

Also, if anyone is interested in Palo, I saw there were more reservations open for it now on our cruise. Not sure if we want to check it out or not, but thought I'd pass that along for anyone who might.

Yes, our group is on the March 27th cruise also. :banana::banana:

I really need to get in gear and start doing my online checkin.

[Disney Dad Canada]

Good news. Being a nighthawk is a good thing. Rooms were available as of 11:30pm, and got 7140. I checked the decks above and below, and it didn't look like I'm above cannons, night clubs, or much else that will keep us awake.

It was over $500 more, which I know is a lot (especially with me losing my job on Monday), but knowing that I'll be able to sleep soundly makes it all worth it.

[jenseib]

She usually wears her regular clothes during the day then her costumes for dinner and the show. She actually hates wearing the costumes too long cause they are too itchy.

Another question for you. How cold are the dining rooms. Will we need to wear sweaters? DD's dresses are sleeveless, and so are mine. I jsut hate to take the beauty of our outfits away with a sweater, but I don't want to freeze either. :rotfl:

[gunghomom]

Hooray! It's getting so close. We're spending this weekend working on our FE gifts, our FEs and some cute outfits for the trip. Happy planning everyone!

[cherry capital mom]

I've been watching this board since early January but have been to shy to jump in. The fish extender conversation peaked my interest. SInce this is my first post, I can't send a PM to mean queen yet...but count on our family please!
My family and I are new to cruising but frequent Disney visitors. Ryan, my husband and I think Disney vacations are the easiest and most fun - we are eager to try out this cruise and Vero Beach Resort for a few days before boarding. Eager to avoid spring break lines in the parks.
Not sure I understand all the appropriate abbreviations but we have 4 children, girls ages 8 and 5, boys ages 7 and 3.

[Mean Queen]

I've been watching this board since early January but have been to shy to jump in. The fish extender conversation peaked my interest. SInce this is my first post, I can't send a PM to mean queen yet...but count on our family please!
My family and I are new to cruising but frequent Disney visitors. Ryan, my husband and I think Disney vacations are the easiest and most fun - we are eager to try out this cruise and Vero Beach Resort for a few days before boarding. Eager to avoid spring break lines in the parks.
Not sure I understand all the appropriate abbreviations but we have 4 children, girls ages 8 and 5, boys ages 7 and 3.

Welcome to the board! I will add you to the FE (fish extender) list. Once you have 10 posts, you will be able to send me a private message with your cabin number, unless you don't mind posting it here.

I am currently at Disney for the weekend but we are counting the days until the cruise. :banana:

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Disney Dad Canada: Just wanted to say sorry about the job. Hope jobs are more plentiful in Canada than in the states. Best of luck.

But...the cruise will be here before you know it!

[cherry capital mom]

I am finally getting around to cruise planning. Thanks for the update on additional openings being posted for Palo. I had checked earlier to no avail and had sort of crossed it off my list. Do openings ever pop up for closed/full Atlantis excursions? Let me ask you this: is the Oceaneer's Club completely drop-in? I have registered the kids but wanted to make sure the Palo night is going to go as planned.

[Mean Queen]

I am finally getting around to cruise planning. Thanks for the update on additional openings being posted for Palo. I had checked earlier to no avail and had sort of crossed it off my list. Do openings ever pop up for closed/full Atlantis excursions? Let me ask you this: is the Oceaneer's Club completely drop-in? I have registered the kids but wanted to make sure the Palo night is going to go as planned.

The only place you need reservations for kids is the nursery. They also are less likely to call you if you are at Palo's or the spa if there is a minor issue. They will always contact you for a major issue.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Got my FE gifts in the mail (I ordered them) and they are so cute! Can't wait to share them and I hope everyone likes them!

[jenseib]

What is the current count for FE familys. I have 9 gifts and wondering if I need to get more, or if that is good.

[Disney Dad Canada]

What is the current count for FE familys. I have 9 gifts and wondering if I need to get more, or if that is good.

Am I on the list? Just changed our room number to 7140.

Seeing all these photos from the dream makes it almost seem warm here.... almost.

[jenseib]

Are you guys doing the Dolphin swim or the encounter? Also, anyone done this before? I'm wondering when it says that after you can enjoy the rest of Blue Lagoon, does that mean you get to use the beaches etc., or do you have to pay extra for that? Anyone been? Is the beach nice?

More questions - has anyone done the observation part of it? It says you are 30 feet away. I'm wondering if my Mom will be able to get pictures of us or not from there and how much she'll get to see.

So, so excited for the trip! Our planning DVD came in the mail this weekend and the kids cannot stop watching it. I only wish the trip was longer!

Did you find anymore info on the Dolphin Encounter. I am thinking of it too. But I am also debating on whether to do the observation or do the encounter too. Can you take a camera in the water with you?

[jenseib]

Am I on the list? Just changed our room number to 7140.

Seeing all these photos from the dream makes it almost seem warm here.... almost.

I don't see you on the list I have so far. But that list was sent out on Jan 31.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Am I on the list? Just changed our room number to 7140.

Seeing all these photos from the dream makes it almost seem warm here.... almost.

PM Mean Queen with your info (cabin, names and ages of kids) to be put on the list.

[Mean Queen]

Am I on the list? Just changed our room number to 7140.

Seeing all these photos from the dream makes it almost seem warm here.... almost.

Nope. Just PM your name, kids name and ages and cabin to me.

Right now, we have 10 families signed up. It'll be 11 with Disney Dad's. 21 kids and 21 adults before Disney Dad's info.

[jenseib]

EEK. I am going to be 2 short. So I guess I'll have to think of something else to make for the other ones.

[gunghomom]

jenseib - We did book the Dolphin encounter/swim - for the early one. We have half of us in the encounter and half in the swim. I saw your questions about photos on the other thread. I was wondering that too. Maybe we'll be in two different groups and can get shots of each other! Either way, I'm looking forward to it and my daughter is so excited.

[jenseib]

jenseib - We did book the Dolphin encounter/swim - for the early one. We have half of us in the encounter and half in the swim. I saw your questions about photos on the other thread. I was wondering that too. Maybe we'll be in two different groups and can get shots of each other! Either way, I'm looking forward to it and my daughter is so excited.

LOL! I was just going to suggest that too. I have tried to look in the TR section for pictures and found a few, but most are just one or two shots. I'm all about A LOT of pictures. I want to know it ALL!
I did see on the Blue Lagoon site that they do allow you to bring your camera in the water.

[jenseib]

Anyone else going to take pillowcases to get signed? I decided to get one. I ordered it last week and it came right away....except the seller sent me a totebag, which was cute, but not what I ordered. So I emailed her and she sent out the pillowcase and apologized. I think I will drop both off at Guest services to get signed.

Here is what I got.

The tote that was made by mistake.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/jenseib/more%20disney%20pictures/toteclaire.jpg

The pillowcase.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/jenseib/more%20disney%20pictures/clairepillowcase.jpg

[Mean Queen]

I love the pillowcase and tote bag! My DD4 loves her pillowcase from a previous cruise. The only problem is we needed better pens because some of the writing did come off, especially the yellow.

[jenseib]

I love the pillowcase and tote bag! My DD4 loves her pillowcase from a previous cruise. The only problem is we needed better pens because some of the writing did come off, especially the yellow.

I bought fabric markers to use. Do you think I should stikc newpaper inside to prevent bleeding to the other side?

[Mean Queen]

I bought fabric markers to use. Do you think I should stikc newpaper inside to prevent bleeding to the other side?

I would to be safe. Some of the Sharpies we used did go through to the other side.

[jenseib]

Thanks

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Oh I love the tote bag! My kids have a signed pillowcase that their aunt and uncle brought them from a Disney cruise and aren't too excited about it. I wonder if DD7 will want to have something signed. She is at that age...7 going on 10! Princesses are not her thing anymore, but I just know if she sees one she will be wanting to "meet" her.

[douglas_in_philly]

We went to Borders bookstore yesterday and bought (for $2.99) a little (about 2 inches wide by 3 inches high) plain paper spiral notepad (with a plastic-like cover with a cute owl on it) so that my daughter can get signatures. She's not as enthralled with Princesses as she once was, but I think she'll enjoy meeting some of the characters, and with this notepad, it's very small, and we can have it with us at all times, just in case.

I've been shopping for a new camera--my current one is great, but bulkier than I want, so I'm thinking of getting a very small--easily pocketable--one, and have also seen some cool water/weatherproof cameras. I am thinking I might get one of each. I really want a small standard digital camera with a very good optical zoom (10x or better), but the idea of being able to take pics in--and even under--the water is pretty appealing. Unfortunately, there aren't any waterproof cameras with really good zooms that I've seen.

[cherry capital mom]

OK Mean Queen, I'm checking in after a busy week, realizing that I better get you my FE information now, as 10 posts may take me a while.
Here it is: We're in two adjoining rooms but with one FE. One of the room numbers is 2536 so please add us to your list.
We are Kate and Ryan, (just for fun) 37 and 35
Tim, age 7
Whitney, age 8
Annie, age 5
Eric, age 3
I've started working on FE gifts. This is very fun!
Thanks-
Kate

[jenseib]

Does anyone know what the time is that we are on Nassau? I swear I read it was till 6 PM either here or on the Disney site, but I was just printing out my reservation to have in my folder and it says we are there till 7. I guess it really doesn't matter too much, as we will probably be back way before then because I am hoping we can all get a nap, but just curious.

I've been shopping for a new camera--my current one is great, but bulkier than I want, so I'm thinking of getting a very small--easily pocketable--one, and have also seen some cool water/weatherproof cameras. I am thinking I might get one of each. I really want a small standard digital camera with a very good optical zoom (10x or better), but the idea of being able to take pics in--and even under--the water is pretty appealing. Unfortunately, there aren't any waterproof cameras with really good zooms that I've seen.

I have been shopping for a new waterprrof one. I have a point and shoot that has seen better days, but it is still OK. I do plan to get a new one in the next year or so. I am also taking my SLR, which I love. But since we have some water activities planned , I would feel safer with a waterproof one as well. I don't want to spend much and have looked and looked and looked some more.:goodvibes I have decided on this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-EasyShare-Waterproof-Digital-2-4-Inch/dp/B004FLL5C2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1298149326&sr=8-6-spell


It doesn't start shipping till March 18. But I think it's basic enough for me and will fit my need for water activities.

[cherry capital mom]

This is super cute! I think I wasn't prepared to read about autographs. So, pillowcases are the "hot" autograph items on the ships? What is the relationship between Guest Services and autographs? Do you have a favorite pillowcase maker?

Thanks all for your help!
Kate

[disneytraceyl]

The pillowcase and tote bag were really cute. I am going to have to see if the girls would like that.

[Disney Dad Canada]

HELLO!!!!! A month away and it's so quiet.

I'm so fraking busy looking for work (got laid off 2 weeks ago), but getting excited about our WDW/Dream trip. :)

[gunghomom]

Hi,

Super excited! A month away. Yay! Anyway, just wondering when, if ever, the FE group will be set? I want to make them all soon, but just wanted to make sure I had enough. Are we expecting any more additions? Or is it closed?

[jenseib]

Hi,

Super excited! A month away. Yay! Anyway, just wondering when, if ever, the FE group will be set? I want to make them all soon, but just wanted to make sure I had enough. Are we expecting any more additions? Or is it closed?

I agree. I need to buy a few things yet, and am holding off till we know for sure the exact number.
I see you have 2 rooms. Are you doing 2 FE's as well?

[gunghomom]

I am making two different ones - with three on each. Hope that's not too confusing!

[jenseib]

I am making two different ones - with three on each. Hope that's not too confusing!

Makes perfect sense!!!

[Mean Queen]

I will give to the end of the week for everyone to join the FE exchange. But I won't send out the FINAL final until the week before just in case anyone has any room changes between now and then. The one time we were lucky enough to get an upgrade, it happened a few weeks before. But we can all hope to get one between now and the cruise this time!

[gunghomom]

Thanks for arranging it all Mean Queen.

[chantalj]

Hi everyone! We are traveling in two cabins (total of seven people- two adults and yikes five kids) and we have never done the FE before on other Disney cruises. Am researching it and would love to join the group... please let me know what we need to do! Can't wait! Chantal:banana:

[nicoledy]

So exciting!! Only 35 more days!!!:yay: We are traveling with 4 kids and 8 adults!

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Just got my second half of F/E gifts yesterday. I really happy with how they turned out. I totally admire those crafty people, but I have to order anything I want to look good! I got lots of extras, so I will be ok with last-minute additions. I am just doing one "package" per cabin. Too complicated to separate it all by individuals! DH has to go to Vegas for work and asked me to go for the weekend in two weeks, so I will even have a little pre-trip trip!

Katy

[JackNMel]

Welcome everyone! Chantel, I'm sure it is not too late to join up for the FE. Just PM MeanQueen your particulars, ie cabin #s, names and ages of people participating, and genders for people that are doing separate gifts for boys/girls.
We are getting close people!! So excited for the cruise! Loving it!

[Mean Queen]

Hi everyone! We are traveling in two cabins (total of seven people- two adults and yikes five kids) and we have never done the FE before on other Disney cruises. Am researching it and would love to join the group... please let me know what we need to do! Can't wait! Chantal:banana:

Nope! Not too late. I said earlier this week that the end of this week was it and you made it. When you reach 10 posts, you can PM me your Cabin Number, Board Name, Real Name, and names and ages of kids.

For anyone, let me know if there are any restrictions, such as allergies to nuts.

[chantalj]

I can handle ten posts about the Dream!!! Soon as I get to ten (should do this in next day), I will PM Mean Queen the details. Two rooms, total of seven people- 2 adults. All except me are males. THANKS for letting me join up- now to order a FE from ebay unless anyone else has a better idea.

[chantalj]

Anyone have a good link for examples of goodies to insert? Also sounds like folks insert the goodies all through the cruise or do most people do the first night? My younger kids are going to think this is so fun! We are going to surprise them about the FE's. Chantal

[Mean Queen]

Anyone have a good link for examples of goodies to insert? Also sounds like folks insert the goodies all through the cruise or do most people do the first night? My younger kids are going to think this is so fun! We are going to surprise them about the FE's. Chantal

It's usually done over the course of the cruise. You will usually end up with something each day, except the morning you leave. I think earlier in this group someone posted some links to ideas for FE gifts. I bought my FE from eBay, but my other friends made theirs with the no-sew instructions you can find on the DIS.

[douglas_in_philly]

Hi, chantal! Welcome to the group!

I'm hoping to make a Fish Extender. It probably won't be as picture perfect as the ones you can buy, but it'll do the job. Hopefully!

As for what to insert, it's really whatever you want. It should be kid-appropriate, I believe, as it's really for kids (isn't it?). It could be magnets or pencils related to where you're from. Post cards. Disney related stuff. Picture frames. Some people get stuff from Oriental Trading or party stores. It's really up to you.

[Mean Queen]

This is the last call. If anyone else wants to be added to the FE list, this is your chance. Anyone that wants to join after this can not be guaranteed to get anything.

[douglas_in_philly]

Just happened upon this post about Fish Extenders, and thought it did a pretty good job of covering a lot of the questions surrounding them:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32651483

[disneytraceyl]

Hi Everyone.
Just received our cruise documents in the mail. So excited. We got upgraded.... Never have had this happen before. Can you please change our cabin on the fish extender list to 8682.
So excited to meet everyone. Are we going to to have a dismeet onboard the first day?

[Mean Queen]

Hi Everyone.
Just received our cruise documents in the mail. So excited. We got upgraded.... Never have had this happen before. Can you please change our cabin on the fish extender list to 8682.
So excited to meet everyone. Are we going to to have a dismeet onboard the first day?

Congrats on the upgrade! I made the change to the FE list. I'll send out an updated version before the cruise. No DIS meet has been planned yet, but I'm sure if we can all agree on a time and place, we can make it happen.

[jenseib]

Ohhhh! I hope our dcouments come soon!

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Got our cruise docs yesterday! Exciting!

[chantalj]

Mean Queen- Could you post the total numbers you have so far for kids and adults for the FE exchange? I am getting ready to order supplies! Thanks for doing this! Chantal

[Mean Queen]

Mean Queen- Could you post the total numbers you have so far for kids and adults for the FE exchange? I am getting ready to order supplies! Thanks for doing this! Chantal

I just did the count today since I worked on my FE gifts. Though between this one and the earlier, I have a whole bunch more to make.

ADULTS – 23
KIDS (including older teens) - 26
Total - 49

[jenseib]

I just did the count today since I worked on my FE gifts. Though between this one and the earlier, I have a whole bunch more to make.

ADULTS – 23
KIDS (including older teens) - 26
Total - 49

How many actual FE's do we need to deliver too?

[Mean Queen]

How many actual FE's do we need to deliver too?

A few families have 2 rooms, but only one said they are using one FE for both rooms. So I'm not totally sure on the number of FE's. If everyone with double rooms can tell me if they are having one or two FE's, I can give an exact count. But I will estimate 12.

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

One month from today!!! Got our fish extender from etsy yesterday (stitches and bows) and it is ADORABLE! I could never make anything as cute as that. It has our name at the top and a mickey pocket, a minnie pocket and third for me and DH with a heart and ears on it. So excited.

[JackNMel]

We got our cruise documents today!! Woo Hoo! I am so excited! Working all weekend long, which stinks, but my mind is on the cruise! I cannot wait!

[douglas_in_philly]

It's a rainy day in Philadelphia.

Does anyone else who lives in colder climes secretly (or not so secretly) wish for really bad weather back home while you're on your cruise so that it seems that much better? I do. :-)

My daughter and I bought stuff to make our fish extender last weekend. Yes, we are really going to try to make it. It may not be perfect, but I'm pretty sure it'll work. You'll likely know it when you see it! LOL

We are definitely in "crunch time." It's extra crazy us because my daughter's 8th birthday is this coming Saturday, then we have her party on the 23rd (couldn't get a date closer at the place we wanted), then we leave for a week in Pompano Beach, Florida (where my dad spends his winters) on the 23rd. Then the cruise! So I'm feeling like there are a million things to do and not a lot of time!

Fortunately, most of the big stuff has been done. I still need to get a camera for the trip to replace my bulky one. May even get an underwater camera, too.

Anyway.....can't wait!!!!

[gunghomom]

Douglas you sound like our family. We were just saying we secretly wished it would be cold here while we were gone.

And we are busily trying to get everything done our. Our daughter's 8th birthday is in two weeks, and we have to fit the family party, kids party and everything else in before we go too.

We have, however, finished our homemade fish extenders and I think they look so cute! So excited for this part of our trip. I know the kids will love it.


To the more organized members of our group out there - is there any type of meet-up planned for our group?

Can't wait to be there in 3 weeks!

[cherry capital mom]

Still can not send the private message about fish extenders...not yet to ten posts. We have two rooms as I have noted earlier, but we will hang just one fish extender.
Thanks all for participating! This will be very memorable for the kids.
Kate

[jenseib]

It's a rainy day in Philadelphia.

Does anyone else who lives in colder climes secretly (or not so secretly) wish for really bad weather back home while you're on your cruise so that it seems that much better? I do. :-)

Fortunately, most of the big stuff has been done. I still need to get a camera for the trip to replace my bulky one. May even get an underwater camera, too.

Anyway.....can't wait!!!!

YES. But not too bad, because then DH's brother calls constantly. Well he won;t be able to on the cruise, but I don't want bad things to happen at home to prevent us from going in the future. (we have a dairy farm)
I did get an underwater camera. I ended up getting the fuji xp10. Its a decent little camera, but I am so picky since I have a SLR. It will be OK for water things, but not for everyday picture taking.

We have had a snag here. DH's brother broke his leg. They run the farm together, and if BIL can't walk by the time we leave, DH may have to stay home. If that is the case, I am going to try and take my adult DD. I would love to have her come (and she would love to come) but I really want my DH to be able to come. We have had a rough 2 years (he has had the same hip replaced twice in 1 1/4 years time) He really deserves to go away with his family. If we go without him he wil lbe grumpy about it I'm sure. But I highly doubt our insurance would cover a cancelation due to a family members (who is not on the cruise) broken leg.

[Mean Queen]

Good luck with your BIL healing fast. It'd stink for your DH to not be able to go on the cruise. You should call your travel agent or Disney to see what your options are since we are so close to sail date.

[jenseib]

Good luck with your BIL healing fast. It'd stink for your DH to not be able to go on the cruise. You should call your travel agent or Disney to see what your options are since we are so close to sail date.

I haven't talked to Disney yet, but I have been told that for a fee I can change the person going. My older DD who is 18 would love to go, but it's still a waiting game at this point.

[JackNMel]

Jenseib,
So sorry to hear about your BIL and how it might affect your DH on the cruise. I would be so upset if I couldn't go at the last minute. Hopefully your brother in law is a fast healer!!

Hey Mean Queen, do we have a final FE list for everyone? I would love to get the last of my stuff done this week so I can concentrate on the packing and other stuff!! Can't believe we are getting so close!!

[Mean Queen]

Jenseib,
So sorry to hear about your BIL and how it might affect your DH on the cruise. I would be so upset if I couldn't go at the last minute. Hopefully your brother in law is a fast healer!!

Hey Mean Queen, do we have a final FE list for everyone? I would love to get the last of my stuff done this week so I can concentrate on the packing and other stuff!! Can't believe we are getting so close!!

I will try to get it out after tap class tonight (remind me right before I leave). I didn't take my laptop to Disney this past weekend otherwise I would have done it then.

[Mean Queen]

Just waiting to confirm one more room on if there is one or two FE's hanging (Chantalj). Once I know that, I will send our final list out. I can't believe we are 3 weeks from the cruise. I have so much work still to do.

And as for the weather question, I want it to be good at home since our weather is typically about the same as in the Bahamas.

[JackNMel]

ok, thanks MeanQueen, I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for the list so I can pack it up and move on to the clothes phase of packing... I wish I had an extra room just to put cruise stuff, it would make things easier!:rotfl2:

How is everyone doing out there? Are you getting excited? Let's get some activity on this thread, huh?:dance3::dance3::dance3:

[lilliansmommy]

Hey everyone!!

Just three more weeks!!! Can't wait. Anyone staying on land before the cruise? We are staying at POFQ for five nights before the cruise and OKW for a night afterward. Getting so excited!!

Kelly

[jenseib]

Hey everyone!!

Just three more weeks!!! Can't wait. Anyone staying on land before the cruise? We are staying at POFQ for five nights before the cruise and OKW for a night afterward. Getting so excited!!

Kelly

We are staying at the Residence Inn the night before then after heading to WDW for 3 more nights.

For those who have already checked in....did you notice that it changed a bit. I did it right when we booked, and then went back to look at it, and now there is more info to add. You can chose the arrival time for the port. (I have heard they are possibly preassigning boarding numbers according to when you say you are going to arrive.

[ariel68]

Hey everyone!!

Just three more weeks!!! Can't wait. Anyone staying on land before the cruise? We are staying at POFQ for five nights before the cruise and OKW for a night afterward. Getting so excited!!

Kelly

I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone. We booked over a year ago. We leave in only more 13 days, for Florida. We are driving down from MB, and we have rented a 4 BR house for the 6 nights while in Orlando, before we head out on our Dream Cruise. Now if only I can get everything done before we leave...that in itself will be a miracle :cloud9: