November 26, 2011 Western Carribean

[CherylA]

I keep checking for a cruise meet thread for The November 26th 2011 cruise and all thats out there is some old bananahead cruise thread. I'm guessing the bananaheads abandoned the Nov 26th date but I didn't!! My husband, myself and our two daughters will be on board, hope theres many more DISers cruising with us!:yay:

[iloverags2]

Hi! There is a November 27, 2010 Western, not the 26th. A thread has been started for that one!

[CherylA]

Whoops It's 2011. I changed my title. Wishful thinking that it was coming up sooner!

[IrishCowboy]

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

[Marty Moose]

Yayyyy!!! :cheer2:

I've been waiting for a new 11/26/11 thread (too chicken to start one myself - lol).

Followed the Bananahead thread for pages and PAGES before realizing they had all jumped ship (so to speak)! :lmao:

How old are your daughters? My kids will be 11 (DS) and 7 (DD)

Can't wait!!! :cool1:

[CherylA]

Yayyyy!!! :cheer2:

I've been waiting for a new 11/26/11 thread (too chicken to start one myself - lol).

Followed the Bananahead thread for pages and PAGES before realizing they had all jumped ship (so to speak)! :lmao:

How old are your daughters? My kids will be 11 (DS) and 7 (DD)

Can't wait!!! :cool1:

Oh Hi! been a while since I checked back here, I thought I was all alone! My girls will be 6 and 9 when we cruise. I am so looking forward to a longer cruise, we booked this date on our 4 day back in April of this year. It still seems so far away but I know it will come fast! :cool1:

[TJGorman]

I was also waiting for a new thread to start!! We are having friends and family with us on the next cruise. Hopefully, a few of them will also join in the DIS fun.

Our Crew:

Me (will be 41)
DH (will be 46)
DD (will be 17)
DS (will be 15)
DM (will be 63)

We also have 14 {maybe 21} more people joining us on the cruise.

Our family did a three-day in January and it was the first time I participated in the FE Exchange. I had a blast even though it was 3-days. I am soo excited to do the Western Caribbean.

Tammy

[CherylA]

Well Welcome! So excited to have some peeps lined up for our cruise! It's still so far away but I'm already super excited! Wow Tammy you could have quite the crowd!

[TJGorman]

It is going to be a long year+ but I think planning/anticipating is half the fun. Yes, we have quite the group going I hope I can convince a few more families to join in the fun.

Right now our crew is my family (5)

Best Friend's Family (3)
Fire company Family (7)
Niece's Family (4)
Hopefully my co-worker's family (4)
Hopefully two of my husband's co-workers (4)

It will be an even bigger party if I can convince some of my family!

Tammy

[TJGorman]

My family of four is also planning to do two days at MK before the cruise. I am quite excited as DH, DD and DS have never been to the parks. I am soo excited they finally gave in and are going to give it a try. :cheer2::cheer2:

[TJGorman]

Only 443 days to go until our cruise! :rotfl2:

[CherylA]

Only 443 days to go until our cruise! :rotfl2:

Ugh thats not encouraging! It will be here before we know it though!;)

[madry2009]

My family is currently booked for the 4 day dream leaving on sunday the 27th. But we are seriously thinking of changing!!! Just waiting to see if the whole crew will join in. My family, my sisters, our parents and grandparents are all going to cruise together. I suprised my children last December with a cruise on the wonder. We loved it and rebooked the whole crew. I am really excited. My little ones are 6 and 8 right now. Hope to talk soon. :cloud9::cloud9:

[CherylA]

My family is currently booked for the 4 day dream leaving on sunday the 27th. But we are seriously thinking of changing!!! Just waiting to see if the whole crew will join in. My family, my sisters, our parents and grandparents are all going to cruise together. I suprised my children last December with a cruise on the wonder. We loved it and rebooked the whole crew. I am really excited. My little ones are 6 and 8 right now. Hope to talk soon. :cloud9::cloud9:

Oh I hope you join our group! Good kid ages ;)

[madry2009]

Just booked this cruise!!! So excited!! The whole family is going. It will be myself, my boyfriend, the kids (mad is 8, ry is 6) My sister and her hubby there two girls (lilly 4, and Rory 3). My parents and grandparents. Super excited it will be our second disney cruise but for the rest there first. We would love to do the FE at least for the kids. It can't get here soon enough. :banana::banana::banana:

[CherylA]

Yay so excited to have another cruiser with us. I'm not sure about the FE exchange, maybe just for the kids. It seems like a lot of work!! I'm planning to do any excursions on my own, not through Disney. It would be fun if a group of us from the DIS did one or two of our own excursions together. Just a thought, anyhow I won't even be looking at that stuff until next summer I suspect. Welcome to November 26, 2011, it's going to be great!:thumbsup2

[TJGorman]

Welcome! Sounds like you also have a large crew.

The good news is we ONLY have 427 days, 19 hours and 12 minutes before we leave on this cruise. (Can you tell I am getting a kick out of my countdown calendar? :rotfl2:)

[TJGorman]

Less than a year to go!

[CherylA]

Yay! So what are you all doing before/ after? Are you flying or driving, what are you doing for Thanksgiving? We just got back from a week in the World, Thurday (Thanksgiving) to Thursday (yesterday) flying on Thanksgiving is pretty cheap in comaprison to the few days before and after the holiday, so we may fly down on Thanksgiving next year too. Maybe do the Very Merry Xmas Party at the MK on Friday and then take the cruise the next day. :goodvibes

[CherylA]

My family of four is also planning to do two days at MK before the cruise. I am quite excited as DH, DD and DS have never been to the parks. I am soo excited they finally gave in and are going to give it a try. :cheer2::cheer2:

Oh so I see here you're doing 2 days in the parks before the cruise, how great! It is a busy time of year though so make sure you use fast passes!

[monami7]

We will be there as well!
It will be my family or 4
Me, DH, DD 6 and DD 4
My sister and her BF and my niece 10 and nephew 8
My PArents and
My Grandparents

We are so excited o be going!!!

[IrishCowboy]

I am going to review 'banana heads' thread and will remove it from list if it is not active

[CherylA]

We will be there as well!
It will be my family or 4
Me, DH, DD 6 and DD 4
My sister and her BF and my niece 10 and nephew 8
My PArents and
My Grandparents

We are so excited o be going!!!

Welcome! My DD will be 6 too! My older DD will be 9 so maybe a good age to get along with your niece. I am so looking forward to this trip! What category and/or rooms is everyone in? I originally booked an 11B we were on deck 5 I think. I just changed to a 10B on deck 2 room 2111. It was only $100 more and we get the split bath and a few extra square feet.

We will be flying down on Thanksgiving and staying 2 nights in a studio at Bay Lake Towers in the Contemporary. I think we will do the Very Merry Xmas Party on Friday assuming they have it. The rest of our time will be Downtown Disney, resort hopping etc.

[TJGorman]

Oh so I see here you're doing 2 days in the parks before the cruise, how great! It is a busy time of year though so make sure you use fast passes!

We changed our plans, now we are just going to do MK on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We also will be flying down on Thanksgiving, the airfare is so much more reasonable on Thanksgiving. We haven't finished making our plans but I am hoping to stay at All-Star Music.

[CherylA]

We changed our plans, now we are just going to do MK on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We also will be flying down on Thanksgiving, the airfare is so much more reasonable on Thanksgiving. We haven't finished making our plans but I am hoping to stay at All-Star Music.

Funny sounds like we have similar plans! Usually on that Friday they do the Christmas Party so the park closes at 7 unless you have xmas party tickets. With Xmas party tickets you can get in at 4:00 then the party starts at 7 and ends at midnight

[TJGorman]

Funny sounds like we have similar plans! Usually on that Friday they do the Christmas Party so the park closes at 7 unless you have xmas party tickets. With Xmas party tickets you can get in at 4:00 then the party starts at 7 and ends at midnight

Thank you for the information! We are still talking about the timing of everything, but I appreciate another alternative!

[CherylA]

Thank you for the information! We are still talking about the timing of everything, but I appreciate another alternative!

I just wanted to let you know that I was looking at past xmas party dates and they don't seem to be the Friday after Thanksgiving. I don't know why I thought they were. Anyway I guess we'll be doing a regular full day at the MK on the 25th. Kind of bummed because I really wanted to experience the Xmas party :sad2:

[TJGorman]

Well that makes the decision a lot easier. :rotfl2:

I guess I will be doing the same. Only 10 months to go! I can't wait

[sunryzez]

My crew will also be on the Nov 26th Disney cruise as well. There are a bunch of us going...
me-30, dh-34,dd-9,dd-5,ds-3
Brother-37, sil-39, nephew-2
Sister-30, bil-29, godson-3, nephew-1
Mom-64
possibly also my cousin and her family and my sil's brothers family but we are not sure yet. It will be quite a bit of us and I am SO excited. This is going to be my first cruise ever! Anyone else on here ever dcled it before? Or are you first timers like us?:woohoo:

[CherylA]

Well hello! So excited to have more cruisers joining us! Especially one with 2 girls. My girls will be 9 and 6 so maybe some playmates :) We have cruised DCL twice before, both times on the Wonder for 4 day cruises. We're really excited to be doing a longer cruise this time. On our 1st cruise my kids were 4 and 1 and while it was fun I wasn't blown away. (I think it was hard with them being so young, they didn't want to stay in the clubs at all)

Our last cruise was this past April and my kids were 5 and 7. It was soooo amazing! The kids clubs were fantastic and we had the most wonderful waitstaff. Our assistant server cut our kids food for them so we wouldn't have to be bothered. Two of the 4 nights for dinner it was just me and DH because we couldn't drag the kids away from the kids club. The kids had an awesome time in the clubs, DH and I had an awesome time getting to spend some alone time and we also had plenty of family time all together. It was the best vacation we've ever taken! And we can't wait to go back!:love:

[sunryzez]

Hey there ! I am also very excited about this trip. Any good tricks for first timers? How exactly do the clubs work? Is there a certain time they could be there or how do you sign up? That would be great if our kids could be playmates. My oldest dd is worried because she is 9 so it says she will be in a different club then her siblings..Im hoping they will still let her go in the room with the younger ones but Im not sure how strict they are on the age limit.
We are also hoping on some alone time so Im hoping the kids enjoy the clubs as well. Have you done any excursions on your past trips? We are looking into some of those now just to get an idea on what we want to do. Any advice is appreciated :goodvibes

[TJGorman]

Welcome!

Traveling with a larger group is fun! This will be our 3rd time traveling with friends and family!

My biggest piece of advice for first timers is enjoy the experience! Don't stress about the little things, it will all work out. Read the boards and ask questions!

My first cruise I had not even discovered DISBoards and we had an amazing time, so you are one step ahead of a lot of people!

[CherylA]

Hey there ! I am also very excited about this trip. Any good tricks for first timers? How exactly do the clubs work? Is there a certain time they could be there or how do you sign up? That would be great if our kids could be playmates. My oldest dd is worried because she is 9 so it says she will be in a different club then her siblings..Im hoping they will still let her go in the room with the younger ones but Im not sure how strict they are on the age limit.
We are also hoping on some alone time so Im hoping the kids enjoy the clubs as well. Have you done any excursions on your past trips? We are looking into some of those now just to get an idea on what we want to do. Any advice is appreciated :goodvibes

The kids can go into any of the clubs they want now, there are no longer age restrictions so if the kiddos want to stay together they can. My two stayed together for the first few times then they made friends and were fine going to different activities. My best advice is to fill out all the online paperwork you can before you get there. Then you print out the pages that need to be signed. When you get to the port there is an area where you can register the kids for the club and get their bracelets before you even get on the ship. Do this. Then that first day they have open family time at the clubs, bring the kids to the club on the first day to get a feel for things and meet other kids. Lots of times friendships are made on this first day and then the kids are excited about going to the club. If you wait until a day or two into the trip to take the kids to the club they may feel like outsiders since the other kids have all had a chance to get to know each other already. My last cruise we did a DIS meet on the first day. I would like to organize something like this for our group. You just get to see all the DIS faces, a list of names and ages is handed out. It is so cool to see people at breakfast and know their names and ask about their day, it's just nice knowing people on the ship. I highly recommend stopping by for that when we have it.

I have never done an excersion. Both of my previous trips we only stopped at Nassau and Castaway Cay. At CC I was happy to lay on the beach, take a walk, have lunch and hubby rented the snorkel equipment and went out on his own for a while. I was kind of afraid of Nassau and didn't want to spend the high $$ for an excursion to Atlantis so we stayed on the ship which was nice anyway especially on a 4 day when you don't get lots of time to explore the ship. This trip we will be getting off at each of the ports. At Key West we are going to buy tickets on the trolly that you can hop on and off of and explore on our own. We won't be buying through Disney. Not sure about Grand Caymen and Cozumel. I think I might book an Island tour of Grand Caymen with Captain Marvins. They do the turtle farm and photo stops at Governor's House, Old Homestead, Seven Mile Beach and Hell. It's $30 per person (same for kids). On Cozumel we may pay for a day to use the pool/facilities at one of the resorts. I just can't pay the prices for the Disney excursions! Although I guess if something were to really catch my eye and wasn't terribly expensive I might do it. As we get closer to the date of our cruise I'd love to team up with some people from this thread for an "on our own" excersion.

Wow I guess I love thinking about this cruise!:thumbsup2

[TJGorman]

Both DH and myself are divers, so we usually book at least one diving trip. We have left the kids with family members or in the clubs without any problems.

We usually book the diving excursions ourselves outside of DCL.

[sunryzez]

I love thinking about this cruise too. We booked it quite a while ago but I had told myself not to start looking into things until about 6 months before or it would feel like forever away, but now with the holidays over andthe colder weather I can't help but to think about it :goodvibes
I still am not sure about what excursions to do. Im also debating about if we are going to get off the boat at every port. I would love to see all 4 places but it is only a 7 day cruise and that doesnt leave very much time on the boat and I feel like that defeats the purpose? I could be wrong since I have never cruised before..anyone have insight on that?
I am sure that I am getting off at cc but I just want to lay on the beach and Jetski =) I also want to get off at Cayman islands to do the submarine tour.( thats the only disney excursion I am really thinking about booking)
I totally get you not getting off the boat in Nassau. We honeymooned at Sandals years ago and did an excursion into town and it was pretty scetchy in my opinion. We did do Atlantis as well. IT was amazingly beautiful but SOOO insanely pricey! WE were glad we had chosen to stay at Sandals and not at Atlantis for our trip!

Im glad they let any age group together, my dd9 will feel so much more comfortable with her siblings n cousins at least at first. Thanks for the advice on the pre sign up..I will DEF be doing that.
What about adult things on the boats? Any must sees or to do's? I know we are def booking a palo dinner with the dh and a palo tea with my mom. How is the spa? Anyone use that service before? Hope Im not asking to many questions but Im a big time planner and just like to get a head start on things :cool1:
Im so excited..wish it was here already!

[CherylA]

I think a 7 day cruise is long enough to get off at every port and still get lots of time on board. Even if you just get off and walk around the dock area for an hour. Grand Caymen seems to be the best of all the ports so if you skip any I wouldn't skip that one. We're not super adventurous, for sure we're not divers. Snorkling or something like the sting ray adventure maybe but we'd have to leave the kiddos behind for anything like that. They are NOT adventurous at all! On Grand Caymen I definatly want to do the turtle farm. I hear it's a pretty quick thing though and I wouldn't need more than an hour. i would also love to spend some time at 7 mile beach. Right now I'm leaning toward taking a taxi to the turtle farm and then a taxi to 7 mile beach and then back to the ship. In Cozumel I'm leaning toward Nachi Cocum beach club for the day, it's either that or get off the ship for a walk around the immediate area by the port and then back on the ship again. Key West definatly the trolly tour. Castaway Cay will most likely be a semi short day for us because we have done that twice now so theres nothing we need to see, just relaxing on the beach :)

Hubby and I did massages at the spa last cruise. They are really nice. The time before I did a facial. I want to try the rainforest room this time and hubby and I will most likely each get a massage again. You have to book the spa services the first moment you can, not sure how many days out that is for first timers but whenever your date is get on and book what you want. Things book up fast and if you don't book early you end up with your treatments at 8 am or 6 pm or right in the middle of the day on Castaway Cay day.

Yes book whatever Palo you can, Palo is wonderful. I may even try to add a second Palo night on once we get on board. I think you can prebook one of each thing at Palo, so dinner, brunch and the tea. I will be booking all 3. I did the brusnch our 1st cruise, dinner this past cruise and this will be my first time with the tea. I loved both dinner and brunch and can't wait to do them again.

The shows they have in the evenings are great and so are the games in the lounges that they have before/after/between dinners. They get a really good turn out and they are silly and lots of fun so I recommend checking those out.

[CherylA]

Hey Tammy you're headed for the Dream pretty soon huh? Thats awesome. My hubby so wants to book us for a short cruise on the Dream in April for our anniversary but I'm trying to hold out. I bet you're happy to get away form all this snow and cold weather. let us know how you like the Dream :)

[cshelzy]

we will be on this cruise also myself,dh,dd(13),ds(4)
we sailed the wonder last year this is our 1st time on the magic

[TJGorman]

Hey Tammy you're headed for the Dream pretty soon huh? Thats awesome. My hubby so wants to book us for a short cruise on the Dream in April for our anniversary but I'm trying to hold out. I bet you're happy to get away form all this snow and cold weather. let us know how you like the Dream :)

Hi Cheryl!

I got so lucky to be chosen for a Travel Agent Program happening on the Dream! It is a "last minute" trip, but I am very excited to be leaving in 5 days! As it is a Travel Agent trip, it will only be me, but I am looking forward to meeting new people and, of course, seeing the Dream!

[CherylA]

we will be on this cruise also myself,dh,dd(13),ds(4)
we sailed the wonder last year this is our 1st time on the magic

Hey Welcome Shelly! Sounds like we're going to be a pretty good sized group! This is our 1st time on the Magic too. Loved the shorter cruise on the Wonder and now we're ready for a longer cruise!

[CherylA]

Hi Cheryl!

I got so lucky to be chosen for a Travel Agent Program happening on the Dream! It is a "last minute" trip, but I am very excited to be leaving in 5 days! As it is a Travel Agent trip, it will only be me, but I am looking forward to meeting new people and, of course, seeing the Dream!

How wonderful! 4 more days!:thumbsup2

[TJGorman]

How wonderful! 4 more days!:thumbsup2

Thank you!

I didn't get to pack last night, (Darn birthday parties :rotfl:).

I am looking forward to experiencing the ship and some warm weather, today it is a whopping -1!

[sunryzez]

Thank you!

I didn't get to pack last night, (Darn birthday parties :rotfl:).

I am looking forward to experiencing the ship and some warm weather, today it is a whopping -1!

How was your trip?

[TJGorman]

How was your trip?

It was amazing!! Thank you for asking

The Dream is a very cool ship. For those of you with teens, Disney hit a home-run with the Teen Area! It is a perfect getaway for them.

The Oceaneer Club & Lab were also great, if I had children that I age, I am sure I would never see them!

The new Adult area (The District) is also great. It has a "club" feel to it, with 5 unique bars to experience! As a travel agent, I felt it was my duty to research the club area extensively.

The new Animators palette is very unique. It was fun.

Of course, I had to experience the Aquaduck. It was also very nice. I may have been a bit preoccupied throughout the ride though. At the beginning, they tell you if the water shuts down, stay where you are and they will come get you. I kept trying to find how they would get into the tube to rescue people, LOL

The weather was sunny and 75-80 the entire trip!

I can't wait until our cruise in November.

[PA DISNEY]

So happy to find this thread! We just booked our cruise.....and we are first timers for cruising. I have 2 kids, dd11 and ds6; they will be 12 and 6 by cruise time. I would love to have the kids meet the first day! Great idea! Any other tips from those of you who have cruised before?

[TJGorman]

Welcome PA Disney! :welcome:

Enjoy planning the next 280 days before your vacation!

As for tips, it depends on your family, however, I see you have and 11 yo DD, so for an easy, inexpensive surprise is to get a photo mat before the cruise, you can drop it off at Guest Services on the first day, you can request the princesses to sign the phot mat. They will drop off the photo mat in your cabin on the last night.

We look forward to meeting you and your family!

[CherylA]

It was amazing!! Thank you for asking

The Dream is a very cool ship. For those of you with teens, Disney hit a home-run with the Teen Area! It is a perfect getaway for them.

The Oceaneer Club & Lab were also great, if I had children that I age, I am sure I would never see them!

The new Adult area (The District) is also great. It has a "club" feel to it, with 5 unique bars to experience! As a travel agent, I felt it was my duty to research the club area extensively.

The new Animators palette is very unique. It was fun.

Of course, I had to experience the Aquaduck. It was also very nice. I may have been a bit preoccupied throughout the ride though. At the beginning, they tell you if the water shuts down, stay where you are and they will come get you. I kept trying to find how they would get into the tube to rescue people, LOL

The weather was sunny and 75-80 the entire trip!

I can't wait until our cruise in November.


Ohh sounds so wonderful. I think we'll be booking a Dream cruise while on the Nov Western Carrib cruise. Very exciting!

So happy to find this thread! We just booked our cruise.....and we are first timers for cruising. I have 2 kids, dd11 and ds6; they will be 12 and 6 by cruise time. I would love to have the kids meet the first day! Great idea! Any other tips from those of you who have cruised before?

Yippie more cruisers for our date! 1st timers huh? The best vacation EVER! Read the cruise board and search for some trip reports from Western Carribean cruises. Really helps to see what to expect. Right now I'm reading these two:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2580240
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2607246

Both traveled on the same Halloween cruise this past Oct. Obviously our cruise won't have any of the Halloween themed activities that they participate in but a lot of the rest of it is the same.:banana:

[CherylA]

283 days. It can't come soon enough :rotfl2: But really I'm not counting:rolleyes: (yes I am :goodvibes)

[TJGorman]

I agree, especially on these 30 degree days! Now it's ONLY 278 days, imagine when it says only 8 days left!

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

Hi there, everyone!

My fiancee and I will be sailing this cruise for our honeymoon! We are getting married on 11/11/11 (with a Cinderella theme to our wedding ;)) and will be driving :drive: to Cocoa Beach to stay for a night before the cruise. This will be our first Disney Cruise...actually our first cruise ever and we are VERY excited! I will be starting a pre-trip report very soon :wave2:

I hope to get to know a lot of you before the cruise. Who all is planning on doing the FE? I am fairly new to DISboards but find this a very cool idea for the cruise and am planning on taking part in it. For the most part, I am sure we will be keeping to ourselves...it is our honeymoon after all :hug: But I am very interested in this gift exchange...sounds like a lot of fun!

Our plans so far for the shore excursions are: "Presidents, Pirates, and Pioneers" in Key West; Seven Mile Beach Break in Grand Cayman; Cozumel Highlights & Maya Ruins in Cozumel; and Parasailing in Castaway Cay. That will give us plenty to do without overloading :woohoo: Of course, we cannot book anything until September 12 since we are newbies, but we are (somewhat) patient people. We are also planning on doing dinner at Palo...we love fine dining...actually we love food period (me being a chef and him being a restaurant manager) :banana:

After the cruise is over we are staying at the All-Star Movies resort and spending five days at WDW. I have been to All-Star several times...we are at the park from open to close so we really only need a place to sleep! Since it will be Christmas time, we are planning on doing the Christmas party, too :santa:

We are taking full advantage of this amazing trip :cloud9:

[CherylA]

I agree, especially on these 30 degree days! Now it's ONLY 278 days, imagine when it says only 8 days left!

Are you counting until the start of your vacation or the start of the cruise because you and I seem a couple days off on our count! Right now it doesn't really matter, not much difference between 278 days and 281 days but when you're down to 8 days and I still have 11 I'm going to wonder if we're on the same cruise ;) I'm guessing you're counting until the start of your vacation. If thats the case then we arrive Thanksgiving day so today I'd be down to 276 days until vacation (278 until the cruise)

Hi there, everyone!

My fiancee and I will be sailing this cruise for our honeymoon! We are getting married on 11/11/11 (with a Cinderella theme to our wedding ;)) and will be driving :drive: to Cocoa Beach to stay for a night before the cruise. This will be our first Disney Cruise...actually our first cruise ever and we are VERY excited! I will be starting a pre-trip report very soon :wave2:

I hope to get to know a lot of you before the cruise. Who all is planning on doing the FE? I am fairly new to DISboards but find this a very cool idea for the cruise and am planning on taking part in it. For the most part, I am sure we will be keeping to ourselves...it is our honeymoon after all :hug: But I am very interested in this gift exchange...sounds like a lot of fun!

Our plans so far for the shore excursions are: "Presidents, Pirates, and Pioneers" in Key West; Seven Mile Beach Break in Grand Cayman; Cozumel Highlights & Maya Ruins in Cozumel; and Parasailing in Castaway Cay. That will give us plenty to do without overloading :woohoo: Of course, we cannot book anything until September 12 since we are newbies, but we are (somewhat) patient people. We are also planning on doing dinner at Palo...we love fine dining...actually we love food period (me being a chef and him being a restaurant manager) :banana:

After the cruise is over we are staying at the All-Star Movies resort and spending five days at WDW. I have been to All-Star several times...we are at the park from open to close so we really only need a place to sleep! Since it will be Christmas time, we are planning on doing the Christmas party, too :santa:

We are taking full advantage of this amazing trip :cloud9:

Oh congrats on the upcoming nuptuals! :love: Hubby and I will be married 10 years this coming April and it is wonderful!:hug: Sounds like a really wonderful Honeymoon. You may want to also try to book the Palo brunch and also look for the galley tour listed on the navigators once on board, I bet being in the hospitality industry that would be particularly interesting to you two.

I haven't decided if the FE is for me. So far we don't officially have one going. If someone else puts it together I may participate but while fun it seems like a lot of work:rolleyes1

[BethC1952]

DH and I will be joining the fun! It will be just the two of us, Beth (that's me) and Jim (that's DH). This will be my 11th DCL cruise and his 10th.

We haven't figured out what we're doing the night or two before the cruise, but the night after we'll be going to Old Key West, and then on to a four night cruise on Dream! We booked both cruises while we were onboard Dream two weeks ago, and I can't wait to cruise again!

Beth

[TJGorman]

Are you counting until the start of your vacation or the start of the cruise because you and I seem a couple days off on our count! Right now it doesn't really matter, not much difference between 278 days and 281 days but when you're down to 8 days and I still have 11 I'm going to wonder if we're on the same cruise ;) I'm guessing you're counting until the start of your vacation. If thats the case then we arrive Thanksgiving day so today I'd be down to 276 days until vacation (278 until the cruise)


I haven't decided if the FE is for me. So far we don't officially have one going. If someone else puts it together I may participate but while fun it seems like a lot of work:rolleyes1

I had to check how I programmed my countdown clock, LOL. :lmao: Yes, I am counting down from when we leave for the vacation. We are leaving Thanksgiving afternoon, so I am using that date!

I am in for FE AND I will volunteer to organize it for anyone who wants to participate. For the past two cruises, I participated and really enjoy everyone's creativity. I am an optimistic person, so I find the FE to be a fun way to collect interesting souvenirs.

So, here is my list for the FE:

Me (Tammy)
DH (Paul)
DD (Ashley, 17)
DS (Jack, 15)

DMom (Shirley)
DAunt (Joan)

Hopefully, others will join us!

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

I am in for FE AND I will volunteer to organize it for anyone who wants to participate. For the past two cruises, I participated and really enjoy everyone's creativity. I am an optimistic person, so I find the FE to be a fun way to collect interesting souvenirs.

So, here is my list for the FE:

Me (Tammy)
DH (Paul)
DD (Ashley, 17)
DS (Jack, 15)

DMom (Shirley)
DAunt (Joan)

Hopefully, others will join us!

Great! Here is my list for the FE:
Me (Amanda)
DH (Scott)
Our stateroom is 7634

I am planning on making our own FE. I have a friend on here who made her own and it looked amazing :thumbsup2 I am pretty creative so I am looking forward to this :yay:

[CherylA]

DH and I will be joining the fun! It will be just the two of us, Beth (that's me) and Jim (that's DH). This will be my 11th DCL cruise and his 10th.

We haven't figured out what we're doing the night or two before the cruise, but the night after we'll be going to Old Key West, and then on to a four night cruise on Dream! We booked both cruises while we were onboard Dream two weeks ago, and I can't wait to cruise again!

Beth

Wow thats a lot of cruising! Lucky you! I can't wait to check out the Dream. I think we'll book that while we're on this cruise. Welcome to our group!:thumbsup2

[CherylA]

I had to check how I programmed my countdown clock, LOL. :lmao: Yes, I am counting down from when we leave for the vacation. We are leaving Thanksgiving afternoon, so I am using that date!

I am in for FE AND I will volunteer to organize it for anyone who wants to participate. For the past two cruises, I participated and really enjoy everyone's creativity. I am an optimistic person, so I find the FE to be a fun way to collect interesting souvenirs.

So, here is my list for the FE:

Me (Tammy)
DH (Paul)
DD (Ashley, 17)
DS (Jack, 15)

DMom (Shirley)
DAunt (Joan)

Hopefully, others will join us!

Well yay! I'll join in the FE too. What they heck!
it's me, Cheryl (35)
DH Tony (43)
DD Isabelle (9)
DD Lily (6)


275 days until the cruise!!:banana:

[TonyB]

Hi...
Tony B here. My wife, Cheryl A, is already already on the thread & I thought that I would join in on the fun!

:)

[cshelzy]

we would like to do the FE also it was alot of fun on the Wonder
me(shelly)
DH(mel)
DD(shayna 13)
DS(seth 4)

[BethC1952]

Wow thats a lot of cruising! Lucky you! I can't wait to check out the Dream. I think we'll book that while we're on this cruise. Welcome to our group!:thumbsup2

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes, it's a lot of cruising, but that's our only vice, really. We don't exchange gifts for birthdays or Christmas or other events, but save our money and go on a cruise where everyday life won't get in the way of having fun!:)

Beth

[TJGorman]

Hey everyone!

I am looking forward to the cruise. I have started the excel document for FE. Now I am even more excited!

I love to plan things!

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

Hey everyone!

I am looking forward to the cruise. I have started the excel document for FE. Now I am even more excited!

I love to plan things!

I am EXTREMELY excited for the FE :cool1: Cannot wait to see how many people will join in the fun...only 9 months to go :woohoo:

[CherylA]

Hey everyone!

I am looking forward to the cruise. I have started the excel document for FE. Now I am even more excited!

I love to plan things!

I'm so glad you are organizing this. Thank you! I'm already thinking about what I will give out as our gift(s) ;)

[TJGorman]

I have had mine planned since December! LOL :rotfl2:

[PA DISNEY]

Okay, so obviously, we are REALLY newbies!! What is FE? I assume it's a gift exchange, and we would TOTALLY be in for it, but can someone explain it to me?

Also, in looking at Cozumel, I saw that some DISer's had organized a group of them to go to Nachi Cocum, an all-inclusive beach, and I have been reading about how amazing people felt it was. Is anyone interested in that?

[CherylA]

Okay, so obviously, we are REALLY newbies!! What is FE? I assume it's a gift exchange, and we would TOTALLY be in for it, but can someone explain it to me?

Also, in looking at Cozumel, I saw that some DISer's had organized a group of them to go to Nachi Cocum, an all-inclusive beach, and I have been reading about how amazing people felt it was. Is anyone interested in that?

Totally interested, i think we're going to do Nachi Cocum too. FE stands for "fish extender" which is a little hanging pocket you put on the fish that is outside your stateroom door. Everyone participating in the FE gets a list of stateroom numbers and who is in the stateroom and we each give a gift to each other, delivering them on various days. Some people do little fun things for the kids, some people do something a little larger or more $$ and do one per stateroom, theres lots of threads about it on the cruise board :thumbsup2

[cshelzy]

we are also planning on Nachi Cocum as long as we can do the dolphin swim in grand cayman.

Fe are alot of fun we did it on the wonder last year.

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

We are most likely not going to do Nachi Cocum...we REALLY want to see the ruins in Cozumel, but we are more "historical" type people. We like learning about the history of places, especially really ancient history like there is in Cozumel.

[PA DISNEY]

we are also planning on Nachi Cocum as long as we can do the dolphin swim in grand cayman.

Fe are alot of fun we did it on the wonder last year.


AWESOME! If we could have 100 DISer's at Nachi Cocum and have the place to ourselves, that would be GREAT!!! I'll look into how to go about reserving it if we do get 100.

Anyone else interested?

[CherylA]

I actually bought my flights this past Friday. It is super early and JetBlue and Southwest haven't even released their dates but Delta had a 7am Thanksgiving morning flight, direct from our home airport (Hartford, CT) to Orlando and back at 6PM direct also for $220 R/T. I'll have to pay baggage fees on Delta so that will increase the price but I just had to book while the price was something I could live with. With all this talk of gas prices skyrocketing I was so nervous about what would happen to flight prices. I love knowing now what time I am getting in and leaving, makes it so much nicer to plan.

We are going to rent a car from Budget for the 2 days before the cruise and then drive it to the port and drop it at Budget. After the cruise I am leaning toward renting again for the day and driving to Downtown Disney for the afternoon before our 6PM flight. Hubby thinks he would rather take the DCL trasfers back and get a day room at the Hyatt and hang out at the airport all day. So that is still to be decided.

Anyone else book their transportation yet?

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

I actually bought my flights this past Friday. It is super early and JetBlue and Southwest haven't even released their dates but Delta had a 7am Thanksgiving morning flight, direct from our home airport (Hartford, CT) to Orlando and back at 6PM direct also for $220 R/T. I'll have to pay baggage fees on Delta so that will increase the price but I just had to book while the price was something I could live with. With all this talk of gas prices skyrocketing I was so nervous about what would happen to flight prices. I love knowing now what time I am getting in and leaving, makes it so much nicer to plan.

We are going to rent a car from Budget for the 2 days before the cruise and then drive it to the port and drop it at Budget. After the cruise I am leaning toward renting again for the day and driving to Downtown Disney for the afternoon before our 6PM flight. Hubby thinks he would rather take the DCL trasfers back and get a day room at the Hyatt and hang out at the airport all day. So that is still to be decided.

Anyone else book their transportation yet?

As I said before, we are driving. We LOVE to drive ;) We used to take yearly trips to NOLA (New Orleans) which is about a 14-16 hour drive from Louisville, KY, but my father's family lives there. We would usually drive all the way through. I bought a brand new car (Chrysler Sebring) a couple years ago so we have a perfectly reliable vehicle, and it gets 30+ MPG in it's 17gal tank on the highway. I can drive 300 miles (from Louisville to Toledo, Ohio were DH2b's family is) and still have 1/2 a tank left :scared1: So even with the rising gas prices, we like the scenery and the fun of driving...plus, we have plenty of time :upsidedow

[BethC1952]

Anyone else book their transportation yet?
We're thinking about taking Amtrak. We love traveling by train, and we'll have more than enough time (plus no luggage fees!). If we do that, we'll leave New Jersey on Thursday and arrive on Friday. We'll probably stay at the Radisson at the Port the night before the cruise. I've stayed there once before, and it was very convenient. Between cruises we're going back to WDW, and probably for a night or two after the cruise. We could leave FL on Saturday and be home on Sunday night.

Beth

[CherylA]

As I said before, we are driving. We LOVE to drive ;) We used to take yearly trips to NOLA (New Orleans) which is about a 14-16 hour drive from Louisville, KY, but my father's family lives there. We would usually drive all the way through. I bought a brand new car (Chrysler Sebring) a couple years ago so we have a perfectly reliable vehicle, and it gets 30+ MPG in it's 17gal tank on the highway. I can drive 300 miles (from Louisville to Toledo, Ohio were DH2b's family is) and still have 1/2 a tank left :scared1: So even with the rising gas prices, we like the scenery and the fun of driving...plus, we have plenty of time :upsidedow

With my 14-18 mpg car, if gas is even $5.00/gallon (never mind the $7.00 some are predicting) it will cost us a fortune to drive. Plus a hotel room each way and all the time spent... We actually love to drive down too and have done it many times but this time it just wouldn't work. We already have booked and paid for a DVC reservation at Bay Lake Towers for Thurs and Fri night so we need to be there for Thursday. The kiddos have school 1/2 day on Wednesday but even if we left as soon as school was over given the Thanksgiving traffic there is no way we could make it down to FL by Thursday. Don't want to leave any earlier because they are already missing the whole next week of school. Enjoy the footloose and fancy free travel before you have kids! These little buggers come with all kinds of restrictions!:rotfl: Usually I wait until I find a great deal before booking a flight with the backup plan that if I don't find something that works, we'll drive, but this was not an option this time.:confused3


We're thinking about taking Amtrak. We love traveling by train, and we'll have more than enough time (plus no luggage fees!). If we do that, we'll leave New Jersey on Thursday and arrive on Friday. We'll probably stay at the Radisson at the Port the night before the cruise. I've stayed there once before, and it was very convenient. Between cruises we're going back to WDW, and probably for a night or two after the cruise. We could leave FL on Saturday and be home on Sunday night.

Beth

I thought about Amtrak too. We've done the autotrain before out of Lorton VA, (LOVE IT) but that would actually have taken too long for us what with Thanksgiving traffic and trying to get down there. I did sort of look at the regular Amtrak. There were a few bumps I would have had to overcome like getting a rental car at the train station that I could then return at the port (and not paying an arm and a leg for it) If Amtrak's fares were fully refundable I would have booked the train and waitied to see what happened with flights but thats not the case. Someday though I think it would be fun to take the train down from NY.

[BethC1952]

I thought about Amtrak too. We've done the autotrain before out of Lorton VA, (LOVE IT) but that would actually have taken too long for us what with Thanksgiving traffic and trying to get down there. I did sort of look at the regular Amtrak. There were a few bumps I would have had to overcome like getting a rental car at the train station that I could then return at the port (and not paying an arm and a leg for it) If Amtrak's fares were fully refundable I would have booked the train and waitied to see what happened with flights but thats not the case. Someday though I think it would be fun to take the train down from NY.

We have a limo service pick us up at the station (neither one of us drives!). We'll take Disney Transportation back to WDW after each cruise, and then have the limo pick us up at WDW and return us to the station at the end of our trip. We take the train to Kissimmee and get off there, less crowds, less aggravation! We take the train from Newark, NJ. It's about 50 minutes from our house to Penn Station in Newark.

Beth

[CherylA]

We have a limo service pick us up at the station (neither one of us drives!). We'll take Disney Transportation back to WDW after each cruise, and then have the limo pick us up at WDW and return us to the station at the end of our trip. We take the train to Kissimmee and get off there, less crowds, less aggravation! We take the train from Newark, NJ. It's about 50 minutes from our house to Penn Station in Newark.

Beth

Sounds neat, do you guys get a room or do you sleep in coach seats?

[BethC1952]

We've always just slept in the coach seats. However, we're considering the possibility of a "roomette" on the trip down this time, just for the experience!

I took a cross-country train trip years ago, and slept in the coach seat for the three nights it took to get from Chicago to San Diego. It was a real luxury compared to sleeping in the seat of the Greyhound bus for five nights on the way back, but what a trip that was!!!

Beth

[CherylA]

The roomettes are neat. You get a much better night's sleep. They are so expensive though! Our last train trip (autotrain) we did coach for the first time. I actually didn't mind it. My hubby didn't sleep too well though. I'd do coach again. If I was going to spring for a room it would be on the way back. Thats when I'm cranky, on the way down you could strap me to the roof and I'd be happy because I'm going to Disney! (or on a cruise or whatever!)

[BethC1952]

The roomettes are neat. You get a much better night's sleep. They are so expensive though! Our last train trip (autotrain) we did coach for the first time. I actually didn't mind it. My hubby didn't sleep too well though. I'd do coach again. If I was going to spring for a room it would be on the way back. Thats when I'm cranky, on the way down you could strap me to the roof and I'd be happy because I'm going to Disney! (or on a cruise or whatever!)

I'm just the opposite. On the way home, I'm so tired that I could sleep standing up in the middle of the aisle!

Beth

[MamaLuvBunny31]

Hello all! I just booked my cruise! I'm a first time cruiser and this will be the first time I've traveled anywhere by myself! It will be just me (I'll be 32 when we cruise) and my daughter who will be 6 when we go. I'm a single mom and slightly worried that I won't have as much fun as those traveling with big families. I am terrified and super excited at the same time!

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

Hello all! I just booked my cruise! I'm a first time cruiser and this will be the first time I've traveled anywhere by myself! It will be just me (I'll be 32 when we cruise) and my daughter who will be 6 when we go. I'm a single mom and slightly worried that I won't have as much fun as those traveling with big families. I am terrified and super excited at the same time!

My mom was a single mother from the time I was 2, and I am an only child. We went on so many different trips together, not just Disney, all throughout the years. Our last trip that was just the two of us was to California in 2008, including a stop at Disneyland. You would be surprised with how much fun just a mother and daughter can have. We still do things just the two of us whenever we can (she remarried in 2006 and I have my DH2b, so it's hard to find a moment away from our men :rotfl:). I have so many wonderful memories of all the things we have done together and I can honestly say they are the most precious memories of my life, so far :goodvibes

[TJGorman]

Hello all! I just booked my cruise! I'm a first time cruiser and this will be the first time I've traveled anywhere by myself! It will be just me (I'll be 32 when we cruise) and my daughter who will be 6 when we go. I'm a single mom and slightly worried that I won't have as much fun as those traveling with big families. I am terrified and super excited at the same time!

:welcome:Welcome Aboard! :welcome:

I think you will have a wonderful time! Anytime you leave the coldness of NY for the warmth of the Caribbean, is a wonderful time!

[MamaLuvBunny31]

My mom was a single mother from the time I was 2, and I am an only child. We went on so many different trips together, not just Disney, all throughout the years. Our last trip that was just the two of us was to California in 2008, including a stop at Disneyland. You would be surprised with how much fun just a mother and daughter can have. We still do things just the two of us whenever we can (she remarried in 2006 and I have my DH2b, so it's hard to find a moment away from our men :rotfl:). I have so many wonderful memories of all the things we have done together and I can honestly say they are the most precious memories of my life, so far :goodvibes


Thanks for sharing that. <3

[CherylA]

Hello all! I just booked my cruise! I'm a first time cruiser and this will be the first time I've traveled anywhere by myself! It will be just me (I'll be 32 when we cruise) and my daughter who will be 6 when we go. I'm a single mom and slightly worried that I won't have as much fun as those traveling with big families. I am terrified and super excited at the same time!

Welcome! I think you'll have a great time don't worry and you'll know lots of people from our DIS meet :)

[MamaLuvBunny31]

Hi all! I have a few newbie questions.

1. For those of you that book excursions on your own, can anyone recommend a website or company that I can look into? Booking excursions through Disney is super expensive, but being a first time cruiser I'm a little nervous about going out on my own.

2. I wanted to do the dolphin excursion but it's so expensive! :eek: I see that there are dolphin excursions on Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Has anyone done any of these? Which one is better? The Grand Cayman tour with the Turtle Farm sounds good too. DD also wants to pet stingrays. Can you tell she loves animals? :laughing: I have to make sure I book an excursion involving interacting with animals because that's all dd wants to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

3. Regarding FE, can you give me an idea of the kinds of gifts you are talking about? I will search the boards when I have time for more info, because I'm a little confused about it.

4. I am in room 7063 which is an 11A. I booked it because I read that the higher decks are less noisy and midship is good if you are scared of getting seasick. Did I book a good room, or does anyone have any better recommendations?

Thanks. I know it's a lot of questions. :rotfl:

[TJGorman]

Hi all! I have a few newbie questions.

1. For those of you that book excursions on your own, can anyone recommend a website or company that I can look into? Booking excursions through Disney is super expensive, but being a first time cruiser I'm a little nervous about going out on my own.

2. I wanted to do the dolphin excursion but it's so expensive! :eek: I see that there are dolphin excursions on Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Has anyone done any of these? Which one is better? The Grand Cayman tour with the Turtle Farm sounds good too. DD also wants to pet stingrays. Can you tell she loves animals? :laughing: I have to make sure I book an excursion involving interacting with animals because that's all dd wants to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

3. Regarding FE, can you give me an idea of the kinds of gifts you are talking about? I will search the boards when I have time for more info, because I'm a little confused about it.

4. I am in room 7063 which is an 11A. I booked it because I read that the higher decks are less noisy and midship is good if you are scared of getting seasick. Did I book a good room, or does anyone have any better recommendations?

Thanks. I know it's a lot of questions. :rotfl:



The FE is nothing to stress over, honest!

It can (and should) be whatever you would like to share! It could be magnets from your hometown, stickers, etc.

I have gotten so many interesting items over the years, from little pirate rubber duckies (that always reminds me of the cruise we received it on) to a CD, to Disney recipes, bookmarks, pirate night stickers, glow sticks...it really is supposed to be about the thought that counts. I can say I just enjoyed coming back to the stateroom each night to find a little goodie waiting for us!

If you have the means and creativity for something grand, awesome! If you are thinking, I like the idea of stickers and rubber ducks, awesome! If you are thinking all I have time for is to pick up some hometown magnets and your favorite recipe card, awesome!

I hope you join us for the FE as I am sure your two girls will enjoying getting little surprises each night. My children were so excited getting surprises each night, they didn't ask for anymore souvenirs, as they already had a ton of stuff to bring home, LOL!

[CherylA]

Hi all! I have a few newbie questions.

1. For those of you that book excursions on your own, can anyone recommend a website or company that I can look into? Booking excursions through Disney is super expensive, but being a first time cruiser I'm a little nervous about going out on my own.

2. I wanted to do the dolphin excursion but it's so expensive! :eek: I see that there are dolphin excursions on Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Has anyone done any of these? Which one is better? The Grand Cayman tour with the Turtle Farm sounds good too. DD also wants to pet stingrays. Can you tell she loves animals? :laughing: I have to make sure I book an excursion involving interacting with animals because that's all dd wants to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

3. Regarding FE, can you give me an idea of the kinds of gifts you are talking about? I will search the boards when I have time for more info, because I'm a little confused about it.

4. I am in room 7063 which is an 11A. I booked it because I read that the higher decks are less noisy and midship is good if you are scared of getting seasick. Did I book a good room, or does anyone have any better recommendations?

Thanks. I know it's a lot of questions. :rotfl:

On Grand Cayman Captain Marvin's gets great reviews. They do a tour that includes the stingray city and the turtle farm. http://www.captainmarvins.com/

[MamaLuvBunny31]

On Grand Cayman Captain Marvin's gets great reviews. They do a tour that includes the stingray city and the turtle farm. http://www.captainmarvins.com/

Thanks! :)

[goofy's gal]

We just booked our cruise TODAY! Our first ever cruise! We are sooooo excited to be joining all of you! We were informed today that our inside stateroom cabin (5020) has a "secret porthole", how cool is that?! We were able to look it up & see an actual photo of the porthole. It is just barely obstructed, but hey I'm not complaining! It will be my husband, myself & the kiddos will be 12 (DS), & 10 (DD) at the time. I've got ALOT of reading to do here, but I cannot wait to chat with all of you. Can you tell I'm excited?! LOL :rotfl:

[TJGorman]

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

The first cruise is so exciting! All the new experiences, and of course, the warm places we will be visiting!

Enjoy the planning!

:yay::yay:

[SKR]

My family is so excited for this cruise! It will be our first cruise and first "big" vacation as a family outside of our local beach. My DD will be 9 and my DS will be 3 at the time of the cruise. I am new at these message boards and I feel like there is so much information to learn! I saw that someone was in a room near our stateroom 7065.

[monami7]

Just booked this cruise!!! So excited!! The whole family is going. It will be myself, my boyfriend, the kids (mad is 8, ry is 6) My sister and her hubby there two girls (lilly 4, and Rory 3). My parents and grandparents. Super excited it will be our second disney cruise but for the rest there first. We would love to do the FE at least for the kids. It can't get here soon enough. :banana::banana::banana:

I am the sister! We are so excited!!! Only 7 more months to go!

[TJGorman]

Welcome everyone!

It is getting much closer, I can't wait!

If you are interested in joining the FE, just let me know! I have already started a list!


Look forward to meeting everyone!

[madry2009]

Hello all! I just booked my cruise! I'm a first time cruiser and this will be the first time I've traveled anywhere by myself! It will be just me (I'll be 32 when we cruise) and my daughter who will be 6 when we go. I'm a single mom and slightly worried that I won't have as much fun as those traveling with big families. I am terrified and super excited at the same time!

Just read your post and I will be on the cruise as well. But this time I will be taking my whole family. But I did the four night cruise a year and half ago alone as a single mom with my two children - they were 5 and 7 at the time. They had an awesome time and I had a great time. But it really helped being on here and meeting people. I actually met a couple and hung out with them the whole cruise. Be prepared!! Your daughter will probably completely ditch you. I had to beg mine to hang out on the private island. They couldn't wait to get back to the rest of the kids. So meet people and bring reading material. It is very relaxing having a cocktail and sitting by the pool!! You will be suprised how much you will actually enjoy it. I travel all the time and I have to say this was one of the best trips with my children ever!! And I believe I was actually around the same age at the time. don't worry:banana:

[madry2009]

Hope I can help a little. I know it can be a little stressful when you are doing this on your own. But take it slow and do what you can. First the FE thing is great. It is alot of fun and you make it what you want. I did not know what kind of gifts to do the first time and ended up with different things. For example I tried to look for small pirate eye patches for pirate night, I did hot chocolate packets one day, we did picture frames, ornaments we made different things like that as I did a christmas cruise last time. Some people made homemade things with disney logos it was fun. I got a scrapbook and magnet that was for the whole family for that day.
Next as for the shore excursions - If you are really concerned I would spend the money and go with Disney. The benefit is if something happens with weather for example they will refund your money and guarantee you are there in time. If you book on your own many people do that just know what your cancellation policy is. As for Grand Cayman it is one of my favorite islands. It is VERY safe. So if you were going to go off on your own this is where I would reccomend to do it. This island is awesome. I have done the dolphin thing and honestly I would pass unless you are going to pay and do the actual swim. Otherwise it is maybe standing in the water waist deep and petting it. The stingray city is amazing. I highly suggest it. I have not done turtle farm, but I know 7 mile beach was very nice. In cozumel be more careful being alone. I would suggest going with a disney excursion or going in a group. Last time I was there I took a taxi to a restaurant I think senor frog or something and sat there the entire time. I do not like to feel uncomfortable and unsafe. When people come up to me begging for money I get nervous. So I would say do an excursion or go with a group. Key west is fun and you could really just walk around the main street. It is alot of fun. You will have a great time. As for the sea sick worries. My daughter get motion sickness all the time and did great on the cruise. I gave her 1/2 a pill and had the bands on hand if needed. She did fine. With the 1/2 pill it didn't make her drousy or knock her out. Hope all this info helps.

[madry2009]

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[MamaLuvBunny31]

Hope I can help a little. I know it can be a little stressful when you are doing this on your own. But take it slow and do what you can. First the FE thing is great. It is alot of fun and you make it what you want. I did not know what kind of gifts to do the first time and ended up with different things. For example I tried to look for small pirate eye patches for pirate night, I did hot chocolate packets one day, we did picture frames, ornaments we made different things like that as I did a christmas cruise last time. Some people made homemade things with disney logos it was fun. I got a scrapbook and magnet that was for the whole family for that day.
Next as for the shore excursions - If you are really concerned I would spend the money and go with Disney. The benefit is if something happens with weather for example they will refund your money and guarantee you are there in time. If you book on your own many people do that just know what your cancellation policy is. As for Grand Cayman it is one of my favorite islands. It is VERY safe. So if you were going to go off on your own this is where I would reccomend to do it. This island is awesome. I have done the dolphin thing and honestly I would pass unless you are going to pay and do the actual swim. Otherwise it is maybe standing in the water waist deep and petting it. The stingray city is amazing. I highly suggest it. I have not done turtle farm, but I know 7 mile beach was very nice. In cozumel be more careful being alone. I would suggest going with a disney excursion or going in a group. Last time I was there I took a taxi to a restaurant I think senor frog or something and sat there the entire time. I do not like to feel uncomfortable and unsafe. When people come up to me begging for money I get nervous. So I would say do an excursion or go with a group. Key west is fun and you could really just walk around the main street. It is alot of fun. You will have a great time. As for the sea sick worries. My daughter get motion sickness all the time and did great on the cruise. I gave her 1/2 a pill and had the bands on hand if needed. She did fine. With the 1/2 pill it didn't make her drousy or knock her out. Hope all this info helps.

Thanks so much! You helped a lot!:lovestruc

[MamaLuvBunny31]

Hello all. I had to cancel my reservation because I have to find a new place to live (in other words, finances). I am devastated. :sad: Just wanted to give a heads up and thank all of you for being so nice and giving me so much helpful information. I will get on that boat one day and I will use all the info I got on these boards. I hope you all have a wonderful time on your cruise. :hug:

[CherylA]

Hello all. I had to cancel my reservation because I have to find a new place to live (in other words, finances). I am devastated. :sad: Just wanted to give a heads up and thank all of you for being so nice and giving me so much helpful information. I will get on that boat one day and I will use all the info I got on these boards. I hope you all have a wonderful time on your cruise. :hug:

Oh how disappointing! I hope it works pout for yo uand you are able to book a new cruise soon.:grouphug:

[ALMPeters11-11-11]

Hello all. I had to cancel my reservation because I have to find a new place to live (in other words, finances). I am devastated. :sad: Just wanted to give a heads up and thank all of you for being so nice and giving me so much helpful information. I will get on that boat one day and I will use all the info I got on these boards. I hope you all have a wonderful time on your cruise. :hug:

Oh, my! That is very disappointing...not the fact that you had to cancel, but the circumstances! I wish you and your daughter luck with finding a new home :hug:

[Ksbrn65]

:cool1::cool1:Can' wait to go. Me, hubby, two sons. 10, 8:

[Ksbrn65]

What is FE? How to join? And where can I buy magnets?

[madry2009]

The FE is the fish extenders - and this is something you hang outside your door on the fish hook. People make them or buy them. If you google it you can get a ton of ideas. People even sell them on ebay. But basically you hang this up outside your room and you will get a list of the people participating before the cruise. You can choose to do everyday or a couple nights and you place gifts in the pockets for others. Just a fun thing to do that the kids get excited about.

[TJGorman]

What is FE? How to join? And where can I buy magnets?

If you are interested in the FE, I am coordinating it for our group. If you would like to be added to our list, just let me know! When we get about two months out, I will send a preliminary list to those participating and then at about a month out I will send out the final list.

A month out gives everyone enough time to plan their surprises. Just let me know if you are interested and I will add your family!

BTW, Welcome!

[Dmtaylor3]

Count us in for the FE. This will be my 4th Disney cruise and first FE.

Me, Dawn
DH, Chuck
DS, Jeret 7

Wonder 1999, 2000
Dream Apr 2011

[Ksbrn65]

If you are interested in the FE, I am coordinating it for our group. If you would like to be added to our list, just let me know! When we get about two months out, I will send a preliminary list to those participating and then at about a month out I will send out the final list.

A month out gives everyone enough time to plan their surprises. Just let me know if you are interested and I will add your family!

BTW, Welcome!

Yes please add me to the FE list. I do not know my room #, now. They tell me maybe one mt away thev might no then.:banana:

[DesertGal]

We booked this cruise a couple of weeks ago. We will be spending the week before we set sail at WDW with my sister and her family. We will also enjoy Thanksgiving at Chef Mickey's.

My husbands birthday will be during this cruise so we are hoping to dine at Palo the night of his birthday.

This is a much needed vacation (our 3rd Disney Cruise). This year, my DH had a pulmonary embolism, I had major surgery and my Dad recently passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's, so we are ready for some Disney Magic.

We are:

Lisa (me) homemaker
Carl (DH) firefighter/medic
Alec (DS) 4 years old but will be (5 when we cruise)
Olivia (DD) 2 (hopefully she will be potty trained so she can enjoy the big kids club this trip)

This is our first solo cruise without family so we are hoping to meet some people ahead of time and are hoping we get table mates who have kids of a similar age)

[TJGorman]

Count us in for the FE. This will be my 4th Disney cruise and first FE.

Me, Dawn
DH, Chuck
DS, Jeret 7

Wonder 1999, 2000
Dream Apr 2011


You are added to the list! Welcome!

[TJGorman]

Yes please add me to the FE list. I do not know my room #, now. They tell me maybe one mt away thev might no then.:banana:

You are added to the list! I will need the names in your party when you get a chance.

[TJGorman]

We booked this cruise a couple of weeks ago. We will be spending the week before we set sail at WDW with my sister and her family. We will also enjoy Thanksgiving at Chef Mickey's.

My husbands birthday will be during this cruise so we are hoping to dine at Palo the night of his birthday.

This is a much needed vacation (our 3rd Disney Cruise). This year, my DH had a pulmonary embolism, I had major surgery and my Dad recently passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's, so we are ready for some Disney Magic.

We are:

Lisa (me) homemaker
Carl (DH) firefighter/medic
Alec (DS) 4 years old but will be (5 when we cruise)
Olivia (DD) 2 (hopefully she will be potty trained so she can enjoy the big kids club this trip)

This is our first solo cruise without family so we are hoping to meet some people ahead of time and are hoping we get table mates who have kids of a similar age)

Welcome! I think you might like to meet some of the adults in my large group. We are volunteer firefighters from WNY, as well as two medics and a career firefighter. It's always good to meet people with common interests!

Unfortunately, most of our kids are pre-teens/teenagers, so can't help on that front.

If you are interested in joining the FE, let me know. It's a lot of fun!

Tammy

[BethC1952]

Welcome DesertGal and family! It sounds like this cruise will be EXACTLY what you need!

Beth

[disneyfan551]

Hi! My dd & I will be leaving Dad at home (as usual... :rolleyes1) & are travelling with our friends. We have done many FE's over the years, and are looking forward to another! So, if you would sign us up, here is our info:

(Please count us as TWO rooms...we will be in the same room, but will each have our own fish hanger! We will also distribute FE gifts from each of us (family 1 AND family 2...). I know it sounds odd, but the kids are waaaay too competitive to even THINK about sharing something! :sad2: Trust me...we've tried that!!! :scared: ) I'm in the process of changing rooms, so I will update you as I find out.

FE 1: Tiffany & Kendall-dd-10
FE 2: Teresa & Carson-ds-10

Glad to see everyone on here! :)

[TJGorman]

Hi! My dd & I will be leaving Dad at home (as usual... :rolleyes1) & are travelling with our friends. We have done many FE's over the years, and are looking forward to another! So, if you would sign us up, here is our info:

(Please count us as TWO rooms...we will be in the same room, but will each have our own fish hanger! We will also distribute FE gifts from each of us (family 1 AND family 2...). I know it sounds odd, but the kids are waaaay too competitive to even THINK about sharing something! :sad2: Trust me...we've tried that!!! :scared: ) I'm in the process of changing rooms, so I will update you as I find out.

FE 1: Tiffany & Kendall-dd-10
FE 2: Teresa & Carson-ds-10

Glad to see everyone on here! :)

Got it! No problem! You are on the list. When you have your room number change, just let me know!

Tammy

[Ksbrn65]

Hey, again. I have become addicted ton this thread. I love reading all about the great fun we are vin store for!
Here is who ie in our stateroom for FE
Me. Age'45. DH 43. DS age 10. DS age 8. We also have another family that is going with us, I will ask them if they would like to do the FE.

Thanks

[Ksbrn65]

You are added to the list! I will need the names in your party when you get a chance.

Sorry here are our names
Me. Karen
DH William
DS Tyler. 10
DS Jacob. 8

How does this work do we buy gifts for everyone on the list, or don we just exchange with one family?:cheer2::cheer2:

[BearFan]

Hello everybody! :wave2:
I recently booked and we are all set to join you all. This will be our 11th Disney Cruise, our last was the WB Transatlantic last year. I'm glad to see that there's already a FE started. You can count us in for that. We're in cabin 5634. It's just DH Paul (47) and me Lisa Marie (soon to be 46). I'd encourage participating in the FE to everyone. It's soooo much fun. Don't be afraid of the whole process. People can participate as little or as much as you want. We had people doing one gift per cabin or sometimes one gift per person. Whatever you're comfortable with. The TA people got crazy with activities! Room tours, scrapbooking events, and wine & beer tastings were some of the things they planned. And you should've seen pirate night!!! :thumbsup2 I've put together a scavenger hunt and ornament exchange on previous Christmas-time cruises and I'd be glad to coordinate them again if there's any interest. Just let me know. In the meantime, I'm just very happy to get to know all of you!!! :goodvibes

Lisa Marie
BearFan

[DesertGal]

Welcome! I think you might like to meet some of the adults in my large group. We are volunteer firefighters from WNY, as well as two medics and a career firefighter. It's always good to meet people with common interests!

Unfortunately, most of our kids are pre-teens/teenagers, so can't help on that front.

If you are interested in joining the FE, let me know. It's a lot of fun!

Tammy

We would love to meet your group. Maybe we can meet for cocktails or try to meet somewhere on board the first day. We always get to port super early so we always take our time eating lunch. I think we will pass on the FE this time.

Lisa

[DesertGal]

I'm so excited. We have our room assignment and the reviews I've read are great. I surprised my hubby with an upgrade so we are in Room 6564 I can't wait!!!

[DesertGal]

Welcome DesertGal and family! It sounds like this cruise will be EXACTLY what you need!

Beth

Thanks Beth. There is nothing like a Disney Cruise to put a smile back into your heart!:love:

[DesertGal]

Yay! So what are you all doing before/ after? Are you flying or driving, what are you doing for Thanksgiving? We just got back from a week in the World, Thurday (Thanksgiving) to Thursday (yesterday) flying on Thanksgiving is pretty cheap in comaprison to the few days before and after the holiday, so we may fly down on Thanksgiving next year too. Maybe do the Very Merry Xmas Party at the MK on Friday and then take the cruise the next day. :goodvibes

We will be there for Thanksgiving too! We fly in on the 18th and check into our hotel on the 19th. We are joining my DS and her family there and then will celebrate DH birthday on the cruise. I think we may do the Very Merry Xmas party too.

[TJGorman]

Sorry here are our names
Me. Karen
DH William
DS Tyler. 10
DS Jacob. 8

How does this work do we buy gifts for everyone on the list, or don we just exchange with one family?:cheer2::cheer2:

I am sure as we get closer to the cruise, you may be visiting the site hourly, instead of daily! :lmao:

Usually, the exchange is done either by getting something for the cabin or something for each person in the exchange. It is totally up to what you would like to do.

[TJGorman]

H I'm glad to see that there's already a FE started. You can count us in for that. I've put together a scavenger hunt and ornament exchange on previous Christmas-time cruises and I'd be glad to coordinate them again if there's any interest. Just let me know. In the meantime, I'm just very happy to get to know all of you!!! :goodvibes

Lisa Marie
BearFan

Welcome Lisa! I have added you to the FE list! I have never done a scavenge hunt on any of our cruises, that may be fun!

Tammy

[CherylA]

We booked this cruise a couple of weeks ago. We will be spending the week before we set sail at WDW with my sister and her family. We will also enjoy Thanksgiving at Chef Mickey's.

My husbands birthday will be during this cruise so we are hoping to dine at Palo the night of his birthday.

This is a much needed vacation (our 3rd Disney Cruise). This year, my DH had a pulmonary embolism, I had major surgery and my Dad recently passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's, so we are ready for some Disney Magic.

We are:

Lisa (me) homemaker
Carl (DH) firefighter/medic
Alec (DS) 4 years old but will be (5 when we cruise)
Olivia (DD) 2 (hopefully she will be potty trained so she can enjoy the big kids club this trip)

This is our first solo cruise without family so we are hoping to meet some people ahead of time and are hoping we get table mates who have kids of a similar age)

We having Thanksgiving at Chef Mickey's too. We have dinner reservations for 6:50. What time are your reservations?

[Ksbrn65]

Does anyone know how to find out what excursions there are on this cruise, since they will not let me book them till Sept?

[TJGorman]

Does anyone know how to find out what excursions there are on this cruise, since they will not let me book them till Sept?

If you go to disneycruise.com/Port adventures, you will be able to check out all of the available excursions.

[Dmtaylor3]

Hello everybody! :wave2:
I recently booked and we are all set to join you all. This will be our 11th Disney Cruise, our last was the WB Transatlantic last year. I'm glad to see that there's already a FE started. You can count us in for that. We're in cabin 5634. It's just DH Paul (47) and me Lisa Marie (soon to be 46). I'd encourage participating in the FE to everyone. It's soooo much fun. Don't be afraid of the whole process. People can participate as little or as much as you want. We had people doing one gift per cabin or sometimes one gift per person. Whatever you're comfortable with. The TA people got crazy with activities! Room tours, scrapbooking events, and wine & beer tastings were some of the things they planned. And you should've seen pirate night!!! :thumbsup2 I've put together a scavenger hunt and ornament exchange on previous Christmas-time cruises and I'd be glad to coordinate them again if there's any interest. Just let me know. In the meantime, I'm just very happy to get to know all of you!!! :goodvibes

Lisa Marie
BearFan
The Taylor family would love to participate in a scavenger hunt and or ornament exchange. Our cruise should be decked out for the holidays according to other threads.

[sboyd45]

Can't wait for our 2nd Disney Cruise. On our first cruise, Mar'10, Castaway Cay stop was cancelled due to weather, i vowed then that one day we will stop there, so this time i booked our family 2 stops - on our 5 day cruise in Jan 3 - 8, 2012. Our two little princess cruisers are 7 and 4 and hope to make as many friends as possible...:yay::yay:

[DesertGal]

We having Thanksgiving at Chef Mickey's too. We have dinner reservations for 6:50. What time are your reservations?

Our reservations are at 4:30 and breakfast is at Crystal Palace that morning!

[CherylA]

Our reservations are at 4:30 and breakfast is at Crystal Palace that morning!

Nice. We are doing breakfast at the Crystal palace the next morning or lunch at Liberty Tree, I haven't decided yet. The MK will likely we very crowded on Friday so I want to get there at opening and do what we can, get some fastpasses and then eat when the crowds start to get out of control, I don't know if that will be at 10:30 am (Our CP reservations) or 12:30 (our Liberty tree reservations). I guess I'll decide as we get closer. I love CP for breakfast and have done Liberty Tree for dinner back when they had characters but have never gone there for lunch. I'm thinking it might be cool and relatively quiet.:thumbsup2

[BearFan]

Welcome Lisa! I have added you to the FE list! I have never done a scavenge hunt on any of our cruises, that may be fun!

Tammy

Thanks, Tammy! Can't wait for the FE!!!!! :thumbsup2

A scavenger hunt is a whole lot of fun! I've put together a photographic scavenger hunt in the past and participated in several an old-fashioned ones. The photographic one was a great way to get a variety of unusual pictures for your photo album or scrapbook. I'm thinking a hybrid for our cruise. I'll start a list of people who are interested.

For those who may be curious on how it works, typically a sheet is handed out on or around the first day of the cruise and you have several days to acquire as many items or pictures of items as possible from the list. Participants will get together and go over items on the last sea day. I'd be happy to donate a small prize to the winner. :goodvibes It's a terrific way to explore the ship and make new friends. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or want to participate.

Lisa Marie
BearFan

[BearFan]

The Taylor family would love to participate in a scavenger hunt and or ornament exchange. Our cruise should be decked out for the holidays according to other threads.


I'll add you to the scavenger hunt list. I'll keep you name handy, too if there's enough interest in an ornament exchange. We did a Christmas cruise several years ago and there were a ton of Disboarders on it. We had so much fun planning holiday activities. It really made it extra-special. We ended up with 26 people who did the ornament exchange that year. We ended up taking over the Promenade Lounge for an hour! We even had people who were walking by who wanted to get in to the action. :santa:

Lisa Marie
BearFan

[TJGorman]

Thanks, Tammy! Can't wait for the FE!!!!! :thumbsup2

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or want to participate.

Lisa Marie
BearFan

Your welcome!

I would love to participate in a photo scavenger hunt. It sounds like a lot of fun and would provide some interesting photo's.

Count me in! (Again, if I already said yes! :rotfl:)

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

Add us in to the cruise!! And we'll be in on whatever activities there are...FE, ornament, etc. All sounds fun and the kids love it! (and me too:goodvibes). It'll be me, DH, DD (10), DD (7), and DD (1... 21 mos at cruise time). Good chance my parents will book too. I'm going to have to read back and catch up on everything thus far. Looking forward to a great cruise!

[TJGorman]

Add us in to the cruise!! And we'll be in on whatever activities there are...FE, ornament, etc. All sounds fun and the kids love it! (and me too:goodvibes). It'll be me, DH, DD (10), DD (7), and DD (1... 21 mos at cruise time). Good chance my parents will book too. I'm going to have to read back and catch up on everything thus far. Looking forward to a great cruise!

Welcome!! I have added you to the FE list.

[tikibirds]

I have booked this cruise for my husband and I to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary (on 11/29). This will be my 6th Disney cruise and his 4th, but neither of us have sailed for 7 nights or on the Magic - can't wait! :)

[TJGorman]

I have booked this cruise for my husband and I to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary (on 11/29). This will be my 6th Disney cruise and his 4th, but neither of us have sailed for 7 nights or on the Magic - can't wait! :)

Welcome and Happy Anniversary!

Let me know if you are interested in the FE, and I will add you to our list.

Happy Planning

[BearFan]

Add us in to the cruise!! And we'll be in on whatever activities there are...FE, ornament, etc. All sounds fun and the kids love it! (and me too:goodvibes). It'll be me, DH, DD (10), DD (7), and DD (1... 21 mos at cruise time). Good chance my parents will book too. I'm going to have to read back and catch up on everything thus far. Looking forward to a great cruise!

Great! I'll put you on both lists, scavenger hunt and ornament exchange. It seems so far away but I know it'll be here before we know it!! :thumbsup2

Lisa Marie
BearFan

[Ksbrn65]

Does anyone know when Disney will give us our room number?:cheer2:

[CherylA]

Does anyone know when Disney will give us our room number?:cheer2:

Unless you booked a GTY (guarantee) room, you should already have your stateroom number. I actually chose my stateroom so I've known my # from the beginning.

[BearFan]

Does anyone know when Disney will give us our room number?:cheer2:

I've book the crusie before through DVC and haven't been given my room assignment until later. We booked a definte category stateroom, too. I'd keep calling DCL and asking periodically. That's how we ended up finding out. They never notified us.

[kathi]

Just put down our deposit for this cruise (we are fairly last-minute travel planners). We are a family of 5. Myself/Kathi (45), husband Brian (39), daughter (7) and my parents 89 and 75. We all took the same cruise last year (and even ended up with the same 2 cabins again this year!).

Looking forward to reading this thread and hopefully meeting some of you on the cruise!

:beach: :sail: :yay:

[BethC1952]

Welcome, fellow New Jerseyans!! Where are you located in New Jersey?

We've taken this same cruise also, but ours was not the best cruise we've ever taken. The weather was awful, and DH and I were each sick (I was sick the first three days and he was sick the second three days) so we really didn't do very much. The weather was bad enough that we missed Grand Cayman, so I can't wait to see it this time!

Beth

[kathi]

We live in Gloucester County and my parents live in Wildwood Crest.

We had fairly terrible weather last year on this same cruise and it was SUPER rough one night (I'm felt pretty wretched). I'm hoping for warmer and dryer this year!

We actually switched cabins today....my husband is dubious but I like aft much better than forward. Our cabin is now directly adjacent to the aft elevators and he is afraid it will be too noisy. I'm willing to risk it.....anyone have thoughts?

K

OMG Beth - I just noticed that you are doing a B2B Magic/Dream - that is SO AWESOME!!!

[BethC1952]

We're right next to the forward elevators (Deck 6). We've never had a noise problem near the elevators, and it's really convenient.

Yes, we're doing Magic/Dream. We were going to do B2B on Dream, but then you have the same people, the same ports, etc. Doing it this way actually cost us a bit less because there were no inexpensive rooms left on Dream for the first leg of the cruise ;), and we'll see different people, eat in different restaurants and go to different ports. It means a bit more hassle, and an extra night in a hotel, but it should be an awesome vacation--especially with 3 nights at WDW afterwards!

When I was little (about a thousand years ago) we used to vacation in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. I have some happy, if rather fuzzy, memories of being there.

Beth

[CherylA]

We live in Gloucester County and my parents live in Wildwood Crest.

We had fairly terrible weather last year on this same cruise and it was SUPER rough one night (I'm felt pretty wretched). I'm hoping for warmer and dryer this year!

We actually switched cabins today....my husband is dubious but I like aft much better than forward. Our cabin is now directly adjacent to the aft elevators and he is afraid it will be too noisy. I'm willing to risk it.....anyone have thoughts?

K

OMG Beth - I just noticed that you are doing a B2B Magic/Dream - that is SO AWESOME!!!

Welcome! I like aft too. We're near the aft elevators on deck 2. What deck are you on?

[CherylA]

Did anyone book Nachi for Cozumel day yet? I'm going to book it but not sure how far ahead I should book.

[cado]

Hi everyone me and my wife just signed up for this cruise we are from sydney Australia when do you know what cabin you have hope to hear from you guys soon.Stephen

[kathi]

That's too funny Beth - I have fuzzy memories of last night in Wildwood! (and a thousand others before).

Cheryl, we are on Deck 8. I'm glad to hear from both you and Beth that it's not noisy by the elevators. I think it will be much more convenient location (plus hopefully a little less rough in case of bad weather).

We booked Nachi Cocum last year and it poured so we didn't go. I think we were supposed to get our money back, but I don't think that actually ever happened. Have you been before? It sounded really nice. Maybe we will try again for this year. (But we discovered a great "local" restaurant in Cozumel that we want to go back to again....not sure we can fit it all in one day).

I need to start looking at the excursions. We are trying to convince some friends to go on the cruise also, so we need to find out if they are going and what they want to do.

Definitely getting excited about the trip!

[itsbaker]

Hi everyone,

We just booked this cruise for our family, wife and I plus our (then) 6 yo twin daughters. It'll be our first cruise and first Disney experience for the girls and I. We're really looking forward to it. Hoping to give the girls some great experiences with the characters, some fun family memories and even some adult time for mommy and daddy to relax and decompress.

funny to hear the talk of wildwood. My wife and I both grew up in NJ, and my grandparents lived in wildwood and the crest until they retired in the 80's. my father is even a graduate of wildwood high. I haven't been there since that summer in college 15 years ago that I don't remember much, but have great memories of the wildwood boardwalk as a kid.

looking forward to cruising with all of you.

[JaneMei]

Hey this really a great idea to go for outing with that too with the entire family, I really appreciate for for making such a trip with the whole family, this seems to be really a great thought..keep up and have a nice time... :)

[kathi]

I keep checking for a cruise meet thread for The November 26th 2011 cruise and all thats out there is some old bananahead cruise thread. I'm guessing the bananaheads abandoned the Nov 26th date but I didn't!! My husband, myself and our two daughters will be on board, hope theres many more DISers cruising with us!:yay:

Hi everyone,

We just booked this cruise for our family, wife and I plus our (then) 6 yo twin daughters. It'll be our first cruise and first Disney experience for the girls and I. We're really looking forward to it. Hoping to give the girls some great experiences with the characters, some fun family memories and even some adult time for mommy and daddy to relax and decompress.

funny to hear the talk of wildwood. My wife and I both grew up in NJ, and my grandparents lived in wildwood and the crest until they retired in the 80's. my father is even a graduate of wildwood high. I haven't been there since that summer in college 15 years ago that I don't remember much, but have great memories of the wildwood boardwalk as a kid.

looking forward to cruising with all of you.

Welcome and congratulations on booking the cruise. You will all have a great time. My daugher is 7, so hopefully they will be able to share some time together in the kids club.

Too funny about Wildwood - small world!

[JaneMei]

Wish you guys are gonna have a great time sailing in the cruises, hope i'l too join this vacation cruises very soon as even i'm very much waiting in for an oppurtunity to plan a vacation same with my family, as its really a cherishing moment..

[chisley]

I will be aboard - it will be my 5th cruise with Disney. Have a Christmas cruise booked next year as well as the Hawaii cruise...

[twoWDWfools]

DH and I along with friends of ours will be on this cruise as well! :cool1: They have a 9 yr old daughter (it's their first Disney cruise).

DH and I will be in WDW Thur & Fri then taking DCL bus to port on Saturday.

Can't wait!

BTW, saw a reference to a place on Cozumel and ressies. What is that?
(sorry haven't read the entire thread) Trying to figure out what excursions to do where.

[CherylA]

DH and I along with friends of ours will be on this cruise as well! :cool1: They have a 9 yr old daughter (it's their first Disney cruise).

DH and I will be in WDW Thur & Fri then taking DCL bus to port on Saturday.

Can't wait!

BTW, saw a reference to a place on Cozumel and ressies. What is that?
(sorry haven't read the entire thread) Trying to figure out what excursions to do where.
Wonderful! My daughter is 9 too. I was talking about Nachi Cocum it is a day beach resort, gets great reviews

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.net/

[jlhdanze]

Just booked the cruise :yay: We have never participated in FE but my sister has and it looks like so much fun ! We will be sailing with her family and parents. Put us in for all :goodvibes

myself - Jill
DH - Ryan
DS - Tyler (1 1/2 at cruise time)

Can't wait!

[twoWDWfools]

Oh forgot...please add us to the FE. Never have done before but sounds like fun! It's just DH and I (45 & 47 respectively) but we love new things and meeting new people. We have a GTY room so won't get cabin number until later.

Would be in for an ornament exchange if there is one.

Any thoughts yet on when to meet up on board to say "HELLO" ? Scanned back but didn't see anything yet.

I am SO excited!!! :banana:

[CherylA]

Oh forgot...please add us to the FE. Never have done before but sounds like fun! It's just DH and I (45 & 47 respectively) but we love new things and meeting new people. We have a GTY room so won't get cabin number until later.

Would be in for an ornament exchange if there is one.

Any thoughts yet on when to meet up on board to say "HELLO" ? Scanned back but didn't see anything yet.

I am SO excited!!! :banana:

I think usually the meets are done a little before the muster drill in the promenade lounge (usually at 3:00). So thats what I'm most confortable with, how does everyone else feel?

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

Hey! Welcome Jill, Ryan, & Tyler to the cruise! (I'm the sister they're traveling with).

So just looking at the Nachi Cocum thing...how do you get there? I'd assume catch a taxi? Anyone hear about how far away from the port it is?

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

And then also...anyone done any of the dolphin experiences? Now that the kids are both older, we definately want to do one. There's the one at Grand Cayman with the Turtle Farm (which we've done that part) which would mean I could do a beach thing in Cozumel. But the Dolphin experiences in Cozumel at Dolphinaris look good too. Thoughts?

[twoWDWfools]

I think usually the meets are done a little before the muster drill in the promenade lounge (usually at 3:00). So thats what I'm most confortable with, how does everyone else feel?

Works for me.

[BethC1952]

Jim and I are booked for the Dolphin Discovery at Cozumel (at Chankanaab National Park). I was shocked that he wanted to do this! I told him about all of the options for interacting with Dolphins, and let him choose the one he wanted. We've never done anything like this, but there's a first time for everything, and you're never too old to try something new!

Beth

[jolmom1]

We will be on the cruise as well and are first time cruisers. Getting very excited!

Will be:

Me - Jeanne (38)
DH - Mike (37)
DS - Michael (10)

[HakunaMatata15]

We'll be there on our first cruise. Celebrating our 15th Anniversary (with the kids, of course)!

Please add us to the FE list, if possible. Thanks. We might also be interested in scavenger hunt or ornament exchange - although I'm almost overwhelmed with all there will be to do.

me- Marie (42)
DH - Bob (45)
DD - Julia (10)
DS - Ryan (7)

[TJGorman]

I will be aboard - it will be my 5th cruise with Disney. Have a Christmas cruise booked next year as well as the Hawaii cruise...

Welcome! It will also be my 5th cruise with Disney! So excited!

If you would like to be part of the FE, please let me know and I will add you to the list.

Thanks!

[TJGorman]

Just booked the cruise :yay: We have never participated in FE but my sister has and it looks like so much fun ! We will be sailing with her family and parents. Put us in for all :goodvibes

myself - Jill
DH - Ryan
DS - Tyler (1 1/2 at cruise time)

Can't wait!


Welcome! You have been added to the FE!

Tammy

[TJGorman]

Oh forgot...please add us to the FE. Never have done before but sounds like fun! It's just DH and I (45 & 47 respectively) but we love new things and meeting new people. We have a GTY room so won't get cabin number until later.

Would be in for an ornament exchange if there is one.

Any thoughts yet on when to meet up on board to say "HELLO" ? Scanned back but didn't see anything yet.

I am SO excited!!! :banana:

Welcome! You have been added to the FE!

Tammy

[TJGorman]

I think usually the meets are done a little before the muster drill in the promenade lounge (usually at 3:00). So thats what I'm most confortable with, how does everyone else feel?

Promenade lounge @ 3:00 sounds good to me!

[TJGorman]

We will be on the cruise as well and are first time cruisers. Getting very excited!

Will be:

Me - Jeanne (38)
DH - Mike (37)
DS - Michael (10)

Welcome!

If you would like to be added to the FE group, please let me know. It is a fun DIS activity that usually adds to the excitement of a cruise!

Tammy

[TJGorman]

We'll be there on our first cruise. Celebrating our 15th Anniversary (with the kids, of course)!

Please add us to the FE list, if possible. Thanks. We might also be interested in scavenger hunt or ornament exchange - although I'm almost overwhelmed with all there will be to do.

me- Marie (42)
DH - Bob (45)
DD - Julia (10)
DS - Ryan (7)


Congratulations on 15 years! I will celebrate 17 years on Saturday. Welcome!

You have been added to the FE

Tammy

[BethC1952]

I'm ready for vacation NOW. We just had an earthquake! My building was really shaking. It's an old, shaky building anyway, I'm sure this didn't help at all.

The actual earthquake was in Virginia, but it was strong enough here that there are one or two buildings with some damage!

Beth

[CherylA]

I'm ready for vacation NOW. We just had an earthquake! My building was really shaking. It's an old, shaky building anyway, I'm sure this didn't help at all.

The actual earthquake was in Virginia, but it was strong enough here that there are one or two buildings with some damage!

Beth

Yup we felt it in Connecticut too!

[dwellinpossibility]

Oh Hi! been a while since I checked back here, I thought I was all alone! My girls will be 6 and 9 when we cruise. I am so looking forward to a longer cruise, we booked this date on our 4 day back in April of this year. It still seems so far away but I know it will come fast! :cool1:
I'm a 1st time cruiser on the 11/26 adventure. I'm setting sail with my 14 year old daughter and my 18 year old son. I would appreciate any tips!
My son is nervous that he'll have no activities since he is 18 & not 21. And that there won't be many people his age there :) (But I know the trip will be fantastic!)
My biggest concern is motion sickness...
So I'm open to anything you want to share so our trip will be the best ever!
Thanks!

[BethC1952]

I hope anyone along the East Coast survived Irene as well as we did. We still have no power, and won't have it until late Thursday or early Friday, but we had no other problems. Living so close to the shore, we were a bit concerned!

I'm at work now, charging up all my electric gadgets like my phone, my Nook and my mobile WIFI!

Beth

[kathi]

Glad to hear you made out OK Beth. My parents didn't even get water in their garage in Wildwood, so they were very lucky.

We lost power for a day up in Gloucester County, but no damage to our home, thanks goodness.

Sounds like North Jersey is having a terrible time with flooding still and my co-workers in PA are still without power.

My husband gave me a 3 night cruise on the Dream for my birthday - so we sail for the Bahamas on September 15th!!! Looking forward to my TWO Disney cruises this year.

[Hanover]

We will be on this cruise too. Our travel party inclues:

Me (Danielle, 38)
DH (Derek, 38)
DS14 (Keegan)
DS10 (Brennan)

Derek's mom Joyce

Derek's stepbrother Michael, his wife Andie, 7 year old son Hayden and 5 year old daugher Bailey

Derek's stepbrother Brian, his wife Denise, 10 year old son Logan and 7 year old daughter Zoey

This will be our 15th DCL cruise, Joyce's 4th DCL cruise and the rest will be on their 2nd DCL cruise.

We have 4 rooms next to each other on deck 6 midship, starboard. We had the same rooms when we all sailed together 2 years ago.

We booked Snuba for Key West even though we may cancel and just do the trolley on our own in the morning. We have the Adventure Park excursion booked in Cozumel and the Dolphin/Turtles in Grand Cayman. At CC we plan on relaxing and snorkeling if it's warm enough. Possibly renting floats and/or bikes too. We have Palo dinner, brunch and high tea booked (the latter for the ladies only).

We are really looking forward to the cruise and a few days before/after at WDW.

[itsbaker]

Is anyone planning on running the 5K on Castaway Cay? I've recently started running and I think that sounds like a lot of fun. I'm slooow so if there are any other slow runners willing to give it a go, I'd love the company.

[Ksbrn65]

Hey everyone! I am getting nervous as it get closer. I have second seating for dinner. Is this good, do u have time to shower and then go to show, the dine? Any suggestions for excursions? And when do I find out my stateroom #? :laundy:

[twoWDWfools]

I'm a 1st time cruiser on the 11/26 adventure. I'm setting sail with my 14 year old daughter and my 18 year old son. I would appreciate any tips!
My son is nervous that he'll have no activities since he is 18 & not 21. And that there won't be many people his age there :) (But I know the trip will be fantastic!)
My biggest concern is motion sickness...
So I'm open to anything you want to share so our trip will be the best ever!
Thanks!

My son was 18 when we took him and he had a great time. It was the short cruise but he found plenty of things to do and people his own age. He liked being able to hand out at the adults pool.

[twoWDWfools]

Is anyone planning on running the 5K on Castaway Cay? I've recently started running and I think that sounds like a lot of fun. I'm slooow so if there are any other slow runners willing to give it a go, I'd love the company.


My DH and I are planning on running it. Finally found a map in case they aren't doing an organized run. I am also slow so we can keep each other company.

[TJGorman]

So excited only 77 days until we cruise! Woohoo! :cool1::cool1:

Just a reminder, if you are interested in participating in the FE, please let me know! Names, ages and a cabin number (if you know it!) would also be helpful.

Thanks!

Tammy

[disneyfan551]

How many cabins are in the FE at this point? It's definitely time to start planning!

[TJGorman]

How many cabins are in the FE at this point? It's definitely time to start planning!

As of today, there are 15 cabins interested in participating.

[kathi]

Is anyone planning on running the 5K on Castaway Cay? I've recently started running and I think that sounds like a lot of fun. I'm slooow so if there are any other slow runners willing to give it a go, I'd love the company.

My husband, Brian, will probably run it. He did last year and enjoyed it a lot.

[Ksbrn65]

I finally have my stateroom it is #6616. Still interested in FE. Which is better for 8,10 year old for dining first or second?

[sunryzez]

Wow, I have ot been on this board for a while. I was trying not to think about the trip too much since it was SO far away but now it seems so close and Im SOOO excited. I have a question for you non first time cruisers. My family n travel party are first time cruisers. I was really upset by the policy that people who have cruised more times got first dibs on reservations because I figured that we would be left with awkward times. Yesterday at midnight I could start registering and I was REALLY upset to see that some of the excursions I wanted to do were already filled. The high teas were all COMPLETELY filled, The spa treatments that we wanted were either not available anymore or at really awkward and bad times ( like our dinner time or at 8am) The palo brunch had 1 seating left only so I grabbed that but the rest of my party cant get in at all. I dont mean to sound like Im whining so my question is, do these things reopen up? Or, are we pretty much out of luck? We have been planning this cruise since March of 2010 and have been excited about so many things that it seems we are going to miss out on now so Im really hoping that someone has some good advice for me!! Thanks!

[disneyfan551]

I finally have my stateroom it is #6616. Still interested in FE. Which is better for 8,10 year old for dining first or second?

Even when the kids in our group were younger (3y & up...), we have ALWAYS preferred the second seating. It really gives you alot more time in your day & you are not as rushed! :)

[kathi]

Try to stay calm. I suspect you will end up getting most of what you want. When I was a first time cruiser and even a Silver member (we are gold now) I had trouble getting the things I wanted and once I got on the ship, I never had a problem signing up for something.

When you get on the ship, go to the designated location (usually one of the lounges) to check on availbility for dining, shore excursions and the spa. There are usually a bunch of spots. Also, keep checking back every day, because there will be cancellations.

Wow, I have ot been on this board for a while. I was trying not to think about the trip too much since it was SO far away but now it seems so close and Im SOOO excited. I have a question for you non first time cruisers. My family n travel party are first time cruisers. I was really upset by the policy that people who have cruised more times got first dibs on reservations because I figured that we would be left with awkward times. Yesterday at midnight I could start registering and I was REALLY upset to see that some of the excursions I wanted to do were already filled. The high teas were all COMPLETELY filled, The spa treatments that we wanted were either not available anymore or at really awkward and bad times ( like our dinner time or at 8am) The palo brunch had 1 seating left only so I grabbed that but the rest of my party cant get in at all. I dont mean to sound like Im whining so my question is, do these things reopen up? Or, are we pretty much out of luck? We have been planning this cruise since March of 2010 and have been excited about so many things that it seems we are going to miss out on now so Im really hoping that someone has some good advice for me!! Thanks!

[kathi]

I totally agree. My daugher has been crusing since she was 5 (she is 7 now) and we have always had second seating. She goes to the kids club during dinner and hangs out and we enjoy the the rest of our dinner.

I think it would be way too rushed to have early seating. I also wouldn't be hungry yet!
Even when the kids in our group were younger (3y & up...), we have ALWAYS preferred the second seating. It really gives you alot more time in your day & you are not as rushed! :)

[disneyfan551]

sunryzez...Try not to worry so much. There are so many things to enjoy on the cruise that you won't miss some of those bookings! Also...don't give up yet!! :flower3: I have been able to book Palo on every cruise (several!) that I've attempted to, as long as I went to do it as soon as they "opened" on embarkation day! They do keep tables available for walk-up bookings, not just for online.
Regarding excursions...of our 7 (i think?!) DCL cruises, we have never done one excursion through Disney! We always book on our own & have never had any problems!
Good luck to you!!! :)

[Hanover]

Wow, I have ot been on this board for a while. I was trying not to think about the trip too much since it was SO far away but now it seems so close and Im SOOO excited. I have a question for you non first time cruisers. My family n travel party are first time cruisers. I was really upset by the policy that people who have cruised more times got first dibs on reservations because I figured that we would be left with awkward times. Yesterday at midnight I could start registering and I was REALLY upset to see that some of the excursions I wanted to do were already filled. The high teas were all COMPLETELY filled, The spa treatments that we wanted were either not available anymore or at really awkward and bad times ( like our dinner time or at 8am) The palo brunch had 1 seating left only so I grabbed that but the rest of my party cant get in at all. I dont mean to sound like Im whining so my question is, do these things reopen up? Or, are we pretty much out of luck? We have been planning this cruise since March of 2010 and have been excited about so many things that it seems we are going to miss out on now so Im really hoping that someone has some good advice for me!! Thanks!

They do hold back Palo reservations for several spots. Once you board, you can make dining room changes or Palo reservations/changes in a specific location. We've done changes at Studio Sea and at Rockin D Bar. They can tell you in the terminal or it may be on the navigator as to where to go. You can also get on wait lists for brunch, dinner or high tea. I don't think there will be a lot of spots for high tea, as they keep that rather small. I think if you just need to add guests to your reservation, it will be easier . I have to do the same as I could only get a table for 6 and we have 7.

As far as excursions, when you board ask at the shore excursions desk if they have a wait list. Sometimes if a lot of people want to be added to specific excursions, they can add a bus or two. Depending what you want to do, you could always get a local taxi and go to the location or book in advance on your own. I know people from past cruise meets that have specifically done that for certain dolphin excursions and day tours. Just keep in mind DCL does not wait for late guests that are not on DCL sponsored excursions.

I think you will also get spa appointments. You can go on a spa tour on embarkation day and ask about availability. They will have specials they run each day posted in navigators, especially on port days where they tend to be good deals and less expensive than treatments on sea days. They do book up though so I'd try the 1st day to get a better time.

[CherylA]

Our cruise is starting to get so close! We just passed the window of being able to cancel without penalty. Now we're in penalty phase. I'm having trouble getting really excited for the trip because I'm not 100% sure we can go :( Hubby got a job offer that he is now at the negotiation phase of and if he gets the job theres a 50/50 chance his new boss will let him take off the week after thanksgiving. I bought travel insurance with a "cancel for work reasons" clause so I'm not worried about losing money but what a bummer it would be to not be able to take this cruise. We booked it back in April 2009!! Cross your fingers for me that we can go. If we can't we'll be doing 4 nights in Disney World instead which will be great but not the 2 days in Disney followed by a week long cruise I have been planning on! :confused3

[twoWDWfools]

Our cruise is starting to get so close! We just passed the window of being able to cancel without penalty. Now we're in penalty phase. I'm having trouble getting really excited for the trip because I'm not 100% sure we can go :( Hubby got a job offer that he is now at the negotiation phase of and if he gets the job theres a 50/50 chance his new boss will let him take off the week after thanksgiving. I bought travel insurance with a "cancel for work reasons" clause so I'm not worried about losing money but what a bummer it would be to not be able to take this cruise. We booked it back in April 2009!! Cross your fingers for me that we can go. If we can't we'll be doing 4 nights in Disney World instead which will be great but not the 2 days in Disney followed by a week long cruise I have been planning on! :confused3

Oh that's tough. Yay on new job but boo on the 50/50. Fingers crossed it will all work out!

[twoWDWfools]

FYI - our cabin number is 2608.

71 days!!:banana::banana:

[TJGorman]

FYI - our cabin number is 2608.

71 days!!:banana::banana:

Great, Thank you!

[CherylA]

Oh that's tough. Yay on new job but boo on the 50/50. Fingers crossed it will all work out!

Thanks. So he's accepted the new job but they are still processing paperwork for it and he doesn't have a start date yet. We're waiting for him to get a start date then he will talk to his new boss about getting that week off. I think the chances are now about 60/40 and not in favor of going. We'll see. I am very happy he has a new job. So now we can totally afford to take the trip but we don't know if he can get the time off!

[kristyk13]

I've been excited for a year now and can't believe our first Disney cruise is just around the corner!!! pirate: Have to say it has been a little overwhelming learning and planning everything but I know we will have an awesome time. I am a little worried that my 13 year old will have as much fun as her younger brother (9) and sister (7). I have read conflicting information on the teen club ages, is it 13 or 14? Can't wait to set sail!!!

Me- Kristy (41)
DH- Sean (44)
DD- Mikayla (13)
DS- Connor(9)
DD- Megan(7)

[kristyk13]

The FE is nothing to stress over, honest!

It can (and should) be whatever you would like to share! It could be magnets from your hometown, stickers, etc.

I have gotten so many interesting items over the years, from little pirate rubber duckies (that always reminds me of the cruise we received it on) to a CD, to Disney recipes, bookmarks, pirate night stickers, glow sticks...it really is supposed to be about the thought that counts. I can say I just enjoyed coming back to the stateroom each night to find a little goodie waiting for us!

If you have the means and creativity for something grand, awesome! If you are thinking, I like the idea of stickers and rubber ducks, awesome! If you are thinking all I have time for is to pick up some hometown magnets and your favorite recipe card, awesome!

I hope you join us for the FE as I am sure your two girls will enjoying getting little surprises each night. My children were so excited getting surprises each night, they didn't ask for anymore souvenirs, as they already had a ton of stuff to bring home, LOL!
This is our first Disney Cruise and I also am feeling a little overwhelmed. The FE sounds fun but after reading some of the posts sounds very involved. It seems many make homemade/handmade items. I am a creative person but don't know if I have the time to make so many things. Some posts have been helpful but looking for more ideas and How do I sign up for this?
Me- Kristy (41)
DH- Sean (44)
DD- Mikayla (13)
DS- Connor(9)
DD- Megan(7)

[kristyk13]

Great! I'll put you on both lists, scavenger hunt and ornament exchange. It seems so far away but I know it'll be here before we know it!! :thumbsup2

Lisa Marie
BearFan
It all sounds so fun! This is our first cruise so all of this is new to me, how do we sign up?

[kristyk13]

They do hold back Palo reservations for several spots. Once you board, you can make dining room changes or Palo reservations/changes in a specific location. We've done changes at Studio Sea and at Rockin D Bar. They can tell you in the terminal or it may be on the navigator as to where to go. You can also get on wait lists for brunch, dinner or high tea. I don't think there will be a lot of spots for high tea, as they keep that rather small. I think if you just need to add guests to your reservation, it will be easier . I have to do the same as I could only get a table for 6 and we have 7.

As far as excursions, when you board ask at the shore excursions desk if they have a wait list. Sometimes if a lot of people want to be added to specific excursions, they can add a bus or two. Depending what you want to do, you could always get a local taxi and go to the location or book in advance on your own. I know people from past cruise meets that have specifically done that for certain dolphin excursions and day tours. Just keep in mind DCL does not wait for late guests that are not on DCL sponsored excursions.

I think you will also get spa appointments. You can go on a spa tour on embarkation day and ask about availability. They will have specials they run each day posted in navigators, especially on port days where they tend to be good deals and less expensive than treatments on sea days. They do book up though so I'd try the 1st day to get a better time.
I too was not happy that when I could finally book stuff on line that the one thing I really wanted to do was already booked. I am still hopeful we can get in as I was told by the Disney rep to keep checking because people change their minds and or cancel

[TJGorman]

This is our first Disney Cruise and I also am feeling a little overwhelmed. The FE sounds fun but after reading some of the posts sounds very involved. It seems many make homemade/handmade items. I am a creative person but don't know if I have the time to make so many things. Some posts have been helpful but looking for more ideas and How do I sign up for this?
Me- Kristy (41)
DH- Sean (44)
DD- Mikayla (13)
DS- Connor(9)
DD- Megan(7)

I will put you on our FE List. Again, I can not stress enough, do not add worrying about what to use as part of the FE, to your pre-cruise planning! It is supposed to be fun!

Some ideas I read included calling your nearest tourist office and seeing if you can get some free state magnets, bumper stickers, postcards. Another idea is go to oriental trading's website to the sale item, you can always find useful items that usually come in a dozen per pack, or with Halloween ending before our cruise, stock up on the remaining Halloween candy, put it in a bag, and there is your FE!

I will put out a final list two weeks before but right now we are @ 16 cabins participating.

[TJGorman]

I too was not happy that when I could finally book stuff on line that the one thing I really wanted to do was already booked. I am still hopeful we can get in as I was told by the Disney rep to keep checking because people change their minds and or cancel

Absolutely keep checking! Also, if you what you want doesn't open up on line before we cruise, check as soon as you get on-board. When you get the navigator at check in, it will let you know if you want to make changes to your dining or excursions.

:thumbsup2

[kristyk13]

I will put you on our FE List. Again, I can not stress enough, do not add worrying about what to use as part of the FE, to your pre-cruise planning! It is supposed to be fun!

Some ideas I read included calling your nearest tourist office and seeing if you can get some free state magnets, bumper stickers, postcards. Another idea is go to oriental trading's website to the sale item, you can always find useful items that usually come in a dozen per pack, or with Halloween ending before our cruise, stock up on the remaining Halloween candy, put it in a bag, and there is your FE!

I will put out a final list two weeks before but right now we are @ 16 cabins participating.
Thank you so much, after carefully reading your original post I felt better, do you need our cabin numbers? I saw others posted them. So we will be at #6640 & 6642.

Any other tips you can provide to us newbie cruisers is greatly appreciated!

[kristyk13]

So happy to find this thread! We just booked our cruise.....and we are first timers for cruising. I have 2 kids, dd11 and ds6; they will be 12 and 6 by cruise time. I would love to have the kids meet the first day! Great idea! Any other tips from those of you who have cruised before?
Would be great to meet up after reading all the posts and great advice from everyone, especially for the kids!

[TJGorman]

Thank you so much, after carefully reading your original post I felt better, do you need our cabin numbers? I saw others posted them. So we will be at #6640 & 6642.

Any other tips you can provide to us newbie cruisers is greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for the cabin number!

The best advice I can give to newbie cruisers is: 1. Don't try to do everything. A vacation should be relaxing. Look at the navigators to find those items you might like to do.

2. Also if you haven't heard about the pub night on the final night of the cruise, you absolutely must go! I am not going to give it away, but it's worth the stop by the pub on the last night.

[kristyk13]

Thanks, I never heard about the Pub Night! Just when I thought I read everything about our cruise, LOL, I am finding something new every day!

[CherylA]

Hubby's new boss said he could take the time off!!! Yippie horray I'm going on a cruise!!!

[BethC1952]

That's wonderful news!

[TJGorman]

Hubby's new boss said he could take the time off!!! Yippie horray I'm going on a cruise!!!

Yes! That is great news! Let the planning star...err...continue!

[kristyk13]

Hubby's new boss said he could take the time off!!! Yippie horray I'm going on a cruise!!!
Great news!

[candmfox]

Anyone else out there notice a small credit post to your account last night? Received an email from DCL with just enough back to pay for a Palo visit with the wife. I'm guessing it is probably a true-up on port fees or taxes. Hoping the next message from them includes either a Florida resident discount or a stateroom upgrade. Crossing fingers...

[kristyk13]

Did you book thru DCL?

[candmfox]

Yes, which was something different for us - we usually go through an agent...

[CherylA]

So what is everyone doing at the Ports? I think we're going to do... (all on our own) Jey West- the hop on hop off trolly tour, a late lunch at Blue Heaven, and sunset in the square. In Cozumel I'm going to book Nachi Cocom, anyone else booked this? In Grand Caymen I think we'll take a taxi to the turle farm followed by the afternoon at 7 mile beach. In Castaway Cay we're going to rent bikes.

[cado]

we have booked the Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins tour is this any good

[HakunaMatata15]

By the way - while we're docked in Key West, there are two festivals going on:
1) Pirates in Paradise -- go to: piratesinparadise.com

2) Key West Bight Before Christmas - at the Bight (marina area) - holiday crafts, food, Santa . . .

We're not booking anything, but we'll just head over to the festivals for a while with our kids.

[CherylA]

By the way - while we're docked in Key West, there are two festivals going on:
1) Pirates in Paradise -- go to: piratesinparadise.com

2) Key West Bight Before Christmas - at the Bight (marina area) - holiday crafts, food, Santa . . .

We're not booking anything, but we'll just head over to the festivals for a while with our kids.

Thanks for the info. I'll look these up!

[kristyk13]

we have booked the Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins tour is this any good

This is our first cruise, I also booked this tour, sounded interesting.

[EEsloveDis]

Just found this thread!!

This will be my family's first cruise and we are very excited!!!

It will myself, dh, ds (10) and dd (7).

Right now it looks as though we will go on our own in Key West and go to the Aquarium and tour the island a bit and hopefully get some yummy chocolate dipped key lime pie. I was interested in getting an electric car but I've heard parking is tough so we may just hop on and off the trolley.

Grand Cayman we will also be on our own. I'm making arrangements to get a day room at either the Ritz, Marriott or Westin.

We are booked for the Dolphin Discovery.

We will be spending a few days at MK after the cruise to hit the new Star Wars and see all the decorations at the parks!!

[BethC1952]

Glad you found us;)!

[DesertGal]

Getting so excited for our cruise!

I wondered if there is anyone here on the boards with kids similar ages as ours. Alec turned 5 yesterday and Olivia is 2 years 10 months.

We were hoping (still are) that she will be completely potty trained by then so she can go in the kids club with her brother. So far, we aren't quite there so I've made back up nursery ressies for her.

Alec is on the shy side so we wanted him to have her as a buddy to make it easier. We would love to meet up with someone else with kids early on.

Our kids don't spend a lot of time there, but since it is my hubby's birthday during the cruise, we have Palo reservations and would also like to do a few martini tastings and at least visit the bar once. We did solo tastings our last cruise so we could kid swap.

If anyone on our cruise wants to arrannge a meet up, let me know. We are also on early dining and would love to find table mates.

[DesertGal]

Just found this thread!!

Grand Cayman we will also be on our own. I'm making arrangements to get a day room at either the Ritz, Marriott or Westin.

We are booked for the Dolphin Discovery.

We will be spending a few days at MK after the cruise to hit the new Star Wars and see all the decorations at the parks!!

If you don't mind me asking, how much is the day room?

[cshelzy]

Hey everyone just wanted to stop in and say Hi! Its getting really close and we are very excited.

we will be doing the trolley tour in key west and dolphin encounter in grand cayman. we are not sure what we will do in cozumel, any ideas?

is anyone dressing up for pirate night? we did homemade tshirts last year. not sure what we will do for this cruise.
is there a final FE list?

[kathi]

My girlfriend just booked a guaranteed veranda stateroom on our cruise. We are so excited she is going to come (she was trying to find someone to go with her but decided she just didn't care).

We are thinking about doing Nachi Cocum in Cozumel. We tried to do it last year and got rained out. It gets rave reviews and we would love a relaxing day at the beach where everything is included.

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.net/

They only person who has traditionally dressed up for Pirate Night is our 7 year old daughter. I see a lot of people wearing their pirate regalia to dinner - so don't hesitate to put it on as early as you would like!!

[TJGorman]

Hey everyone just wanted to stop in and say Hi! Its getting really close and we are very excited.

we will be doing the trolley tour in key west and dolphin encounter in grand cayman. we are not sure what we will do in cozumel, any ideas?

is anyone dressing up for pirate night? we did homemade tshirts last year. not sure what we will do for this cruise.
is there a final FE list?

No final FE list, yet. As of right now, we have 15 cabins participating. I am planning on finalizing the list as of November 5, 2011.

So if anyone hasn't signed up yet, please let me know and I will add you to the list!

Tammy

[kristyk13]

Just found this thread!!

This will be my family's first cruise and we are very excited!!!

It will myself, dh, ds (10) and dd (7).

Right now it looks as though we will go on our own in Key West and go to the Aquarium and tour the island a bit and hopefully get some yummy chocolate dipped key lime pie. I was interested in getting an electric car but I've heard parking is tough so we may just hop on and off the trolley.

Grand Cayman we will also be on our own. I'm making arrangements to get a day room at either the Ritz, Marriott or Westin.

We are booked for the Dolphin Discovery.

We will be spending a few days at MK after the cruise to hit the new Star Wars and see all the decorations at the parks!!

Hi! It is our first cruise as well. My DS is 9 and DD is 7, I also have DD that's 13. We can't wait and have booked something at each port, I'm a planner and my kids loved getting to help choose each thing we all wanted to do. Hopefully we enjoy them all.

[disneyfan551]

We have done Nachi Cocum several times over the years and LOOOOVE it! :love: I have probably never seen more than 20 people there! The beach is great, kids love the pool & jacuzzi & swim-up bar! It is a wonderful, relaxing day! Hope you enjoy it!!! :thumbsup2

We are going to take our FIRST excursion through Disney! We usually book on our own, but are trying the sail, snorkel beach party (or something to that nature... ;)).

I'm just hoping for NO RAIN on port days this year!! :wizard:

[CherylA]

We have done Nachi Cocum several times over the years and LOOOOVE it! :love: I have probably never seen more than 20 people there! The beach is great, kids love the pool & jacuzzi & swim-up bar! It is a wonderful, relaxing day! Hope you enjoy it!!! :thumbsup2

We are going to take our FIRST excursion through Disney! We usually book on our own, but are trying the sail, snorkel beach party (or something to that nature... ;)).

I'm just hoping for NO RAIN on port days this year!! :wizard:

Thats great to hear! I'm going to bite the bullet and go book Nachi Cocum now.

[kathi]

We have done Nachi Cocum several times over the years and LOOOOVE it! :love: I have probably never seen more than 20 people there! The beach is great, kids love the pool & jacuzzi & swim-up bar! It is a wonderful, relaxing day! Hope you enjoy it!!! :thumbsup2
:

How far from the port is the beach? I'm a bit of a safety freak and have some concerns putting my daughter in a cab (not just in a foreign country - NYC cabs scare the heck out of me also).

It sounds like a lovely way to spend a day. I hope we can do it this year.

[CherylA]

Just booked Nachi. Confirmation says it is 10 miles from the Port to Nachi Cocom, about 15 minutes (approx cost $15 usd). My total for 2 adults and 2 kids between 4&11 was $132. I paid the nonrefunable deposit of $33 and the balance of $99 is due in cash or travelers check apon arrival.

[disneynana2]

WOW I am finally on the DISboards. Please keep in mind I am not very literate in Computer! :confused3 We are going on our 10th Cruise in NOV. I have never joined the FE but would really like to participate in this time. We will be joining our 2 Ddaughters,their DH's & our grandkids 3DGDs & 1 DGS for this trip!:cool1:(Lovemydisneycats & JLHdanze). It will be my DH and me. Please include us in the fun!:woohoo:

[TJGorman]

WOW I am finally on the DISboards. Please keep in mind I am not very literate in Computer! :confused3 We are going on our 10th Cruise in NOV. I have never joined the FE but would really like to participate in this time. We will be joining our 2 Ddaughters,their DH's & our grandkids 3DGDs & 1 DGS for this trip!:cool1:(Lovemydisneycats & JLHdanze). It will be my DH and me. Please include us in the fun!:woohoo:

party:Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!party:

You have been included in the FE list. At your earliest convenience, please sent my your (and DH) first name and cabin number. Thank you so much!

I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

[BethC1952]

WOW I am finally on the DISboards. Please keep in mind I am not very literate in Computer! :confused3 We are going on our 10th Cruise in NOV. I have never joined the FE but would really like to participate in this time. We will be joining our 2 Ddaughters,their DH's & our grandkids 3DGDs & 1 DGS for this trip!:cool1:(Lovemydisneycats & JLHdanze). It will be my DH and me. Please include us in the fun!:woohoo:

Welcome!

[Ksbrn65]

When will we get the info on the FE? Like how many, with list of cabins playing ?
:dance3:

[TJGorman]

When will we get the info on the FE? Like how many, with list of cabins playing ?
:dance3:

The final FE list will be Pm'd to participants on November 5th.

As of this morning, there are 17 cabins participating. Here is a tentative list of participants:

1 TJGorman Tammy ****
Paul
Ashley 17
Jack 15

2 TJGorman Shirley ****
Joan

3 ALMPeters Amanda ****
Scott

4 CherylA Cheryl
Tony
Isabelle 9
Lily 6

5 cshelzy Shelly
Mel
Shayna 13
Seth 4

6 Dmtaylor3 Dawn
Chuck
Jeret 7

7 Ksbrn65 Karen ****
William
Tyler 10
Jacob 8

8 Disneyfan551 Tiffany
Kendall 10

9 Disneyfan551 Teresa
Carson 10

10 Bearfan Lisa Marie ****
Paul

11 LoveMyDisneyCats Me
DH
DD 10
DD 7
DD 1

12 jlhdanze Jill
Ryan
Tyler 1.5

13 two WDWfool Me ****
DH

14 HakunaMatata15 Marie
Bob
Julia 10
Ryan 7

15 Jolmom1 Jeanne
Mike
Michael 10

16 kristyk13 Kristy ****
Sean ****
Mikayla 13
Connor 9
Megan 7

17 Disnynana2 Me
DH


The asterisks are meant to indicate I have your room number(s). If you know your cabin number and don't have an asterisk, please let me know your cabin number so I can add it to the list.

Also, if you are interested in participating in the FE and don't see your name on the list. Please let me know, so we can add it!

Thanks so much.

Tammy

[cshelzy]

Cshelzy cabin # 2612
Thanks for keeping track of the FE!

[CherylA]

Tammy,

We're in Cabin # 2136. Thanks!

[jlhdanze]

We are in room number 6139:yay:

[TJGorman]

Thanks everyone who responded so far!

Room numbers are recorded.

Tammy

[Hanover]

If anyone is interested, here's a link to recent Western Caribbean nagivators and menus that someone was nice enough to post.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42924134&posted=1#post42924134

[mothchick]

We just booked this cruise a few weeks ago. This will be our first cruise. I'm so excited. We would love to join in on the FE. There are 4 of us, DH, DD - 2 and DS - 1!

[BethC1952]

If anyone is interested, here's a link to recent Western Caribbean nagivators and menus that someone was nice enough to post.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42924134&posted=1#post42924134
I probably shouldn't have read those menus before lunch. I can't find anybody around here who can serve up that great French Onion Soup--or the escargot. I guess I'll go and eat my cottage cheese and dried pineapple, but it won't be the same! :rotfl:
We just booked this cruise a few weeks ago. This will be our first cruise. I'm so excited. We would love to join in on the FE. There are 4 of us, DH, DD - 2 and DS - 1!
Welcome! I hope to get a chance to meet you next month.

OK, I just had to post that so I could say "next month". I am SO ready for this trip!!!

Beth

[TJGorman]

We just booked this cruise a few weeks ago. This will be our first cruise. I'm so excited. We would love to join in on the FE. There are 4 of us, DH, DD - 2 and DS - 1!


Congratulations and welcome!

You are in for the FE! When you get a room number, please forward it to me, so that I may add it to our list.

Thank!

Tammy

[disneynana2]

We finally got our room # . It is 6000 and My name is Mary, 59,:wave2: and my DH is Bob, 60,pirate:..... AKA Nana & Papa

[BethC1952]

Hi, Mary and Bob! It's nice to see a couple close to our age. I'm 59, and Jim will be 62 in January. This cruise and our next one are his birthday celebration!

I can't wait for this vacation. It will be so nice to get away for a while!

Beth

[DesertGal]

Wow' I'm so excited for this cruise. I booked our transportation to the Port. We are surprising our kiddos with a limo (their first time ever).

[HakunaMatata15]

Tammy:
Our cabin number is 7550.
Thanks for putting the FE list together.
-Marie

[Dmtaylor3]

Tammy,

Our room number is 1049. Cannot wait for next month and our first FE!

Dawn

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

Hello!

Our details for FE Jenny (me), Ed (DH), Emma (10), Molly (7), Sadie (20 months).
Two rooms- 7005 & 7007

Also, lots of talk of Nochi Cochum (sp?)...we all booked it too so we'll see everyone there. Heard great things about it and read amazing reviews so can't wait to check it out!

Cannot believe that we are in the "next month" stage! :cool1:

[TJGorman]

Thank you everyone for updating room numbers!

We now have 17 cabins participating! If there are any new cruisers lurking about, you still have time to join! I will be cutting off sign up on November 4, 2011.

I am so excited that in six short weeks we will all be floating along in the Caribbean!

Also, there are many ways to distribute your FE, so I am wondering what others prefer. I have done one FE where we were assigned a day to distribute gifts. For example, with 17 DISer's participating, we would have 2 or 3 people distributing gifts each day. Another way is to let everyone distribute whenever they want. I am sure there are other suggestions!

I prefer the assigned day as it spreads the fun throughout the cruise!

What are everyone else's preferences?

[CherylA]

Thank you everyone for updating room numbers!

We now have 17 cabins participating! If there are any new cruisers lurking about, you still have time to join! I will be cutting off sign up on November 4, 2011.

I am so excited that in six short weeks we will all be floating along in the Caribbean!

Also, there are many ways to distribute your FE, so I am wondering what others prefer. I have done one FE where we were assigned a day to distribute gifts. For example, with 17 DISer's participating, we would have 2 or 3 people distributing gifts each day. Another way is to let everyone distribute whenever they want. I am sure there are other suggestions!

I prefer the assigned day as it spreads the fun throughout the cruise!

What are everyone else's preferences?

I think I actually prefer a whenever you want to distribute way so that those who are giving "gifts" that are to use on the sailing can give them right at the beginning. Or if we do scheduled ones see who wants to give theirs right at the beginning. me mee me pick me :yay:

[HakunaMatata15]

Tammy:
Sorry, but I gave the wrong cabin number.
Our correct cabin number is 8558.

Either way is fine with me - everyone delivering whenever or having an assigned time. Although I was going to deliver a little something on more than one day.

-Marie