April 21, 2011 - Disney Dream

[Mouseskis]

My family is booked for the 3 night cruise starting on April 21, 2011 on the Disney Dream. We are so excited to sail on the new ship. Anyone sailing with us?

[IrishCowboy]

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

[Mom 3 mouseketeers]

We will be joining you!!! This cruise will be part #2 of our cruise as we are doing the 4/17 4-day cruise as well. Can't wait!!!:cool1:

[cwbagne]

We are booked as well on 4/21. But I think B2B sounds really nice! Lucky!

[svcutler]

Hi Everyone,

We were on a 4 night and then our school calendar changed (from CT).

We have a DD11 and a DD15.

We are bummed that the other 4 night that we wanted to exchange our other one with, is now sold out for the above agegroups :eek: so we are going on the 3 night. We hope it will be as much fun and are thinking of staying on the boat in Nassau so we can get as much Disney magic as possible.

Any thoughts on this?:)

[cwbagne]

We are wondering the same thing ... maybe no tours in Nassau?? Also bummed about the 4 night cruise on 4/17 being sold out for our children as well. Our DD11 and DS14 will be looking to hang out with your children!! LOL!!

[Mouseskis]

So happy to see others booked on this cruise! The last three night Disney cruise my family went on (our first Disney cruise) we stayed onboard in Nassau and did not regret it! We had a fun day on the ship.

[mummy lee]

We too are booked on this cruise it will be our 2nd cruise and would love to take part in the fish extenders but I don't know much about them x :cheer2:

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone! :wave2:

DH and I are on this cruise, too. :thumbsup2 This will be the second half of a Back-to-Back cruise with the April 17th sailing. :cool1: We can hardly wait!

I'm organizing a Fish Extender Exchange on the other sailing and would be more than happy to set up one for this sailing, too. :) If you would like to participate, we'll need your names, ages of the kids, and cabin number. You can either post the information here on this thread, or send it to be through a private message. Let the fun begin.................. pirate:

[Mouseskis]

Deb T. - Nice to see we will be sailing together again! We were on the April 1 cruise last year. :) We would love to participate in the Fish Extender again this year. Thanks for offering to organize it again! I don't have our stateroom number yet but here is our other info:

Kristi, Brian, Matthew (age 8), and Andrew (age 5)

Mummy Lee - welcome to the cruise and the Dis Boards! :welcome:

[Deb T.]

Hi All!

Wow - this thread isn't getting many posts. But, I thought I'd update you on the Fish Extender Exchange. So far, we only have 3 cabins participating. Last year on the spring break 3-night cruise that ended on Easter morning, we ended up with 16! Come on, y'all... it really is a lot of fun!

Fish Extender Exchange Participants so far:
Deb T. & DH, DS(26)
Mouseskis & DH, DS(8), DS(5)
Private Message Contact & DFiance

For those new to the Fish Extender Exchange, here is my best description of what it's all about:

Beside every cabin door is a large silver fish with an indentation in the back for cruise personnel to leave information, invitations, etc.

DISboarders have taken the silver fish one step further... by creating hanging pockets (much like cloth letter holders) to hang from the fish - thus the name, "Fish Extender". The Fish Extenders (FEs) can be made of practically anything (cloth, plastic, paper gift bags, etc.), as long as they have at least one pocket that can hold surprises. My FE is just a plain little canvas bag I purchased at Michael's Craft Store and decorated "Disney-style". I'd love to have a "real" FE like some of the creative DISers have sewn, but I've never taken the time to attempt to make one.

Then, each "Cruise Meets" thread (such as this 4-21-11 one) organizes a little gift exchange during the cruise. People sign up by giving their cabin number, names of everyone in their cabin, and ages of the kids so that everyone will know how many goodies to bring and where to deliver them. Some people give one surprise per family, some people give a little something to each person. It's totally up to the giver to decide what to give and when to give it during the cruise.

There are several threads that discuss ideas for FE surprises. Some gifts are from Dollar Stores, some are handmade, and some are bought in bulk from websites that sell trinkets like the Oriental Trading Company. Often, they are stickers, candy, glow sticks, lanyards, etc., with themes such as pirates, beach, cruise, tropical, hometown, holiday, etc. The main idea is just to have fun finding little goodies in your FE throughout the cruise. Kids LOVE running back to their cabin to see if anything's been left in their FE. As an adult, I have to admit that I love it, too!!!

If you'd like to join in on the fun on our cruise, please let me know. Since some people travel earlier prior to a cruise, we will close the list by April 1st to give everyone time to purchase gifts and pack them. You'll also need to print the final list of participants and pack it with your gifts so you'll know where to deliver them once you're onboard the ship.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Also, this thread has tons of info and ideas about FE Gift Exchanges: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

[Deb T.]

Deb T. - Nice to see we will be sailing together again! We were on the April 1 cruise last year. :) We would love to participate in the Fish Extender again this year. Thanks for offering to organize it again! I don't have our stateroom number yet but here is our other info:

Kristi, Brian, Matthew (age 8), and Andrew (age 5)

Mummy Lee - welcome to the cruise and the Dis Boards! :welcome:

Hi Mouseskis! That's awesome we're on the same sailing, again! Seems that every cruise I'm on anymore, I already know at least one other family! :goodvibes Would you like to jump in here and explain how much fun the FE Exchange is? :)

[mummy lee]

We're so excited about taking part in the fish extenders we are in strateroom number 6001 and in our stateroom is :
Joanne (me) age 37
Jordan age 13 (boy)
Alice age 10 (Alice has severe microcephaly so only mental age of about 3) (girl)

We would all love to take part, please add us to the list x

[Deb T.]

We're so excited about taking part in the fish extenders we are in strateroom number 6001 and in our stateroom is :
Joanne (me) age 37
Jordan age 13 (boy)
Alice age 10 (Alice has severe microcephaly so only mental age of about 3) (girl)

We would all love to take part, please add us to the list x

Hooray! :cool1: We're up to 4 Fish Extender participants! Here is the updated list:

Fish Extender Exchange: (Deadline 4-1-11):
Deb T. & DH, DS26
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10

Any more? :)

[magic2go]

Hooray! :cool1: We're up to 4 Fish Extender participants! Here is the updated list:

Fish Extender Exchange: (Deadline 4-1-11):
Deb T. & DH, DS26
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10

Any more? :)

HI! We'd love to join in too! We just booked for the Dream while on board the Wonder last week!

We are a family of four:
Kathie (me-magic2go)
DH, Josh
DD, Dakota 13
DS, Dillon 11

It looks like we're going to have a nice group of tweens/teens aboard!

[Deb T.]

HI! We'd love to join in too! We just booked for the Dream while on board the Wonder last week!

We are a family of four:
Kathie (me-magic2go)
DH, Josh
DD, Dakota 13
DS, Dillon 11

It looks like we're going to have a nice group of tweens/teens aboard!

Welcome Aboard, Kathie! I hope your Wonder cruise was WONDERful! :) I've added you to the FE Exchange! :woohoo: Did you do an FE exchange on your cruise last week?

Here's the latest roster of FE participants (Deadline to join is 4-1-11):
Deb T. & DH, DS26
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11

[magic2go]

Welcome Aboard, Kathie! I hope your Wonder cruise was WONDERful! :) I've added you to the FE Exchange! :woohoo: Did you do an FE exchange on your cruise last week?



Thanks for adding us!

We did participate in the FE exchange and it was so much fun. I also loved walking around the ship and running into DIS board friends all the time! It made for such a fun experience!!

Our cruise was a bit rocky! We had 18-ft seas, and missed Castaway Cay due to the tropical depression! But, we had fun anyways!! :goodvibes

[Deb T.]

Thanks for adding us!

We did participate in the FE exchange and it was so much fun. I also loved walking around the ship and running into DIS board friends all the time! It made for such a fun experience!!

Our cruise was a bit rocky! We had 18-ft seas, and missed Castaway Cay due to the tropical depression! But, we had fun anyways!! :goodvibes

Oh My! I'll bet there were quite a few passengers with motion sickness! We've had some pretty rough seas before, but nothing like 18' waves! Wow!

DS was on the Wonder in 2004 during the third hurricane that hit Florida that summer. His cruise was very similar to yours - incredibly high seas and couldn't make it to CC. Their sailing was actually supposed to dock at CC just to pick up the cms who live on the island, but they weren't able to. I'm not sure what the stranded cms ended up doing, but they made it through the hurricane safely, thank goodness!

[magic2go]

Oh My! I'll bet there were quite a few passengers with motion sickness! We've had some pretty rough seas before, but nothing like 18' waves! Wow!

DS was on the Wonder in 2004 during the third hurricane that hit Florida that summer. His cruise was very similar to yours - incredibly high seas and couldn't make it to CC. Their sailing was actually supposed to dock at CC just to pick up the cms who live on the island, but they weren't able to. I'm not sure what the stranded cms ended up doing, but they made it through the hurricane safely, thank goodness!

WOW! I'm glad to hear that all the cast members made it through ok!

And, for all y'all's sakes: I hope I'm not bad luck with weather!! :goodvibes

[Deb T.]

WOW! I'm glad to hear that all the cast members made it through ok!

And, for all y'all's sakes: I hope I'm not bad luck with weather!! :goodvibes

We've done this same 3-night Easter cruise four times and so far (knock on wood) we've always had beautiful weather for CC. :goodvibes Let's hope this one will be perfect, too! :) There's nothing like a relaxing day in paradise! :lovestruc

By the way, I sent you a pm for your cabin number for the FE exchange. :thumbsup2

[Mouseskis]

Hi Mouseskis! That's awesome we're on the same sailing, again! Seems that every cruise I'm on anymore, I already know at least one other family! :goodvibes Would you like to jump in here and explain how much fun the FE Exchange is? :)

Hello again! I have been so swamped that I haven't had a chance to respond, but yes we absolutely loved the Fish Extender Exchange. Of course how could we not when it was so expertly planned! ;)

It was our first Disney cruise and thus our first time participating in a FE exchange. I could not believe (nor could my sons) how often our FE was full! I even told my boys not to expect anything more after the last night of the cruise, but there was more there in the morning. So fun!

[Nebraska Traveler]

Hello Everyone,
We are looking forward to sailing on the Dream in April. We were on the Wonder last week and loved every minute of it!
We would like to participate in the FE exchange.
Myself (Nebraska Traveler)
DH, Russ
DD, Ashley 13
DS, Tyler 11

Thanks!

[Deb T.]

Hello Everyone,
We are looking forward to sailing on the Dream in April. We were on the Wonder last week and loved every minute of it!
We would like to participate in the FE exchange.
Myself (Nebraska Traveler)
DH, Russ
DD, Ashley 13
DS, Tyler 11

Thanks!

Welcome to our Cruise Meets Thread and to the DIS Boards! Congratulations on your first post! :)

I've added you to the FE Exchange! Thanks for joining! When you get a chance, I still need your first name and cabin number. pirate:

Here is the updated list of Fish Extender Exchange participants so far (Deadline to join is 4-1-11):
Deb T. & DH, DS26
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11

[Nebraska Traveler]

Welcome to our Cruise Meets Thread and to the DIS Boards! Congratulations on your first post! :)

I've added you to the FE Exchange! Thanks for joining! When you get a chance, I still need your first name and cabin number. pirate:

Here is the updated list of Fish Extender Exchange participants so far (Deadline to join is 4-1-11):
Deb T. & DH, DS26
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11


Hi,
I can't wait for tropical weather in April!!! Nebraska Traveler (Dawn) and cabin is 8150.

[Deb T.]

Hi,
I can't wait for tropical weather in April!!! Nebraska Traveler (Dawn) and cabin is 8150.

Thanks for your updated info! :)

The tropical breezes are calling me, too! :lovestruc

[sshep30]

Hi we are traveling with you too!!! My mother was in Papenburg and saw the ship being built and we all can't wait to go! My 10 year old son is going to flip out on Christmas when he finds out we are going?

[Deb T.]

Hi we are traveling with you too!!! My mother was in Papenburg and saw the ship being built and we all can't wait to go! My 10 year old son is going to flip out on Christmas when he finds out we are going?

Welcome to the DIS Boards and congratulations on your first post! :goodvibes

How exciting that your Mother saw the Dream being built!!! :) Do you live in Europe, as well?

Will this be your first Disney cruise? If so, you're in for quite a treat! :lovestruc

[ohsodisney]

Hi Everyone

We will be joining you as well. It is myself and my twin girls that will be 9 at the time. This is our 3rd Disney cruise, the other 2 being the 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruises.

It was so funny because I called yesterday and booked the 3 day cruise in the middle of our resort vacation. The lady read my information back and said " so you are booked on the 3 day Bahamas cruise on the Dream " I said WHAT???? The Dream OMG I thought it was on the Magic or Wonder I didnt pay attention. So I was so excited to find out it was the Dream.

The entire trip is a Christmas suprise :) the girls have wanted so badly to go on a cruise again and my daughter Holly has talked about the Dream which seems like everyday.
Its so cute that Mickey is going to call Christmas day to tell them .
We ended up with the last Deluxe Family oceanview cabin.:) The girls love the porthole.

We cant wait to meet everyone :yay::yay::yay:

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone

We will be joining you as well. It is myself and my twin girls that will be 9 at the time. This is our 3rd Disney cruise, the other 2 being the 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruises.

It was so funny because I called yesterday and booked the 3 day cruise in the middle of our resort vacation. The lady read my information back and said " so you are booked on the 3 day Bahamas cruise on the Dream " I said WHAT???? The Dream OMG I thought it was on the Magic or Wonder I didnt pay attention. So I was so excited to find out it was the Dream.

The entire trip is a Christmas suprise :) the girls have wanted so badly to go on a cruise again and my daughter Holly has talked about the Dream which seems like everyday.
Its so cute that Mickey is going to call Christmas day to tell them .
We ended up with the last Deluxe Family oceanview cabin.:) The girls love the porthole.

We cant wait to meet everyone :yay::yay::yay:

Welcome Aboard! :cheer2:

[ohsodisney]

Welcome Aboard! :cheer2:

Thank you :)

I see you have been to Disney 52 times? How exciting! Where are you from? I thought I visited often but you have me by at least 40 LOL. I was fortunate enough to visit Disneyland once but that was at least 20 years ago.

[ohsodisney]

Happy Holidays Everyone!
It's so quiet here. Hope all is well.
I can't wait till tomorrow when my little ones get the phone call from Mickey :)

[Mouseskis]

Happy New Year everyone! Have you all been following all of the Dream updates like I have? She looks amazing. I cannot wait for our cruise!! :)

[scottishwee35]

I cannot believe that this ship is sold out....

try for 17 April - sold out....

look like we miss out Dreams while we are in Orlando....

Scottishwee35

[MPS516]

I cannot believe that this ship is sold out....

try for 17 April - sold out....

look like we miss out Dreams while we are in Orlando....

Scottishwee35

Watch daily as the hold dates come due, they seem to be listing about 1 cabin every couple of days. Otherwise call Disney and get on the wait list, this is how we got our reservation.

Good Luck :wizard:

[scottishwee35]

Watch daily as the hold dates come due, they seem to be listing about 1 cabin every couple of days. Otherwise call Disney and get on the wait list, this is how we got our reservation.

Good Luck :wizard:

Hi

Start by yesterday we change our mind that we would like to go on this cruise while we will be in Florida...

I saw on internet today and I contacted DU but unfortunately it is only for 2 people...

As I need two rooms or one room for 2 adults and 2 kids....

I contact DU and email DCL to see if any cancellations this week...

So keep finger cross and hope we get it later...

Scottishwee35

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone! :cheer2:

I'm so glad to see some activity on our cruise meets thread again! :goodvibes We are getting really excited about our DREAM cruise in just a few months! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cool1:

[Deb T.]

Thank you :)

I see you have been to Disney 52 times? How exciting! Where are you from? I thought I visited often but you have me by at least 40 LOL. I was fortunate enough to visit Disneyland once but that was at least 20 years ago.

We are just a 1-1/2 hour Southwest Ding Fare from WDW. :woohoo: Most of our visits are long weekend trips, leaving Friday after work and taking a *cough, cough* sick day ;) on Monday. :rolleyes1 We belong to DVC, have AP's, and eat out all the time at home anyway, so we figure I only have to cough up airfare to get my Disney fix. Fortunately for me, DH humors me. :hug:

[Deb T.]

Happy Holidays Everyone!
It's so quiet here. Hope all is well.
I can't wait till tomorrow when my little ones get the phone call from Mickey :)

How did the call from Mickey go? I'll bet your girls were very surprised!! :goodvibes

[Deb T.]

I cannot believe that this ship is sold out....
try for 17 April - sold out....
look like we miss out Dreams while we are in Orlando....
Scottishwee35

Hi
Start by yesterday we change our mind that we would like to go on this cruise while we will be in Florida...
I saw on internet today and I contacted DU but unfortunately it is only for 2 people...
As I need two rooms or one room for 2 adults and 2 kids....
I contact DU and email DCL to see if any cancellations this week...
So keep finger cross and hope we get it later...
Scottishwee35

Hi Deborah! Sending good luck and pixie dust pixiedust: so that a reservation will open up for you! :grouphug:

[Deb T.]

Watch daily as the hold dates come due, they seem to be listing about 1 cabin every couple of days. Otherwise call Disney and get on the wait list, this is how we got our reservation.

Good Luck :wizard:

Welcome MPS516! :wave2:

[Deb T.]

Happy New Year everyone! Have you all been following all of the Dream updates like I have? She looks amazing. I cannot wait for our cruise!! :)

I agree! The DREAM is absolutely DREAMY! :goodvibes April can't get here quick enough!!


So, now that this thread is active again, here is the latest update of participants in our Fish Extender Exchange! Anyone else want to join in on the fun? Remember, the deadline to join is 4-1-11. pirate:

Fish Extender Exchange:
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11

[scottishwee35]

Hi Deborah! Sending good luck and pixie dust pixiedust: so that a reservation will open up for you! :grouphug:

Thank you and I will let you know...

Scottishwee35:cool2:

[scottishwee35]

Watch daily as the hold dates come due, they seem to be listing about 1 cabin every couple of days. Otherwise call Disney and get on the wait list, this is how we got our reservation.

Good Luck :wizard:

DCL won't do waitlist for us but our TA DU will continue to check for us...I see one available yesterday but only for 3 people:sad2:

I think 75 days will be on 5 Feb so I wait and see, if anyone cancel please let me know...

Scottishwee35

[scottishwee35]

Update... I saw two rooms available on line and emailed to TA and they asked me to wait until one room for 4 people available until 4 February... as we think two rooms expensive as they hold up to 3 people each room...

I still don't understand why they won't let us 4 people in one room and two people in one room?

I did emailed to DCL and asked why and the reason over health for safety boats:confused3

Oh well just wait and see, another two weeks....

Scottishwee35

[Deb T.]

Update... I saw two rooms available on line and emailed to TA and they asked me to wait until one room for 4 people available until 4 February... as we think two rooms expensive as they hold up to 3 people each room...

I still don't understand why they won't let us 4 people in one room and two people in one room?

I did emailed to DCL and asked why and the reason over health for safety boats:confused3

Oh well just wait and see, another two weeks....

Scottishwee35

The way I understand it, DCL has several constraints when booking cabins.

The obvious reason is they can't book more people in a cabin than what that cabin can sleep.

A not so obvious reason is that they won't book more children in an specific age group than what their Kid's Club can hold. That also goes for Flounder's Nursery. The nice thing about this is that your child will never be turned away from their Kid's Club because of overcrowding.

Another not-so-obvious reason is that no cruise ship is allowed to book more people in a lifeboat station area than what that lifeboat can hold. For example, if your cabin is assigned to "Lifeboat Station H" and that lifeboat holds 350 people, then they can't book more than 350 people in that section of cabins even thought the cabins might be able to hold 375 people.

I've read where a family of 3 had a Cat4 cabin booked that would sleep up to 5 people. Several months before the cruise, they decided to take their child's friend on the cruise. However, when they called DCL to add the friend, they were told they couldn't. I don't remember if it was because of the Kid's Club limit or lifeboat limit. I just remember that the family was very confused and disappointed.

Hang in there, Deborah. Sending more pixie dust that a reservation will open up soon for your family! pixiedust: I think that when the final payment date comes (75 days prior to the cruise), you will be able to get your wish! :)

[scottishwee35]

The way I understand it, DCL has several constraints when booking cabins.

The obvious reason is they can't book more people in a cabin than what that cabin can sleep.

A not so obvious reason is that they won't book more children in an specific age group than what their Kid's Club can hold. That also goes for Flounder's Nursery. The nice thing about this is that your child will never be turned away from their Kid's Club because of overcrowding.

Another not-so-obvious reason is that no cruise ship is allowed to book more people in a lifeboat station area than what that lifeboat can hold. For example, if your cabin is assigned to "Lifeboat Station H" and that lifeboat holds 350 people, then they can't book more than 350 people in that section of cabins even thought the cabins might be able to hold 375 people.

I've read where a family of 3 had a Cat4 cabin booked that would sleep up to 5 people. Several months before the cruise, they decided to take their child's friend on the cruise. However, when they called DCL to add the friend, they were told they couldn't. I don't remember if it was because of the Kid's Club limit or lifeboat limit. I just remember that the family was very confused and disappointed.

Hang in there, Deborah. Sending more pixie dust that a reservation will open up soon for your family! pixiedust: I think that when the final payment date comes (75 days prior to the cruise), you will be able to get your wish! :)

Yes, I know... I have to be patience until i hear from DU...:rolleyes1

Were you on 28 July 07 Med Cruise? I do remember you and I was on 18 July 07...

I recoginsed your name and try to think... if I have met you or not but I think you were on cruise after us...

Scottishwee35

[Deb T.]

Yes, I know... I have to be patience until i hear from DU...:rolleyes1

Were you on 28 July 07 Med Cruise? I do remember you and I was on 18 July 07...

I recoginsed your name and try to think... if I have met you or not but I think you were on cruise after us...

Scottishwee35

We were on the 7-7-07 Med cruise, right before you. I think you remember my name from the 06July10 Baltic cruise thread that you were originally booked on and then changed? Seems we always just miss each other on cruises! ;) Hopefully, we'll finally be able to meet in person on this sailing. :goodvibes

[scottishwee35]

We were on the 7-7-07 Med cruise, right before you. I think you remember my name from the 06July10 Baltic cruise thread that you were originally booked on and then changed? Seems we always just miss each other on cruises! ;) Hopefully, we'll finally be able to meet in person on this sailing. :goodvibes

Oh yes we did booked Baltic then we cancel it :sad1: we changed over to Dover to Barcelona which was much better for us... our in law came with us too... but it was awesome times too...

However, DU emailed and said nothing at the moment for 4 of us for one room... so wait until next week... that is final...:mad:

Patience:rolleyes1:rolleyes1 but we will be sailing with freedom for a week on 10th April so we might see the Dreams :cool2:

Just wait and see until next week, I let you know

Scottishwee35:surfweb:

[MPS516]

Anyone know if a room crawl is planned ?:snail:

[Deb T.]

Anyone know if a room crawl is planned ?:snail:

No one has mentioned doing one yet. Would you like to organize one?

[MPS516]

I know it can be hard to find a time without a day at sea but since this is a new ship with different rooms than the Magic and Wonder I think it would be fun to get a look at the different types. We are in an 8c.

Lets see if there are enough people interested in doing a crawl. Maybe anyone interested should also suggest a time. :grouphug:

[scottishwee35]

No news from TA yet... another one week left....:surfweb:

Scottishwee35

[MPS516]

The posts from the Maiden Voyage seem to be very positive :yay:

Can't wait for our turn at the Fun :cheer2:

[ameliaforte]

hi guys, im sailing on a different date, but a friend of mine is sailing with you all and was wondering if you are doing a fish extender? i'll check back if so and give her the information. thanks in advance and have a blast!!!!:flower3:

[Deb T.]

hi guys, im sailing on a different date, but a friend of mine is sailing with you all and was wondering if you are doing a fish extender? i'll check back if so and give her the information. thanks in advance and have a blast!!!!:flower3:

Yes, we sure are doing a Fish Extender Exchange! :thumbsup2 Your friend will need to supply their DIS name (so I can send updates through Private Messages), cabin number, first names of everyone in the cabin, and ages of the kids. Thanks! :)

Fish Extender Exchange Participants so far:
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11

[Deb T.]

I just received my weekly All Ears (allears.net) email and this is a direct quote:

"From Deb Wills aboard the Disney Dream: There is a new minimum height requirement for single riders on the AquaDuck -- if riding solo, you must be at least 54 inches tall. Also, it's worth noting that the cabin doors for concierge staterooms are not magnetic."

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I wanted to pass this info along right away!

[Mouseskis]

Thanks for the update Deb. We are hoping our 5 year old will grow half an inch or more to meet the double rider requirement for the AquaDuck! :)

[Deb T.]

Deb T.'s Top 10 List of Things to Do to Help Your Family Prepare for Your Cruise:

10. Start serving all breakfasts and lunches "buffet" or "food station" style.

9. In the mornings, make a 3-tone chime noise, then make the following announcement in your best British accent: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys, in 2 minutes time the forward door will open for all guests to disembark for school. The weather today is going to be (insert your weather, i.e. cold) so be sure to take your (insert necessity, i.e. hat and mittens) when you leave the house. And remember, all aboard is at (whatever your curfew is). Have a magical day!

8. Set your children's artwork out on display in the living room, set up folding chairs for everyone to sit on, and then auction off each piece of artwork to the highest bidder.

7. Step outside and lean on a porch or deck railing, gaze wistfully out at your landscape, and comment on how amazing it is that the ocean is spread out before you for as far as you can see.

6. Start checking your children in and out of their playroom. If your children want to leave the playroom before you come to get them, they must stand in the doorway and make beeper sounds until you arrive to get them.

5. Draw the DCL logo on tall plastic cups and drink your favorite alcoholic beverages out of them.

4. Every night, perform a turn-down service for everyone. Place a small chocolate bar on each pillow and leave a schedule of the next day's events and a towel animal on each bed. Oh, and don't forget to set chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk on the nightstand (from Room Service, of course!).

3. Every evening, have your family line up outside the dining room to wait for dinner to begin. Before they are allowed to enter, make sure the table is set and their favorite drinks are poured and waiting for them. Hand each family member a hand wipe before they enter. Oh, and of course, have a 4-course dinner prepared to serve.

2. Also every evening, have everyone sit in front of the TV to wait for that evening's show to begin. (Actually, if you'd really like to enhance the cruise, show the following movies: Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 101 Dalmatians (live action w/Glen Close), Sleeping Beauty, Tarzan (animated version), Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio. Now, back to my silliness...)

And the number one thing to do to help your family prepare for your cruise
1. Every Tuesday evening, have everyone dress in full pirate gear for dinner. After dinner, dance around wildly while talking like a pirate. Arrrrrrrrgh!

[Mouseskis]

Deb -thanks for the fun! :rotfl:

After digging out from the blizzard we had this week I cannot wait for this cruise to get here! My kids are even tired of the snow! :)

[scottishwee35]

DebT

We have no luck now as I spotted three rooms available and I emailed DU then all went gone quickly:scared1::scared1:

However, the price went up just double prices:scared1:

DU still continue to find room for us but I dont think any luck now...

Never mind I wish you all have a fabulous times and let me know how you get on with Dreams:thumbsup2

Scottishwee35

[Deb T.]

DebT

We have no luck now as I spotted three rooms available and I emailed DU then all went gone quickly:scared1::scared1:

However, the price went up just double prices:scared1:

DU still continue to find room for us but I dont think any luck now...

Never mind I wish you all have a fabulous times and let me know how you get on with Dreams:thumbsup2

Scottishwee35

I'm so sorry that you are having so much trouble getting a cabin on this sailing. Can you book one online yourself whenever a cabin becomes available instead of having DU do it? :confused3 You would only be giving up their OBC ($50-$100US) if you booked it yourself. With the big time difference, I would imagine it's difficult to stay in contact with DU.

[MPS516]

Deb -thanks for the fun! :rotfl:

After digging out from the blizzard we had this week I cannot wait for this cruise to get here! My kids are even tired of the snow! :)


We are headed to 16 below tonight with a 32 - 40 below windchill :eek:

More than ready for a little sun on the DREAM :cloud9:

[Deb T.]

We are headed to 16 below tonight with a 32 - 40 below windchill :eek:

More than ready for a little sun on the DREAM :cloud9:

Wow - between your bone-chilling cold and the northeastern blizzards, this has been quite a winter so far! Bundle up and keep Dream dreaming! ;)

[nonniemaria]

Excited to find this thread--started one on Cruise Critic but not much activity there--the one person there who is hoping to get a last minute chance on this suggested this site. (Scottishwee)
This will be our first Disney Cruise--we are taking our 3 grandchildren 12/7/3==two older are boys and youngest is a girl.
I will read through all the threads to see what I can learn--I did see someone
say they stayed on board in Nassau which is what we plan to do based on someone we met in St Thomas--if we didn't own a timeshare at Atlantis would be going there but don't want to pay $150 per day to go when we go yearly.
Anyone else going from Maryland?

[scottishwee35]

Excited to find this thread--started one on Cruise Critic but not much activity there--the one person there who is hoping to get a last minute chance on this suggested this site. (Scottishwee)
This will be our first Disney Cruise--we are taking our 3 grandchildren 12/7/3==two older are boys and youngest is a girl.
I will read through all the threads to see what I can learn--I did see someone
say they stayed on board in Nassau which is what we plan to do based on someone we met in St Thomas--if we didn't own a timeshare at Atlantis would be going there but don't want to pay $150 per day to go when we go yearly.
Anyone else going from Maryland?

Hi Nonniemaria

Still no luck for us...:sad1:

Never mind, I emailed to Dreams Unlimited now and see what we do with our dummy dates... I heard there will be announcement for 2012 next month... We wait and see...

I didn't know that it is your first disney cruise... as we had been with disney cruise 4th times and it was so awesome.... Our in law love it too and they were speaking about September for Barcelona to Florida but we cannot take kids out of school... We rather visit the new ship Dreams:rolleyes1

We give a try to Royal Carribbean Freedom of the Seas for my special birthday and we are going to Eastern Caribbean... I know my heart is at Disney Cruise... but hope I don't get regard...

I am sure you will enjoy this new ship Dreams and my friend was telling me about it and show me photos too...Dreams look so beautiful and huge...

We didn't think that times we wish to book it early... never mind unless we still sailing with rcci....

Scottishwee35

[ameliaforte]

Yes, we sure are doing a Fish Extender Exchange! :thumbsup2 Your friend will need to supply their DIS name (so I can send updates through Private Messages), cabin number, first names of everyone in the cabin, and ages of the kids. Thanks! :)

Fish Extender Exchange Participants so far:
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11

I have a correction to the names and room numbers i sent for my friend.
#7681 David and Colleen Ryan
#7682 Molly Ryan, Eric Gadway, Kiera Ryan-Gadway
#7684 Kathleen Ryan, Megan Richards, Lakeisha Bertrand
also, her private email is: mfryan01@gmail.com
you can contact her directly through email or pm me and i will forward it to her. thank you so much and sorry for the wrong info. it was confusing the way she sent it to me.:flower3:

[ameliaforte]

Yes, we sure are doing a Fish Extender Exchange! :thumbsup2 Your friend will need to supply their DIS name (so I can send updates through Private Messages), cabin number, first names of everyone in the cabin, and ages of the kids. Thanks! :)

Fish Extender Exchange Participants so far:
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11

I have a correction to the names and room numbers i sent for my friend.
#7681 David and Colleen Ryan (18)
#7682 Molly Ryan, Eric Gadway, Kiera Ryan-Gadway (4)
#7684 Kathleen Ryan, Megan Richards (17), Lakeisha Bertrand (17)
also, her private email is: mfryan01@gmail.com
you can contact her directly through email or pm me and i will forward it to her. thank you so much and sorry for the wrong info. it was confusing the way she sent it to me.:flower3:

[Deb T.]

Excited to find this thread--started one on Cruise Critic but not much activity there--the one person there who is hoping to get a last minute chance on this suggested this site. (Scottishwee)
This will be our first Disney Cruise--we are taking our 3 grandchildren 12/7/3==two older are boys and youngest is a girl.
I will read through all the threads to see what I can learn--I did see someone
say they stayed on board in Nassau which is what we plan to do based on someone we met in St Thomas--if we didn't own a timeshare at Atlantis would be going there but don't want to pay $150 per day to go when we go yearly.
Anyone else going from Maryland?

Welcome Aboard! Thanks for joining us on our Meets thread! I don't think we have anyone else from Maryland posting, but a few are from CT.

There are a few of us who've sailed Disney before, so feel free to ask any questions that you might have! :)

[Deb T.]

I have a correction to the names and room numbers i sent for my friend.
#7681 David and Colleen Ryan (18)
#7682 Molly Ryan, Eric Gadway, Kiera Ryan-Gadway (4)
#7684 Kathleen Ryan, Megan Richards (17), Lakeisha Bertrand (17)
also, her private email is: mfryan01@gmail.com
you can contact her directly through email or pm me and i will forward it to her. thank you so much and sorry for the wrong info. it was confusing the way she sent it to me.:flower3:

Thanks for the updates. I just sent her an email. :thumbsup2

[nonniemaria]

So here are some questions I have--what time should we arrive at the ship==we are coming down a day earlier and staying at Marriott Grand Lakes in Orlando==they have a great pool area so figured we would stay there for a while on the 21st--is there anything to do onboard? meals/kids club etc. I think I have seen you should be on board by 3;45? Is there a best time to board? do they provide shampoo etc. in the bathrooms? I saw on Cruise Critic a thread about no shorts for dinners? is this really a big deal even for kids? No big deal but just more stuff to pack!
I see now they raised the height limit for the Aquaduck==which means my 7 year old grandson can't go alone--but do they have double tubes and could he ride with his 12 year old cousin? I have a fear of heights so won't work with me.
What is fish exchangers?
Any other special hints anyone has would be appreciated.
When we went on a Mediterranean cruise in fall of 09 a bunch of us from Cruise Critic met up==actually the ship had a gathering for us and a special tour of the bridge==anything like that here?
getting excited and am thinking this will be the first of many.

[Deb T.]

So here are some questions I have--what time should we arrive at the ship==we are coming down a day earlier and staying at Marriott Grand Lakes in Orlando==they have a great pool area so figured we would stay there for a while on the 21st--is there anything to do onboard? meals/kids club etc. I think I have seen you should be on board by 3;45? Is there a best time to board?

Well, I believe All Aboard is 3:45pm, but I wouldn't recommend arriving at the last minute. It's well documented that the ship waits for no one. Boarding usually begins around noon and there is a wonderful Embarkation Lunch Buffet until around 2:30pm.

The best time to look around the ship is from noon until 3:45pm because it's the only time when every area of the ship is open (teen club, kids clubs, baby nursery, spa, etc.). After that, all those areas become restricted.

All the "fun stuff" opens at noon, also: Aqua Duck, putt-putt, pools, Mickey Slide, etc.

Some people prefer boarding as soon as they can, at noon. However, that is a very crowded time. A lot of people report that there is no wait to board the ship if you arrive anytime after 1pm.

do they provide shampoo etc. in the bathrooms?

Yes, Disney provides H2O products: soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Concierge cabins receive additional products.

I saw on Cruise Critic a thread about no shorts for dinners? is this really a big deal even for kids? No big deal but just more stuff to pack!

I believe DCL prefers dressy casual dinner wear for the restaurants. I'm not saying you won't see any kids in shorts at dinner, but the preference is no shorts.


I see now they raised the height limit for the Aquaduck==which means my 7 year old grandson can't go alone--but do they have double tubes and could he ride with his 12 year old cousin? I have a fear of heights so won't work with me.

All the Aqua Duck tubes are meant to be for two riders at the same time. It's been reported that the more weight there is, the faster it goes! :) As long as your grandson is at least 48", then he can definitely ride with anyone else, including his cousin.

What is fish exchangers?

Here is my best explanation of the Fish Extender Exchange:
Beside every cabin door is a large metal silver fish :fish: (or starfish or seahorse) with an indentation in the back for cruise personnel to leave information, invitations, etc. Teenagers receive invitations to Teen Club activities and we've also received "rebooking onboard" price quotes tucked in our fish.

DISboarders have taken the silver fish (starfish, seahorse) one step further... by creating hanging pockets (much like cloth letter holders) to hang from the fish (or starfish, or seahorse) - thus the name, "Fish Extender". The Fish Extenders (FEs) can be made of practically anything (cloth, plastic, paper gift bags, etc.), as long as they have at least one pocket that can hold surprises. My FE had always been just a plain canvas bag on which I'd added a tropical scene, the names of the Disney ships, and our names. But recently, a very sweet DISer surprised me with a beautiful "real" FE for this cruise!!! :goodvibes

On each "Cruise Meets" thread (such as this 4-21-11 one) someone usually organizes a little gift exchange during the cruise. People sign up by giving their cabin number, names of everyone in their cabin, and ages of the kids so that everyone will know how many goodies to bring and where to deliver them. Some people give one gift per family, some people give a little gift to each person. It's totally up to the giver to decide what to give and when to give it during the cruise.

There are several threads on the main cruise boards that discuss ideas for FE gifts. Some gifts are from Dollar Stores, some are handmade, and some are bought in bulk from websites that sell trinkets like the Oriental Trading Company. Often, they are stickers, candy, glow sticks, lanyards, etc., with themes such as pirates, beach, cruise, tropical, hometown, holiday, etc. The main idea is just to have fun finding little goodies in your FE throughout the cruise. Kids LOVE running back to their cabin to see if anything's been left in their FE. As an adult, I have to admit that I love it, too!!!

If you'd like to join in on the fun on our cruise, please let me know. You can either post your information here in this thread or send me a private message by clicking on my name in the upper left hand corner of this post and then clicking "send a private message to Deb T.". I will only post your DIS name and gender/ages of children on the public forum. However, I will send private messages with names and cabin numbers to all participants to keep everyone up-to-date. Since some people travel earlier in the week prior to cruising, we will close the list on 4-1-11 in order to give everyone time to purchase/prepare gifts and pack them. You'll also need to print the final list of participants and pack it with your gifts so you'll know where to deliver them once you're onboard the ship.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Also, this thread has tons of info and ideas about FE Gift Exchanges: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

I speak from personal experience that it really is a LOT of fun to participate!


When we went on a Mediterranean cruise in fall of 09 a bunch of us from Cruise Critic met up==actually the ship had a gathering for us and a special tour of the bridge==anything like that here?
getting excited and am thinking this will be the first of many.

I'm sure we'll set up a Meet & Greet. :thumbsup2 I've found that having one around 3pm on embarkation day is good - before everyone gets busy with all their cruise fun. Unfortunately, DCL stopped doing bridge tours after 9/11. There won't be anything special for the Meet & Greet, just the opportunity to meet the people we've been "chatting" with on this thread over the last few months. :goodvibes

[nonniemaria]

Thanks so much for the responses!
Can't wait to get out of the cold here in Maryland!

[Deb T.]

Thanks so much for the responses!
Can't wait to get out of the cold here in Maryland!

You are so welcome! With ten DCL cruises under my belt, there's pretty much nothing I can't answer (or find and answer for), so please feel free to ask anything! :thumbsup2

[travellovingirl]

We will be joining you on this cruise... 2 adults, and two girls 15 and 13. Our last Disney cruise was when the girls were 5 and 3... their memory from that cruise was one falling out of the upper berth. Hopefully that won't happen again!!

[Deb T.]

We will be joining you on this cruise... 2 adults, and two girls 15 and 13. Our last Disney cruise was when the girls were 5 and 3... their memory from that cruise was one falling out of the upper berth. Hopefully that won't happen again!!

Welcome Aboard, travellovingirl! :)

As someone who had cruised DCL since '98, I can tell you that a lot has changed since your last cruise! You are in for quite a treat! :goodvibes

[mummy lee]

Hi, we are all getting so excited about the cruise. My children recieved a fish extender for Christmas and can't wait to use it. scottishwee35 we were also on the Dover to Barcelona cruise with you last year. That was our first cruise ever and booked for the Dream whilst on board as it coincided with our holiday to Florida. As a single parent with 2 children, one of which is disabled I can't recommend it enough, most of the cast members knew our names and Alice was even invited to a special character gathering on our final night x :wizard:

[Deb T.]

Hi, we are all getting so excited about the cruise. My children recieved a fish extender for Christmas and can't wait to use it. scottishwee35 we were also on the Dover to Barcelona cruise with you last year. That was our first cruise ever and booked for the Dream whilst on board as it coincided with our holiday to Florida. As a single parent with 2 children, one of which is disabled I can't recommend it enough, most of the cast members knew our names and Alice was even invited to a special character gathering on our final night x :wizard:

We can't wait for the cruise, either! :goodvibes So glad to hear your children are excited about the Fish Extender Exchange! It's so much fun!

To update everyone, here's who's signed up for the FE Exchange so far. Remember, the last day to join is 4-1-11.
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11

[mdurette]

Hello All - would just like to join your group.
We just booked our cruise last week and I am excited. I need some WARM sun shining on my face. This New England winter has been a tough one! I just sent a PM to join in all the Fish Extender fun.

We have been to the world numerous times - but this will be our first cruise. My 5YO DD doesn't know yet - but she has been asking to go on Mickey's boat numerous times. I can't wait to find that perfect moment to tell her.

I asked in another thread (how I found you) what to do about the Easter Bunny - any suggestions for what a kid can wake up to without dealing with the bulk of alot of "stuff". She normally goes searching for colored eggs at home....but I'm thinking packing a dozen hard boiled eggs is not gonna happen!!!!

[Deb T.]

Hello All - would just like to join your group.
We just booked our cruise last week and I am excited. I need some WARM sun shining on my face. This New England winter has been a tough one! I just sent a PM to join in all the Fish Extender fun.

We have been to the world numerous times - but this will be our first cruise. My 5YO DD doesn't know yet - but she has been asking to go on Mickey's boat numerous times. I can't wait to find that perfect moment to tell her.

I asked in another thread (how I found you) what to do about the Easter Bunny - any suggestions for what a kid can wake up to without dealing with the bulk of alot of "stuff". She normally goes searching for colored eggs at home....but I'm thinking packing a dozen hard boiled eggs is not gonna happen!!!!

Welcome Aboard! I'm glad you followed the link I gave you in the other thread! :goodvibes

I sent you a private message with EB suggestions and the FE list. Thanks for joining our FE Exchange! It will be a lot of fun! :)

Here are the FE Participants so far. Deadline to join is 4-1-11. :thumbsup2
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11
mdurette & DH, DD5

[Mom 3 mouseketeers]

Hey Deb T.!!! Now that I have bit the bullet for FE on our first cruise I think we'd like to participate on this one as well. I will PM with our names and such. Thanks for organizing!!!

[MPS516]

Wow, we all must have gotten really busy, the posts have slowed way down. :rolleyes1 I heard they changed the rule yesterday for children riding the Duck, I am looking it up now. The reason given was to give more kids a chance to ride. :thumbsup2

[MPS516]

Here is what they released.
"DCL spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that the minimum height requirement for kids will drop from 48 inches to 42 inches."

"To ride alone, however, the height requirement increases from 48 inches to 54 inches. Also, kids must be at least 7 years old to ride alone. Otherwise, they must ride with someone 14 or older." :woohoo:

Cast members staffing the ride are also telling kids that if they get stuck in the tube, pull in on the handles and lean back.

Everyone who rides still saying it is a lot of fun. :cheer2:

[Deb T.]

Hey Deb T.!!! Now that I have bit the bullet for FE on our first cruise I think we'd like to participate on this one as well. I will PM with our names and such. Thanks for organizing!!!

Awesome!

Our fun FE Exchange is growing! Here are all the participants so far!
(Deadline to join is 4-1-11)

Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11
mdurette & DH, DD5
Private Message participant & DH
Private Message 3 friends traveling together
Private Message participant & DH, DD4
Mom_3_mouseketeers & DH, DS11, DD9, DS7

[Deb T.]

Here is what they released.
"DCL spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that the minimum height requirement for kids will drop from 48 inches to 42 inches."

"To ride alone, however, the height requirement increases from 48 inches to 54 inches. Also, kids must be at least 7 years old to ride alone. Otherwise, they must ride with someone 14 or older." :woohoo:

Cast members staffing the ride are also telling kids that if they get stuck in the tube, pull in on the handles and lean back.

Everyone who rides still saying it is a lot of fun. :cheer2:

Great information! Thanks so much for sharing! :thumbsup2

[Deb T.]

I just saw a post today on the main cruise board that the April 3 cruisers are receiving their DOCUMENTS already! :cool1: That means we should start receiving ours in 18 days!!!!! :yay: (sing-song): Our cruise is getting clo-ser, our cruise is getting clo-ser, our cruise is getting clo-ser! WOOHOOOOOO! :woohoo:

[nonniemaria]

Just did my online check in-realized that I used my debit card for online charging--didn't mean to do that--anyone know if I can change this? Also picked port arrival time of noon--that was the first one available--how firm is this? I think I read elsewhere this was just for them to guestimate when groups will arrive!
Getting excited--everytime I talk to my 3 year old grand daughter Sofia she talks about the ship==I don't think she has any idea how really big it is!

[Deb T.]

Just did my online check in-realized that I used my debit card for online charging--didn't mean to do that--anyone know if I can change this? Also picked port arrival time of noon--that was the first one available--how firm is this? I think I read elsewhere this was just for them to guestimate when groups will arrive!
Getting excited--everytime I talk to my 3 year old grand daughter Sofia she talks about the ship==I don't think she has any idea how really big it is!

You can go back to the online check-in and edit your credit card information. If you've already printed your documents, you'll need to reprint them with the new credit card info. I believe you always have the opportunity to make changes at the port and onboard the ship, too.

The "port arrival time" is causing a bit of a stir on the main cruise board. This is something completely new from DCL and no one is quite sure yet how it will turn out. The new "port arrival times" were instituted to try to lessen the impact of 4,000 eager cruisers arriving at the port at the same time. I don't believe they will turn anyone away if they arrive at a different time than what's on their cruise documents, though.

That's cute about your granddaughter. :goodvibes Honestly, I don't think any of us realize yet how big that new ship is! I was in awe of the Magic and Wonder... I'm sure I'll be totally blown away by the Dream!

Funny story... our first cruise was on the Magic during her inaugural year. We were so excited to see the ship as we approached the port! After going through the check-in process, we made our way toward the huge windows at the back of the terminal. As we approached, I was dismayed to see that a hotel was blocking our view of the ship. Yeah... ummm... that was the ship!!!!! :rotfl: I'm almost embarrassed to admit how long it took me to figure that out! :rotfl2: (It wasn't until I stepped out on the terminal's balcony and was able to see the whole length of the ship!) :lmao:

[Deb T.]

Oops! I jumped the gun a bit. I'll re-post the first of my "Cruise Countdown" on Wednesday!

[scottishwee35]

Hello Deb T

We never got room for this cruise.. it was slim chance but it went sold out too quickly... I saw room available few weeks ago and I try to book it but it went gone quickly...

Then one room available for 4 as it was very expensive must be Cat 1... We cannot afford it...:sad2:

Oh well just no luck... but we still have a week cruise with RCCI

We will see Dreams while we will be cruising on Sunday 10 April with Freedoms

I hope you let me know how you get on with b2b... HAVE A FAB TIMES and remember take lots of photo...:)

Scottishwee35

[MPS516]

Received our cruise documents today ! ! :cheer2:

[travellovingirl]

Getting really excited! Did someone really get cruise docs? Haven't got ours yet!!

[Mom 3 mouseketeers]

We haven't received ours yet, but we are doing the cruise before this one and I received those cruise documents yesterday, so it's only a matter of days!!!! :banana:

Dream, here we come!!!!!

[nonniemaria]

OK--so being a newbie here I thought the documents online were what we needed--so they mail things too? Somehow I guess I thought this was like paperless tickets for flying!
So hopefully we will be getting ours soon also.

[nonniemaria]

So got a booklet from Disney today--from what I can tell briefly is that it has luggage tags in it--is there something else coming also? This was in a spiral notebook which at first glance just had general info==do we actually get tickets?

[Deb T.]

:woohoo: :yay: :cool1: Doin' the Document Dance! :cool1: :yay: :woohoo:

We received ours today! :cheer2:

[Deb T.]

OK--so being a newbie here I thought the documents online were what we needed--so they mail things too? Somehow I guess I thought this was like paperless tickets for flying!
So hopefully we will be getting ours soon also.

So got a booklet from Disney today--from what I can tell briefly is that it has luggage tags in it--is there something else coming also? This was in a spiral notebook which at first glance just had general info==do we actually get tickets?

The little spiral booklet with the luggage tags are your mailed "cruise documents". :thumbsup2 Years ago, this was a big packet that came by FedEx, had to be signed for, and contained paper copies of everything that is on DCL's website. Now, we complete the documents electronically, print the Cruise Contract and Credit Card Authorization forms, sign them, and we're ready to go! The fun part of receiving the documents by mail is that it gets us all excited that our cruise is getting closer. :goodvibes I love getting the luggage tags with our cabin number on them. :lovestruc

[Deb T.]

Hello Deb T

We never got room for this cruise.. it was slim chance but it went sold out too quickly... I saw room available few weeks ago and I try to book it but it went gone quickly...

Then one room available for 4 as it was very expensive must be Cat 1... We cannot afford it...:sad2:

Oh well just no luck... but we still have a week cruise with RCCI

We will see Dreams while we will be cruising on Sunday 10 April with Freedoms

I hope you let me know how you get on with b2b... HAVE A FAB TIMES and remember take lots of photo...:)

Scottishwee35

I'm so sorry to hear you weren't able to book this cruise. :guilty: I know you and your family must be very disappointed. :sad1: I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time on Freedom of the Seas, though.

Have a safe trip across the pond. I hope we'll be able to meet one day! :goodvibes

[TiffLB]

Hi everyone!

Just joined this board and am so excited to be going on our first Disney cruise!! My DH and I have been on a couple of cruises, but this will be our first on Disney. Our kids have never cruised before - DD(11) and DS(7). They are super excited and have been watching/reading all about the Dream and can't wait to go - they can't wait to check out the kids clubs & the AquaDuck.

The FE exchange sounds like a blast! We'd love to join - Deb T. I'll PM you with our info.

We can't wait!!

Tiffany

[Deb T.]

Hi everyone!

Just joined this board and am so excited to be going on our first Disney cruise!! My DH and I have been on a couple of cruises, but this will be our first on Disney. Our kids have never cruised before - DD(11) and DS(7). They are super excited and have been watching/reading all about the Dream and can't wait to go - they can't wait to check out the kids clubs & the AquaDuck.

The FE exchange sounds like a blast! We'd love to join - Deb T. I'll PM you with our info.

We can't wait!!

Tiffany

Welcome Aboard! :cool1:

And welcome to the DIS Boards! :woohoo: Congrats on your first post!

You can't send pm's until you've had several posts (I forget the exact number - ten maybe?) so please feel free to make random posts on this thread to get your numbers up. :thumbsup2

Sooooo, Tiffany, do you have any questions for those of us who are experienced Disney cruisers? ;)

[TiffLB]

Sooooo, Tiffany, do you have any questions for those of us who are experienced Disney cruisers?

My kids are very excited about the kids areas...I'd love to hear about any favorite kids club experiences!

I'm having fun reading the boards & trip reports...I think the anticipation is half the fun!! :cool1:

[Deb T.]

My kids are very excited about the kids areas...I'd love to hear about any favorite kids club experiences!

I'm having fun reading the boards & trip reports...I think the anticipation is half the fun!! :cool1:

I agree about the anticipation! :goodvibes I love doing all the planning! :thumbsup2

The kids' areas on the Dream are very different than on the Magic and Wonder. But, everything I've read so far sound positive! Sorry I'm not more help on that one.

Next post... I mean... next question... ;) :rotfl:

Have you booked any excursions, spa treatments, Palo, or Remy?

[nonniemaria]

So we aren't going directly home after the cruise--heading back to Grand Lakes in Orlando--just made lunch reservations at T Rex in downtown Disney for 11;30==do we get off the ship in time to make this??

[Deb T.]

So we aren't going directly home after the cruise--heading back to Grand Lakes in Orlando--just made lunch reservations at T Rex in downtown Disney for 11;30==do we get off the ship in time to make this??

Fun! :thumbsup2

Do you have main (6pm) or late (8:30pm) dining? Your dining time and last restaurant in your dining rotation determine your breakfast time on the morning of debarkation.

If you have main dining, you will be assigned breakfast between 6:30-6:45am on the last morning. Late diners are assigned breakfast between 7:45-8am. Flo's Cafe and Cabana's should be open for continental breakfast items, also.

No matter what time you are assigned breakfast, though, everyone is supposed to be off the ship by 9:30am so that it can be cleaned and readied for the next batch of eager cruisers.

You should probably allow for at least 2-1/2 hours to debark, clear customs, retrieve your vehicle, drive to Downtown Disney, park, and walk to T-Rex. So, you might want to plan to leave the ship no later than 9am. If it were me, I'd probably try to be ready to leave by 8:30am because I've heard that there have been long and slow lines of cruisers waiting to debark around 9am.

[MPS516]

DW and DD get back from Greece tomorrow and they are already looking forward to getting on board the Dream. They have been so spoiled by our Magic and Wonder cruises that their time on Louis Cruise Lines just couldn't stack up - not even close. :laughing:

Just enough time to get 4 weeks of school and laundry done and off to Fla :laundy:

[halldm]

We are. Two adults with two kids. Cannot wait. Our poor two year-old has to wait until she is old enough to be out of the nursery to come, too. We are thinking about staying on the ship rather than excursuions since the ship looks so fun.

[Deb T.]

We are. Two adults with two kids. Cannot wait. Our poor two year-old has to wait until she is old enough to be out of the nursery to come, too. We are thinking about staying on the ship rather than excursuions since the ship looks so fun.

Welcome Aboard! Is this your first Disney cruise?

We will probably stay onboard in Nassau, too. This will be our 12th Disney cruise and 9th time docked at Nassau, so we would fall under the "Been there, done that" category. ;) However, Castaway Cay is pure paradise, so we always enjoy getting off the ship there. :goodvibes

[Deb T.]

DW and DD get back from Greece tomorrow and they are already looking forward to getting on board the Dream. They have been so spoiled by our Magic and Wonder cruises that their time on Louis Cruise Lines just couldn't stack up - not even close. :laughing:

Just enough time to get 4 weeks of school and laundry done and off to Fla :laundy:

Wow - Greece! Exciting!

Yup, there's nothing like a Disney Cruise! The only way we'd cruise on another line would be if we won a free trip! :rotfl:

[TiffLB]

Next post... I mean... next question... ;) :rotfl:

Have you booked any excursions, spa treatments, Palo, or Remy?

The only thing we've booked is the snorkeling/float/bike rental combo for Castaway Cay. We're planning on staying aboard the Dream at Nassau and enjoying the ship for the day. I wish we could have taken a longer cruise so we'd have more time - but I guess we'll have to save that for our next trip!! Anyone have any favorite Disney itineraries for future trip planning?

Any suggestions for must-do's while on Castaway Cay?? I'm excited to take the kids snorkeling - they love to play with snorkels in our pool in the summer - I can only imagine how much more they'll like it when there are actual fish to look at!

We're skipping Palo & Remy this trip as well - we want to enjoy the rotational restaurants with the kids (and my parents, who are joining us on this trip.)

[Deb T.]

I see you're up to 5 posts so far... keep going so you can pm me your FE info! :goodvibes

The only thing we've booked is the snorkeling/float/bike rental combo for Castaway Cay. We're planning on staying aboard the Dream at Nassau and enjoying the ship for the day. I wish we could have taken a longer cruise so we'd have more time - but I guess we'll have to save that for our next trip!! Anyone have any favorite Disney itineraries for future trip planning?

We've never done the Eastern or Western. Our favorite Disney itinerary was the Baltic cruise last July, then the Mediterranean in '07. All the families with young children that I talked to felt those two cruises were well worth the money for the experience. To be honest, we're really tired of Nassau and wish Disney would switch up the shorter cruises.

Any suggestions for must-do's while on Castaway Cay?? I'm excited to take the kids snorkeling - they love to play with snorkels in our pool in the summer - I can only imagine how much more they'll like it when there are actual fish to look at!

Snorkeling's great. Have you looked into the stingray adventure? The kids will also enjoy the Pelican's Plunge slides if they are good swimmers. The Crab Races are fun to watch, too.

We're skipping Palo & Remy this trip as well - we want to enjoy the rotational restaurants with the kids (and my parents, who are joining us on this trip.)

We love the rotational restaurants! We did Palo dinner on our first cruise in 1998 and weren't wow'd by it. We did Palo brunch for the first time last July and really didn't think it was worth the extra surcharge (now $20pp) when there's plenty of other food available onboard. The only reason we're doing a Palo dinner this trip is because we're Platinum so it's free. But, we're still planning to do our rotational restaurant that night, too, because we don't want to miss any "shows" on this short cruise! :goodvibes

Any more questions????? ;)

[MPS516]

Yup, there's nothing like a Disney Cruise! The only way we'd cruise on another line would be if we won a free trip! :rotfl:

We have tried several and find Disney to be so far superior to all others can not even compare - if we won a cruise on NCL i would give it to the church - never, ever, never again on that line ! EVER ! :sad2:

[TiffLB]

We have tried several and find Disney to be so far superior to all others can not even compare - if we won a cruise on NCL i would give it to the church - never, ever, never again on that line ! EVER ! :sad2:

We are still pretty new to cruising - the Dream will be our third cruise. Last year my DH & I cruised NCL to Bermuda & had a great time (and loved that it cruised from Boston, so we didn't have to fly anywhere.) I've heard so much about Disney's spectacular service - so I can't wait to finally experience it!

[TiffLB]

Ooh lookee! I'm at 10 posts...yipee! Now I can PM my FE info....so exciting! :cool1:

[Deb T.]

Ooh lookee! I'm at 10 posts...yipee! Now I can PM my FE info....so exciting! :cool1:

Got it! Now check your pm for a reply with additional info! :goodvibes

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone! Here is an update to our FE Exchange! Remember, the deadline to join is 4-1-11.

Fish Extender Exchange:
Deb T. & DH
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5 – need cabin number!
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11
mdurette & DH, DD5
Private Message participant & DH
Private Message 3 friends traveling together
Private Message participant & DH, DD4
Mom_3_mouseketeers & DH, DS11, DD9, DS7
TiffLB & DH, DD11, DS7

Anyone else?? :)

[mummy lee]

Just had to post as I'm so excited.

We are all set, my youngest even has her pirate outfit ready.

We have booked for the stingray adventure!!!!! J really wanted to but needed a participating adult, so that will be me. I don't like fish/anything that swims or snorkling so it will be very traumatic so no laughing at the mad English woman squealing in the stingray lagoon.

We now have everything we need for our American adventure, park tickets, fast pass Q things, some meals booked, airline special seat for A and disabled parking permit. We will need an extra suitcase for all of our paperwork x :yay:

[Deb T.]

News from DCL:

-- Starting this week, dining times onboard the Disney Dream are being changed. Both dining periods will begin 15 minutes earlier than originally scheduled -- First dining will begin at 5:45 p.m. and second dining at 8:15 p.m.

-- Beginning today, March 22, 2011, you will have until 11:59 p.m. the day before cruise departure to complete online check-in forms. (Previously, your deadline was two days prior to vacation commencement.)

I just read this in my latest weekly email issue of AllEars and thought you'd like to be the first to know! :)

[Deb T.]

Just had to post as I'm so excited.

We are all set, my youngest even has her pirate outfit ready.

We have booked for the stingray adventure!!!!! J really wanted to but needed a participating adult, so that will be me. I don't like fish/anything that swims or snorkling so it will be very traumatic so no laughing at the mad English woman squealing in the stingray lagoon.

We now have everything we need for our American adventure, park tickets, fast pass Q things, some meals booked, airline special seat for A and disabled parking permit. We will need an extra suitcase for all of our paperwork x :yay:

Very exciting! Thanks for sharing with all of us! :goodvibes And I promise not to laugh if you squeal in the stingray lagoon! :hug:

[darrenwatson66]

My partner and I are sailing on this cruise too! Very excited to spend Easter on the cruise and at the parks!! We sailed on the inaugural and it was even more magical than ever expected!!! If this is your first time on the Dream...prepare to be amazed!!! D:):yay:

[MPS516]

My partner and I are sailing on this cruise too! Very excited to spend Easter on the cruise and at the parks!! We sailed on the inaugural and it was even more magical than ever expected!!! If this is your first time on the Dream...prepare to be amazed!!! D:):yay:

During our Mediterranean cruise we booked our Alaska cruise but after hearing so much good about the Dream we decided to sneak this one in between. Can't wait :yay:

[MPS516]

:wizard: Exactly 4 weeks from this very minute we will be making out way to the Cabanas for our first meal on board :woohoo:

[Deb T.]

My partner and I are sailing on this cruise too! Very excited to spend Easter on the cruise and at the parks!! We sailed on the inaugural and it was even more magical than ever expected!!! If this is your first time on the Dream...prepare to be amazed!!! D:):yay:

Welcome Aboard!!! :goodvibes Glad you joined us! :thumbsup2

[Deb T.]

:wizard: Exactly 4 weeks from this very minute we will be making out way to the Cabanas for our first meal on board :woohoo:

I sort of started a "5 Weeks From Today" story last week, but jumped the gun and started it on the wrong day, so I deleted it and had every intention of starting it again last night. :upsidedow Now that MPS516 has jarred my memory, I'll try it again. :thumbsup2


So, here is "4 WEEKS FROM WEDNESDAY", a day late. :flower3:


Yesterday was Wednesday, and exactly 4 weeks from yesterday some of us were finishing last minute preparations before traveling to the port in the morning. Some of us will be in transit, some will be at WDW, some will be at US/IOA, some will be in a hotel near the port or at the airport, and a few of the very luckiest ones will already be onboard and enjoying the first part of their B2B adventure! One thing's for sure... ALL of us will be eagerly anticipating our DREAMy 3-night cruise!! It will have seemed like forever since we booked our trips and we will hardly be able to believe the day is almost here!

All of our clothing, swimsuits, and accessories have been carefully packed in suitcases and carry-ons. Digital and video cameras are charged and ready to capture every magical moment. Embarkation outfits are laid out and ready to be put on first thing in the morning. Door decorations have been created. FE extenders are ready to be hung and FE gifts are ready to be distributed. Final cruise documents have been filled out online, printed, and safely stowed along with passports in our carry-ons. Mail and newspaper deliveries have been stopped. Pets are boarded. Gosh, we hope to be able to sleep tonight!! There are butterflies in our stomachs and smiles on our faces as we imagine our first sighting of the brand new huge ship!

For those of us who've cruised Disney out of Port Canaveral before, we know the terminal has been renovated and are curious to see the changes. We pretty much know what to expect and have been visualizing the entire process in our dreams for months! For those of you who will embark on your very first Disney cruise, you are a bit anxious - hoping that all of your planning and research has paid off and that everything will go smoothly. Don't worry – it will be fabulous trip!!!

Thursday to follow...

[Deb T.]

Now that we're caught back up, here's the continuation of my little countdown story...

It is Thursday, and exactly 4 weeks from this morning we were ready to board The Disney DREAM!

We woke up early, hardly believing that the day was finally here! :woohoo: A few final morning preparations, and then we all made our way to the port. Some arrived by personal car, some by rental car, some by hired car, some by hotel shuttle, and some on Disney buses. At some point on the trip to the port while crossing over the peak of a big bridge, someone will look to the left and gasp, "There it is! There's the ship! Do you see it?" And now we're REALLY excited! :yay: We'll wind around this way and that, and then approach the ship from her stern, hardly breathing at the wondrous sight of her! Look! There’s Sorcerer Mickey hanging off the ship! We'll drive through a security check point to verify we're cruising that day with a silly grin on our faces, then hand our luggage over to the porters, tip them, and then walk inside the glass doors. A quick security screening scan of person and carry-ons, and then up the escalator to the friendly cast member who will guide us to the correct check-in line. What boarding number did you get?

Soon, we'll be exploring the port building, noticing all the little Disney details, such as how the ceiling is designed to look like waves and the flooring like sand. :goodvibes Be sure to also notice all the special graphics that are inlaid in the flooring. We'll marvel at the large Disney Magic scaled model that is cut in half on the back side, and then peer inside the model to see if we can figure out the differences between Disney’s first ship and the one we’re about to embark on. Those with children will meet Kid's Club counselors and hear about some of the fun planned activities. White wristbands will be attached to kids' wrists signifying they are now a part of the best children’s programming on the seven seas. Soon, characters will start appearing in front of the ship model for photos! Look, there's Captain Mickey!!! Some of us will step out on the balcony and stare in awe at what looks like a tall building moored a few feet away! Can you spot your cabin – your comfy home-away-from-home (or its vicinity) - for the next four nights? Looking down, we can watch some of the preparations underway for our arrival, such as luggage piled high inside huge rolling metal caged bins that are being carefully eased up gangway planks, disappearing into the hull of the ship, that will magically appear outside our cabin doors around 3pm!

Believe it or not, even if you were the first to arrive at 10am, time will pass quickly in the terminal. There is so much to observe (people-watching is very fascinating here!)! Before we know it, the first boarding announcement is made, and the concierge and platinum guests will start walking toward the big yellow ears! That's our cue! Boarding Number 2's will start surging toward the line for their turn. Another boarding announcement, and off we go! Through the ears, the first swipe of our Key to the World card, a quick embarkation family photo, across the gangway ramp, a request for our name, the sight of the huge chandelier catches our eye, then we notice twenty or so very impressive white uniformed smiling officers and hear "The Disney Dream welcomes the ____ Family!". (An emotional moment!) We hear clapping and one of the officers approaches to personally greet us. Are we really onboard?!?! Oh my, yes we are! We really, really are! And then we are ushered in the direction of an amazing Welcome Aboard Luncheon Buffet! Which way would you like to go – the Enchanted Garden or Cabanas?

Some will head straight down the Grand Staircase to Deck 2’s Enchanted Garden, which is where the crew will guide you, but some of us will say that we’d rather go to up to Deck 11 and Cabana’s. Both restaurants will have nearly identical buffet spreads, however at Cabana’s you will have to carry your drinks on your tray and get your own refills whereas Enchanted Garden has wait staff that will bring you your drinks and refills. Enchanted Garden has all inside seating, but at Cabana’s you can opt for either inside or outside seating. And, if your little ones are eager to start swimming, you can actually take your trays full of food out of Cabana’s and around to the pool area to eat while the kids enjoy a nearly empty pool! Of course, we can also grab a bit to eat from the pool deck dining options at Flo’s Café: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow-Mater’s Grill, and Fillmore’s Favorites. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about 24-hour room service! Ahhh yes, there’s certainly not a shortage of food on this cruise!

While going through the buffet line, we'll take time to look at all of the ice sculptures and food sculptures! It’s amazing what they can do to a watermelon and other types of fruits and vegetables! Very creative! The sculptures are easy to miss, though, because of all the food choices laid out before you! My favorite… unlimited shrimp cocktail! Yummmmmmmmmmm!

After lunch, we have time to wander around and become familiar with the layout of the ship. This is the only opportunity to tour the Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge Tween Club, Vibe, It’s a Small World Nursery, and Senses Spa before they are reserved exclusively for age-appropriate guests. Our cabins will be ready at 1:30pm and we can hardly wait to see them! We also can't wait for Shutters to open around 5pm so we can look for our embarkation photos! The gift shops won’t open until around 6pm but, in the meantime, it’s fun to look at all of the gorgeous window displays and do a little window shopping! At 1pm, some will get in line at D Lounge to snag a Palo brunch or dinner, or a Remy experience, or to try to change their dining time. Here’s Pixie Dust that all your desires are granted!

At the 1:30 rope drop, we'll all surge toward our staterooms! Anticipation builds as we try out our Key to the World card on the new door locks for the very first time – just wave it in front of the silver panel and we’re in! Hooray! We'll oooh and aaaah as we run around checking out every nook and cranny. And if we remember, we’ll hurry and snap photos before our cabins look “lived-in”. Ahhhh, smell the H2O shampoo! Cute towels! Look at all the hidden Mickeys in the cabin! So there are the new Wave phones! Let’s see how they work! Castaway Club Members (returning cruisers) will find their gifts laying on the bed, as well as vouchers indicating any OBC’s they may have accrued from travel agents, booking onboard, or booking online with their Disney VISA. Those with a Virtual Porthole will keep a keen eye on it, so eager to spot the first of a dozen or so Disney characters and their antics! Within a few minutes, some will experience a cruise ship “power flush”. (You repeat cruisers are snickering right now… hehe… “Stand back kids!!!”) Our suitcases will start arriving soon and we're anxious to unpack and make this cabin “ours!”. But in the meantime, let's all head to Deck 11 to get our first treat from Eye Scream!

Around 3:30pm, we’ll start heading back to our cabins to meet up with our families for the mandatory Life Boat Drill. We will be very glad not to have to wear on our bright orange life vests! But, a few of us will still want to snap a couple of photos with them on in our cabins. ;) Very soon, we hear the warning alarms and instructions and make our way to the Life Boat Station that is indicated on the back of our cabin door. As soon as it’s over, we’ll head up to deck 11 to the Donald/Mickey Pool area for the always fun Adventure’s Away deck party at 4:30pm! Woohoo! It’s time to party – really party! – Disney Cruise style! The family Donald Pool has disappeared and a large dance deck is in now in front of the stage! The music starts and the energetic entertainment staff appears out of nowhere to get the party started! You can’t help but to start moving to the upbeat music! So much fun!!! About 30-minutes into the party, and with great fanfare, the countdown begins! The moment we’ve been waiting for! The moment we’ve been planning months for! The moment we’ve been dreaming of! It’s finally the moment we get to hear that magical seven-note horn blast… “When You Wish Upon a Starrrrrrrrrrr”! Woohoooooooo! And with that, the ship starts gently easing away from the dock and toward the open sea! And some of us cry…

As the ship starts sailing away from Port Canaveral, we look at each other and say, “What’s next???” Let the cruisin’ fun begin!!!!!!!!!!

Some will do more exploring of the ship. Some will do more swimming. Some will get in line to try the Aqua Duck! Some will do some more eating! ;) Those with Main Dining are getting ready to head to your first dinner rotation restaurant! Which will it be? Animator’s Palette? Enchanted Garden? Royal Palace? Our table number, dining time, and dining rotation are printed on our Key to the World Cards. One really nice thing about dinners onboard a Disney Cruise is that there’s no need to arrive at our assigned restaurant early. Seating will not begin before the published time (recently reported to be 5:45pm for Main Dining and 8:15pm for late dining) and we each have our very own reserved table! Seating occurs amazingly fast because all the head servers and most of the servers are lined up and ready to escort us all to our assigned tables in a quick and orderly fashion! There’s no “checking in at the podium” or beepers to contend with, just hold out your KTTW card with your table number and off you go! We will soon meet our server and assistant server who will travel from restaurant to restaurant with us each night. If you are new to DCL, you can't yet even imagine how much you will come to love :lovestruc your servers in these four short nights... and how much you will miss their pampering once you return home. We’ll also get to know our tablemates while looking over the dinner menu! Remember, if you can't decide between two entrees (or appetizers, or salad/soups, or desserts…), it's perfectly all right to order them all!!! :cool2:

Those of us with Late Dining will be sitting comfortably in the Walt Disney Theatre, getting ready to watch the new and improved Golden Mickeys stage show. We’ll plan to arrive at the Walt Disney Theatre early so we can see the “Red Carpet” interviews that begin 15 minutes before show time! A live camera will be set up outside the theater doors and an emcee will be on hand to “interview” children as they enter the theater. The entire unscripted pre-show is shown on the huge screen inside the theater and often the children’s responses are hilarious! Where do you like to sit? We prefer the upper seats in the lower level of the theater, but might decide to check out the Dream’s balcony this time. If you like being in the midst of all the special effects, then the lower level seats closer to the stage is where you’ll head. :thumbsup2

The whole dinner/show process is repeated in reverse a little later when the recently-stuffed-to-the-gills main diners waddle their way to the Walt Disney Theatre in time for the Red Carpet interviews while those of us with late dining head to our designated dinner rotation restaurant for our 8:15 seating.

The kids’ clubs are finally open for children to be checked-in now that tours and family time are over. This is good news to the kids who have been (im)patiently waiting for their fun to begin and particularly good news for the parents who are ready to jettison their children off so they can have a little fun of their own! Adults - if you’ve never watched “Match Your Mate”, I highly recommend it! It’s basically an uncensored version of The Newlywed Game with three couples chosen from the audience: the most recently married couple, the couple married the longest, and then any very outgoing couple. Most of the time, the older couple is not only the funniest, but also the winner! Evenings are the perfect time to stroll the upper decks and look at the stars. You can also catch a movie on either the huge outdoor Funnel Vision screen or in the Buena Vista Theatre. As always, there are several activities listed in the Navigator to chose from. :)

All too soon, it’s time to pick the children up from the Kids’ Clubs and make our way back to our cabins for the night. As we near our cabin door we notice little bulges in our Fish Extender pockets! Can it be? Have goodies already been delivered in our FE’s?!? Woohoo, they have! :woohoo: Exciting! As we enter the cabin, we are greeted by our first towel animal on the bed! Awwwww, cute! The little wrapped chocolate bars scattered nearby from the turn-down service are quickly gobbled up. We’re tempted to sit down and read through tomorrow’s Navigator, but we’re so tired that we know if we do, we’ll just fall asleep sitting up! While the kids are in the tub, we call room service and order milk and cookies as one last surprise of the day – after all, the kids are on vacation, too! And while we’re at it, we go ahead and put in a "standing order" for milk and cookies to be delivered Friday and Saturday nights, too! (We are awesome parents!) :flower3:

After a short discussion over who gets the top bunk with the painted stars on the ceiling :hyper2:, the kids are eventually tucked into their beds. We turn the TV on to one of the Disney music channels and set the volume down low to lull the kids to sleep. Within minutes, they’re out for the night. :faint: Now for some quiet adult time! Those with a verandah slip out on the deck :tiptoe:, some with a glass of wine brought onboard just for this special time. Afterward, we are ready to pull the curtains together to close off the kids’ side of the cabin and snuggle into the big comfy bed as the gentle motion of the ship rocks us to sleep. Before long, we’re dreaming about the rest of the fun to come!

Next up tomorrow, Friday and Nassau...

[MPS516]

Wow Deb you have this down to a science. I am working on the theory we just need a few days away (since i did not go on the Greece cruise with DW and DD), relax and don't deal with any of the Cityits of normal life.

can't wait to see what my Nassau day will be all about.

[Deb T.]

Wow Deb you have this down to a science. I am working on the theory we just need a few days away (since i did not go on the Greece cruise with DW and DD), relax and don't deal with any of the Cityits of normal life.

can't wait to see what my Nassau day will be all about.

Thanks for the kind words! :goodvibes All I've been doing lately is daydreaming about our cruise, so I figured I might as well put it down on paper and help get everyone else excited about it. :)

Counting down the days.............................

[Deb T.]

It's Friday, and exactly 4 weeks from today it is Nassau port day! Some woke up really early and watched the 6:41am sunrise in complete and total awe as the captain sailed our huge ship into the tiny Nassau harbor and gently nestled her up against the dock. Amazing! Some of us, on the other hand, slept in and didn’t even realize the ship had stopped moving! :rolleyes1

Our first decision was where to eat breakfast. Buffets are available at Cabana’s and Enchanted Garden, Flo’s Café has a variety of grab and go pastries, and a fancy sit-down breakfast is available at Royal Palace. :) Espresso lovers headed straight to the adults-only Cove Cafe for made-to-order specialty coffee.

A few families with early rising children are enjoying the Mickey pool all to themselves! Those who like to work out have already hit the gym or are walking/jogging laps around the Deck 4 promenade. (I’m not sure yet how long that track is, but on the Magic and Wonder every three laps equals one mile.) The Aqua Duck opens at 9am, which might be a good time to try it without a wait.

Quite a few of us are planning to stay on the ship all day but many others are preparing to debark for port excursions. Sunscreen, check. Hats, check. Sunglasses, check. Souvenir money, check. KTTW card, check. ID, check. Camera, check. We’re ready to go! As we step off the Dream’s gangway, we realize it’s the first time we’ve been able to actually stand right up next to the ship, and again we marvel at how large she is! We pause to take photos with our ship in the background, then compare her to the other cruise ships that are in port. Funny story – on our very first Disney cruise on the Magic in ‘98, we were docked across from Carnival’s Big Red Boat – which our teen-aged kids immediately dubbed the Little Red Raft because it didn’t’ even come close to comparing to the size and beauty of our magnificent vessel. :rotfl2:

Walking toward a row of brightly tropical-painted buildings, we stop again for photos at the “Welcome to Nassau” backdrop while becoming faintly aware of live Jamaican music in the distance. Ahhh yes, here in the Bahamas we be jammin’, Mon! ;) Soon, we step out into the hustle and bustle of the tiny island. We’ll be asked, cajoled, pleaded, flattered, and begged to take a taxi, guided tour, buy some trinkets, or get our hair braided. Women will be called “Pretty Lady” dozens of times by almost every local resident. It’s an experience like no other!

On the ship, there are plenty of activities to keep us busy throughout the day. More movies are playing in the Buena Vista Theatre and the on the huge Funnel View screen. Maybe we’ve decided to play shuffleboard, ping-pong, foosball, basketball, putt-putt, Wii games, board games, bingo, the Midship Detective Agency adventure, find all the interactive art, or take a guided ship tour. The Navigator is full of so many things to do that we sometimes have to chose between two or more enticing activities! The kids aren’t the only ones enjoying their age-specific areas… we adults can partake in beer/wine tastings, relax in the spa , work out in the gym, read, relax, snack, sample delicious treats in Cove Café, etc., etc., etc. Characters will be out and about in various locations for photos and autographs. Hey, isn’t it time to eat again? :rolleyes: Lunch buffets await! :)

As evening approaches, those with Main Dining will head to restaurant #2 on their dining rotation. What was that table number? Some servers will greet you by name as you enter the dining room! How in the world do they remember us when their guests change every 3-4 nights?!? We, in turn, greet our tablemates, asking how their day was and comparing notes. We’ll also notice that our servers wear different outfits for each restaurant, reminding us that everything Disney does is a “show” and the entire crew is part of the “cast”. The rest of us will soon be entering the Walt Disney Theatre for Villians Tonight! But first, maybe we’ll stop by Tow Mater’s Grill and pick up some piping hot french fries to tide us over until dinner… or better yet, get some ice-cream from Eye Scream!

Nassau’s all-aboard time is 6:00 p.m. Will everyone make it back on board? We’ll know some guests are AWOL if we start hearing names being paged over the sound system! As the ship pulls away from the dock, keep an eye out for the Pilot Boat. It’s small and has a very thick black rubber bumper all the way around it. Once we’ve cleared the channel and are heading out to sea, watch as the pilot boat speeds closer and closer to one side of our ship, carefully matching our speed. When it gets within inches of The Dream, you’ll see a person jump (yes, JUMP!) :scared1: from below on our ship onto the Pilot Boat! You have to watch carefully… blink and you’ll miss it! And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys, was the Nassau Port Pilot who’s job is to help guide large ships safely out to sea without a Titanic mishap along the way. pirate:

Soon, late diners are headed to dinner and main diners will have their turn to watch Villians Tonight! But, this won’t be our only show tonight! Aye Matey, tis Pirate Night, too! Did you pack some pirate wear? A pirate t-shirt or head-to-toe authentic outfit? Or maybe you found some pirate-themed items in your FE? Thanks, DCL, for our pirate bandanas! In between dinner and Pirate Night festivities, there are plenty of other activities listed in the Navigator! Keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow and other characters available for photos and autographs!

As darkness descends, sailors beware - the pool deck has been transformed into a pirate’s lair! :sail: Aye, there be not one, but two pirate parties awaitin’ ye brave souls: the Mickey’s Pirates in the Caribbean family-oriented show and then the livelier Buccaneer Blast as darkness descends. Arrrrrrrrgh! Yes, there be Pirates IN the Caribbean tonight! Let’s get this party started! :cool1: We’ve learned that DCL is the only cruise line in the world with permission to set off fireworks at sea and we can hardly wait to experience this! :woohoo:

As the pirate party winds down, the Pirate Dessert Buffet is being readied for us in Cabana’s! Oh yeah, it’s time to eat again! Definitely check out all of the spectacular food sculptures on display! But, go soon because it’s only open from 10:30pm to 11:15pm! Afterward, pull up a lounge chair on the pool deck and experience watching Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl on the huge Funnel View movie screen outside on deck 11. Really, how many people can say they have watched one of the Pirates’ movies with the amazing built-in special effect of actually being onboard a real live moving ship?!? Shiver me timbers!

And after everyone has had a full day of fun, it’s time to head back to our cabins for a good night’s sleep before docking at paradise in the morning! Another check in our FEs yields more bounty! And, another towel animal patiently awaits our arrival inside our cabin, along with little chocolates and the Castaway Cay Navigator! We fall asleep thinking about how what a great time we've had so far in just a day and a half, and how happy we are that we brought our families on this wonderful cruise! :goodvibes

Next up tomorrow... Castaway Cay!

[Deb T.]

Hey Everyone! Since some of us are going to start packing this weekend :yay:, this website might be helpful:
http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/NassauBahamas.htm

What is the weather like?
Nassau enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters, seldom dipping below 60°F. Average temperatures range in the low to upper 80’s; with water temperature never below 72°. With that said, however, just like Florida, these are averages and during winter months be prepared for an occasional cold front to cause drastic temperature drops.

I'll be packing a little bit of everything - shorts, t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, light jacket, and sweater - so I'll be ready for any type of weather. :thumbsup2

[nonniemaria]

I am exhausted just reading about the first day--now I am sure I will go with my husband on his business trip to Orlando the week before the cruise just to rest up for the adventure with the 3 grand children!
do people really leave the kids there at night and go off on their own???

[ohsodisney]

Hi Everyone
Sorry its been so long since Ive posted, life got in the way.
We received all our docs 2 days ago, how exciting. Althou because of our stay at Disney prior and after there seems to be quite a bit of tags and tickets LOL. I still have to do the on-line check in for AKL and PORS, usually I'm on top of things. I will admit thou we have been packed for 12 weeks now :banana:
The girls talk about it daily and what they want to do right down to the very minute. We decided no tours this time we want to wander around the new ship and check everything out, and Castaway Cay is by far the best Island so that is always such a nice beach day.

Are you all dressing up for pirate night? Last time I had a 40 pound costume and was absolutely dying of heat stroke, this time its pirate jeans and white top and tees for the kids.

Is there any other little girls coming around 9 years old or so? My girls have asked. Sorry I'd read back but my daughter is sick tonight and wanting cuddle time :cloud9:

We cant wait and hope to meet some of you onboard. My girls are wearing their Hanna Andersson dress and bike shorts with matching headbands one purple and yellow the other pink and blue boarding day and I'll probably have a simple white top and blue floral skirt so if you see us please say hi. :)
Is anyone planning a meet time?

I'll try and read back hopefully this weekend to try and catch up :thumbsup2

[MPS516]

WOW we sure had a full day at Port Nassau, glad to be off to bed for some rest before the real day begins - Castaway Cay :yay:

First time visit since the renovations and plan to be everywhere all day. :beach:

[Deb T.]

WOW we sure had a full day at Port Nassau, glad to be off to bed for some rest before the real day begins - Castaway Cay :yay:

:lmao: Thanks for the chuckle! :)

[Deb T.]

It is Saturday, and exactly four weeks from today we are looking forward to enjoying a full day on a little piece of heaven on earth we call Castaway Cay! :cloud9: As the captain docks the ship, we gaze longingly at the pristine white sand beach dotted with colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs that are beckoning us ashore. We eagerly don bathing suits, sunscreen and cover-ups and then head up to Cabana’s to indulge in another wonderful breakfast onboard. It is so nice not to have to cook! Beginning around 8:30am, we’ll make our way down to Deck 1 to debark directly onto the island – no tenders for us here!

As we stroll past the tiny little post office on the right, some of us will stop to purchase Bahamian stamps to adhere to postcards destined for family and friends who aren’t enjoying pure paradise with us today. “Wish you were here!” ;) Sometimes, Donald Duck is standing outside for photos! We’ll also run into Mickey, Minnie, and even Captain Jack Sparrow throughout the day for fun photo ops! This is the second time (and the last) that we can get "up close and personal" photos of our beautiful ship!

We’ll make our way to one of several beaches... families will settle on the first beach on the left, arriving by tram or by walking. Seasoned castaways who prefer fewer crowds will continue on down to the far end of the family beach. Teens will head to their own private hideaway, feeling very grown up with all their new found freedom from parents and happy to spend the day with their friends again. Adults sans children will continue on to Serenity Bay. Everyone will marvel at the crystal clear pale blue ocean water! Look closely, and you’ll see tiny little fish darting around in the water, reminding us that we really are on a teeny tiny natural tropical island in the middle of the ocean!

Now that we have staked out our little piece of paradise for the next several hours, it’s time to relax! With any luck, the sun is shining brightly, there’s a gentle tropical breeze, and the crystal clear Caribbean ocean is warm. We sit back in our beach chair (or hammock or lounge chair) and enjoy the gorgeous view! The ocean stretches out in front of us for as far as we can see! Those on the family beach have a fabulous view of The Dream docked to the left. Laughter and squeals fill the air as children of all ages begin to frolic in the water. We can’t help but smile as our picture perfect vacation plays out before our very eyes. :goodvibes

What is your favorite thing do do on a beach? :beach: Build sandcastles, swim, lay out in the sun? :cool2: Want to do more? There's beach volleyball, a basketball free-throw challenge, and Crab Races starting soon. A DJ is playing popular beach music. Yes, the family beach area is alive with energy! Some have already ventured off on rented bicycles or are floating lazily in rented inner tubes. Getting hungry? Cookies' BBQ and Cookies’ BBQ2 have been preparing barbecue feasts for us, buffet style! We gather the family and migrate toward the aroma of hamburgers and barbecued chicken. After filling our plates full, we find a picnic table in the shade of the shelter and proceed to fill our bellies, being careful to save some room for ice cream!

After lunch, some will check the younger children into Scuttle's Cove so parents can have a little bit of “couple” time. The kids will enjoy fun activities while parents explore the island on their own and possibly even decide to see what the adults-only beach is all about. Serenity Bay can be found at the end of an abandoned air strip and what seems like worlds away from the family beach. Peaceful and serene, it is bliss for those wanting true rest and relaxation. :cloud9: Some are reading, some are dozing, some are floating in the pale blue water, and some are sitting in beach chairs at the edge of the ocean with their feet in the water. The Air Bar is nearby, and a server passes by frequently to make sure we all stay properly “hydrated”. ;) Next to the Air Bar is Serenity Bay’s very own private barbecue lunch spot. And just like at Cookies’ and Cookies’2, they even have ice cream and cookies! We're on vacation, so calories don't count, right??? Those of you who have young children might wish they were older so you, too, could spend the entire day here at Serenity Bay, but those of us who’s children are grown know that those days pass all too quickly and we secretly wish our children were still young and enjoying Castaway Cay with us. :guilty:

A fun spot to walk off lunch (and get a little exercise) is the walking/bike path half-way down the runway between the family and adult beaches. Our reward for venturing inside this maze-like trail is coming across the little tower where you can look out over most of the island. It’s a pretty long walk, so be sure to grab some cold water before heading in if the day is hot.

All too soon, we realize it’s getting closer and closer to the 4:30pm all-aboard time. :sad2: Wait! Have we checked out the little souvenir shops yet? Although there are a few Castaway Cay items in the onboard gift shops, a bigger variety of exclusive CC merchandise is for sale only on the island! :goodvibes Don’t worry about not having cash, though, because only our Key to the World cards are accepted here. :thumbsup2 Very convenient… too convenient according to my DH! :rotfl:

We hear the ship’s horn and that is our cue that all aboard time is approaching. Reluctantly, we start gathering our belongings. Did you know that a sprinkle of baby powder makes brushing off the fine white sand a very easy task? With a heavy heart, we begin heading back toward the ship. Do we REALLY have to leave the island? Say it isn’t so. If we hadn’t thought about rebooking onboard yet, we are certainly thinking about it now! :rolleyes1

Back on the Dream, we find the sail away party underway on the pool deck. :mickeyjum The upbeat music puts us in a festive mood! Shortly, we’ll head to our cabins to begin getting ready for tonight’s activities as our vessel slowly pulls away from the beautiful tiny island. It’s mind boggling that 4,000 people are showering at practically the same time and we all still have plenty of hot water to wash the remnants of Castaway Cay off of us! Gosh, the water heater in my house barely makes it through three people showering! :laughing:

Unfortunately, it is also the last full day aboard the ship, which means we need to begin preparations for tomorrow's dreaded departure. First, on the list is stopping by guest services to charge tips to our cabin so we can put the little tip vouchers in the little tip envelopes that were left on our bed last night. We’ll be sure to leave our cabin host’s tip envelope on the bed before we head to dinner – sort of a reversal of roles since he/she is the one who has been leaving us little surprises there each night. :goodvibes (We’ll hand our other three tip envelopes out at the end of dinner.) We also need to pack – a most unpleasant task since we have now decided that we never want to leave the ship – ever! Suitcases need to be outside our cabin door (ironically pretty much in the same spots we found them just two short afternoons ago!) by 10:30pm so they can be whisked away and waiting for us in customs in the port terminal. Don’t forget to set out a full set of clothes for the trip home though, including shoes! DCL crew have lots and lots of stories about people disembarking in their pjs! :scared1:

A gorgeous orange sunset comes all too soon, but there is still plenty to do as we try to fit in every last moment of this magical vacation! There are plenty of activities listed in the Navigator - a dance party, another game show, and karaoke just to name a few. It will be difficult to narrow down which photographs to purchase from Shutters – they’re all great memories that are captured forever! It’s time for one last souvenir shopping spree in the gift shops! Oh - and don't forget the Captain will be signing autographs tonight in Whitecaps!

Main diners are headed to the 3rd restaurant in their rotation, now with their table number ingrained in their brain. We’ll greet our servers and tablemates by name tonight :wave: having become very familiar with them over the last two nights. We’ll also realize that many of the servers who we saw working hard at Cookies BBQ today are now busy making sure our dinner is as perfect as possible for us tonight! :goodvibes Do they ever get a day off? (The answer is: rarely – all DCL crew work 70+ hours each week! :eek: ) As we look around the restaurant, we observe that a few guests failed to apply enough sunscreen during the day :headache: ouch! By the time dessert arrives, some will exchange email addresses with tablemates, planning to keep in touch. We’ll save our goodbyes to our new friends and servers until the morning during our quick sit-down breakfast before having to leave the ship. Tonight’s stage show, Disney’s Believe, is brand new for the Dream! If it’s half as good as Disney Dreams, then there will be at least one cruiser all choked up at the end… ahem… sent over the edge by a well-performed and sentimental Disney story!

Eventually, those with young children will have to retrieve them from the Kids’ Clubs one final time. Wouldn't it be great to have those wonderful Counselors at home with us!? Then, we all head to the atrium for a final farewell from all the characters at 10:15pm. They have gathered together in the atrium for a little show called See Ya Real Soon. And we really do hope to see them again real soon!!!!

We head back to our cabins and peek in our FE’s one last time before unhooking them from our fish/starfish/seahorse. We greet our last towel animal and set up an all-too-early wake-up call. And then we snuggle into bed, a little bit sad that our cruise is coming to an end. And finally, after a very full day, the gentle rocking motion lulls us to sleep one... last..... time..........

Tomorrow... debarkation. :sad1:

[ohsodisney]

28 days away from a wonderful day at Castaway Cay :banana::banana::banana: and an umbrella drink :woohoo:

[MPS516]

Boy that was sure a great day on the beach :beach:

Maybe should have taken the bike ride after lunch to ride off some of the BBQ and ice cream I ate too much of :moped:

Oh well, if calaries don't count on Castaway Cay then magically there is no extra pounds. pixiedust:

Must get ready for the morning when I go crying off the ship along with all the other young kids who don't ever want to leave. :wave2:

[Deb T.]

And now, the final installment of the Cruise Countdown, the day we are all already dreading... Sunday, Debarkation Day...

It's Sunday, and exactly 4 weeks from today the wake-up call comes way too early. :sad2: There’ll be no sleeping in this morning anyway because of all the hustle and bustle of cabin stewards in the hallways who are frenetically turning the ship over for the next batch of 4,000 new cruise guests! Do we really have to vacate our comfortable cabin? Please say it isn’t so! But, alas, it is, and so we rise and begin preparations for the next leg of our trip, whether it’s a stopover at WDW or a flight/drive back home.

It's Easter morning, and we'll probably eat our first sit-down breakfast of the cruise - in the exact same spot we ate dinner last night with the same attentive server and assistant server who we’ve grown to love and will miss. We say our final goodbyes to tablemates, then, we linger... stall, actually... as we slowly and reluctantly made our way toward the exit in the atrium. This large opening in the wall on Deck 3 has been concealed and largely unnoticed during the duration of the cruise, and we take a moment to marvel at how clever Disney engineering is! After all, it's the same opening that we entered through with great anticipation just 3 days prior! Momentarily, we mentally weigh the consequences of becoming a stow-away onboard :idea: just so we can extend our wonderful vacation a little longer. ;) Some of us will be comforted by the fact that we rebooked our next Disney cruise onboard a day or two ago, and will already be counting down the days until that next adventure!!

As we near the doors, we pass by tall wooden containers, each with a slot for the all-important Guest Comment Cards. DCL cast and crew live and die by these surveys. It's been said that every department has a meeting soon after each cruise and the comments are read aloud. Those who receive top marks can be rewarded with things such as leave time, computer time, etc. Those who don’t could be terminated. DCL is very serious about exceeding guest expectations. Whenever you encountered excellent service over the last few days, be sure to note the castmember’s name and write about it on the comment card. They will greatly appreciate it, and you'll feel good, too! :goodvibes

Last night, we had to put all of our luggage out in the hallway by 10:30pm, so hopefully we’ve all remembered to keep a full change of clothes out for today. If not, then you will join the ranks of guests who have had to wear, um, “creative” outfits as they disembarked - until they could be reunited with their luggage in the Customs area! :rotfl:

It will take a lot of effort to walk out the doors toward the port building, but we know we have to debark (or risk arrest :cool2:), so onward we go and finally walk through the doors that separate bliss from reality. The life preserver signs that just four days ago said “Welcome Aboard” now say “See You Real Soon!” :rolleyes: We head toward the right and down a different escalator to the cavernous luggage storage area. Suitcases are laid out in rows under signs that match the luggage tags we were given the night before. We gather our belongings and head toward the Customs agents. We pull out our passports and Customs Declaration form and proceed through and out the doors to the many modes of transportation waiting to take us to our next destination. And so ends our DREAMy cruise.

Over the next couple of days, some of us will occasionally be caught off guard with a sudden sensation of the ship rocking! It’s a phenomenon that occurs while you get your land legs back. These unexpected subtle reminders of having been onboard a Disney ship always make me smile. :goodvibes

As soon as we get home, we’ll pull up the DIS Boards to check on all our new friends. Some of us will begin posting on the Meets threads of our newly booked cruises, ready to make more friends! :grouphug:

We’ll really miss having all our meals prepared for us and our rooms cleaned twice a day. Yes, we are back to reality, but we now have many new wonderful memories to cherish forever!

[MPS516]

Alas,

Haven't even boarded and now feel sad about leaving, Darn :sad1:

I have been hearing that the booking desk on earlier Dream cruises has been very busy, hopefully they will react to that and staff up for those of us who are certain to re-book. :boat:

[Deb T.]

Alas,

Haven't even boarded and now feel sad about leaving, Darn :sad1:

I know. The 3-night cruises go by soooo fast!! :sad2:

I have been hearing that the booking desk on earlier Dream cruises has been very busy, hopefully they will react to that and staff up for those of us who are certain to re-book. :boat:

The last few times we've cruised, we've just filled out the "interest card" by the cruise desk on the first day, popped it in the box, and then waited for them to get back to us with the quote. Then, all you have to do is call them back, give them the "okay" to charge the deposit on the credit card you have on file, and then you're all booked! Easy peasy! Oh - and if you use Dreams Unlimited, you have to also state on the interest card that they will be your travel agent in order to receive DU's full OBC for booking (in addition to whatever OBC DCL is offering). :thumbsup2

[ohsodisney]

Alas,

Haven't even boarded and now feel sad about leaving, Darn :sad1:

I have been hearing that the booking desk on earlier Dream cruises has been very busy, hopefully they will react to that and staff up for those of us who are certain to re-book. :boat:

Oh no not good news. I was planning my first Mom's relaxing cruise for January and was all excited. My girls have been so many places and cruises that I just wanted one to relax, relax, relax. Its the only line I'd feel safe enough to travel alone on.

We were in Jamaica at Sandals in October and my honey and I tried to book a vacation for ourselves this Spring, my daughter said she was so excited when we were on the bus back to the airport, then I had to tell her it was for me and Allen, OMG the tears :sad2: came rolling down her face, needless to say the guilt made me cancel the trip, thus our Disney vacation coming up.
Ah the things we do for our kids :rolleyes2

Sorry Deb T Id love to do the Fishy thing but I have no idea how to and Im thinking you have to make something for your door? Well, I'm Martha Sterwarts black sheep sister, I couldn't even cut out a circle if I tried :laughing:

[MPS516]

The last few times we've cruised, we've just filled out the "interest card" by the cruise desk on the first day, popped it in the box, and then waited for them to get back to us with the quote. Then, all you have to do is call them back, give them the "okay" to charge the deposit on the credit card you have on file, and then you're all booked! Easy peasy! Oh - and if you use Dreams Unlimited, you have to also state on the interest card that they will be your travel agent in order to receive DU's full OBC for booking (in addition to whatever OBC DCL is offering). :thumbsup2

That's my plan for now anyway depending on what they have listed for cruises. I have the list of fall and winter Fantasy dates and am going to book a 7 day eastern, just have to decide whether to do the holiday or the regular. :santa:

[Deb T.]

Oh no not good news. I was planning my first Mom's relaxing cruise for January and was all excited. My girls have been so many places and cruises that I just wanted one to relax, relax, relax. Its the only line I'd feel safe enough to travel alone on.

We were in Jamaica at Sandals in October and my honey and I tried to book a vacation for ourselves this Spring, my daughter said she was so excited when we were on the bus back to the airport, then I had to tell her it was for me and Allen, OMG the tears :sad2: came rolling down her face, needless to say the guilt made me cancel the trip, thus our Disney vacation coming up.
Ah the things we do for our kids :rolleyes2

Sorry Deb T Id love to do the Fishy thing but I have no idea how to and Im thinking you have to make something for your door? Well, I'm Martha Sterwarts black sheep sister, I couldn't even cut out a circle if I tried :laughing:

The Dream has been sailing completely full, and is reported to be sold out through August. But it's a big ship, so I'm sure you'll be able to find some nice spots for rest and relaxation. :thumbsup2

The Fish Extender Exchange is a lot of fun. If you're still thinking about it, the last day to join is this Friday, April 1st. As far as what to hang outside your door, you can use any kind of bag. We used a medium-sized canvas bag for years. Whatever you use, you'll want to be sure to attach it with a plastic zip tie so it doesn't go "wandering". The other part of the FE Exchange is giving out little gifts to the other participants. Here is my description of what the FE Exchange is all about:


Beside every cabin door is a large metal silver fish :fish: (or starfish or seahorse) with an indentation in the back for cruise personnel to leave information, invitations, etc. Teenagers receive invitations to Teen Club activities and we've also received "rebooking onboard" price quotes tucked in our fish.

DISboarders have taken the silver fish (starfish, seahorse) one step further... by creating hanging pockets (much like cloth letter holders) to hang from the fish (or starfish, or seahorse) - thus the name, "Fish Extender". The Fish Extenders (FEs) can be made of practically anything (cloth, plastic, paper gift bags, etc.), as long as they have at least one pocket that can hold surprises. My FE had always been just a plain canvas bag on which I'd added a tropical scene, the names of the Disney ships, and our names. But recently, a very sweet DISer surprised me with a beautiful "real" FE for this cruise!!! :goodvibes

On each "Cruise Meets" thread (such as this 4-21-11 one) someone usually organizes a little gift exchange during the cruise. People sign up by giving their cabin number, names of everyone in their cabin, and ages of the kids so that everyone will know how many goodies to bring and where to deliver them. Some people give one gift per family, some people give a little gift to each person. It's totally up to the giver to decide what to give and when to give it during the cruise.

There are several threads on the main cruise boards that discuss ideas for FE gifts. Some gifts are from Dollar Stores, some are handmade, and some are bought in bulk from websites that sell trinkets like the Oriental Trading Company. Often, they are stickers, candy, glow sticks, lanyards, etc., with themes such as pirates, beach, cruise, tropical, hometown, holiday, etc. The main idea is just to have fun finding little goodies in your FE throughout the cruise. Kids LOVE running back to their cabin to see if anything's been left in their FE. As an adult, I have to admit that I love it, too!!!

If you'd like to join in on the fun on our cruise, please let me know. You can either post your information here in this thread or send me a private message by clicking on my name in the upper left hand corner of this post and then clicking "send a private message to Deb T.". I will only post your DIS name and gender/ages of children on the public forum. However, I will send private messages with names and cabin numbers to all participants to keep everyone up-to-date. Since some people travel earlier in the week prior to cruising, we will close the list on 4-1-11 in order to give everyone time to purchase/prepare gifts and pack them. You'll also need to print the final list of participants and pack it with your gifts so you'll know where to deliver them once you're onboard the ship.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Also, this thread has tons of info and ideas about FE Gift Exchanges: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

[Deb T.]

That's my plan for now anyway depending on what they have listed for cruises. I have the list of fall and winter Fantasy dates and am going to book a 7 day eastern, just have to decide whether to do the holiday or the regular. :santa:

We'll probably book something for next spring break, plus a dummy date or two for in the future. :goodvibes

[MPS516]

Spring Break is short for us next year, they are even planning classes on Labor Day.

DD is doing a month in Guatemala and Galapagos Islands this June so expect spring to be another short cruise.

[Deb T.]

Spring Break is short for us next year, they are even planning classes on Labor Day.

DD is doing a month in Guatemala and Galapagos Islands this June so expect spring to be another short cruise.

Yikes! I don't know how we'd survive with a short Spring Break! It's bad enough they sometimes take a couple of those days for weather make-ups. :guilty: That's why we typically book our SB cruises at the end of the week. Although this time, we're doing a B2B with the cruise before this one. :woohoo:

We like to keep a dummy date handy for any last minute cruises or for any new and exciting itineraries. When our kids decided to join us on this cruise, we could have used one more dummy date. :sad2: No OBC for DD this time. :sad1:

[MPS516]

Yikes! I don't know how we'd survive with a short Spring Break! It's bad enough they sometimes take a couple of those days for weather make-ups. :guilty: That's why we typically book our SB cruises at the end of the week. Although this time, we're doing a B2B with the cruise before this one. :woohoo:

We like to keep a dummy date handy for any last minute cruises or for any new and exciting itineraries. When our kids decided to join us on this cruise, we could have used one more dummy date. :sad2: No OBC for DD this time. :sad1:

Oh yes the bad weather days :cloud9: We are so crazy we are happy it got cold again to slow the flooding :confused3 Always look forward to our Spring Break to get away for just a little while :sunny: the winters are so long !

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to send out a reminder that TODAY - April 1st - is the last day to sign up for the Fish Extender Exchange! If you'd like to join, you can either post your info here on this thread or send it to me in a private message. I'll need your cabin number, the names of everyone in your cabin, and the ages of the children. :thumbsup2

Here are the participants so far:
Deb T. & DH, DS26
Mouseskis & DH, DS8, DS5
Private Message participant & DFiance
mummy lee, DS13, DD10
magic2go & DH, DD13, DS11
Nebraska Traveler & DH, DD13, DS11
mdurette & DH, DD5
Private Message participant & DH
Private Message 3 friends traveling together
Private Message participant & DH, DD4
Mom_3_mouseketeers & DH, DS11, DD9, DS7
TiffLB & DH, DD11, DS7

First thing tomorrow morning, I will send a private message to participants with all the details! :thumbsup2

[TiffLB]

Getting very excited now! Have been shopping for things we'll need, starting to organize packing - in between all of the kids' activities which have been keeping me very busy!! Next weekend we will be busy all weekend with my daughter's dance competition, so this is the last full weekend I have to get organized before we leave for FL!! Ack!! :eek:

Packing is my least favorite thing about going on vacation - can't wait for it to be done so we can start having fun!!! :banana:

[Deb T.]

Getting very excited now! Have been shopping for things we'll need, starting to organize packing - in between all of the kids' activities which have been keeping me very busy!! Next weekend we will be busy all weekend with my daughter's dance competition, so this is the last full weekend I have to get organized before we leave for FL!! Ack!! :eek:

Packing is my least favorite thing about going on vacation - can't wait for it to be done so we can start having fun!!! :banana:

I don't mind packing for a vacation... but I sure do hate packing to come back home! :sad1:

I took the day off and am actually hoping to get most of our packing done today. DD is getting married just 4 weeks after the cruise and so most of our weekends are spent out-of-town trying to get everything done (she lives almost 2 hours away). This weekend we're addressing invitations, next weekend is a bridal shower 2-1/2 hours away, and then off to FL! Can't wait!!!

[mummy lee]

Just been sorting the FE gifts, it is the first time we have taken part and are so excited x

[Deb T.]

Just been sorting the FE gifts, it is the first time we have taken part and are so excited x

:lovestruc FE Exchanges are so much fun!! I'm glad you decided to participate! :goodvibes

[TiffLB]

I don't mind packing for a vacation... but I sure do hate packing to come back home! :sad1:

I took the day off and am actually hoping to get most of our packing done today. DD is getting married just 4 weeks after the cruise and so most of our weekends are spent out-of-town trying to get everything done (she lives almost 2 hours away). This weekend we're addressing invitations, next weekend is a bridal shower 2-1/2 hours away, and then off to FL! Can't wait!!!

I tend to wig-out a bit about packing - it seems I'm always hunting for something I've lost, but feel it's essential I take on the trip! Very silly! :laughing:

Ooh...wedding preparations are so much fun! Congrats & good luck with everything!

The kids and I all had the day off today - a snow day out from school on April 1 - ridiculous!!! I'm soooo ready for 80 degrees! I've got the kids cleaning their rooms and trying on summer clothes to see what fits. It's fun to try on shorts and bathing suits when it's snowing out!

I loved reading your narratives of our trip! We had an amazing time!!! :cool1: Can't wait to do it for real!

[MPS516]

The kids and I all had the day off today - a snow day out from school on April 1 - ridiculous!!! I'm soooo ready for 80 degrees! I've got the kids cleaning their rooms and trying on summer clothes to see what fits. It's fun to try on shorts and bathing suits when it's snowing out!


Snow Days, aren't they great ? We had 24 snow events this year (over 2") :rotfl2:, not counting the mostly ice events or dustings (under 2") we received. The good news, if you can call it good news, was that just as we were getting into warm weather the cold came back slowing the thaw and thus lessening the floods. :boat:

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone!

I've sent the final FE list out to all participants. But I need to add some other thoughts to the exchange process:

I think the width of the note holder part of the fish/starfish/seahorse is around 4 inches, but it's also fairly thick. So, you will need to bring a zip tie that's around 12" long in order to secure your FE to the fish/starfish/seahorse so it won't go "wandering" during the night and also to have that little bit of extra room to be able to cut it off at the end of the cruise. An 8" zip is too small. However, one great feature of zip ties is that they can be connected, end-to-end, in order to make them longer! So really, you can bring any size as long as you bring extras! :thumbsup2 Be sure to double check that your FE is secure after attaching the zip tie because you definitely don't want it to be loose enough to be worked over the fish/starfish/seahorse. :)

When delivering your FE surprises, if you come across a cabin without a FE please check with me. You can check my cabin door or feel free to call or text on the new fancy dancy Wave phone. :grouphug: That family may have been upgraded at the port or had an issue in their cabin that caused a change. Conversely, anyone who has a change should contact me ASAP so I can spread the word. :thumbsup2

Please also be aware that not everyone who hangs a FE outside their door is part of our group!!! I've seen this on 3 cruises... where there are real FE's hanging outside cabins who just aren't on our list of participants! *gasp!* ;) There are other cruise boards who arrange similar "Secret Santa" exchanges and there are large families/groups who will also often set up an exchange of their own. So PLEASE be sure to print the list of participants and tuck it in with your FE gifts so it's handy when you deliver your surprises. If you see anything fishy (pun intended!) please be sure to check with me! :flower3:

[Mouseskis]

Hello everyone! My family is getting so excited for this cruise! I realized I really need to get going on my FE exchange gifts this week! :) Sorry I haven't been on these boards much lately - I have been swamped with volunteering at my son's school and setting up my own business. Very exciting, but I am so ready for this trip!

DebT - thanks for keep us organized for the FE exchange and for all of your fun posts about what we will be doing on the cruise. :thumbsup2 I realized this morning that last year we were disembarking from our Easter cruise on this day. :sad1: So happy we still have this one to look forward to.

I hope everyone has a happy Monday. Good luck to all those getting ready for their back to back cruises. I wish I could join you.

[Deb T.]

Hello everyone! My family is getting so excited for this cruise! I realized I really need to get going on my FE exchange gifts this week! :) Sorry I haven't been on these boards much lately - I have been swamped with volunteering at my son's school and setting up my own business. Very exciting, but I am so ready for this trip!

DebT - thanks for keep us organized for the FE exchange and for all of your fun posts about what we will be doing on the cruise. :thumbsup2 I realized this morning that last year we were disembarking from our Easter cruise on this day. :sad1: So happy we still have this one to look forward to.

I hope everyone has a happy Monday. Good luck to all those getting ready for their back to back cruises. I wish I could join you.

I'm so glad that we get to cruise together again! :goodvibes Just a little over two weeks to go! :cool1:

[MPS516]

Tomorrow at 1pm they are announcing the new departure ports for 2012 including New York, Galveston and Seattle. :cool1: April 29th will be a special 15 night Hawaii cruise from LA. :woohoo: From NY it will be an 8 night Bahama, a 5 night Canada and a 2 night cruise to no where. On the Bahama 8 night there is a stop in Port Canaveral with a 1 day park hopper and transportation. :yay:

We will have lots of new choices for on board re-booking :dance3:

[Nebraska Traveler]

Hi Everyone!
We are looking forward to a great cruise and meeting everyone!:cool1: See you soon.

[Mouseskis]

Hello DIS Friends - I am working on my FE exchange gifts. If you are participating the FE Exchange and feel comfortable doing so, I would love to know your family's last name. I would like to personalize my FE gift to all of you with your family's name. If you feel comfortable sharing it you can PM me or if you would rather not I will leave that section blank for your gift. Thanks!

-Kristi

[Mouseskis]

Has everyone seen the announcement of all the new itineraries DCL is offering in 2012!?! Sailings out of Galveston, New York, LA, and Seattle in addition to Port Canaveral! Definitely something to check out if you think you might rebook onboard! There goes my free time this evening. :)

[MPS516]

Has everyone seen the announcement of all the new itineraries DCL is offering in 2012!?! Sailings out of Galveston, New York, LA, and Seattle in addition to Port Canaveral! Definitely something to check out if you think you might rebook onboard! There goes my free time this evening. :)

Hello Wisconsin ! :happytv: (that 70's)

I feel sorry for you, you are going to experience the re-count wars we over here in MN have expereinced over the last 2 cycles. :sick:

[Mouseskis]

Your sympathies are much appreciated over the current elections here. One good thing about it all is that it has increased interest in how our government works!

I see I missed your earlier post about the new DCL itineraries. I'm not sure how I missed it...I guess I was too excited about the announcement! :)

I would love to go on a European cruise, but with so many domestic choices now it seems so much more cost effective to rebook a cruise leaving from the US. Europe might have to wait. I told my 8 year old about the new itineraries and he right away said "Hawaii!". I haven't looked at the $$$ for that one, but by length alone it can't be cheap. Sounds great though!

[MPS516]

Your sympathies are much appreciated over the current elections here. One good thing about it all is that it has increased interest in how our government works!


WOW, You have Fla as well, found 14 thousand votes the next day ? Yea they did that here on election night 2 years ago and later pulled them back out, leaves you to wonder just how government does work. :rotfl2:

[MPS516]

10 DAYS !

Is everyone excited yet ? :banana:

[Deb T.]

10 DAYS !

Is everyone excited yet ? :banana:

Oh yeah! Waaaaaaaaaaay beyond excited!!! :cool1: Finished the bulk of the packing today. FE Gifts are done and ready to hand out. Looking forward to exploring every inch of the brand new ship!!! :)

[stefanieshep]

I can't wait to get aboard the Disney Dream on April 21st. My mother saw it being built in Papenburg Germany... how cool! Can't wait! One week to go!!! :cool1: What are FE's and what is the fish all about?

[Deb T.]

I can't wait to get aboard the Disney Dream on April 21st. My mother saw it being built in Papenburg Germany... how cool! Can't wait! One week to go!!! :cool1: What are FE's and what is the fish all about?

Hi Stefanie! I remember you posting a while ago (sshep30) about your Mother seeing the Dream built in Papenburg. :) I think it is amazing that you will sail on that same ship very soon! :goodvibes

I'm sorry to tell you that it's too late to sign up for the FE Exchange. The deadline was April 1st so that people could get their things ready and packed. The next time you do a Disney cruise, be sure to check in with your Meets thread early so that you can participate in the fun. :thumbsup2

[kristis1029]

Hello! I am new to the boards and will be taking our first cruise on the DREAM 4/21! So excited! Spending time in the World first! Can't wait! I am getting nervous from reading other sites / reviews about the crowds .... that Dream is not doing well on wait times (Aqua Duck and elevators) and pools are very overcrowed! I don't know why I stress about these things:confused3
Is there a way to find out if that trip is booked to capacity; whihc I understand is 4,000?
LOVE LOVE LOVE all things Disney and sure this will be the trip dreams are made of, too! Just a worry-wart~ been planning/saving for this FOREVER!

[kristis1029]

Awww, I am just joining now and am LOVING this site! ALl this time I have been a Disney fanatic and never joined these boards ~ what's the matter with me?!?! I just want to say that I LOVE your FE idea! Although I know I am too late getting in on all this fun, it would be great to meet you guys and say "hello" on the ship! Have fun with this! Can't wait! 4 more days and off to All Star Sports ... goodbye MI ...Hello sunshine!!! My kids, hubby and I are sososoososo excited!

[mryan2807]

Hi everyone! My name is Molly and I am just registering for DISboards. While i am new to the boards, i am no stranger to disney! We (my husband, daughter, parents and sister) try to go every year, but this year we decided to do something a little different and we are sailing on the 4/21 cruise- wooohooo only 7 days to go!!!!! We have signed up for the FE and are looking forward to meeting some of you. Question...does anyone know once you board the ship if you can get into your room right away? Just wondering if we will be able to get a little settled before heading out for fun!!

[mryan2807]

By the way....anyone coming in the night before staying at the airport?

[MPS516]

Hi everyone! My name is Molly and I am just registering for DISboards. While i am new to the boards, i am no stranger to disney! We (my husband, daughter, parents and sister) try to go every year, but this year we decided to do something a little different and we are sailing on the 4/21 cruise- wooohooo only 7 days to go!!!!! We have signed up for the FE and are looking forward to meeting some of you. Question...does anyone know once you board the ship if you can get into your room right away? Just wondering if we will be able to get a little settled before heading out for fun!!

Hi Molly :wave2:

The ribbon drop to get to the staterooms will be about 1:30 so if you are on board earlier you can use the pools or go up and eat at Cabanas. This is also a good time to look around the ship, it is the only time adults are welcome in the kids and teen clubs. :tiptoe:

[MPS516]

Hello! I am new to the boards and will be taking our first cruise on the DREAM 4/21! So excited! Spending time in the World first! Can't wait! I am getting nervous from reading other sites / reviews about the crowds .... that Dream is not doing well on wait times (Aqua Duck and elevators) and pools are very overcrowed! I don't know why I stress about these things:confused3
Is there a way to find out if that trip is booked to capacity; whihc I understand is 4,000?
LOVE LOVE LOVE all things Disney and sure this will be the trip dreams are made of, too! Just a worry-wart~ been planning/saving for this FOREVER!

The ship is sold out into August with the exception of a couple limited cabin selections on 2 June dates and 1 July date. :upsidedow

That does not mean it will be at capacity, they have a number of ways to sell out, so many people in a life boat station, so many rooms and so on. We got on this cruise off the waiting list but were limited to 3 guests because of the area even though the room will accommodate 5. :cool2:

Even if some lines are long there is always enough to do that you won't be unhappy.

[Deb T.]

Welcome Aboard kristis1029 and mryan2807!!! So glad you both found us! :)

Only a week to go before we're onboard! :cool1:

[TiffLB]

So excited - it's almost here! We leave tomorrow to spend time at WDW before the cruise. Yee ha!! :woohoo: Crazy packing day today. FE gifts are all ready to go in the suitcase, and I think I've found everyone's summer clothes! I can't believe in one week we'll be on the Dream!!! I've read so much, so many trip reports, looked at food pictures, pool pictures, atrium pictures, Castaway Cay pictures, kids club pictures, wow! Soon, I'll have my own pictures! :cool1:

Be Sea-ing you all Soon! :yay:

[Deb T.]

We are super excited, too! :woohoo: We're finally all packed. Still have a lot of odds and ends to do, like stopping the mail and paper, cleaning the house, paying the bills, etc. Work before play, right? :rotfl2:

[mryan2807]

Wow you guys are way ahead of me!!! We have gotten all of our shopping done but haven't even dragged out the suitcases yet!!! Getting really excited!

[MPS516]

Can't pack until the day before otherwise DW packs 5 times what she needs. :laughing:
Don't tell her I told you that. :rolleyes1

One week from right now the early diners will be settled in and we will still be on deck having waved to the greeters on the point and watcher the Space Shuttle Endeavour fade off into the distance as she awaits her final launch. :hourglass

[MPS516]

Hope all of our Southern Cruisers fared well through the storms yesterday, here we had snow overnight but it should be gone later today. Do we need a cruise or what :yay: Headed to DD's school today to take her shopping for last minute items for Thursday - yep only a few more days ! :thumbsup2

[Nebraska Traveler]

Hi Everyone! It's frigid in NE this morning so we are looking forward to FL next week. We are finishing up FE's and starting to pack:yay: See you on board!

[MPS516]

4 DAYS ! :dance3:

It's been mid 80s every day, maybe we can catch some of that :cool1:

[TiffLB]

Having a blast here in Orlando this week! We did Epcot, Universal & Magic Kingdom - beautiful weather & now cruise time is almost here!!! Tomorrow's a day to relax after all our theme-parkin' - swimming, relaxing at our rental house & getting ready to board the Dream! Woo hoo!! :cool1:

[mdurette]

I'm finishing my packing now....will arrive tomorrow for 1 night in the world before the cruise.
I told my 5YO our plans on Sunday - she is so excited that she even went to bed early tonight so tomorrow will come faster!
I just can't wait to get warm sunshine on my face!!!!!

[mummy lee]

We are having a fab time in Orlando too, only done a couple of parks so far as my youngest had to go to hospital. We discovered how much better medical care is over here and now she is well ready for our cruise tomorrow x

[MPS516]

really Nice Ship. :worship:

Fun to be in Nassau next to Carnival and dwarf them for a change. Funny how almost all of their guests got off and most of Disney stayed on the Dream.

Aquaduck was a blast, hope they can work the line down from 45 minutes to closer to 15.

[Nebraska Traveler]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for participating in the FE exchange. A huge thanks to Deb T. for organizing. It was a great family event from putting together gifts prior to the cruise to delivering each day. My kids had so much fun. Now it's back to reality until I can figure out when we can cruise again:goodvibes

[TiffLB]

Wow! We all had an amazing cruise - so very much fun!! Thank's so much to Deb T. for organizing the FE exchange - it was definitely a highlight of the trip - especially for the kids. What wonderfully creative gifts we received - thanks so much to everyone! The kids had a blast delivering all of our gifts and seeing everyone's cool Fish Extenders :yay:

We just loved the ship - we did so many fun things, but there was so much we didn't get a chance to do - we'll have to find a way to cruise again!

I have to say our favorite day was Castaway Cay - what a beautiful and well run little piece of paradise! I just have to find a way back there!

Thanks everyone for all of your advice & ideas - the Dis boards had a big part in making our cruise amazing! :cheer2:

[mummy lee]

We had a fantastic time and loved taking part in the fish extenders for the first time. We definately want to go back on the dream again. Only a few days left before we head back to England :-( and incase you were wondering I didn't swim with the rays I stood and watched from the beach !!!!! X

[Mouseskis]

Hello Dis Friends - I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get on here to post a thank you to all who participated in the FE Exchange. The cruise was amazing don't you think? None of us wanted to disembark!

Special thanks to DebT for organizing the FE exchange. We were amazed at everyones' generosity. Mdurette - I have to tell you how much our family enjoyed the scavenger hunt. What a neat idea. I hope you don't mind if I steal it for a future cruise. :)

Hope to sail with you again some day!

Mouseskis