December 24, 2011 Celebrating a Magical 6-Night Caribbean Christmas Cruise

[chernabogfamily]

Hello All,

I can't believe I'm starting this cruise meet thread off, but here goes.

We are so excited to be joining Mickey and the Gang for all the Christmas festivities. :santa::santa:We can't wait to experience the holidays at sea! :santa::santa:
We are DH (42), DW (39), DS (11 at cruise time), and DD (8 at cruise time).

Who else is joining us???
:sail:

[IrishCowboy]

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

[brantleysmom]

:yay: My son (12 turning 13 on the cruise) and I (mom 40's) will be joining you on this 6 day Christmas cruise :santa: ! SO excited! We JUST did a bahamian cruise on the Wonder and immediately :thumbsup2 booked the Magic for 2011.

Would love to hear from you and others joining us! Just to chat about experiences, etc! :woohoo:

Sharon (brantleysmom)

[brantleysmom]

Just noticed that you were in Missouri, too! "It's a small small world"!

[chernabogfamily]

Just noticed that you were in Missouri, too! "It's a small small world"!

:yay:I guess us Missourians want to escape the midwestern winter and go TROPICAL!!:yay:

Are you near St Louis or KC? Or right in the middle?

[chernabogfamily]

[QUOTE=brantleysmom;37379809We JUST did a bahamian cruise on the Wonder and immediately :thumbsup2 booked the Magic for 2011.
[/QUOTE]

We just went on our first cruise also. We did the 5-night Key West cruise on the Wonder at the beginning of June.:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes
It was fantastic, and we booked while on board as well.
My kids proclaimed that they never want to do any other kind of vacation...they said they even liked it better than experiencing the rides at the parks?!?!

Which cruise were you on?

[chernabogfamily]

I suppose it's never too early to start a Roll Call for this cruise. The Christmas Cruisers are:

1. Chernabog Family- DH, DW-Kellie (me), DS (11), and DD (7)
2. BrantleysMom- Sharon, DS (12 turning 13)

[brantleysmom]

Hi Kellie!

We are about 6 hours from St. Louis and 4 from KC. And you?

We were on the Wonder also! We went to Nassau and Castaway at the end of May, so right before you!

We had Henry and Kerry as servers... you didn't happen to have them, too, did you?? :cutie:

We had a GREAT time! We played with the stingrays and the sea lions. It was amazing!

On this next cruise, you will also go to the keys again, right?? What did you do there before? What should we not miss?

Brantley (DS) really enjoyed the cruising as well! We were so busy every minute!

Do you have a facebook page? I check that more often than I check in here, sorry I was so late to reply. I'll try to remember to check more often!

(triple w.facebook.com/brantleysmom if you do fb.... trying to "trick" this system because it won't let me post a link :rolleyes1 )


Sharon

[HFC1969]

Hello...

Just being nosey....

From MO also..:thumbsup2

We are annual :santa:pirate:

This seems to be a short :santa:pirate: for some reason :confused3

This is the cruise we are are considering for :santa: 2011.

[brantleysmom]

Hi Amy!

So do you think you will choose this cruise?

What led you to be annual Christmas cruisers? Just curious!

I'm pretty sure that this one is shorter because the NEXT one got the extra day due to the way the two holidays lined up in the week. I'm ok with it though..... I'm thinking 6 days will be enough..... we are NOT seasoned cruisers, yet anyways!:love:

Would love to hear more when you have time!

Sharon

[brantleysmom]

Amy,

I just clicked on your Vika link! HOW wonderful!! Looks like you all are so blessed to have a new little one in your house and family!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Sharon

[HFC1969]

Thanks for the congrats on our daughter :worship:

We started going on the :santa:pirate: 6 years ago... Decided that each :santa: was much more memorable if it was just us.. instead of running place to place on Christmas day.. We thought of it as making memories with just our family. :hug: My folks went the first year (were avid cruisers) They loved it.. we have booked ever since. Currently we are on count down for the 11 day Southern :santa:pirate:

This will be our daughters first :santa: home with us.. and her first :santa:pirate: ofcourse.. Praying for a perfect time. :thumbsup2

As of now this is the one we are going to book once on board the Magic for :santa: 2011. The decorations on the :santa:pirate: are AWESOME It is so nice to wake up in the Carribean on :santa: instead of STL.. :lmao:

If you were to ask our 10yo DS what is his favorite vaca he would say :santa:pirate:

Mike aka Dr. Amy's DH.. ;)

[chernabogfamily]

Welcome aboard Amy!

Well, it looks like us Missourians are going to take over the ship on this cruise. :laughing:

We've always wanted to see Disney at Christmastime, and thought this would be the least crowded way to do it. Plus, we fell in love with cruising!

[jitsb]

Hi everyone! I decided to go looking for this thread, as I believe this is the cruise we are considering taking next year, and wanted to see who would be aboard!

Oddly enough, given the current discussion, we will be living just outside KC at the time of this cruise! :rotfl2:

My husband will be taking a year-long course for all of 2011, with very little vacation time allowed. So we thought, once he was finished on the 18th of December, we should treat ourselves to a Disney Christmas cruise!

Our first DCL was in May of 2009 in the Western Caribbean and in 17 days we leave on our 11-night Mediterranean Cruise!! :woohoo: I'm thinking this is when we'd like to book the Christmas cruise. Any advice for me?

[HFC1969]

Any advice for me?

Do it... Cruising at Christmas is truly Magical! :thumbsup2

[brantleysmom]

Oh I'm SO excited that we are all :santa:pirate: from Missouri!! That's so much fun!

I can't wait to hear about your cruises in the meantime! Please post about your fun experiences :wizard: and adventures! :yay:




Sharon and Brantley

[jitsb]

It's official! We're booked on the December 24th Magic cruise, stateroom 6558!! :santa: :love:

If you are interested, I have my trip report from our most recent cruise: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2536667 I'll be adding photos over the next few days. :goodvibes

By the time it gets here, we will be me (34) DH (35) DS (8) DS (5 1/2) Hope we get more people signed on and in the thread! I'd love to plan some fun activities! :grouphug:

[HFC1969]

It's official! We're booked on the December 24th Magic cruise, stateroom 6558!! :santa: :love:

Congrats... we wont be able to book until we are on the DCL for this :santa:

If you are interested, I have my trip report from our most recent cruise: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2536667 I'll be adding photos over the next few days. :goodvibes

Will defiantely take a peak at that this week. :surfweb:

By the time it gets here, we will be me (34) DH (35) DS (8) DS (5 1/2) Hope we get more people signed on and in the thread! I'd love to plan some fun activities! :grouphug:

Oh my... just thought my princess: will be 5 then.. :scared1:

:thumbsup2

[brantleysmom]

Great to meet you Sarah (and family!) We are certainly up for FUN activities with you!! We'll keep checking back ! LOVED reading about your awesome Med cruise! Thanks for giving the link!

Sharon

[chernabogfamily]

Plans changed for us for the holidays, so we had to switch our cruise. Bummed I won't meet all the other Missouri folks, but there's always another cruise. Happy Sailings!

[dvc4life]

Hello. I'm excited to say that we will be joining all of you on this very exciting Christmas Cruise in 2011. We love to cruise. We booked this cruise while we were on the SSMC2010 in September and can't wait.

I would liketo introduce our family it will be me, DH, DD1 and DD2. The girls will be 18 and 15 and me and DH are a little older than them ;).

I see so far that many of you are from Missouri, well, we are just a state away from you up north and are from Iowa. So it looks like we all can't wait to get out of the cold for Christmas time.

Can't wait to get to know everyone (as we have a long time to go).

Have a great day! :flower3:

[tinkerbell_29]

Hi everyone! We just booked this cruise yesterday and are looking forward to it. This will be our 2nd Christmas cruise. We loved the first one and can not wait to repeat the experience. Traveling will be me, my mom and my brother all adults and if things go the way I hope they do I will be bringing along an extra passenger.
Melissa

[HFC1969]

Hi everyone! We just booked this cruise yesterday and are looking forward to it. This will be our 2nd Christmas cruise. We loved the first one and can not wait to repeat the experience. Traveling will be me, my mom and my brother all adults and if things go the way I hope they do I will be bringing along an extra passenger.
Melissa


Welcome aboard...

We leave for our 2010 Christmas Cruise in 2 weeks from today.. :banana: Again this is the cruise we will be booking while on board... Can't wait.. Merry Christmas..

[HFC1969]

Just had a super Christmas on the Magic...

They have 11 months to recover from The Frids invading them for 11 days.. :flower3:

Service was a bit sketchy on the dining side. Was told they took 30% from each boat to get the Dream up and running... :eek:

Oh well... we are booked... 8540 is our room.. stop by and see us..:thumbsup2

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

[jitsb]

Hello again everyone! Missed you all! :hug:

We're just starting to recover from our trans-atlantic move... and it was *not* about a DCL boat, as I'd originally hoped because they went and made us move in December. :sad2: So stressful!!

Anyways, with a sorry excuse for Christmas behind us, we are SO looking forward to this year's MAGICal holiday!! :santa:

I know I have the trip papers here somewheres... if I can just figure out what box it's in... :idea:

Service was a bit sketchy on the dining side. Was told they took 30% from each boat to get the Dream up and running
That's really interesting! I know one of our favorite servers was leaving for the Dream but hope there will be some decent recommendations for who to request by the time we get there in December! :upsidedow

Looking forward to hearing some fun ideas of ways to make the holiday special onboard!

[HFC1969]

Did anyone get any snow yesterday??

We got about a foot. :scared1:

Haven't had that much snow in awhile. Passed down the rights to the tractor to DS 11.. We had to plow Gma's driveway and ours.

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr314/hfc1969/justintractor.jpg

[tinkerbell_29]

hi everyone! After spending Christmas and NYE at WDW we are so looking forward to this cruise. While we had a great time it was unbelievable crowded and we had a few problems exiting the park NYE. We decided to add thew 8 night NY cruise on to our trip. I'm excited to get to spend 14 straight nights on the Magic.

We got a years worth of snow in a matter of 3 days. Everything was shut down due to not being able to clear most of the roads. I'm ready for summer.

Melissa

[HFC1969]

hi everyone! After spending Christmas and NYE at WDW we are so looking forward to this cruise.

Melissa

This is our 7th Christmas Cruise... it is so much nicer than WDW at :santa:

We always go to WDW before the cruise and it reminds us why at :santa: we cruise instead.. :thumbsup2

NYE is also great on pirate:,, last year we were off the coast of Miami watching about a half dozen sets of fireworks.. including our on on the Magic. :thumbsup2

18 days til we get to leave the snow in STL for hopefully the warmth at WDW.

Glad to get to know you and your family..

[KaryCam]

I am considering booking this cruise. It will be our first cruise.
DH is just not sure it is worth the money.
We've never taken a big vacation before.
Every year we go to the Smoky mountains and stay with his parents. Two years ago we got Florida Resident Seasonal tickets and went to Disney World a few times in a year.
That's it.

DH just doesn't know what the big deal is about. (he really doesn't care about traveling)
He doesn't know if he might get seasick, wonders if there will be enough to do or something that will interest him, the ship will be too crowded, etc, etc. Lots of excuses.

On the other side of the coin is DS11 and I who would love to go.
Wish me luck.
Next week I'll go by AAA to see if there are any specials going on right now. Do you think it's better to book through AAA or DCL website?
Thanks

[HFC1969]

I am considering booking this cruise. It will be our first cruise.
DH is just not sure it is worth the money.
We've never taken a big vacation before.
Every year we go to the Smoky mountains and stay with his parents. Two years ago we got Florida Resident Seasonal tickets and went to Disney World a few times in a year.
That's it.

DH just doesn't know what the big deal is about. (he really doesn't care about traveling)
He doesn't know if he might get seasick, wonders if there will be enough to do or something that will interest him, the ship will be too crowded, etc, etc. Lots of excuses.

On the other side of the coin is DS11 and I who would love to go.
Wish me luck.
Next week I'll go by AAA to see if there are any specials going on right now. Do you think it's better to book through AAA or DCL website?
Thanks

I will take a shot an giving you our opinion on the questions you asked. :surfweb:

This will be our 10th DCL and 7th :santa:pirate:..:scared1: wow..

It will be our first cruise. Awesome its your first DCL ,, you will be spoiled! However,, its your first cruise... people can become seasick... we had 20' seas last month at Christmas... it serperated the men from boys.. :sick:

Another misconception by alot of first time cruisers.. Its not cold in the Bahammas in DEC.. Each pirate::santa: I am surprised at how many people think it will be 90 air temp and 80 water temp at CC... Its not.. Our day on CC was about 65 with water temp close to that. Not many people swimming.

DH is just not sure it is worth the money. The Chirstmas or special cruises are ussually the most expensive.

We've never taken a big vacation before. Its only a six day cruise... but again.. ITS A SIX DAY DCL... There are so many activities you can become heavily involved in. Example.. we pack pirate costumes for the entire family (im the DH and have a blast) which takes up a suitcase in itself. FE's are another story.. on the the 2010 :santa:pirate: we had 72 participants.. it was awesome. Don't forget each stop you can or can not book an excursion.. The prices of excursions are not included, niether is alcohol.. but thats another story. :upsidedow

DH just doesn't know what the big deal is about. (he really doesn't care about traveling) Sounds like an uphill battle.. But hands down ask any of our family members from me the DH (41) to our DD (4) its the best vacation and favorite. Hands down. :wizard:

Next week I'll go by AAA to see if there are any specials going on right now. Do you think it's better to book through AAA or DCL website? Sadly the only place to recieve discounts is on a DCL. They offer 10% discount on future bookings. There are price cuts sometimes when DCL tries to fill a cruise.

Again its our favorite vacation each year.. We love it better then the parks and we go to the parks 5 or so times a year.. When the parks are full its a pain!! The ship is built to operate full.

Hope that helps.. sorry for typos... iphone keyboards are small

[jitsb]

HFC1969: Please share details! With so many :santa: cruises under your belt, I bet you've got some great ideas for an awesome trip. Love to hear them so I can start planning! popcorn::

Sounds like Mike has given you some great advice, KaryCam and he's far more experienced that I am. ;) This will be our 3rd DCL trip in 3 years...yes, we have come to love it that much! My DH was also never interested in cruising and I got him to agree to our 1st one as we'd been so long without a vacation together. I'll go ahead and share some of our experiences and see if that helps you out any! :)

I am considering booking this cruise. It will be our first cruise. DH is just not sure it is worth the money. We've never taken a big vacation before.

Cruising is expensive; there's really no way around it. I try to be honest with people who ask, it's going to cost you and DCL is one of the most expensive -- BUT, it's worth it!! :cool2: I really mean that -- it's a big upfront cost, but you get so much in return, lots to do, good food and outstanding service. I would say if you're going to "try" cruising, this is the place to do it. The Magic is an awesome ship (I have no interest in the bigger boats) and you'll be experiencing the cream of the crop to help you decide if you like cruising.

Just to share, we convinced some friends of ours, while living in Europe, to take an 11 night Med cruise on the Magic, and the husband is...shall we say, thrifty? :rolleyes1 He was so impressed with DCL, he actually did a rough estimate of what it would have cost the 4 of them to go to all those places seperately, including airfare, hotels, food entertainment, and he concluded it was a bargain!! He went back to work and spend hours telling everyone what an amazingly good deal it was and recommending it... they were so shocked! :lmao:

DH just doesn't know what the big deal is about. (he really doesn't care about traveling) He doesn't know if he might get seasick, wonders if there will be enough to do or something that will interest him, the ship will be too crowded, etc, etc.

I've heard that the holiday cruises are some of the fullest, but I've never felt crowded on the Magic; especially on port days! If your DH isn't particularly interested in Nassau, Bahamas (or anywhere else) hanging out on the boat that day is awesome! No one's around and you practically have the ship to yourself! :banana: My biggest problem on DCL is finding the time to do ALL that I want, not being bored!

My DH literally *hates* beaches. He has a whole rant about them and why he dislikes them... but he LOVED Castaway Cay! He's actually looking forward to going back on this trip. It may indeed be a tough sell for you if your DH doesn't like traveling, but if you do book it, at least it will be truly memorable and you'll know for sure how you feel about cruising.

There were 20' swells in Europe this last year, and there were times when my stomach was a little off... but I've never gotten sick on the Magic -- she's a well-built boat! And I'm someone who gets both car sick and air sick. :sick:

Ok, so that's all I have to share. Let us know if there's anything else that'll help get you on the boat. The more the merrier! :santa:

[CanyonRider]

Hi Shipmates! We did our 1st ever cruise - on Magic over New Years. DH-46, DW-47, DD-16, DD-13. All we can say is WOW! We had such a great time, we booked this one for Xmas while we were onboard. Can't believe we have to wait almost a whole year . . . see you then!

[TimmyTown]

Greetings all! We are thrilled to report that we'll be on the 6-night Holiday Cruise this December. It will be me (Tim), my wife & son, my mom, sister and niece. This will be the 4th DCL cruise (just got off Eastern Caribbean cruise on 1/22) for me, DW and DS. My mom will be on her 2nd DCL cruise and my sister & niece are rookies to DCL. We're thrilled to have all of the family together on a Christmas cruise.

We're looking forward to Fish Extenders, meets, and lots and lots of fun! See y'all (yes, we're from the south) onboard!:yay:

[TimmyTown]

??

[HFC1969]

Welcome to all the new cruisers!! :thumbsup2

Here is my family...:worship:

DW Amy & DD Vika
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr314/hfc1969/mamavikapool.jpg

Yours truly Mike & DD Vika
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr314/hfc1969/pappavikagoofy.jpg

DS Justin
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr314/hfc1969/justinstitch.jpg

[Bursley2010]

Hi Everyone! Just found this thread, and so glad I did! :)

We will be joining you all for this magical 6-day cruise through the holiday to paradise and can't wait! All in all will be: Me, DH, DM, DD, DMiL, DFiL, DSiL. All of us are from the land of the north (Michigan) with the exception of DSiL who will be joining us from Cali. My parents and I have done one DCL before on the Wonder, but everyone else has not yet experienced the magic of a Disney vacation! :)

We will be taking this cruise through Christmas and then spending a few days at the parks afterwards. I am a HUGE Disney nut, been to the parks many many times, but have not yet had the opportunity to actually go to the parks with my DH yet (we were just married in April 2010), so we are very excited for our big holiday trip!

Can't wait to meet you all! :) I've read so much about the FE idea and this it looks adorable!

[HFC1969]

Hi Everyone! Can't wait to meet you all! :) I've read so much about the FE idea and this it looks adorable!

Ahoy! and welcome aboard...:thumbsup2

[dvc4life]

Hi All! Thought I would hop on since I haven't been here since like September. Excited to see so many more joining in. We are a family of 4, me, DH, DD1 (18) and DD2 (15), who will be cruising on this Christmas cruise. This will be our 7th DCL cruise. But our first Christmas Cruise.

We will be staying at BLT from Dec 22-24. Then cruise. Then we will be going back to SSR from Dec 30-Jan 1. We have never been to WDW during the actual Christmas season and can't wait to see the decorations. We have been down during the first two weeks of November and not everything is up yet so this will be a first for us and are so excited. :banana:

[tinkerbell_29]

CanyonRider what did they do special for new years eve on the magic? We are going to do both the Christmas cruise and the new years cruise and are hoping they do at least fireworks for NYE.

Melissa

[CanyonRider]

CanyonRider what did they do special for new years eve on the magic? We are going to do both the Christmas cruise and the new years cruise and are hoping they do at least fireworks for NYE.

Melissa

It was our 1st Disney Cruise, so we don't have anything to compare, but yes there is a big NYE party on deck with live music, characters, fireworks, buffet, etc. We were told they normally do the fireworks for the Pirate deck party (the night before), but on the NYE cruise they save them for NYE. Our favorite feature of the NYE cruise is 2 days at Castaway Cay. Enjoy!

[Bursley2010]

We have never been to WDW during the actual Christmas season and can't wait to see the decorations. We have been down during the first two weeks of November and not everything is up yet so this will be a first for us and are so excited. :banana:

We haven't either, and we will also be headed to the parks from Dec 30-Jan 2nd! So excited for not only the boat's holiday celebrations, but also to see the Osborne lights and all the NYE festivities in the parks! :cool1:

[Bursley2010]

Ahoy! and welcome aboard...:thumbsup2

Many thanks! I'll be spending a lot of time thinking and reading on the boards about the cruise over the next 24-48 hours while what many in MI have nicknamed "the snowpocolypse" hits ;)

[charliez]

Hi gang -- we'll be along as well. This will be our third cruise, and this time we're bringing another family along for their first time. Our first two cruises were at Easter, so it's time to try another holiday. We're hoping the Magic will be all decked out and are looking forward to a very merry Christmas!

The Missourians will be losing their lock on things, as we're all from Illinois and I'm originally from Iowa, but let's hear it for the Midwest! (And how about that weather today?? Say 'SNOW DAY'!!)

More later, but for now you can count us in -- me, DW, DD16 and DD14.

[Bursley2010]

The Missourians will be losing their lock on things, as we're all from Illinois and I'm originally from Iowa, but let's hear it for the Midwest! (And how about that weather today?? Say 'SNOW DAY'!!)


Snow day for sure! Both DH and I are teachers up in the metro-Detroit area and we are enjoying a nice day cozy in the house while the snow is a-blowin' something fierce outside. Quite the blustery day! I'm all set up for a mock Disney cruise day, complete with computer to read/watch video/pictures, some cookie dough to bake cookies (like the ones on the ship!), and a few fixin's for fruity adult beverages. :smickey: Picturing ourselves in the :sunny: while we are buried in snow!

Speaking of, I've been doing a little "vacationing", looking at information online this morning-- any ideas if this sailing might have character dining, Palo brunch, or Palo high tea? Everything I can find online says "longer cruises", but I'm not sure if our 6 night cruise qualifies as longer or not?

Hope you all have a magical day and stay warm!

[HFC1969]

Hi gang -- We're hoping the Magic will be all decked out.

Ahoy!!

The Disney will be completely decked out in Christmas... :santa: and the Christmas music plays...

[KaryCam]

I am excited to announce that the Muncy family from Florida has booked their first cruise and will be joining you all for the Christmas cruise.

Thanks to those for their advise last week and especially all the wonderful information there is on this message board.

DS knows nothing about the cruise and it is my hope to keep it a secret until at least December 1st. Don't know how I will do it, I am already busting at the seams with happiness. Oh, DS will be 12 when we travel.

I am looking forward to making signs for the door & a FE. This is going to be so much fun!!

[Bursley2010]

I am excited to announce that the Muncy family from Florida has booked their first cruise and will be joining you all for the Christmas cruise.

Thanks to those for their advise last week and especially all the wonderful information there is on this message board.

DS knows nothing about the cruise and it is my hope to keep it a secret until at least December 1st. Don't know how I will do it, I am already busting at the seams with happiness. Oh, DS will be 12 when we travel.

I am looking forward to making signs for the door & a FE. This is going to be so much fun!!

Glad you'll be joining us! :santa: I'm also looking forward to making magnets and doing a FE. Looking forward to my Avery magnetic paper coming in soon!

[HFC1969]

DS knows nothing about the cruise and it is my hope to keep it a secret until at least December 1st. Don't know how I will do it, I am already busting at the seams with happiness. Oh, DS will be 12 when we travel.

Ahoy! Welcome aboard..

We suprised our children 3 years in a row for the Christmas Cruise.... :lmao:


If and when you do tell your DS... I can have our son who will be 12 at sailing email him. Having penpals before the cruise lets them have friends on board.

:thumbsup2

[tinkerbell_29]

KaryCam glad you are joining us. Our second cruise was a Christmas cruiseon the magic and we loved. Beware there is one problem with cruising though. It becomes highly addictive.

Is it spring yet? I'm sick of the ice and snow.

Melissa

[KaryCam]

KaryCam glad you are joining us. Our second cruise was a Christmas cruiseon the magic and we loved. Beware there is one problem with cruising though. It becomes highly addictive.

Is it spring yet? I'm sick of the ice and snow.

Melissa

I hope so, it took all I had to talk DH into taking this cruise. I hope he loves it.

I think the final thing that did it was "threatening" that if we didn't take it, then we WERE going to TN for Christmas and the snow. (DS has never seen it)
That Florida guy wanted nothing to do with snow.

[Elfinjojo]

Well hello all, we are also joining you for the christmas cruise this year(our first christmas cruise) and then B2B on the ship for the NYE cruise too(our second NYE cruise) and we can't wait. - 2 different itineries - yay!! We are hoping that our favourite servers will be on board the Magic - Mikey and Okim we cruised with them for 20 nights round the med summer 2010 and they were fab! Ivo the head server was alkso great but he is now on the Dream working his little socks off!(we saw him during th MV 2 weeks back!)

Cast memebers
Me- ElfinJojo - JoJo for short (DW)
Rob - DH and payrole to all our cruises:rotfl2:
Holly - DD aged 10 at cruising time
Evan - DS - aged 7 at cruising time

neither kids know they are cruising for Christmas - they think its just going to be NY. This will be the first time that any of us have spent christmas day away from home. We fly in from the UK on the 23rd to meet the ship on Christmas eve - how exciting:banana:

Look forward to chatting to you all

[tinkerbell_29]

Welcome JoJo! We are also doing a B2B. For us this will be our 2nd Christmas cruise but our first NYE cruise we are usually in the parks for that .

Melissa

[Bursley2010]

Welcome JoJo! We are also doing a B2B. For us this will be our 2nd Christmas cruise but our first NYE cruise we are usually in the parks for that .

Melissa

Any tips for doing the parks for NYE? This will be our first time doing the parks for the holidays and are very excited but a little intimidated- I've read the crowds can be huge!

[dvc4life]

Hi. Haven't posted for a while so thought I would pop in and say "HI".

Congrats to those doing B2B cruises for Christmas and New Years. How exciting. We will be going back to SSR after the cruise.

Have a great day! :flower3:

[tinkerbell_29]

Any tips for doing the parks for NYE? This will be our first time doing the parks for the holidays and are very excited but a little intimidated- I've read the crowds can be huge!

The crowds are huge and the parks do close but it is still a lot of fun. Our favorite park for NYE is MK. What ever park you go to you are going to want to be there by 9am no later and plan on staying the whole day. Last year the MK closed by 9:30 with Epcot not to far behind that. Use Disney transportation that day. Getting out of the parking lots can be a nightmare and the exits are done differently which has you driving around the world to get back to your hotel. After the fireworks wait an hour before leaving. This gives time for the first main rush to be cleared through the park exit and mostly through transportation. If you are at the MK you want to be in the back lot area for the fireworks. The area is a parking lot behind main street that they open up and set up benches and tables. Get there early like @ 8 8:30 to get a spot. Most of all just enjoy the experience and don't worry about whether or not you got to ride something.

Melissa

[HFC1969]

Just returned from WDW...:thumbsup2

We got to attend Toon Town's last day. :sad1:


Vika had a great time.. We are getting to the point where Justin is going to need to bring a friend along... tween boyz! :scared1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmy9EgMI3oM

[KaryCam]

so cute Mike, thanks for sharing.

We had a Florida resident annual pass last year, but didn't renew it. We live 2 hours away from there.
Will have to wait until Christmas to get my "fix."
Looking forward to meeting you all and getting our boys together.

[HFC1969]

so cute Mike, thanks for sharing.

We had a Florida resident annual pass last year, but didn't renew it. We live 2 hours away from there.


Thanks for the kind words...

We love WDW... :3dglasses Each time we are there we discover something new.

Amy & I always talk about picking up and moving to FLA... but wonder if it would loose the :wizard: of WDW.. Having AP sure makes budeting a lot less :scared1: when looking at the $$$. Trying to plan an adult trip... but leaving the kids at home might be :rolleyes1

[Bursley2010]

Amy & I always talk about picking up and moving to FLA... but wonder if it would loose the :wizard: of WDW.. Having AP sure makes budeting a lot less :scared1: when looking at the $$$.

Dan and I talk about the same thing, but we are in no position to do it any time soon.... maybe one day though. It should would be nice to at least own property down there so we could visit more often.

[Bursley2010]

The crowds are huge and the parks do close but it is still a lot of fun. Our favorite park for NYE is MK. What ever park you go to you are going to want to be there by 9am no later and plan on staying the whole day. Last year the MK closed by 9:30 with Epcot not to far behind that. Use Disney transportation that day. Getting out of the parking lots can be a nightmare and the exits are done differently which has you driving around the world to get back to your hotel. After the fireworks wait an hour before leaving. This gives time for the first main rush to be cleared through the park exit and mostly through transportation. If you are at the MK you want to be in the back lot area for the fireworks. The area is a parking lot behind main street that they open up and set up benches and tables. Get there early like @ 8 8:30 to get a spot. Most of all just enjoy the experience and don't worry about whether or not you got to ride something.



Thanks for your tips! :thumbsup2 We'll definitely be using the busses- we're staying at Pop Century and won't have a car. I'll definitely have to remember to wait after the fireworks... for some reason, we always end up with the crowds leaving the parks even though I always make a point trying to remember to take our time.

[tinkerbell_29]

Your welcome. NYE at WDW is really fun but I am really looking forward to being away from the crowds this year. I have to use a wheelchair at the parks and being used as a seat while exiting or being yelled at because they got hit when they stepped in front of me makes a great evening into not so great of one.

We were looking at the excursions for this cruise and I think the only thing we are going to do is the cabanas at castaway cay. This will be the first cruise where we actual don't do excursions. Is anybody else planning on doing the ports on their own?
Melissa

[Bursley2010]

We are planning on definitely doing Key West on our own, and possibly Cozumel. My concern with Cozumel is running the risk of missing something or not having insurance, as I've heard it is better to be on the safe side in that port. Anyone have any suggestions or experiences?

[HFC1969]

Calgon take me away!!!

Saturday morning... and all 4 Frids are sick! Im guessing its the latest virus making its round through school or Dr. Amy got it at her office...:sick:

Last year today Amy & I were returning from court in Moscow.. Vika was offically ours. :hug: See the link below: :upsidedow

Fortuantely for us we have been on this interary several times.. Key West is a great town to leave the kids on the ship and have some adult time. :rolleyes1 Yes we have done that and feel perfectly safe doing that in an AMERICAN port of call.

Cozumel is a bit risky not scheduling with Disney. For us we have only been late getting in once.. but have heard stories of not getting in at all. :confused3

[tinkerbell_29]

The last time we cruised at Christmas we did Cozumel on our own. My mom did some shopping in the area at the end of the port and I went with a dis group to swim with dolphins which we booked online separate from Disney. I'm not sure what we will do this time as none of the excursions appeal to us. We may just get off and stay right there around the ship.
Melissa

[Bursley2010]

C

Last year today Amy & I were returning from court in Moscow.. Vika was offically ours. :hug: See the link below: :upsidedow


What a momentous occasion! :) That's wonderful! :yay:

We are not sure what we will be doing yet in Cozumel yet, either.... If we do anything though, I think we are going to go through Disney. With this being our first time in this port, I'm thinking better safe than sorry, especially with this being a first cruise for 3 of the 7 of us. Certainly don't want to risk anything going wrong when I'm hoping to plant the Disney seed in my other family members ;)

What is there to do around the ship? Is it enough to warrant even getting off the ship if we choose not to do an excursion but want to stay close by?

Not sure about anyone else, but being cooped up inside with the snow is starting to get to us.... we're surviving by thinking about the cruise! Looking at ports and pictures... not exactly like being there, but enough to get us by for the moment.

[KaryCam]

Not sure about anyone else, but being cooped up inside with the snow is starting to get to us.... we're surviving by thinking about the cruise! Looking at ports and pictures... not exactly like being there, but enough to get us by for the moment.

Well, I don't have the snow to worry about, but I'm going crazy just looking forward to our first cruise. Reading different posts on this message board, thinking about what material to make our FE out of, deciding what special way and when we will tell DS about the cruise, trying to lose some weight, getting the important papers together to get passports, etc, etc.

It's going to be a long..... summer.

[Bursley2010]

Well, I don't have the snow to worry about, but I'm going crazy just looking forward to our first cruise. Reading different posts on this message board, thinking about what material to make our FE out of, deciding what special way and when we will tell DS about the cruise, trying to lose some weight, getting the important papers together to get passports, etc, etc.

It's going to be a long..... summer.

One of the ways I'm looking to lose weight is completing the Couch to 5K workouts (C25K)... I definitely don't consider myself athletic, but a friend of mine turned me on to the workout and I've really enjoyed it. It's amazing how much you can build your endurance and your muscle tone just by getting up and doing the little bit of running they have you starting out on. I've even been taking it at a slower pace and have noticed results. Hoping to continue running so I can enjoy a run on the promenade deck as the sun rises while we are on the ship :) (Also planning to reward myself by running the Royal Family 5K at Disney World next year!)

[HFC1969]

Happy Mardi Gras!!!

STL is a huge Mardi Gras town.. :3dglasses

293 days til :santa:pirate:

Enjoy your weekend!!

[HFC1969]

Snowing today in STL..:scared1:

70 degrees on Thursday... :banana:

Celebrated Gotcha Day Saturday.. :hug:

283 days tils pirate::santa:

[jitsb]

Hey everyone!

Happy to see some new faces. Can't believe it's been so long since I was able to peruse this disboard... we've had some medical issues the last few months with the DH, and now we're all sick with a nasty bug, so it's not been a good time at the Barnes' house! :sick:

Needless to say, that makes us look forward to our trip even more! I think I'm going to go crazy making stocking-themed FE stuff this summer...not to mention the door art! :woohoo: But have to manage to find a way to hide it from the DS's... they don't know about it! And we're going to try to convince them we're taking a family trip to Wisconsin instead. :lmao:

Don't remember who posted it, but my 2 DS's will be just turned 8 and almost 6 by cruise time! Hope to find them some buddies for the Lab. :thumbsup2

We are actually planning to head down to Orlando on the 22nd and stay at the Port Orleans hotel for 2 nights before the cruise. It's also our first time at the parks during Christmas, but we're super excited! Not planning on doing too much, just taking it all in. There are several people who are trying to freak us out with doom and gloom stories, but all I say to them is "SCROOGE!" I refuse to believe this trip is going to be anything other than FABulous! :santa:

Our previous Caribbean cruise diverted from Cozumel due to the swine flu. :sad1: So we're definitely doing an excursion... just haven't decided WHAT yet! Possibly the dolphin experience, seeing as my youngest LOVES sea animals. :dance3:

Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

[tinkerbell_29]

jitsb I did the dolphin experience last time we were in Cozumel and it was amazing. Pricey but definitely worth it.

We've talked about excursions and have decided that since I more than likely am going to be @ 22 weeks pregnant we are not going to do any. I have no way of knowing how I'm going to feel and if I feel like doing nothing that day I would hate to have wasted the money. We do plan on getting a cabana for CC though.

Melissa

[HFC1969]

since I more than likely am going to be @ 22weeks pregnant we are not going to do any.


We do plan on getting a cabana for CC though.

Melissa

Wow thats some good planning.. We never could get that right.. :upsidedow


Also... this past :santa:pirate: the cabannas should have had heaters in them.. :laughing: It was cold on CC.. We still loved every minute of the 11 day :santa:pirate: in 2010...

[KaryCam]

Today is March 24th.

9 months from today we will be stepping onto the ship for our cruise. Can hardly wait.

The weather is great here in SW Florida right now but summer with it's heat and humidity is right around the corner.

We're thinking about getting the special Florida resident "Wild 4 Disney Pass" they are offering right now. 4 days for $119.
Need that boost to get me through until Christmas.

[Elfinjojo]

Those 9 months will pass so fast but I too am looking for some Disney fun to pass the time - Oh yeah , I have Alaska on the Wonder in August, but really I need something a little sooner

Maybe a trip to my local Disney park is in order(Disneyland Paris) Its just a short hop across the channel Or should I say under the channel if I go by train(eurostar)- (approx 35mins to go under the channel), kids under 12 can currently go free - so its worth a thought! Hmmmmm......:cool1:

[HFC1969]

266 days til :santa:pirate:

So in need of a trip to WDW...

Hope everyone is ready for Spring... We are!!

[Bursley2010]

^ Definitely ready for both spring and WDW! I'm going to be running in the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, so that's helping to tide me over in spite of the fact I am nervous about running my first 5K... looking forward to crossing the finish line and getting to the other side to see you all for a Magical Christmas! :)

[HFC1969]

255 days... til :santa:pirate:

Vika had her eye surgery this past Friday and everything came out super...:thumbsup2

Booking flights this week hopefully for July trip... This could get expensive. :teacher:

They are saying 34 degrees again this weekend...91 yesterday here in STL... 34?? :eek:

[tinkerbell_29]

The weather around here has been crazy lately we have been going from the 80's one day and in the 50's the next. heck with spring I'm ready for summer. Mom and I are planning an 8 night trip to WDW this summer. Looking forward to that as we have never had a girls only trip. Saw my Dr yesterday and all test have come back with good results she says I should have no problem with getting pregnant by the end of August. I sure hope it works that way.
Melissa

[KaryCam]

^ I'm going to be running in the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, so that's helping to tide me over in spite of the fact I am nervous about running my first 5K... looking forward to crossing the finish line and getting to the other side to see you all for a Magical Christmas! :)

Keep us updated on the 5K.

[KaryCam]

Vika had her eye surgery this past Friday and everything came out super...:thumbsup2


So glad Vika did well with her eye surgery. Keep us updated on her recovery.

[KaryCam]

Saw my Dr yesterday and all test have come back with good results she says I should have no problem with getting pregnant by the end of August. I sure hope it works that way.


Best wishes are being sent your way.

[keeping quiet]

Hi Everyone - I am 90% certain we will be on this cruise. We are very eager. Our breakdown is mom (me) and just turning 7 in Dec DD. We have cruised before but not during the holidays. I asked my dd if she thought Santa would be able to find us if we were on Mickey's boat again and she said, "I would rather be on the boat than here waiting for Santa." She said its been too long since she was on a cruise. What a life she leads :)

[HFC1969]

Welcome Aboard!
:welcome:

Santa Claus has found us for the last 7 years on DCL... He has GPS tracking.. ;)

Belated Happy Easter to everyone.. :flower3:

Tornado hit STL on Friday.. messed up the airport and several neighborhoods pretty bad. :headache: However, I have not heard of anyone that was killed due to storms.

241 :santa:pirate:

[Bursley2010]

A happy Easter to you all as well! Glad to hear everyone seems to be doing well (Vika and tinkerbell especially!) as we anticipate our Christmas on the sea! Unfortunate to hear about all the crazy weather hitting STL, but it's good to hear no one is heard of to be killed. Will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!

Training for the Everest Challenge has been going well. I've been using the Couch to 5K plan, and am on Week 8. Able to do about 2.75 miles in 35:00, including some time for walking. It's a great program for anyone looking get started. T-12 days until the race- very excited. Hoping I get go a little faster so I am able to run the full race, but we will see.

Hope you are all doing well!!!

[keeping quiet]

Training for the Everest Challenge has been going well. I've been using the Couch to 5K plan, and am on Week 8.


You are inspiring me! I have had that c25k on the ipod for a while now and haven't done it. You are the 3rd person I have come across who is having sucess with it and enjoying it. Time to get off the couch I guess.

[Bursley2010]

I can tell you it's been some of the best money I've spent on an app. I never EVER thought I'd be the athletic type, let alone the type who could run for 30 minutes at a time like I can now. I feel healthier, and I'm loving how I can tie in my new found appreciation for running with my longtime love of Disney! Two friends of mine and I are even considering signing up for the half-marathon in January for after the cruise... I want to see if I can make it through a 5K first though. ;)

[keeping quiet]

I did a full marathon about 10 years ago - silly me chose San Fran as my first. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?! I am eager to start this now. Thanks for the motivation. We have a 5K, half and full marathon happening at my resort this summer. I think I see my deadline on this too.

[Bursley2010]

I did a full marathon about 10 years ago - silly me chose San Fran as my first. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?! I am eager to start this now. Thanks for the motivation. We have a 5K, half and full marathon happening at my resort this summer. I think I see my deadline on this too.

Good for you! Keep us posted on how you do! :cheer2:

My sister-in-law actually did San Fran for her first half marathon a few years ago. Since then she hasn't been running as much, but she is one of my "partners in training" for potentially running the half-marathon in January. She will be on the Christmas cruise with us too, so feel free to join us running the promenade deck on the ship! ;)

[tinkerbell_29]

Hi everyone been busy busy around here. I was recently promoted to administrator so have been busy making the transition from the classroom to the office which has been very odd. So looking forward to this cruise I am in need of a vacation.
Melissa

[Bursley2010]

Hi everyone been busy busy around here. I was recently promoted to administrator so have been busy making the transition from the classroom to the office which has been very odd. So looking forward to this cruise I am in need of a vacation.
Melissa

Good luck with the transition and congratulations on your promotion! :cool1:

[HFC1969]

34 degrees this AM in STL... :scared1: *** :scared:

232 days til :santa:pirate:

Very ready to go. Headidng down in a few weeks to hit the water parks at WDW... hope its HOT :cool2:

Anyone else hoping SWA prices go down.. :rolleyes1

[Bursley2010]

Anyone else hoping SWA prices go down.. :rolleyes1

Here's hoping any prices go down... everything out from Detroit is crazy high right now! I do have a Kayak price alert going for a few possible days to fly home and it has gone down by as much as $75 in the past, but only to go back up again. We have to wait a little bit before we can buy plane tickets, so hopefully "riding the wave" will help us find a better fare too.

[KaryCam]

34 degrees this AM in STL... :scared1: *** :scared:

Very ready to go. Heading down in a few weeks to hit the water parks at WDW... hope its HOT :cool2:


Don't worry, it will be warm enough for you. Highs in the high 80's/low 90's down here right now.

I know you'll have a great time.

We're heading up to the mountains for a couple weeks this summer. We'll need some cooler weather and a change of scenery by then.

[HFC1969]

225 days til :santa:pirate:

Went to DD preschool end of the year program last night... look for videos on the blog soon...:dance3:

Won't be long and we will have a JR high school DS & a preschool DD :rolleyes1

Headed down to WDW for waterpark hopping in July... :banana:

Looking at how to squeeze in the Christmas party.. but... ugh... schedule is filling up.. :surfweb:

[KaryCam]

Won't be long and we will have a JR high school DS & a preschool DD :rolleyes1


I understand what you mean. Our DS will start middle school next fall too. Where does the time go?? His last day of school is June 6.

On a happy note, last Friday, DS came in 2nd place in the west coast Florida regional Science Fair for his grade and category. That means in 2 weeks we travel to Orlando for the state competition. The hotel where the science fair is being held is almost right across the street from Downtown Disney. :banana:
Can't go to the parks, but shopping is good.

Our summer vacation will be going to the Smoky Mountains and TN with a stop at Stone Mtn outside of Atlanta. <a change of scenery from flat Florida>

I've bought material to make a FE for our door and some Pirate material to make some vests for DH and DS for Pirate night. So I have stuff to keep me busy and happy thinking about our cruise.

[tinkerbell_29]

Our summer vacation will be going to the Smoky Mountains and TN with a stop at Stone Mtn outside of Atlanta. <a change of scenery from flat Florida>

Where in the smoky mountains are y'all going?


This transition has been harder than I thought it would be but I'm loving the new challenge. My mom and I are coming down to WDW for a few days in July. I know it will be horrible hot but am still looking forward to some time away.

Melissa

[KaryCam]

Where in the smoky mountains are y'all going?

This transition has been harder than I thought it would be but I'm loving the new challenge. My mom and I are coming down to WDW for a few days in July. I know it will be horrible hot but am still looking forward to some time away.

Melissa

My DH's annual family reunion is in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge. "Only" about 200 showed up last year. :laughing: The reunion only goes back to DH's great grandfather on his Dad's side, but he did have 15 kids!
Coincidently, DH's mom and stepdad live in Sevierville too so we spend time with them also. We really enjoy picnicing up in the Park and walking a trail, it's so relaxing listening to the river rush over the rocks. I've grown up and live right near one of the best beaches in the world with it pure white quartz sand, but I still love the mountains.

We haven't been to Ashville, but have been to Charlotte (big Nascar fans), Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.

I hope your transition gets easier and you continue to enjoy your new position. Yes, July will be hot hot, but wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen, drink lots of water, and take some breaks in the shade and you should be just fine.

[HFC1969]

Last day of preschool for DD princess:

Still another week for DS.. :cool2:

Not ready at all for school to be out... :rolleyes1

220 days til :santa:pirate:

Just had a very rainy cool weekend in STL... crazy weather this year..

[KaryCam]

7 months from today we will be starting our :santa: cruise. :cheer2:

[HFC1969]

7 months from today we will be starting our :santa: cruise. :cheer2:


yeah....:banana:


You probaly don't have to worry about it, but man the airfare prices :eek:

Looks like about 1600 per trip... that has to be hurting the tourist economy.. :headache:

[DsnyGrl32611]

My name is Courtney and I am a certified Disney nut :)

My husband and I just booked our Christmas cruise!! We are so excited and cannot wait. We have made somewhat of an annual tradition to cruise on the DCL with his high school friend and his family....best tradition ever.

We recently were married at Disney World and we have a DC coming up on the Dream in July (his 4th, my 3rd)... But I think the Christmas cruise is what we are most excited about.

This will be the first time we bring along my stepdaughter (15) so if any of you have teenagers...let's get them together!

Anything special we should know or plan for on our Christmas cruise?

[tinkerbell_29]

Welcome Courtney! Christmas cruises are amazing it is our favorite time of the year to cruise.
Melissa

[HFC1969]

My name is Courtney and I am a certified Disney nut :)

Ahoy! & HoHoHo

This is our 8th pirate::santa: The FE exchange is usually huge and over the top. :thumbsup2 The decorations are crazy awsum..


BUT I must warn you it may NOT be warm on CC... Biggest misconception we see every year on the :santa:pirate: The water is cold and the temp could be also.. Bring wet suits!!

[KaryCam]

6 months from yesterday is the beginning of our cruise.

so looking forward to it.
I need to go about and get our passports now.

Has anyone called to find out what the dining rotations are for our cruise?
I am pretty sure that Christmas day will be the formal night and from what I have read, most of the time pirate night is the day we go to Cozumel.
Anyone know for sure?
Thanks.

[tinkerbell_29]

Been looking at airfare :scared1: I am praying it goes down in September like they are saying it is going to otherwise there goes our 2 days at WDW precruise because we will have to drive.

[Bursley2010]

Amen to that... at least it has come down a little since I started looking in March, but it's still not all that cheap...

Looking forward to seeing everyone in less than 6 months!

[hiclarke]

We will also be on this cruise and can't wait! We are a family of 4: me (dw), dh and 2 DDs (10 and 6). This will be our second Disney cruise and first on the Magic. We are big Disney fans who fortunately live only 2 hours away from WDW.

Counting down the days....

[KaryCam]

We will also be on this cruise and can't wait! We are a family of 4: me (dw), dh and 2 DDs (10 and 6). This will be our second Disney cruise and first on the Magic. We are big Disney fans who fortunately live only 2 hours away from WDW.

Counting down the days....

Welcome!!
We also live about 2 hours from WDW. We're in SW Florida on the coast.
This is our first cruise and so looking forward to it!

[Bursley2010]

We will also be on this cruise and can't wait! We are a family of 4: me (dw), dh and 2 DDs (10 and 6). This will be our second Disney cruise and first on the Magic. We are big Disney fans who fortunately live only 2 hours away from WDW.

Counting down the days....

Welcome! According to my countdown, 174 days, 00 hours, 14 minutes, 35...34...33...32... seconds :)

Just booked our ADRs for WDW post cruise and getting REALLY excited... also just signed up for the WDW half-marathon (eek!)... this is turning out to be a once in a lifetime trip for us!

How's everyone else doing??? I've been checking out old Navigators and getting more and more excited... anyone else?

Thought I'd also ask too: we are looking into the jetski tour at Castaway Cay... has anyone else ever done that before? Any thoughts?

[HFC1969]

We will also be on this cruise and can't wait! We are a family of 4: me (dw), dh and 2 DDs (10 and 6). This will be our second Disney cruise and first on the Magic. We are big Disney fans who fortunately live only 2 hours away from WDW.

Counting down the days....


Ahoy! pirate::santa:

170 days til the Magic begins...

[dvc4life]

Just popping on to say that we have had to move this cruise to next year. :sad1: My DH is starting a new job next Monday and since we didn't have any travel plans made yet for this trip and we do already have plane tickets purchased for our October trip, we thought it best to move this cruise. It just wouldn't look good to ask for time off in October and then turn around and do it again in December.

So, have a very Merry Christmas Cruise everyone. :santa:

[HFC1969]

So, have a very Merry Christmas Cruise everyone. :santa:

Sad to see you go... :hug:


Merry Christmas!

169 days til :santa:pirate:

[charliez]

I have not checked on dining rotations, but my understanding is that there is no pirate night on the 6-day cruise. I hope I'm wrong, so if someone has information to the contrary please share with the rest of us!

As for airfares, we went ahead and booked tickets a week or so ago. Flying from central Illinois on Airtran, before taxes and fees were tacked on, our round trip came in about $420. (Taxes and fees added about another $50 per person.) The fare was that high mainly because we're coming back on Jan 2. (If we could come back on Jan 3, we might have saved $100 or so, but there's school starting on Jan 4, vacation days at work to consider as as well as the cost of one more night at WDW... eventually reality sets in!)

Good luck if you choose to wait... since AirTran and Southwest rarely drop prices, and tend to be lower than other airlines (at least in our market that includes Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis), we felt it was better to book as soon as they published their fares, especially since Jan 2 is going to be such a high traffic day.

[jitsb]

Ahoy! & HoHoHo

This is our 8th pirate::santa: The FE exchange is usually huge and over the top. :thumbsup2 The decorations are crazy awsum..
BUT I must warn you it may NOT be warm on CC... Biggest misconception we see every year on the :santa:pirate: The water is cold and the temp could be also.. Bring wet suits!!

Wow!! When do we start setting up FE's?? I haven't participated before, but thought this would be the ideal time to start! :thumbsup2

Can you give us a bit more info about wetsuits? :confused: My boys both have swim shirts, but it sounds like they may need something more? Do you recommend it for grown ups too? And what brand/how much are we talking here? :headache:

We will also be on this cruise and can't wait! We are a family of 4: me (dw), dh and 2 DDs (10 and 6). This will be our second Disney cruise and first on the Magic. We are big Disney fans who fortunately live only 2 hours away from WDW.

Counting down the days....

*waves* Welcome Aboard! I have two boys, ages 8 and 5&3/4 (and, yes, he made me write that!) so maybe our kids will meet up at the Lab? :woohoo:


I have just been finishing up the scrapbooks from our previous Disney Cruises and it has made me SO excited for this December!! :yay: PLEASE tell me it isn't true about the no Pirate night on this cruise?!?! My boys have become obsessed with "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" and they will be shattered if they don't get to see Pirate Mickey again! :sad1:

Ok, so anyone interested in a cruise meet?? I'm looking for a little something to spice up our Key West day, lol. And I know I sound like a total n00b here, but how exactly do we discover what our Dining rotation is? :idea: I'm trying to plan for outfits and Palo and the DH keeps asking, but I have no idea how to answer!! :flower3:

Also, can we please not discuss airlines prices?!?! I'm leaving from KC and just tonight, almost had a stroke at the prices. :sad2:

[HFC1969]

Last year :santa:pirate: it was 60 degrees or so when we hit CC... our entire family has what they call shortie wet suits... We have Hobie, bought them off Ebay for little to nothing.. only use them for the pirate::santa: Bought them after our first :santa:pirate: way back when..

Remember the Bahamas is really no further south then Miami... and it can be cold there... might not freeze, but water temp is in the 60's and if air temp isn't much better... brrrrrr

The FE last year was nuts.. but it was an 11 day cruise... I think there were 100+ participating.. and very fancy gifts... I will start a list ... if someone already hasn't... :confused3

If SWA Dec tickets available? Oh wow.. we are STL.. so better take a peak.. We just got our Sept tickets... DW got them for a lil over $1100 thought it was a steal for the 4 of us.. :scared:

Headed ot Oklahoma City this weekend for DW's continuing education.... have to entertain two kids in 100+ temps.. :headache:

[KaryCam]

I have just been finishing up the scrapbooks from our previous Disney Cruises and it has made me SO excited for this December!! :yay: PLEASE tell me it isn't true about the no Pirate night on this cruise?!?!

And I know I sound like a total n00b here, but how exactly do we discover what our Dining rotation is? :idea: I'm trying to plan for outfits and Palo and the DH keeps asking, but I have no idea how to answer!! :flower3:


JITSB - I scrapbook too. Love it. Try calling DCL and asking what our dining theme nights will be. I can't imagine not having a Pirate night. I'm pretty sure formal night will be on Christmas Day though.


The FE last year was nuts.. but it was an 11 day cruise... I think there were 100+ participating.. and very fancy gifts... I will start a list ... if someone already hasn't... :confused3


WOW, 100+!! I wanted to do the FE, already thought up my gift, but not sure I can do 100+.

[HFC1969]

I can't imagine not having a Pirate night.

If we don't have to pack for Pirate night,,, that will save us an entire suitcase...

Yes we are one of those families that dreess up for Pirate night...

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr314/hfc1969/pirate.jpg

[HFC1969]

IAs for airfares, we went ahead and booked tickets a week or so ago. Good luck if you choose to wait... since AirTran and Southwest rarely drop prices, and tend to be lower than other airlines (at least in our market that includes Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis), we felt it was better to book as soon as they published their fares, especially since Jan 2 is going to be such a high traffic day.


I just looked at SWA and threw up.... ***... seriously...:confused3

[KaryCam]

Hi all!!
Be sure to check the DCL website today. I just did and saw that my category of room had been reduced lower than when I reserved it the first week of Feb. It had gone up $400 in March but for some reason went down even lower today.
I called DCL and got the new low price.
Hope this helps you too.

[charliez]

Great tip!! Wish that applied to those of us using DVC points... :thumbsup2

Charlie

[HFC1969]

Hi all!!
Be sure to check the DCL website today. I called DCL and got the new low price. Hope this helps you too.


Thx for trying...

After a long conversation with Olga from DCL.. no matter how we tried to price it.. our CAT went up $1300....:eek:

Oh well.. getting closer every day! :santa:

[tinkerbell_29]

Just got back from WDW besides the heat and the massive amount of tour groups my mom and I had a great time now I am ready for this cruise. Haven't bought airfare yet waiting until Sept to do that a friend that is a travel agent said the price is supposed to go down then.

We would be interested in doing a fe did it on our last cruise and loved it.

[HFC1969]

Sitting ar Gasparilla at Gflo having a snack while I contemplate airfare prices. Bleh! We have tickets for our Sept trip purchased but do not have Nov or Dec bought. Ugh!!!! Hope the prices do come down! Anyone need anything from WDW ? I will officially be the FE name keeper. Just message me your names and ages of those participating.

[KaryCam]

Glad everyone seems to be having a good summer.
We applied for our passports last week - that felt good and made the cruise seem closer.
My BIL and family is on their DCL cruise to Alaska this week - so jealous.

Sign us up for the FE - me, DH, & DS (12)

After state competition last spring, DS decided to do his next science fair project on seasickness. No, DS still doesn't know about our cruise but he did know about his cousins' trip who suffer from seasickness. A few months back we started a thread to collect data about children and seasickness. If you would like, find that thread and add your information. Thanks.

[jitsb]

I caved and bought SWA tickets; that was brutal! :sick: I really wanted to wait to see if prices would come down, but they were already losing flights, including most of the non-stop ones. Our TA friend said there was no guarantee about price drop, or added flight and after some very bad connection experiences at Christmas time last year, we so weren't willing to risk it again.

So, we coughed up a ridiculous amount of money for refundable tickets... good thing we haven't had any other vacations this year! :headache:

[HFC1969]

I caved and bought SWA tickets; that was brutal! :sick:


STL to MCO is like $2200 for the 4 of us... W T F... :mad: SWA our loyalty is quickly going out the window..

AA doesn't even fly direct anymore.. all MCO flights go thru MDW... we all know you can get stuck there for days.. :eek:

We are waiting it out.. We just bought our Sept tickets.. they did finally go down.. :teacher: The November trip could be on the chopping block though if Dec doesn't go down.

I told Amy its almost time to fly ourselves... She didn't say no, so who knows... ;)

[HFC1969]

the offical FE list has begun..

Please include your cabin #, how many are participating in each cabin and their names and ages...

[KaryCam]

Please include your cabin #, how many are participating in each cabin and their names and ages...

Cabin #
DH - Greg (44)
Me - Karynne (:eek:)
DS - Cameron (12) who just got braces

[tinkerbell_29]

Cabin# 8582
Me: Melissa 33
DM: Nancy 63
DB: Matthew 31



We are now paid in full now all we have to do is book airfare and transportation. So excited for this cruise!

[HFC1969]

Added everyone to the list.. :thumbsup2

Karynne... tell your son.. that our son Justin is on the second round of braces.. :rolleyes1 Also... if your son is interested in emailing or txting Justin, just let me know.. Justin loves to make friends before the cruise..

143 days til pirate::santa:

[Elfinjojo]

Yay glad to see that an FE has started for this group, count me in!

#2134 (I believe!)
Me: Jojo 39
DH: Rob 40
DD: Holly 10
DS: Evan 7

I am frantically trying to complete the FE for our Alaskan cruise in 2 weeks - this was my first time at doing an FE and just hope that I have come up with the goods - so to speak!

However since doing the research for the FE I have come across just the thing I can do for a christmas one - so I am so excited to be able to share them with you guys!

So I am really looking forward to the trip! I love Christmas, and this is the first time we have ever spent Christmas away from home! Took me a while to get my head round the idea but now I think about it, I am really looking forward to it.

What will you be doing to make the Christmas cruise extra special? I am planning on bringing my mini christmas tree with me to put in the cabin - mini as in around 6inches high with tiny(battery powered) led lights on it - well you have to have a tree for Santa to find!:rotfl2: and then there will be christmas stockings with just small gifts for the kids and DH(I hope they remember that I need a stocking full of gifts too!)

As we are flying in from the UK, weight will be an issue so the kids will be getting gifts like books, DS games, and other little bits and bobs to make their christmas special - as if going on a disney cruise isn't special enough:cool1:. they don't know about the cruise yet - they only know about the NY cruise the week after:lmao: so I think this will be christmas present enough!

So once I am back from the B2B Alaskan cruise I will start to get the FE gifts ready for this cruise - I can't wait!!

:banana:

[HFC1969]

Yay glad to see that an FE has started for this group, count me in!

#2134 (I believe!)
Me: Jojo 39
DH: Rob 40
DD: Holly 10
DS: Evan 7

I am frantically trying to complete the FE for our Alaskan cruise in 2 weeks - this was my first time at doing an FE and just hope that I have come up with the goods - so to speak!

However since doing the research for the FE I have come across just the thing I can do for a christmas one - so I am so excited to be able to share them with you guys!

So I am really looking forward to the trip! I love Christmas, and this is the first time we have ever spent Christmas away from home! Took me a while to get my head round the idea but now I think about it, I am really looking forward to it.:

We started this as our family tradition about 8 years ago.. Have not looked back.. Peeved the other relatives off a bit at first. Now they are used to it. The kids love it.. We don't miss the snow...:sad2: We get to relax and enjoy each other at the most magical time of the year in a special place..:wizard:

What will you be doing to make the Christmas cruise extra special? I am planning on bringing my mini christmas tree with me to put in the cabin - mini as in around 6inches high with tiny(battery powered) led lights on it - well you have to have a tree for Santa to find!:rotfl2: and then there will be christmas stockings with just small gifts for the kids and DH(I hope they remember that I need a stocking full of gifts too!):

We bring a crappy 3 foot tree every year.. It has survivied many a baggage rides from STL to MCO via SWA.. :scared1: Decorate the doors, mirrors, you name it. We buy the DCL decorations also.. Go all out.


As we are flying in from the UK, weight will be an issue so the kids will be getting gifts like books, DS games, and other little bits and bobs to make their christmas special - as if going on a disney cruise isn't special enough:cool1:. they don't know about the cruise yet - they only know about the NY cruise the week after:lmao: so I think this will be christmas present enough!

Amy last year took pics of the biggers stuff for our son and wrapped those. He understands so it makes it easier. Our princess: who is 5 now... she loves Disney princess outfits.. so they are light and packable.

So once I am back from the B2B Alaskan cruise I will start to get the FE gifts ready for this cruise - I can't wait!!

:banana:

Have fun! Your on the FE list..

[KaryCam]

Karynne... tell your son.. that our son Justin is on the second round of braces.. :rolleyes1 Also... if your son is interested in emailing or txting Justin, just let me know.. Justin loves to make friends before the cruise..


I know Cameron will enjoy meeting Justin, thanks.
We have not told him yet about the cruise. As we plan right now, we will tell him at Thanksgiving. I am thinking a treasure hunt to reveal it. Who knows, will have to think of something fun.
My BIL and family just got back from their DCL trip to Alaska so I know he wishes he could go but isn't voicing it. Plus, we are doing that seasickness science project. Little does he know that the practical application will be done by himself on his own cruise. :woohoo:

Can't wait for summer to be over and all this hot, hot weather.:headache:

Crossing fingers that DH enjoys the cruise. Had to talk him into this.
Hopefully it will be our first among many, not first and only.

[KaryCam]

the offical FE list has begun..

Please include your cabin #, how many are participating in each cabin and their names and ages...



Just had a thought - should we also start a list to find out what dinner seating we are all at?

Our family is at the 1st seating.

[HFC1969]

Crossing fingers that DH enjoys the cruise. Had to talk him into this.
Hopefully it will be our first among many, not first and only.

Tell him... that the 41 (soon to be 42) guy on disboards, would pick a Disney cruise with his family over anything.. :thumbsup2

should we also start a list to find out what dinner seating we are all at?

I can just add it to the spread sheet.. I think we are first also.. Last year was our first year of being first... took A LOT of getting used to. Lets just say we were late to alot of dinners.. :rolleyes1

101 in STL today.. :eek: Justin is at golf camp. :sad2:

142 days til pirate::santa:

[KaryCam]

101 in STL today.. :eek: Justin is at golf camp. :sad2:


WOW!! I hope Justin stays hydrated and has plenty of sunscreen.
I keep hearing about the heat waves up north and how bad they are.
It's only suppose to get up to 92 here in SW FL but with the heat index it will feel over 100. We'll see what Tropical Storm Emily brings FL at the end of the week though.

[TimmyTown]

the offical FE list has begun..

Please include your cabin #, how many are participating in each cabin and their names and ages...

Please sign us up for the FE list:

Cabin #6640 - Tim (49), DW Amanda (38), DS Nate (12)

We look forward to our first Christmas cruise with everyone. We're second seating dining by the way.

See you aboard the Magic!!

Tim :santa:

[tinkerbell_29]

Yay!!!! Everything but excursions is booked and paid for including airfare and ground transportation now I'm just waiting until the 26th so we can book Palo for Christmas day and a Cabana. According to my phone I have 136 days until we leave which means it is a 140 days until this cruise lets hope time flies. We are also first dining I'm a type 1 diabetic so we try to keep meal times the same even on vacation even though we would rather have the second dining rotation.
Melissa

[HFC1969]

Please sign us up for the FE list:

Cabin #6640 - Tim (49), DW Amanda (38), DS Nate (12)

Tim :santa:

You guys are on the list.. :thumbsup2


ything but excursions is booked and paid for including airfare and ground transportation now I'm just waiting until the 26th so we can book Palo for Christmas day and a Cabana. According to my phone I have 136 days until we leave which means it is a 140 days until this cruise lets hope time flies. We are also first dining I'm a type 1 diabetic so we try to keep meal times the same even on vacation even though we would rather have the second dining rotation.
Melissa

Wow.. you guys are so organized... :worship:

We so suk at that... To this day we have not booked anything before we walk on the ship. We just kinda go with the flow. :rolleyes1

[tinkerbell_29]

My mom probable wishes i would be more go with the flow but I just cant I even have our 3 days at WDW precruise planned. I am very much a type A personality I just cant help it.
Melissa

[HFC1969]

i do plan on drinking lots of rum... pirate:

[tinkerbell_29]

That I don"t plan on doing but my brother does......well if things go the way I hope they do I don't plan on drinking otherwise

[HFC1969]

132 days til :santa:pirate:

Football has begun for Justin... :banana:

We might even get some rain in STL today... might


Anybody headed to WDW this fall? We are going late Sept & Oct for MNSSHP, we usually go on OCT 31, but DW is prez of PTA this year and we have to be home for a function. :rolleyes1

TGIF to everyone.. :thumbsup2

[charliez]

We just returned from a nice (but brief) 4-day visit to WDW. Stayed in the Yacht Club for the first time since our honeymoon (19 years ago), and had the most awesome room location... just down the hall from the elevators on first floor, so we were close to the gift shop and main lobby (so short walk to the bus stop) and our room opened out onto the main walkway out to the dock. Great for sitting out with a beer to people watch!

Little bit o' Yacht Club trivia for you: Has anyone ever really looked at the shower curtains there? There's a yacht by the name of Pyewacket among the many ships and boats pictured there. It's the only name that I saw on any of them. Now, without Googling, can you make the Disney connection? I suspected the answer, and then confirmed it when we got back.




Ok - the answer is: Roy E. Disney (Walt's nephew) owned several yachts over the years called Pyewacket, named after a magical cat in the 1958 movie "Bell Book and Candle." (The name goes back even farther, as the name of a familiar of a suspected witch in 1644 Salem.) I'd never made any connection between Roy and the Yacht Club, but it's quite fitting!

[HFC1969]

We just returned from a nice (but brief) 4-day visit to WDW.



Very nice.. Any more thats what we do also when it comes to WDW... Dr Amy is very dedicated to her patients. :grouphug: So we usually leave late on a Wed getting giving us Thur - Sun... :banana:

129 days til :santa:pirate:

Anymore sign ups for FE?:confused3

Also mentioning again that our DS 12 would like to have friends to hang with.. :cool2:

[TimmyTown]

Also mentioning again that our DS 12 would like to have friends to hang with.. :cool2:

Our son Nate, also 12, would certainly enjoy meeting another boy his age to hang out with at the Edge, arcade, etc. We'll have to make introductions.

Tim

[HFC1969]

Our son Nate, also 12, would certainly enjoy meeting another boy his age to hang out with at the Edge, arcade, etc. We'll have to make introductions.

Tim

PM sent... :thumbsup2



:surfweb:
Folks... for all those who have never done a FE if you have questions just shoot me a PM or an email..

It is great fun, espically at CHRISTMAS. Our FE that hangs on the door is a giant stocking with our names on it. We don't make anything (just not crafty) we but awesome candy and put stickers on it. We have recieved some of the coolest gifts though from others...

Its great fun.... kids love it... We only have 6 families signed up so far.. :rolleyes1

[tinkerbell_29]

First day of school today and last day for our little ones going to kindergarten. Very odd to experience that from outside of the classroom and realize that all the first day really is is controlled chaos. I am exhausted and glad tomorrow is Friday. Only 125 days until we leave for WDW then the cruise!!!!!!!

Melissa

[Cruella 66]

Hello, hello, hello! I was just sent to this thread by another Diser' KaryCam....thank you for sending me here! :worship:

Here's the post I put up earlier...it gives a little of our family make-up. Just say my husband and I will never see the 30's again...can anyone of my fellow shipmates offer suggestions?

"Hello all!!!! This will be only our 2nd cruise ever and the 2nd with Disney. I have questions I am hoping all you all can help give advice.

Our 1st cruise was in 2007 with three kids' ages 4, 6, and 11 and it was only 3 days. This trip the kids' will be 9, 10, and turning 16 during the cruise. We're leaving 12/24 and coming back 12/30. Any pointers you'd like to share too will be appreciated.

1. We are DVC members and I read they have get togethers for DVC members...is that if you are cruising on points or in just members in general? How do you get the DVC add-on offers?

2. How many 'dress up' nights should we plan for? And how dressy? Do my 10 year old son and hubby need full suits or shirt and tie? Floor length formal gowns for the daughters and mom? How dressed up for the pirate party?

3. Tipping...advise...

4. Should we come in a day ahead of time? What's your favorite place to stay in Port Canaveral? How about parking? We are driving from our house which is about 12 hours away.

5. Any Christmas at sea advice? The 'baby' turns 9 8 days before we leave...shall we throw Santa under the bus? And we'll have a Sweet 16 birthday at sea!

6. Anyone else going to be on this cruise too?

Thank you ahead of time! Cindy"

[Cruella 66]

And what is "FE"?????:confused:

[HFC1969]

Hello, hello, hello! I was just sent to this thread by another Diser' KaryCam....thank you for sending me here! :worship:

Here's the post I put up earlier...it gives a little of our family make-up. Just say my husband and I will never see the 30's again...can anyone of my fellow shipmates offer suggestions?

"Hello all!!!! This will be only our 2nd cruise ever and the 2nd with Disney. I have questions I am hoping all you all can help give advice.

Sure ask away...

Our 1st cruise was in 2007 with three kids' ages 4, 6, and 11 and it was only 3 days. This trip the kids' will be 9, 10, and turning 16 during the cruise. We're leaving 12/24 and coming back 12/30. Any pointers you'd like to share too will be appreciated.

1. We are DVC members and I read they have get togethers for DVC members...is that if you are cruising on points or in just members in general? How do you get the DVC add-on offers?

DVC has a desk and host at least one little get together every cruise .. sometime more depending on the length of the cruise.

2. How many 'dress up' nights should we plan for? And how dressy? Do my 10 year old son and hubby need full suits or shirt and tie? Floor length formal gowns for the daughters and mom? How dressed up for the pirate party?

I bring a tux for formal night... our DS 11 has worn a tux with me starting 2 years ago... We have matching Mickey Mouse vests... :cool2: My wife well lets just say 1 suitcase is for shoes alone.. :lmao: Our DD5 is just like her momma, im so in trouble.

3. Tipping...advise...

The are tons of threads about this.. :surfweb:

4. Should we come in a day ahead of time? What's your favorite place to stay in Port Canaveral? How about parking? We are driving from our house which is about 12 hours away.

We come down a day in advance or two.. but you don't need to. Wee have flown in the day of the cruise and had plenty time.. Its vacation relax and enjoy.

5. Any Christmas at sea advice? The 'baby' turns 9 8 days before we leave...shall we throw Santa under the bus? And we'll have a Sweet 16 birthday at sea!

We have a 3' tree we bring every year.. small packages.. if you have a big one at home we wrap pictures of them... and say Santa left them at home for us.. Window clings and losts of decorations are also rought from home... wee also buyDCL's.. we go all out

6. Anyone else going to be on this cruise too?

God willing you will see us every year at :santa:

Its our family tradition...:grouphug:

Thank you ahead of time! Cindy"

Your welcome..

FE = Fish Extender... search it..:surfweb:

Its basically a Christmas stocking or some kind of decorated pcoket that people hang on their fish outside of their door to recieve gifts in. We make a list and exchange items on the cruise.. Kids love it... FE :3dglasses

[KaryCam]

Today school starts again for DS12. With him being back in school, and it being 4 months until our cruise, I should start on the sewing of my FE and some piratey vestspirate: for DS and DH before things get busy with school and holidays. I have my door signs made up, just need to print them, cover with clear contact paper, and then attach magnets.

:goodvibes

[HFC1969]

And what is "FE"?????:confused:

I sent you a quick PM... left you my email and tele # if I can help in anyway...

[HFC1969]

Today school starts again for DS12. With him being back in school, and it being 4 months until our cruise, I should start on the sewing of my FE and some piratey vestspirate: for DS and DH before things get busy with school and holidays. I have my door signs made up, just need to print them, cover with clear contact paper, and then attach magnets.

:goodvibes

Our DD started school today.. so now everyone is back in school.. :banana:

We recycle our Pirate stuff that we use at MNSSHP.. Yep we are those people who dress completely in pirate costumes.. :rolleyes1

You rock on your door signs.. I think we are going to dig our ones from years past out again... :santa:

[Cruella 66]

Got it, thank you!

Tuxes...WOW!!! I've never seen my hubby in one of those...but he was dashing in his dress Naval uniform. LOL I think we'll have to go with suits though.

I like the tree idea and have a 1'ish miniature I am considering bringing; still early planning stages here. I did see the ordering page for cruise welcome/birthday/etc packages. They have tons of Halloween stuff posted right now, so I'll have to wait to see what they put up for Christmas. Will have to get the birthday one for our sweet 16. I will also look for the magnetic paper...how cool is that!!

I read earlier in this thread there will be on Pirate party during our cruise. Really? How do you find that information out?

:) Thank you for your time and patience!! Cindy

[Cruella 66]

Back to school, eh? I work in the schools and I go back this Friday. I love my job but so hate to see the summer go! Our kids' don't go back to school until the Tuesday after Labor Day. State law here in VA...isn't that crazy? They are doing mission week @ church though so I have FIVE hours to ME!!!:rolleyes1

[KaryCam]

Cindy,
Have your husband wear his Naval uniform. I have read that there are men that do that instead. But don't worry, suits are just fine too, mine is doing that.

Yes, one of our dinners will be Pirate themed. Then later in the evening, we will have a pirate party, dessert buffet, and fireworks - all depending on weather of course. Not everyone dresses up. But some go all out as our fellow shipmate mentioned. As I mentioned in my PMs, this is another thing you can search for because there is lots of information out there. Also, if the kids want to dress up, I am sure you can get discounted pirate costumes after Halloween.

Anymore questions, just ask here or PM me.

[Cruella 66]

[QUOTE=KaryCam;42345323]Cindy,
Have your husband wear his Naval uniform. I have read that there are men that do that instead.

:rotfl::lmao::rotfl2: My husband retired about 5 years ago and I really doubt he can fit into that dashing Naval uniform anymore. Thank you for saying that though. :)

Also, if the kids want to dress up, I am sure you can get discounted pirate costumes after Halloween.

I was thinking th SAME thing! Our oldest daughter stopped by today and said she'll be working at a popular party store chain for the Halloween holiday so I can get her to pick stuff up at a discount too. :

Thank you for your input!!!! Cindy

[HFC1969]

:santa::cool2:4 months from today! pirate::santa:

Happy Hump day... :upsidedow

100 in STL today..

Heard on the news this AM that it will be 110 in Vegas.. :scared1: and 111 tomorrow.. :eek:

Hope everyone is having a super August.... its someone bday in 2 weeks from today.. :rolleyes1

BTW.. there are only 6 cabins signed up for FE so far.. :confused3

[tinkerbell_29]

We leave in 118 days can not wait!!!!!!!! Just emailed concierge our request for Friday. The next 4 months need to fly by!

Melissa

[hiclarke]

Tinkerbelle

How did you send your request to concierge? We are also travelling in a concierge suite and they have not contacted me at all. And we are paid in full. It would be so nice for them to take care of the booking instead of me!

Thanks.

Hanne

[tinkerbell_29]

We emailed them at dcl.concierge.services@disneycruise.com or you can call 1-866-784-1654 between 8:30am and 5 pm est. We have emailed back and forth several times today and they said they would book for us at 8:30 tomorrow morning or if I wanted i could do it tonight at 12:01am they did say cruise had to be PIF to book at this time. If you want them to book for you I would just send an email tonight with your request that way they get it first thing in the morning and can get what you want.

Melissa

[hiclarke]

Melissa

Thanks for the information! I talked to them yesterday and opted to just do the arrangements myself as my husband really wanted to get a cabana. So it was online at 12:01 this morning:surfweb: We are all set, now it's starting to feel like a reality.

We also booked the Dolphin Swim as a Xmas gift to our 2 DDs. Can't wait!

Hanne

[tinkerbell_29]

YAY!!! Everything is booked got palo for Christmas day brunch and a cabana for castaway cay. The only other thing we are doing is the trolley at key west but I'm booking that through their website because we wanted the hop on hop off option and DCL didn't offer that one. These next few months need to hurry up and get over with.

Melissa

[HFC1969]

Just a quick mention...

We booked our flights this AM... SWA is only $320 round trip nonstop... Thats a savings of $300 for us per ticket... :woohoo:

If you haven't booked.. you may want to look...

[HFC1969]

Wow...

Its quiet... :surfweb:


113 days til :santa:pirate:


Hope everyone had super back to school weeks.. :wizard:


Enjoy the upcoming 3 day holiday weekend.. :woohoo:


Oh and :bday: to me!

[KaryCam]

Wow...
Its quiet... :surfweb:

Oh and :bday: to me!


Happy Birthday Mike!

I have finished my door signs, a couple of them still need magnets though. I am sure that between now and then, someone will give us unwanted magnet business cards or magnet calendars I can recycle. Can't wait to show DS - made a couple special ones just for him (a basketball one and a Jeff Gordon Nascar one).

I am just hoping and crossing my fingers that the one excursion we want in Cozumel is still available when we get to choose at 75 days out. It's the only thing we want.

[tinkerbell_29]

Happy Birthday Mike!!! Door signs done just need to laminate and add magnets. T-shirt designs are done waiting to make those until probable November. Moving on to the New-Years cruise not sure what I'm going to do once everything is done. So ready for this 3 day weekend I need some sleep.

Melissa

[Cruella 66]

So what do you put on the magnets? :confused3

[KaryCam]

So what do you put on the magnets? :confused3

Are you asking how to attach the magnets to the signs?
or
What kind of magnetic signs do you make?
or
Why do you make signs for your door?

Just let me know.

There are a few threads about signs on doors and there are even people who make nice signs for others. Take a look.

[HFC1969]

Thx for the B-day wishes... :worship:

Pretty uneventful day... Had a bite of cake and opened some great gifts last night, once gymnastics was over..

4 weeks from today we are at ::MickeyMo sssssssshhhh Its a surprise.. ;)

[Rydsmom]

Hello all!

I will also be joining you on the Christmas cruise! We booked in March, and this is our first time cruising. It will be my husband and I and our son (who will be 2 1/2 at the time). Does anyone know how the 6 night dining rotation will work out by chance?

[HFC1969]

Hello all!

I will also be joining you on the Christmas cruise! We booked in March, and this is our first time cruising. It will be my husband and I and our son (who will be 2 1/2 at the time). Does anyone know how the 6 night dining rotation will work out by chance?


Welcome aboard..:thumbsup2

I am not for sure about dining rotation, until I stare at the Key to the World card; when it is given to me at check in... (there is a code on your room key) :upsidedow

Hope you enjoy your first cruise.. :wizard:

[jenedpey]

Another Family Joining the Group.

We booked this cruise while on the 11 Night Southern Caribbean :santa: Cruise last year, but haven't been sure if we were going to be able to make it. We have finalized our decision to escape the cold snowy Midwest and will be heading South for Christmas once again!:cool1:

We would like to join the FE since we enjoyed it so much last year.

Cabin GTY, DH (Ed), DW (Jennifer), DD 12.

[KaryCam]

Another Family Joining the Group.

We booked this cruise while on the 11 Night Southern Caribbean :santa: Cruise last year, but haven't been sure if we were going to be able to make it. We have finalized our decision to escape the cold snowy Midwest and will be heading South for Christmas once again!:cool1:

We would like to join the FE since we enjoyed it so much last year.

Cabin GTY, DH (Ed), DW (Jennifer), DD 12.

Welcome! Great to have you aboard.

My DS12 doesn't know about our cruise yet and he has been talking about wanting to go see the snow this year (we live in Florida). Well, the cruise is not snow - but I don't think he'll be disappointed. It's our first cruise.

[HFC1969]

Another Family Joining the Group.

We booked this cruise while on the 11 Night Southern Caribbean :santa: Cruise last year, but haven't been sure if we were going to be able to make it. We have finalized our decision to escape the cold snowy Midwest and will be heading South for Christmas once again!:cool1:

We would like to join the FE since we enjoyed it so much last year.

Cabin GTY, DH (Ed), DW (Jennifer), DD 12.


Welcome aboard!

Last year :santa:pirate: was great wasn't it..!?!

I added you to the FE.. we are up to a whopping 7,, :rolleyes1

Hope everyone had a great weekend.. :)

[HFC1969]

101 days ...Can you believe it? :banana:

89 in STL today..

[HFC1969]

100 days to :santa:pirate:

[tinkerbell_29]

According to my count down app we have 98 days until we leave. After yesterday afternoon and today those 98 days need to fly by.

Melissa

[HFC1969]

Hey guys...

For all you flying SWA.... check your prices..

They went down again... LOVE SWA :thumbsup2

Started out at 2500 a few months ago... we are down to 1100 :woohoo:

[Cruella 66]

Are you asking how to attach the magnets to the signs? NO
or
What kind of magnetic signs do you make? YES
or
Why do you make signs for your door? YES

Just let me know.

There are a few threads about signs on doors and there are even people who make nice signs for others. Take a look. Sure, where?

My daughter will turn 16 during the cruise...hmmm...maybe I could decorate the door with some type of birthday magnets?

[Cruella 66]

I've found some cool FE's but I would like my fellow FE'ers opinion-should I get one with a pocket for my husband and I and a pocket for each child (would be 4 pockets long) OR a 2-pocket one with pocket for hubby and I and one for all the kids OR a 1-pocket one for all of us?

Our booking window opens on the 25th of September for excursions-but I can't even find what excursions are being offered to research what we might want to do. Can anyone tell me where to find this information or can you tell me what the choices are?

We got our Bon Voyage little brochure in the mail today...mission complete...made me excited and it seems a little more real! I have so much to get done @ work though in the next couple of months the time should fly.

Are there any others with kids' our ages? DD 16 (on 12/27); DD 9 and DS 10 (11 in Jan)? :hippie:

[tinkerbell_29]

I make all sorts of signs for our door. My mom's birthday is right before the cruise so I usually have a birthday sign, signs for each port of call sea days and castaway cay. Since this is a Christmas cruise I will also have a few holiday signs. I have little ones that look like the CM name tags that have our names on them. I do it because I find it fun I also make t-shirts out of some of the designs. I also do it because all the doors look the same and coming back late at night or coming back after a long excursion it helps us remember which door is ours.
Melissa

[TimmyTown]

Does anyone know if or when the formal and semi-formal nights are on this holiday cruise? Since the itinerary is different than the usual 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, I'm guessing the dining arrangements are different as well.

Thanks
Tim :santa:

[KaryCam]

Sure, where?
My daughter will turn 16 during the cruise...hmmm...maybe I could decorate the door with some type of birthday magnets?

Search on this message board for magnets - there is a very large thread for it.
I also make signs for Christmas, ports of call, individual ones, etc.


Our booking window opens on the 25th of September for excursions-but I can't even find what excursions are being offered to research what we might want to do. Can anyone tell me where to find this information or can you tell me what the choices are?


Go to the DCL website, then under Cruises & Destinations, then under Port Adventures, On the right-handside of the page you pick which port.
My booking window starts Oct. 10 - I can hard wait!


Does anyone know if or when the formal and semi-formal nights are on this holiday cruise? Since the itinerary is different than the usual 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, I'm guessing the dining arrangements are different as well.
Thanks
Tim :santa:

Have you tried calling DCL? If you find anything out, let us know.
They might tell you to wait a couple months - who knows.

[Elfinjojo]

Hi, sorry not posted for awhile, as its back to work for me here and still got DCL blues after coming back from Alaska:sad1: and I am sick - the first back to school cold of the season:sick: darling children sharing their bugs :lmao:

So what better way to clear the blues by thinking and planning for CHRISTMAS:santa:

So I understand we are up to 7 cabins now for the FE - is anyone doing a spreadsheet with all the cabins participants on so that we can see just who we are gifting? I know it would help me with my FE.(gender, ages etc...)

Part of my FE gifts came this morning its......Ah but if I say it will spoil the christmas surprises:rotfl2:

I leave all the excursion planning and Palo booking to DH, I don't think we are doing any excursions this time round but who knows what he will do - things may change between now and departure:confused3

ok I am off to research christmas magnets - have a good day everyone:love:

[Cruella 66]

My TA said there'll be one formal night, one semi-formal; one pirate party but couldn't tell me the dates.

I'm all over the cruise magnet graphic thread too! There are like 35 pages. We'll see what I can do. :)

My DD who'll be 9 when we cruise wants to swim with dolphins. I want to go to Mayan ruins...too cool! :yay:

[Bursley2010]

Hey everyone! Time to do the double digit dance... 97 days and counting down!!! :) I just printed off our name tag magnets for our doors, as well as some stateroom Sorcerer Mickey ears. Being a musician, I have a big soft spot for Sorcerer Mickey ;)

My TA said there'll be one formal night, one semi-formal; one pirate party but couldn't tell me the dates.

My DD who'll be 9 when we cruise wants to swim with dolphins. I want to go to Mayan ruins...too cool! :yay:

Thanks so much for the info from your TA- that's a big help! I also know that my DMiL and DFiL will be checking out the Mayan ruins. They are very much about history and are looking forward to checking it out!

Also excited for our window to start booking things on board to come up... At this point, I think just about coulple in our big family is going to be doing different. DH, DSiL, DCuz, and I are planning on checking out the Xplor Adventure Park while stopped in Cozumel- can't wait!

How's everyone's planning going? Hope everyone is doing well!

[Cruella 66]

My tentative plans are:

Key West...Conch Train and explore on our own. Would like to hit Hemingway's house, 'Little White House', and shipwreck museum. For years my mom had a sign poster on the wall from Sloppy Joe's so would love to stop there too. She's gone so I can only look at it and know that place made her happy once upon a time. :cloud9:

Cozumel...still leaning towards the Mayan ruins and there seem to be 2 choices that go along with that and I'm not decided... I think the dolphin swim is out for this year. That just means we'll have to book another cruise. MY dream cruise would include St. Kitts, St. John's; St. Lucia; St. Maarten; and/or Barbados. :lovestruc

Castaway Cay...there's a good chance the water will be too cool for us so I am thinking boating adventures and possibly the teen only adventure for our birthday girl. Although, she likes us and doesn't want to do that...

We get to book next Sunday so I have a few more days to consider the options before getting my plans dashed because everything is booked. :rolleyes:

[Bursley2010]

^ We book next Sunday too! :) Really looking forward to taking those next steps that put us closer to cruising!

[KaryCam]

We get to book next Sunday so I have a few more days to consider the options before getting my plans dashed because everything is booked. :rolleyes:

Your plans sound good.

I can't book until Oct. 10. Crossing my fingers that the one excursion I want in Cozumel is still available.
Key West we are doing on our own.
After you book on Sunday, let us know what you get.

[Bursley2010]

I can't book until Oct. 10. Crossing my fingers that the one excursion I want in Cozumel is still available.
Key West we are doing on our own.


What are you hoping to get in Cozumel? Maybe we can check in for you and keep you posted on it's availability until the 10th?

We are also planning on doing KW on our own- just a little pub/shopping crawl. Although my parents are hoping to do the Botanical Gardens and I think the in-laws are looking to take the Trolley.

Also meant to ask too if anyone has any ideas as to what kinds of tastings/activities might be available on board other than the special holiday traditions. I've been trying to look up recent Navigators and Trip Reports for the Magic, but haven't been able to find too much recent information. We're really hoping for some of the imagineering & animation workshops, as well as some of the tastings. Really want to take the Mixology class, but haven't heard too much recently about if it's even being offered any more.

[KaryCam]

What are you hoping to get in Cozumel? Maybe we can check in for you and keep you posted on it's availability until the 10th?


Thanks, I'll private message you with the name.

[HFC1969]

Happy 94 days out... :cool1:

Did I see someone needed on the FE list?

I can post the list up with the folks names & cabins if no one cares... :confused3 Its not like there is a bunch of us.. :rolleyes1

[NorahD]

Greetings! We just booked for this cruise as well - our first. "We" being MIL, myself & hubby, and the 3 kiddies (9,7, and 2).

I have absolutely no clue where to start any of this (MIL booked the cruise for us, our Xmas gift), so I really know very little beyond the itinerary and that we can start booking excursions etc. on Oct 10. Hoping to get some guidance/advise here!!

[KaryCam]

Welcome, welcome!!
This is our family's first cruise also.
You will learn so much by reading the message boards. Plus, there are lots of experienced cruisers that will answer any of your quesions.
Have fun.

[TimmyTown]

Greetings! We just booked for this cruise as well - our first. "We" being MIL, myself & hubby, and the 3 kiddies (9,7, and 2).

I have absolutely no clue where to start any of this (MIL booked the cruise for us, our Xmas gift), so I really know very little beyond the itinerary and that we can start booking excursions etc. on Oct 10. Hoping to get some guidance/advise here!!

Welcome aboard NorahD! As KaryCam noted, this website is an excellent resource for information about every facet of Disney cruises. This will be our family's 4th Disney cruise. We keep coming back year after year because we love it so much. I'm sure your family will too.

See you on the Disney Magic on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, feel free to ask your fellow cruisers any questions that come to mind.

TimmyTown :santa:

[HFC1969]

Here are the folks signed up for the FE: :confused3

jitsb
KaryCam
tinkerbell 29
Elfinjojo
TimmyTown
Cruella 66
jenedpey

Not too many so far... :upsidedow Plenty of time to join in the fun...

90 days from today ... :santa:pirate:

[KaryCam]

Here are the folks signed up for the FE: :confused3

jitsb
KaryCam
tinkerbell 29
Elfinjojo
TimmyTown
Cruella 66
jenedpey

Not too many so far... :upsidedow Plenty of time to join in the fun...
90 days from today ... :santa:pirate:

Where's your name? Are you not joining?

[HFC1969]

Where's your name? Are you not joining?

:rolleyes1 Silly copy & paste... :upsidedow

Yep we are on there... HFC1969 :yay:

[TimmyTown]

Greetings all! I called DCL this morning to confirm the dates for the "special" dining nights on our cruise. According to the agent, they are as follows:
Sunday, 12/25 (at sea) is formal. Monday, 12/26 (Cozumel) is Pirate Night. Tuesday, 12/27 (at sea) is semi-formal.

This may be of use to those trying to plan Palo reservations and/or dining rotations.

Looking forward to 12:01 a.m. to book some excursions, brunch, etc.

TimmyTown :santa: :banana:

[Cruella 66]

Thanks timmytown!! I'll be booking @ 12:01 TOO!!!!:banana:

[Bursley2010]

Greetings all! I called DCL this morning to confirm the dates for the "special" dining nights on our cruise. According to the agent, they are as follows:
Sunday, 12/25 (at sea) is formal. Monday, 12/26 (Cozumel) is Pirate Night. Tuesday, 12/27 (at sea) is semi-formal.

This may be of use to those trying to plan Palo reservations and/or dining rotations.

Looking forward to 12:01 a.m. to book some excursions, brunch, etc.

TimmyTown :santa: :banana:

Thanks for checking on this for us, TimmyTown! Good to know. I'll be joining you guys on at 12:01 am to book as well... One step closer to cruising! :banana:

[Bursley2010]

5 min and counting... and excited! (For both sleep and to book!) :)

[TimmyTown]

5 min and counting... and excited! (For both sleep and to book!) :)

Amen on the sleep!

[Cruella 66]

All done for now AND was able to get what I wanted. :banana: I decided to go with Palo brunch. I wish I knew which days we had which dining rotation. I'd love to book Palo on a night we had a repeat. The only choices I was given though were the 25th and 27th. Are all the others booked?

I was disappointed though...I was going to book a spa package for my daughters 16th birthday (we'll be at sea). But 1. they had no teen facials and 2. I couldn't even book her for mani/pedi with me; so I didn't book anything. Is the spa only for adults? :surfweb: Cindy

[Bursley2010]

Well I was able to get most of what I was hoping for... the only thing I couldn't find that we really wanted was the Xplor Adventure Park in Cozumel. I'm hoping if I call tomorrow they may offer it, but part of me thinks if it isn't listed, then they aren't offering it. Oh well, here's hoping-- if we can't do that, then we'll either end up trying the Xcaret Eco Park or perhaps the Catamaran Sail.

Was also going to sign-up for the High Tea, but it said the price was at $20/person?! For high-tea?! No thanks. Last I thought it was at $10.


I was disappointed though...I was going to book a spa package for my daughters 16th birthday (we'll be at sea). But 1. they had no teen facials and 2. I couldn't even book her for mani/pedi with me; so I didn't book anything. Is the spa only for adults? :surfweb: Cindy

I think the spa is only for adults, but even so, I don't think they do the manis/pedis at the same time. I have been trying to book a pedi for my mom and I on Christmas together, but NONE of the times coincide, and there is a good 50+ min. in between each listed time slot. Leads me to believe they only have one nail tech on board. Perhaps a phone call can clear things up, but for now we just signed up for two slots as close as we could get to each other.

Tempted to stay up and see about online check in but I think it will wait until tomorrow morning now that they reservations are taken care of... g'night all!

[jenedpey]

All done for now AND was able to get what I wanted. :banana: I decided to go with Palo brunch. I wish I knew which days we had which dining rotation. I'd love to book Palo on a night we had a repeat. The only choices I was given though were the 25th and 27th. Are all the others booked?


Brunch is only offered on Sea Days, which is why it is only being offered on the 25th and 27th.

[Cruella 66]

Brunch is only offered on Sea Days, which is why it is only being offered on the 25th and 27th.

Oh, I didn't know that thank you!

And on the mani-pedi's...I guess they need to expand or rethink the spa times? Doesn't matter, we'll find SOMETHING to do to make her day special. :wizard:

[HFC1969]

87 days... :cool1:

Pirate night costumes are out... well actually packed for this weekend for MNSSHP & WDW 40th anniv :wizard:

Man all of you guys are good on your trip planning.. wow... I sometimes wish we would do that... we just kinda do our own thing... :upsidedow

10th pirate: & 7th :santa:pirate: and still haven't eaten at Palo... :rolleyes1 Yeah I know... :confused3 We just aren't that much into fine dining.. keep saying we are going to try it..

Still haven't plenty of room on my spreadsheet for FE.. :laughing:

Happy Fall!

.

[KaryCam]

87 days... :cool1:

Pirate night costumes are out... well actually packed for this weekend for MNSSHP & WDW 40th anniv :wizard:

Still haven't plenty of room on my spreadsheet for FE.. :laughing:

Happy Fall!

.


Hope you all have a great time at WDW this weekend.

This weekend for us is DS's Ju-Jitsu testing for his green belt.
Last week at the orthodontist, they scheduled DS to get his bottom braces the Monday before the cruise. At least that gives him 4 days for the pain to go away.
We can call to book our excursion in 2 weeks - looking forward to it.
Hope more people join the FE.

[HFC1969]

Hope you all have a great time at WDW this weekend.

This weekend for us is DS's Ju-Jitsu testing for his green belt.
Last week at the orthodontist, they scheduled DS to get his bottom braces the Monday before the cruise. At least that gives him 4 days for the pain to go away.
We can call to book our excursion in 2 weeks - looking forward to it.
Hope more people join the FE.

Good luck this weekend...:cheer2:

Justin is on round 2 of braces... :headache: His mother & I both had them... :rolleyes1 Hopefully his sister won't..:confused3

:surfweb:

[Cruella 66]

Hoping you all can help...my dad FINALLY fell off the fence and has decided he's GOING with us! :cool1: He booked a cabin when we did but kept the cancel date in his head; He's been hemming and hawing since July 2010 when we booked everything!

So, what I need help with are the excursions we've already booked. We've booked Palo, but I can't add my dad because it is only 1-2 people tables. I can't book him in his own table (hoping they'd at least put us near each other...heck, I'll eat alone and he and hubby can have bonding time :rotfl:). Is there a # I can call to book reservations?

He can't do the Mayan Ruins because of the walking requirement but he does want to do the Castaway Boat cruise...and I need to add him to that.

Thanks all...85 days and counting down!pirate:

[Bursley2010]

Hoping you all can help...my dad FINALLY fell off the fence and has decided he's GOING with us! :cool1: He booked a cabin when we did but kept the cancel date in his head; He's been hemming and hawing since July 2010 when we booked everything!

So, what I need help with are the excursions we've already booked. We've booked Palo, but I can't add my dad because it is only 1-2 people tables. I can't book him in his own table (hoping they'd at least put us near each other...heck, I'll eat alone and he and hubby can have bonding time :rotfl:). Is there a # I can call to book reservations?

He can't do the Mayan Ruins because of the walking requirement but he does want to do the Castaway Boat cruise...and I need to add him to that.

Thanks all...85 days and counting down!pirate:

That's awesome that he's decided to come!:thumbsup2 As far as Palo goes, you should be able to call their 800 number and have your two reservations linked in their system, and then request that you be seated together. We had all four of our rooms liked together in the reservations systems, and then the room designated as the "lead" room (or something like that) can even go in and book excursions/Palo/etc. for every other room linked together. It's worked really well, as I really enjoy doing the planning so it lets me go in and take care of things for everyone all at once.

Happy planning, all! Less than 3 months to go now! :banana:

[Cruella 66]

What's the #?

[Bursley2010]

(800) 951-3532

[Cruella 66]

Thank you! I found out from my TA that the issue is Dad's a first timer while we are castaway club members. So, I can't book him on anything until 10/10...the 75 day mark. Stinks...

[Bursley2010]

Yeah it does- We're in the same boat with our in-law's reservations, so we just have to wait...Is it sad that every day, I think "we're one day closer to cruise!"? :)

[mama2ellie]

All done for now AND was able to get what I wanted. :banana: I decided to go with Palo brunch. I wish I knew which days we had which dining rotation. I'd love to book Palo on a night we had a repeat. The only choices I was given though were the 25th and 27th. Are all the others booked?

I was disappointed though...I was going to book a spa package for my daughters 16th birthday (we'll be at sea). But 1. they had no teen facials and 2. I couldn't even book her for mani/pedi with me; so I didn't book anything. Is the spa only for adults? :surfweb: Cindy

No--my daughter had a mani/pedi at age 3 and age 4. I booked them onboard. She also had her hair done for formal night on last year's NYE cruise.

[mama2ellie]

My family is on the Christmas cruise--we switched from the MR New Year's cruise. We are very excited. It will be DH, me, DSS 16, DSS 13, DD 5.

[KaryCam]

My family is on the Christmas cruise--we switched from the MR New Year's cruise. We are very excited. It will be DH, me, DSS 16, DSS 13, DD 5.

Welcome! Glad to have you joining us. It's going to be a great time!
Think about joining our FE.

[jitsb]

WOW! It's been awhile since I posted; glad to be back!! Missed you guys and am uber-excited we're down to just 2 1/2 mos. until our cruise!! :grouphug:

I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off because the first week in August, we found out we're moving at the end of the year! :scared1: I was totally freaked that this would affect our cruise! but after several weeks of panicking, we managed to arrange it that we have to pack up our stuff and move right AFTER the vacation. :headache: *sigh*

But, now the kids are in school, the house hunting trip is planned and I am SO ready to start ramping up for this cruise! How amazed are we that we had the foresight to book this "away" Christmas trip...we had no idea just how invaluable it would be! :goodvibes

Hello, hello, hello! I was just sent to this thread by another Diser' KaryCam....thank you for sending me here! :worship:

"Hello all!!!! This will be only our 2nd cruise ever and the 2nd with Disney. I have questions I am hoping all you all can help give advice.

How many 'dress up' nights should we plan for? And how dressy? Do my 10 year old son and hubby need full suits or shirt and tie? Floor length formal gowns for the daughters and mom?

Any Christmas at sea advice? The 'baby' turns 9 8 days before we leave...shall we throw Santa under the bus?

Hey Cruella! Nice to meet you, if a tad late on my part, and welcome to the trip!

My 2 cents on your questions, we always go all out for Formal Night!! And this one I'm especially excited about because it's on Christmas Day! :cloud9: I'm trying to talk the hubby into a tux, but he's digging in his heals. Maybe I can just convince him to get a new shirt and a Christmas-y tie! :thumbsup2 Both boys will be in vests and ties and I'm planning to buy some big, swishy full length gown because that seems to be the only time I ever get pretty duds! princess:

Also, due to an overseas move and a series of unfortunate events, we had to do Christmas on the run last year and we almost didn't make it to my parent's house on time for our little ones to open their gifts! I was not willing to give up on Santa, especially for my 4 yr old, so we had the boys write a letter to Santa before we left Europe, explaining that they'd been good :littleangel: and wouldn't have a new house yet on Xmas, so could he please drop their gifts off at Mema and Papa's house? ;) We then "tracked" Santa during our travels, using the Norad website and we "raced" him to reach the Midwest first. My oldest might have suspected something was up, but he never said a word and they were both thrilled and relieved to see their own stockings, stuffed with presents on Xmas morning. :love:

I think we're planning to do something similar this year, 'cause Mommy can't keep her big yap shut and has already spilled the beans about our special trip! :santa: So, maybe that's an idea you could try for your littlest.

Greetings! We just booked for this cruise as well - our first. "We" being MIL, myself & hubby, and the 3 kiddies (9,7, and 2).

I have absolutely no clue where to start any of this (MIL booked the cruise for us, our Xmas gift), so I really know very little beyond the itinerary and that we can start booking excursions etc. on Oct 10. Hoping to get some guidance/advise here!!

Hi NorahD!! Welcome aboard! It's nice to "meet" you. I have two DS, one will just be 8 and the other almost 6. They adore the Oceaneer's Lab and I'd be more than happy to set up a time we could meet there, if you'd like a familiar face for your kids the first time in the club. :)

Greetings all! I called DCL this morning to confirm the dates for the "special" dining nights on our cruise. According to the agent, they are as follows:
Sunday, 12/25 (at sea) is formal. Monday, 12/26 (Cozumel) is Pirate Night. Tuesday, 12/27 (at sea) is semi-formal. :santa: :banana:

TTTTHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAANNK YOOOOUUUU!!!! :worship: And we booked Palo for Wednesday night, w00t!!! Now if we could just get a dining rotation, I could stop panicking about what to wear, when!! :rotfl:

[ckandkk]

We are also Missourians on the 24th sailing. My kids' first cruise: DD, 9 and DS 6 who has juvenile diabetes. Any other diabetic kiddos coming?

I'm very unsure about cruising with the kids and especially at Christmas. I'm worried my kids will miss their house, tree and other family members. I just don't know what to expect. Are any of you planning on having gifts for your kids Christmas morning or are you waiting until you return home? Any thoughts and/or advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Kellie from St. Robert, MO

[Cruella 66]

I have a daughter who'll be a freshly minted 9 year old. No diabetes though.

We told the kids' they get ONE present. I plan on filling/packing their stockings and bringing one gift. Any family gifts they get can be opened when we get back home. We have a daughter who'll turn 16 during the cruise so we'll have to bring her birthday present too. I am hoping to see what I can order though DCL to decorate the room for Christmas but will bring special birthday stuff my sweet 16 princess. princess:

[Bursley2010]

We are also Missourians on the 24th sailing. My kids' first cruise: DD, 9 and DS 6 who has juvenile diabetes. Any other diabetic kiddos coming?

I'm very unsure about cruising with the kids and especially at Christmas. I'm worried my kids will miss their house, tree and other family members. I just don't know what to expect. Are any of you planning on having gifts for your kids Christmas morning or are you waiting until you return home? Any thoughts and/or advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Kellie from St. Robert, MO

Welcome! :) Glad you'll be sailing with us!

[scaldwel]

This is my first ever cruise. We are from Nova Scotia, Canada. We till be travelling with my mother, my brother, my sister-in-law, and their two sons (2, 4). Our older son is 11, second son is 9, and daughter will be turning 6 during the cruise. We travelled to Disney this summer for what we thought would be our only ever visit. It was paid for by my parents who intended on accompanying us, but my dad died suddenly 3 months prior to the trip. This cruise is because we didn't want to mope around our first Christmas without him. Sooo looking forward to this!
Stephanie

[KaryCam]

This is my first ever cruise. We are from Nova Scotia, Canada. We till be travelling with my mother, my brother, my sister-in-law, and their two sons (2, 4). Our older son is 11, second son is 9, and daughter will be turning 6 during the cruise. We travelled to Disney this summer for what we thought would be our only ever visit. It was paid for by my parents who intended on accompanying us, but my dad died suddenly 3 months prior to the trip. This cruise is because we didn't want to mope around our first Christmas without him. Sooo looking forward to this!
Stephanie

Welcome, so glad you are joining us!
Very sorry to hear about your father.
This is our family's first cruise too. I have learned so much information by reading the DisBoards. If you have any questions, just ask, we have a very knowledgable group here.

[KaryCam]

Monday, Oct. 10 is 75 days until our cruise.
I will finally be able to book my excursion on-line tonight at midnight. :banana:
It is becoming more real.

Fall has started here in SW FL - yesterday the high was 85. :woohoo:
Poor DS though has strep throat and yesterday was his first day of antibiotics.

Started sewing my FE - we'll see how it turns out.

[tinkerbell_29]

Hi everyone work has been keeping me extremely busy and have not been able to be on here as much as I want. Can't believe we leave in 70 days!!!! Very excited for this cruise and getting away from the cold and snow that will be here. Still cant decide what to do about transportation between WDW and the port. Right now we have transportation booked with DCL but I hate the late pick up time. I want on the ship as soon as possible. What is everyone else using for transportation?

Melissa

[Bursley2010]

We are actually staying at the Hyatt MCO the night before, as we are meeting up with folks from San Francisco, Seattle, and Detroit for our group. Then we are taking DCL transfers the morning of the cruise as early as we possibly can. I've heard that renting a car may be a faster (and potentially cheaper) way to get to the port, but we've never done that ourselves, so I can't vouch for it personally. Though, for what it's worth, I can tell you the one time we took the transfer from WDW to the port via the busses, we did not arrive on the ship until about 2p.m.

[NorahD]

Ok, "Formal Nights", "dining rotation", pirates dress up??? Where do I find information on any of this? I can't seem to find any details besides locale on the Disney website, the only dining to be booked there is Palo which is adults only, MIL said she thought we had to book something for Christmas dinner but I can't find anything about Christmas at all- I am thoroughly confused.
I managed to book some port excursions at Cozumel & castaway cay, but I don't really know anything else about the trip- are they doing something special for Xmas eve and day?

[TimmyTown]

Ok, "Formal Nights", "dining rotation", pirates dress up??? Where do I find information on any of this? I can't seem to find any details besides locale on the Disney website, the only dining to be booked there is Palo which is adults only, MIL said she thought we had to book something for Christmas dinner but I can't find anything about Christmas at all- I am thoroughly confused.
I managed to book some port excursions at Cozumel & castaway cay, but I don't really know anything else about the trip- are they doing something special for Xmas eve and day?

Per the DCL agent I spoke to on the phone recently, 12/25 is formal night, 12/26 is Pirate night and 12/27 is semi-formal night. All other nights are "cruise casual". With respect to formal night, men often dress in tuxes or nice suits, women dress in evening gowns or nice dresses and children dress up as well. Semi-formal night is similar, only less formal logically. :) Mind you, some choose not to dress up too much for formal and semi-formal nights. To my knowledge, no one has ever been refused seating at dinner for not dressing to the 9s on formal or semi-formal night. On Pirate nights, some passengers pack pirate costumes to wear for dinner and the deck party after. Even if you decide not to dress for pirate night, everyone is given a bandana at dinner to wear (at your option) for the dinner and deck party.

Dining rotation - There are three main restaurants that serve dinner. On a 6-night cruise, your party will eat dinner at each restaurant twice during the cruise. On the day we embark, you will be assigned a rotation. As an example, one rotation is Parrot Cay-Lumieres-Animator's Palate-Lumieres-Animator's Palate-Parrot Cay. You do have the option of requesting a particular rotation, but there are no guarantees that your request will be fulfilled.

You don't have to book Christmas dinner or any other dinner for that matter. You simply show up at the assigned restaurant each evening according to your dining rotation. The only dinner you have to book is Palo, which is entirely optional and requires a $20 per person surcharge. Dinners at the other three restaurants is included i nthe price of the cruise.

No worries! Everything will be smooth and easy. See you aboard!

TimmyTown :santa:

[tinkerbell_29]

Decided to just use a town car service. If I have to wait @ the hotel all morning and then spend time on a bus I will go nuts. I have no patience when it comes to waiting. It has decided to warm back up here we hit 80 today makes me worry about what the winter will bring. Have everything done for the cruise except for FE gifts going to wait a little bit longer before I get started on those.

Melissa

[Bursley2010]

It's gotten delightfully autumnal here in MI- generally sunny, yet crisp and cool temps usually in the 50-60s. All the leaves have either changed and fallen or are still changing; makes for a nice drive and an even nicer reminder that we are getting closer to our cruise! I'll sure be ready for some sun though come December, that's for sure... this is probably the last of the sun we'll see until April up here!

[Cruella 66]

It's gotten delightfully autumnal here in MI- generally sunny, yet crisp and cool temps usually in the 50-60s. All the leaves have either changed and fallen or are still changing; makes for a nice drive and an even nicer reminder that we are getting closer to our cruise! I'll sure be ready for some sun though come December, that's for sure... this is probably the last of the sun we'll see until April up here!

My family is up in MI in Metro Detroit area. How about you?

[Bursley2010]

My family is up in MI in Metro Detroit area. How about you?

We are definitely in the Metro Detroit area as well- in the Troy area (Clawson). What a small world! :) Where is your family from?

[Cruella 66]

We are definitely in the Metro Detroit area as well- in the Troy area (Clawson). What a small world! :) Where is your family from?

My dad will be with us and he lives in Flat Rock. I have family all around that area...up to White Lake and all cities in between. :) It's a huge area but always nice to know there are people up there doing well and cruising! :)

[Bursley2010]

My dad will be with us and he lives in Flat Rock. I have family all around that area...up to White Lake and all cities in between. :) It's a huge area but always nice to know there are people up there doing well and cruising! :)

That's great! Wow, Flat Rock to White Lake-- you do cover a lot of territory! :) We do what we can up here. Things still aren't great, but they are starting to get better anyway. We definitely saved for a while to be able to go, and it helped that all the family coming with us decided to bypass Christmas gifts this year so we could spend time together with Mickey instead. :earsboy: Down to 66 days!

[Cruella 66]

We took my dad for his FIRST time to WDW in August, stayed on points @ BLT, and he really enjoyed himself. I think he surprised himself. He was really on the fence about a Disney cruise, threatened to cancel a few times, then after WDW...changed his mind! I am so excited. He and my mom cruised A LOT before her death and this is the first cruise he's been on since then. I am SO wanting him to enjoy himself. Does anyone here know if there are 'older' folks traveling? My dad will be 70 in January...:thumbsup2

[KaryCam]

Today is Oct. 24 - two months from today is the start of our cruise!! :cheer2:
And one month from today is Thanksgiving and the day we tell DS12 about the cruise.
My door magnets are all made and have also finished making my FE. Today I start making the pirate vests for DH and DS.
Hopefully more people will join our cruise FE group.

Looking forward to DCL releasing the special cruises for 2013 - hoping for Alaska. Kind of hoping it's after our cruise so we can book on-board.

Fall has finally arrived in SW FL. The temps today are 84/64. We had a cold front come through last week after 3 days of rain and it was in the 70's. :banana:

Looking forward to meeting you all - have a good day.

[tinkerbell_29]

57 more days until we leave!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited :banana::banana::banana:
Hope everyone is doing well.

Melissa

[hiclarke]

I've been on the fence to sign up since things have been pretty busy, but I think this sounds like fun so go ahead and sign my family up. It would be me, DH and DD10 and DD6.

Do I PM you our room #?

Hanne

[Bursley2010]

59 days until we sail and I've already added Christmas music to my usual Disney playlist on my iPhone... I think given the circumstances of this Christmas, that I'm allowed to listen to some holiday music 2 months out from the actual holiday... :)

[scaldwel]

Hello from future staterooms #5012 and #5018 (and one stateroom # unknown).

Me: 42
DH: 43
DS: 11
DS: 9 1/2
DD: 6
DM: 70
DB: 39
DSiL: 34
DN: 4
DN: 2

Looking forward to it!!!:wizard:
Stephanie

[Cruella 66]

Hi all! I'm going to have to back out of the FE. I am running so short of time I just won't have enough to pull something together. I have been lurking the FE threads and I am WWWAAAYYYYY to busy to do something like I see on there. So, you all have fun with it and we'll see you around the boat!

[KaryCam]

Hi all! I'm going to have to back out of the FE. I am running so short of time I just won't have enough to pull something together. I have been lurking the FE threads and I am WWWAAAYYYYY to busy to do something like I see on there. So, you all have fun with it and we'll see you around the boat!

I have been lurking on the Homemade FE thread too. Please don't think that you have to have something as over-the-top as some of those people. Most people don't. There are some people that only give a cabin gift, not individual things to each member in the cabin. Some people give something that relates to where you are from. I remember reading about a person from NJ gave each cabin a small box of salt water taffy that is famous there or a Georgia person made a pack of Southern recipes. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. :thumbsup2

I hope that our little group here gets to have a "Meet" on the ship to put faces with names. Looking forward to seeing you all.

[Bursley2010]

I hope that our little group here gets to have a "Meet" on the ship to put faces with names. Looking forward to seeing you all.

I think it would be great to have some kind of a meet as well-- nice to put names to faces after all the planning and chatting.

55 Days, 22 hours... so excited! It seems like it was just the start of the school year and we just started doing the double digit dance :banana:, and now the time to wait has almost been cut in half since then...

[charliez]

Been a while since I checked in... we are havng a pre-cruise planning "party" tonight with our friends who will be cruising with us... they are newbies, and this will be our third cruise, so we are having loads of fun telling them about our past cruises and planning what we'll do this time. We just saw the post about the pirate night on 12/26, and we're all excited because we thought there might not be one on the 6-night cruise.

On a non-DCL note, I also just made our rental car reservations for getting to Cape Canaveral from MCO and then from the port to WDW when we get back from the cruise. (We're doing New Year's in the park.) We use Budget, and just to share the love, we used a Budget BCD discount code (Y937800) to get an AWESOME rental rate - we got a minivan for $136 for a 12/22-24 and only $60 for 12/30. (Thanks to Mousesavers.com for the code.)

[TimmyTown]

Hello from future staterooms #5012 and #5018 (and one stateroom # unknown).

Me: 42
DH: 43
DS: 11
DS: 9 1/2
DD: 6
DM: 70
DB: 39
DSiL: 34
DN: 4
DN: 2

Looking forward to it!!!:wizard:
Stephanie

Welcome aboard Stephanie & crew! We have a DS12. Perhaps our sons will meet up at the Edge (the tween club). See you in December!