Forget Reality! We're cruising on the Fantasy July 28, 2012!!!

[disneypoor]

Hello, all! I've always wanted to start a "Cruise Meet" thread but never have been quick enough to get one going, so here goes! We are so excited to sail the Eastern caribbean on the Fantasy!:cool1:

It will by myself (Susan), my husband (Brian), our DD (Brianna, 16 at time of cruise), and our DS (Brandon, 13 at time of cruise). We've done the Eastern before. In fact, it was our very first 7 night cruise. Now, we're experienced with this whole cruise thing and actually know what we're doing (I think).:)

I look forward to hearing from others that will be sailing with us and cannot wait to spend seven nights on the Fantasy!:banana:

Susan

[IrishCowboy]

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

[disneypoor]

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

Thank you!:goodvibes

[disneypoor]

I'm so excited! I think my family and I might have the whole ship to ourselves. :rotfl2: Anyone else sailing with us? :confused3

[SA53]

Hello there,

This is the week we are hoping to go. How far in advance did you book and how much did you have to pay up front (not price, but %age wise)? So much can change between now and then and I am still at the "convince my hubby" stage of the planning.:rotfl:

K in SA

[disneypoor]

Hello there,

This is the week we are hoping to go. How far in advance did you book and how much did you have to pay up front (not price, but %age wise)? So much can change between now and then and I am still at the "convince my hubby" stage of the planning.:rotfl:

K in SA

Hi! I'm so glad to hear someone else might be joining us on this cruise! I booked this cruise the day that the rates for the Fantasy came out. I had to pay a deposit of $1173.20. There are four of us, and our children will be 17 and 14 at the time of this cruise. I think our total fare for a category 9B was $6151.48 without insurance and transfers. The percentage for the deposit was 2 percent of the base fare without government taxes and fees. Hope this helps.

Would this be your first Disney cruise? I know what it's like to be at the "convince my hubby" stage of planning.:rotfl: To be honest, I jumped the gun and booked this cruise, and then I called my husband. Oops! I just got so excited about it that I was afraid to wait to book it. I knew I could cancel if he protested.

Keep me posted. As you can tell, I started this thread a LONG time ago, and so far, you're the only one that has responded. If you do decide to go, we just might be sailing on a pretty empty ship.:woohoo:

Susan

[SA53]

I know I am excited about planning a cruise!!! My kids will be 15 and 11 but my dd (11) was eying the teen area and very upset she wouldn't be there (even with the aqua duck goes through your area) speech. Both my husband and I turn 50 in 2012 so I am using that card, the fact that the world is ending in 2012 :laughing:, and I pulled out the big "If we go on this cruise we won't have to go to see my family next Christmas as we will be saving money...", I think the last argument may sway him :rotfl2:!!!

Did you book through DCL or a travel agent? For me part of the excitement of a trip is the planning so since it is 18 months away I am in heaven!!!

K in SA

[disneypoor]

I always book through DCL. I like to be in control of my reservation, and one time we booked through a travel agent, had trouble, and couldn't get anything changed without going through the travel agent.:headache: I just need to be in control. LOL!

I also always look forward to all of the planning! We are leaving in a few weeks for a cruise on the Dream, so as soon as we get back from that, the planning for Alaska will begin in full swing!:cool1:

Keep me posted on your decision!

Susan

[SA53]

Oh no... I have to leave you all alone again...:sad2:

We are booked for the Fantasy :banana::banana: but are going on July 14th because for some reason it was $300 cheaper??

I'll be thinking of you getting ready while I am lying on the beach at CC!!!!

K in SA

[jacksmom2009]

my husband and I just booked the disney fantasy july 28th tonite. this will be our first cruise. we have 3 children that will be staying home with family. This will be our first vacation alone with out kids as well. Very excited. we were gonna do 4 day dream cruise and stay at wdw too. but with us taking the kids for the past 2 yrs to disney we decided this would probably be more fun.


see you on the cruise.

[disneypoor]

my husband and I just booked the disney fantasy july 28th tonite. this will be our first cruise. we have 3 children that will be staying home with family. This will be our first vacation alone with out kids as well. Very excited. we were gonna do 4 day dream cruise and stay at wdw too. but with us taking the kids for the past 2 yrs to disney we decided this would probably be more fun.


see you on the cruise.

Welcome! I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you! I haven't been on for several weeks, so I hadn't noticed that someone else was finally joining us. :goodvibes A vacation alone without the kids will be great! My husband and I went to Cancun without the kids last summer for the first time in 17 years, and we had a fabulous time!:thumbsup2

We are still toying with rather or not to keep this cruise. Our daughter is sixteen, and we would like to take her back to Hawaii before she graduates from high school, so we are trying to decide if we should keep the Fantasy cruise or switch to a trip to Hawaii for next summer. I'll keep you posted though.

Welcome to our very tiny group.:rotfl: We should have fun since there will be so few people on the ship!

Susan

[simbasmom2]

Hello!
I may be joining your group. DH is insisting we book the Fantasy - eastern for next July. We will be sailing on the Dream in August, soooo if the fare doesn't go too much higher we will probably book onboard. It is so expensive as is! Since the ship seems empty it may be worth it!!!! :lmao: Looks like about 6200 for the 4 of us in a verandah with the 10% onboard booking credit. I am hopeful we can sail with you! :)

[disneypoor]

I haven't been on in a while, but I thought I should post to say that we have officially canceled this cruise. We decided to go to Hawaii for a week instead of doing the cruise, so I'm okay with it. Enjoy the trip for those that get to go!:goodvibes

[ladypirate]

you can add us to the list. Just changed from the Fantasy June 30th/July 4th cruise but that may conflict with dance for the little one so we moved to this week. Still have to change my ticker - still showing the other cruise. This will be our 3rd DCL cruise - two girls will be 9 and 7, plus both grandmas and one uncle will be joining us! Trying to recruit more...

Sarah

[macassi]

We're in!

I believe we will be an extended family group of 14 --

Myself, DH, DS (14), DS (11), and DD (8)
DMIL and DFIL
DH's cousin and his family
DH's aunt and uncle

We just got back from the Med cruise and we're eagerly anticipating our next DCL adventure!

[DVC Mary]

Just moved our Fantasy reservation to this date. Our family includes:

Me
DH
DS (15 at the time of cruising)
DS (12 at the time of cruising)

This will be our 5th DCL cruise & our 4th Eastern--love this itenerary. We loved Alaska this summer.

Hoping that more friends from previous cruises might join us!! :yay::banana::woohoo::yay::banana::woohoo:

[DVC Mary]

Even though the OP is not going, let's keep this group alive. Hopefully more will join. I've got 2 groups that hopefully will be joining us.

We'll have 2 Cat. 10 rooms. Now that we've cruised w/ 2 rooms, I just love the extra space. I don't think we're ever going back to 1 room for the 4 of us. The boys just keep growing! :lmao:

macassi you should understand w/ 2 boys!

For our Alaskan cruise we did a verandah w/ a Cat. 10C across the hall. My DH doesn't mind being in the Cat. 10

This will be my 1st time in a smaller room so I've got the 10A w/ the 10C next door. I'm prone to sea sickness even w/ the patch & ginger & wristband, etc. etc. etc. But the patch has really helped, I just don't like the dry mouth side effect. I'm used to the Cat. 8 w/ the porthole, but usually paid Cat. 10 pricing in the SPH on the Magic. I loved the verandah, but will only pay that $$$ again if it's Alaska or Canada/New England where you've got a nice view much of the time.

If I'm not on for awhile, it's b/c of the back to school madness! I'm a
:teacher: too.

[Princess Runner]

Hello there! I am so happy I can start in a new meet, we just came from 5 nights at the Dream and I d book on board, we are 3 my DH Carlos, my DD Carmen (7) and myself, Elcka> i am super exited to share with you some of the things we did as a group, we had a fantastic time, can't wait to be back, this time to the Fantasy. Blessings to all.

[DVC Mary]

Welcome "Princess Runner" Elcka! :flower3:

Your daughter will have some company w/ 7 & 8 yr old girls booked thus far.

Tell us all about the Dream & what we can look forward to on the Fantasy, although rumor has it that they are tweaking to fix some of the Dream issues.
And of course Minnie will finally get her own statue.

It looks like AP will be a lot of fun to visit & the adults clubs have been rethemed. I've got to make sure our Palo or Remy reservation is not the same night:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/disney-cruise-line/Details_released_about_the_Disney_Fantasy_cruise_s hip.htm

[Princess Runner]

Well, what I can tell you about the Dream...is a beautiful, state of the art ship, with lots of technoly, yet customer service and food quality are still hold to a very high standard. But first the bad: embarcation day was not very smooth, we made the point, as always, to be there a little early but had to turn around and go:eek: to a McDonalds because you won't be allow to park at the terminal until 11:00am, the luggage check went smooth and is done in the parking lot, plenty of parking, after we parked we made a 45 min line to get in the check in area inside the terminal, because it was pack to capacity and more :crowded: then "Castaway fast lane" was not that fast, in other words: dont sweat trying to get an early check in time :surfweb:, because we had an 11:00 am and ended checking in and boarding at 12:45 pm, we didn't have to wait around...:yay: as soon as we checked we went straight to the ship> I can tell you this was the only bad part, after that all went very organize as usual. The ship didnt feel overcrowded at all, some people is complaining about bad service in the dining rooms/cabins but I believe is just a matter of luck, because our experience was really good, a word of advise will be to make dining changes over the phone (sitting together with friends etc) don't wait until you board because they may not be able to acommodate you. Now that I look at the pictures "Enchanted Garden" looks a little tacky, but that is just my point of view. We had Palo reservation for dinner, but in reality what we like is the brunch, we never had a problem reserving in the ship on boarding day, but this time we were place in the waiting list and never came trough, what we did? we got dolled up and showed up early for brunch, cry and beg (and tip the person in charge:ssst:)because it was our anniversary and we were in, as usual food was fabulous and more, note that the other couple that went with us tried to do the same, 15 minutes after and they didn't let them in! the restaurant is beautiful, bigger but still not big enough for the amount of people in the ship wanting to reserve for the one and only brunch chance (day at sea).
If you are like us and look forward to the free cocktails on Captain's night>>>forget it, no more of that :confused3
Adult pool: Beatifully designed but loud because is located in a place where all the teens from the club have to go by, not as secluded as in the Magic and the Wonder. My DH got me a package at the spa, it faces the front of the ship overlooking a beautiful, peaceful, secluded pool area: the teen pool!!!!!!!!!!!! how is that they made that mistake????? I'm hoping that they will switch pool locations in the Fantasy, but is very unlikely since it would take some heavy redesigning. Aquaduck, super fun! never had to do a long line, if you can, get yourself a water proof camera, we have an Olympus, or buy a water proof box, it's well worth it because we have some fun videos here and in Castaway, that has been renovated and feels much less crowded than before. No, we didn't rent a cabana, there is plenty lounges and sumbrellas, we are not fans of sitting down for to long :beach:, we go from Serenity Bay to Pelican Plunge, to the bar, to the shops, to the bar, to the slide, to the bar, I know in the cabana you have a butler that can go to the bar for you, and they are beautiful (the cabana that is), is just not for us, because usually we like to walk to the bar, save that money to tip the host at Palo :lmao:
Ok enough for now, Im no telling you the good stuff because that should be a surprise, but please ask me anything you want to know and I will answer. Next I want to tell you what our group plan for the trip, it was great! :grouphug: if you are curious go to the Dream meet for August 16 -21, good Friday and many blessings to all!

[Smileneyes]

Hi, all...booked for this sailing while on the Dream last week. Looking forward to sailing with everyone!

--Drew

[Princess Runner]

Hi, all...booked for this sailing while on the Dream last week. Looking forward to sailing with everyone!

--Drew

Welcome! wasn't it awesome? I reviewd a little in my last post, I want to see if you agree, or if I missed any info. Did you guys did FEs and meets? hope to "talk soon" Blessings Elcka

[Smileneyes]

Welcome! wasn't it awesome? I reviewd a little in my last post, I want to see if you agree, or if I missed any info. Did you guys did FEs and meets? hope to "talk soon" Blessings Elcka

Thanks, Elcka!

I think you captured a lot of what we experienced on the Dream. A couple of my personal observations:

1) The Magic and the Wonder are definitely more intimate, due to size. I spoke to various cast members who confirmed as much. They felt it much easier to know people (both cast and crew) on a personal level on those smaller ships.

2) The Dream definitely has technological advances...for example, the moving artwork in the hallways, the floor in Oceaneers' Club and Oceaneers' Lab, and the virtual portholes within the inside staterooms. We had an inside cabin, and really liked this feature. At night, we could "turn off the porthole", and the cabin stayed dark until we were ready to wake up the next day...not at 5:30 AM as with a true porthole.

3) I was not all that impressed with Enchanted Garden either. I had heard a lot of buildup on how it changed from day to night during the dinner; however, you only really get that feeling if you're close enough to the center of the room to see the ceiling. We were in one of the many "outer enclosure" tables, and thus saw nothing but the daylight coming through the portholes.

4) Animator's Palate lived up to its billing with the interactive Crush. From what we heard for the Fantasy, the concept will be totally different. One of the officers indicated that diners will be able to draw their own artwork, which will then come to life. Not sure how this could be done, but it would definitely add some "Disney Magic" to dinner, and come even closer to an "animator's dream".

5) I also was not a big fan of the pools. Elcka is correct...noise from the family area blends over into Quiet Cove. Part of that is because there are food stations just on the other side of the glass partitions. Cast members try to do a good job of keeping minors out of the QC area...but the noise that wafts in defeats the purpose.

6) Having had a Palo dinner on the Wonder in Alaska in June, we had brunch on this last cruise...and liked it a lot more. Again, a personal preference.

7) They still gave out free cocktails at the Officer's Reception on Wednesday (sea day)...but to be able to attend this, you have to be gold or platinum Castaway Club members.

As for the FE, we did not participate this year. Having organized the last two (in 2010 and Alaska in June), we wanted to take a break...plus, we did a B2B...and didn't want to hassle with two lists, two sets of gifts, and twice the running on two shorter cruises. No doubt that we'll be participating in the FE on this upcoming cruise!

Thanks!
--Drew

[Princess Runner]

Thanks, Elcka!

I think you captured a lot of what we experienced on the Dream. A couple of my personal observations:

1) The Magic and the Wonder are definitely more intimate, due to size. I spoke to various cast members who confirmed as much. They felt it much easier to know people (both cast and crew) on a personal level on those smaller ships.

2) The Dream definitely has technological advances...for example, the moving artwork in the hallways, the floor in Oceaneers' Club and Oceaneers' Lab, and the virtual portholes within the inside staterooms. We had an inside cabin, and really liked this feature. At night, we could "turn off the porthole", and the cabin stayed dark until we were ready to wake up the next day...not at 5:30 AM as with a true porthole.

3) I was not all that impressed with Enchanted Garden either. I had heard a lot of buildup on how it changed from day to night during the dinner; however, you only really get that feeling if you're close enough to the center of the room to see the ceiling. We were in one of the many "outer enclosure" tables, and thus saw nothing but the daylight coming through the portholes.

4) Animator's Palate lived up to its billing with the interactive Crush. From what we heard for the Fantasy, the concept will be totally different. One of the officers indicated that diners will be able to draw their own artwork, which will then come to life. Not sure how this could be done, but it would definitely add some "Disney Magic" to dinner, and come even closer to an "animator's dream".

5) I also was not a big fan of the pools. Elcka is correct...noise from the family area blends over into Quiet Cove. Part of that is because there are food stations just on the other side of the glass partitions. Cast members try to do a good job of keeping minors out of the QC area...but the noise that wafts in defeats the purpose.

6) Having had a Palo dinner on the Wonder in Alaska in June, we had brunch on this last cruise...and liked it a lot more. Again, a personal preference.

7) They still gave out free cocktails at the Officer's Reception on Wednesday (sea day)...but to be able to attend this, you have to be gold or platinum Castaway Club members.

As for the FE, we did not participate this year. Having organized the last two (in 2010 and Alaska in June), we wanted to take a break...plus, we did a B2B...and didn't want to hassle with two lists, two sets of gifts, and twice the running on two shorter cruises. No doubt that we'll be participating in the FE on this upcoming cruise!

Thanks!
--Drew

I see you agree in almost everything, I see no comments in the cabanas...we also like the darkness of the inside cabin, plus this time we had the verandah and the only ones that really enjoyed it were the wet bathing suits:confused3

Also agree on Palo brunch, but I read that Remy is great...I don't know, we may try this time.

Looking forward for you to organize the FE exchange JUST KIDDING :rotfl2:

Congratulations on your moving on to platinum Castaway :worship:

Elcka

[WAHkoMom]

Hi! My DH and I actually booked this cruise before we left the Dream last April, but I haven't come back to the DIS boards until now. In April, we didn't bring our kids, but for the Fantasy cruise we are bringing DD and DS, who will be 14 and 12, respectively, when we sail next July.

I made a FE for our first Disney cruise back in 2009 (Magic, Western Caribbean) so I'm definitely planning on participating in a FE on this cruise. The kids enjoy putting the gifts together as well as passing them out on the cruise almost as much as checking for goodies each time we come back to the cabin.

My DD informed me yesterday that we have less than 300 days until the cruise! Still early to start counting down, but planning is half the fun for me.

Looking forward to more people joining our thread.

[Smileneyes]

Hi! My DH and I actually booked this cruise before we left the Dream last April, but I haven't come back to the DIS boards until now. In April, we didn't bring our kids, but for the Fantasy cruise we are bringing DD and DS, who will be 14 and 12, respectively, when we sail next July.

I made a FE for our first Disney cruise back in 2009 (Magic, Western Caribbean) so I'm definitely planning on participating in a FE on this cruise. The kids enjoy putting the gifts together as well as passing them out on the cruise almost as much as checking for goodies each time we come back to the cabin.

My DD informed me yesterday that we have less than 300 days until the cruise! Still early to start counting down, but planning is half the fun for me.

Looking forward to more people joining our thread.


Hi, Lori...and welcome to the gang! Glad to hear that you'll be participating in the FE!!! :cool1: --Drew

[Princess Runner]

Hi! My DH and I actually booked this cruise before we left the Dream last April, but I haven't come back to the DIS boards until now. In April, we didn't bring our kids, but for the Fantasy cruise we are bringing DD and DS, who will be 14 and 12, respectively, when we sail next July.

I made a FE for our first Disney cruise back in 2009 (Magic, Western Caribbean) so I'm definitely planning on participating in a FE on this cruise. The kids enjoy putting the gifts together as well as passing them out on the cruise almost as much as checking for goodies each time we come back to the cabin.

My DD informed me yesterday that we have less than 300 days until the cruise! Still early to start counting down, but planning is half the fun for me.

Looking forward to more people joining our thread.



Welcome Lori! DCL sans kids? sounds appealing :thumbsup2 we may try sometime. Looking forward to hear from your experience!
Blessings Elcka

[Elfinjojo]

Oh my was looking forward to joining a busy meet group for this cruise but it seems not so!:confused3

I will introduce myself anyways in the hope that people Come back.

We are cruising B2B with this and the next weeks cruise, in an attempt to avoid the Olympics back home.

Elfinjojo (me) 39
Rob (DH) 40
Holly (DD) 10
Evan(DS) 8

By the time this cruise comes around DH and I would have cruised 12 times having made Platinum status on the MV of the Fantasy:cool1: The children will make platinum on the B2B week after the MV :banana:

We cruised this itinerary over Christmas and new year just gone on the Magic and really enjoyed it, so looking forward to going back and mayne doing oe excursions as we didn't do any this time round.

Hope there will be an FE for this cruise, as have loads of ideas, don't mind organising a group(not that I have before but willing to give it a go)

[Elfinjojo]

Subbing:surfweb:

[DVC Mary]

Welcome Elfinjojo!

I'm hoping our group will get more active soon as people start planning more for their summers.

Congrats on going on the MV of the Fantasy! You'll have to tell us all about it & share tips about the new ship!

We cruised Alaksa last year & it was our favorite cruise of all time.

DVC Mary

[Princess Runner]

Oh my was looking forward to joining a busy meet group for this cruise but it seems not so!:confused3

I will introduce myself anyways in the hope that people Come back.

We are cruising B2B with this and the next weeks cruise, in an attempt to avoid the Olympics back home.

Elfinjojo (me) 39
Rob (DH) 40
Holly (DD) 10
Evan(DS) 8

By the time this cruise comes around DH and I would have cruised 12 times having made Platinum status on the MV of the Fantasy:cool1: The children will make platinum on the B2B week after the MV :banana:

We cruised this itinerary over Christmas and new year just gone on the Magic and really enjoyed it, so looking forward to going back and mayne doing oe excursions as we didn't do any this time round.

Hope there will be an FE for this cruise, as have loads of ideas, don't mind organising a group(not that I have before but willing to give it a go)

Welcome Elfinjojo>>>as you saw my post is the last one all the way back in October, so I am sad aswell, we are already in January, six months away and I hear no noise,in any case< we are getting our Gold status during this trip, and yes we have to do the FEs. We'll talk soon Elcka

[ladypirate]

we are still here, just lurking for now. We too will probably be interested in the FE, plus it'll give us something to do on the sea days!

[ladypirate]

shoot, need to fix my ticker... we were originally on the July 4th cruise...

[Elfinjojo]

Bumping up to the first page to try and get more activity going.

Come on and join the fun in the sun, looking to start an FE group

[WAHkoMom]

We will definitely join the FE group! I made my FE for our first Disney cruise, and LOVE to be able to use it! 181 days left!

[Elfinjojo]

can we start and official role call and FE list?

I am happy to organise the spreadsheet for the FE and update a roll call.

I'll start:thumbsup2

Dis Name : ElfinJoJo (JoJo DW)
Rob (DH)
Holly (DD 10)
Evan (DS 8)

FE: Yes please.

NB : if you wish to signup for the FE please Email me elfinjojo@hotmail.co.uk (titled july 28th Fantasy FE) with the above roll call details plus your Stateroom number, which will only go on the spreadsheet and be passed onto fellow FE participants and not go on the public board. Also an email address would be handy for sending you a copy of the spreadsheet .
Also let us know if you have any allergies to food or would rather not receive candy so that folk can organise their gifts accordingly.

Let's do this folks:banana:

[Elfinjojo]

BUMP

Is it just me that wants to FE? Come on July cruisers let's get this started :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[princesscinderella]

So we have switched our cruises from the dream 5 night on 7/27 to this sailing. We took advantage of the got rate that popped up the other day surprisingly, it was only $32 more for the adults but the kids were $250 more. Either way for the difference of $750 we are adding 2 nights from our dream cruise and getting to go on the fantasy!!! So count us in for the fe as well.

[Elfinjojo]

Welcome PrincessCinderella :welcome:

Well done on the bargain change to your cruise:cool1:

yay a taker for the FE, this group is very slow and so far there is only me and now you on the list. Email or PM me your details and I will update the non Existent FE list :rotfl2:

ANYMORE TAKERS FOR THE FE?

[WAHkoMom]

JoJo - I just sent you a PM with my crew's details!

I really hope we have more participants, because this is one of the fun parts of cruising DCL for me and my kids.

:flower3:

[WAHkoMom]

Are there REALLY no other DISers crusing with us on the Fantasy the week of July 28th??????

:eek:

Well, I'll celebrate with those of you that ARE here - we made our final payment on the cruise yesterday! :cool1:

AND when we added our two kids onto the reservation our cabin changed from deck 5 to deck 10! You see, when we originally booked this sailing, we only booked for me and DH to save $$ on the deposit (10% of two people vs. 4 people). And we selected a specific cabin - one with an extended verandah that I'd learned about here on the DIS boards, but apparently that cabin only sleeps 3 (no pull-down bed over the couch). So, when we tried to add the 2 kids online, I was getting an error. After a not-so-quick call to DCL (clarification: the call was quick and handled efficiently, but I had to wait on hold for 20 minutes and then was told to call back in 30 minutes because their server still "had" my reservation), we were told that we could add the kids to our reservation but that our cabin changed to 10664, which, she confirmed, is still a category 5E - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with extended verandah!! YAY!

pixiedust: I got my dose of Disney magic!

[Elfinjojo]

:cool1:Lori that's great news on the Pixie dust:cool1:

I can't believe how quiet it is on here! Looks like the FE will be a quick one:rotfl2:

We received our MV documents this week:cheer2: 5weeks today we shall be sailing away:banana:

[RLccweems]

I have to say this is a quiet thread....are there not many of us on this ship on this date? I'll be there and I'd love to do the FE...add me too it. I hope the closer it gets to cruise date more people sign in to the meet.

lettie

[WAHkoMom]

I've been reading about "restricted" guaranteed rates on our July 28th Fantasy cruise, so there may be more people signing on after we're within 150 days?

JoJo ~ I didn't know you were on the maiden Fantasy voyage! How did I miss that? You'll have to give us all the scoop when you come home!

Lettie ~ I see you're from OK. I'm headed to Tulsa next week for business; small world!

[Elfinjojo]

Lettie, I have your FE details but have PM you for a few more details, thanks

[Elfinjojo]

Lori forgot to say I have your details too

[Elfinjojo]

LOL I will be this groups personal advisor for all things Fantasy once I have done the MV:cool1::rotfl2:

[Smileneyes]

Checking in!

We're still scheduled for this cruise. We're SO looking forward to seeing old friends (Lettie and Mary and respective families) and meeting new friends!

We're pretty sure that we're in on the FE, but not 100% yet. Thanks for organizing it, JoJo! I've been the "official keeper of the spreadsheet" for our past 4 cruises...so I will be happy to take a back seat but lend a hand if needed. :thumbsup2 JoJo, once we go "all in", I'll send you a PM.

Staying the 26th and 27th at AKL-Jambo prior to the cruise. We were GTY, but received a room a week ago. No pixie dust for us yet...but Grats on the pixie dust, WAHkoMom! pixiedust:

--Drew

[Elfinjojo]

Thanks Drew for the offer of help...I will shout if I need it:worship:I haven't organised an FE before, so kinda hoping it stays relatively small, but big enough to be fun:thumbsup2

[RLccweems]

Thanks Drew for the offer of help...I will shout if I need it:worship:I haven't organised an FE before, so kinda hoping it stays relatively small, but big enough to be fun:thumbsup2

Your love Drew he's a great guy!! :banana:


lettie

[WAHkoMom]

Checking in!

We're still scheduled for this cruise. We're SO looking forward to seeing old friends (Lettie and Mary and respective families) and meeting new friends!

We're pretty sure that we're in on the FE, but not 100% yet. Thanks for organizing it, JoJo! I've been the "official keeper of the spreadsheet" for our past 4 cruises...so I will be happy to take a back seat but lend a hand if needed. :thumbsup2 JoJo, once we go "all in", I'll send you a PM.

Staying the 26th and 27th at AKL-Jambo prior to the cruise. We were GTY, but received a room a week ago. No pixie dust for us yet...but Grats on the pixie dust, WAHkoMom! pixiedust:

--Drew

Thanks, Drew! :thumbsup2

So am I right when I say that there are 5 or 6 "active" members of our meet thread, and Drew, Mary and Lettie already know each other from past cruises?? That's pretty cool!

[Smileneyes]

Thanks, Drew! :thumbsup2

So am I right when I say that there are 5 or 6 "active" members of our meet thread, and Drew, Mary and Lettie already know each other from past cruises?? That's pretty cool!

That's right, Lori! :banana:

Our three families met on the special "Eastern w/Tortola" cruise in the summer of 2009. We've stayed in touch via Facebook, etc. since then. Mary's and my family sailed again together last year to Alaska on the Wonder.

I think it's safe to say that we're all looking forward to sailing together again. We're a friendly group, so don't be surprised if your family gets "adopted" into the "gang"! :cool1:

--Drew

[princesscinderella]

Hi all, checking in and getting excited with all the fantasy buzz this week. It looks like we are going to have a small intimate meet thread. Have any of you been to any of the ports we are stopping at? If so what's fun to do excursion wise? We have little kids so I'm not holding out too much hope that there are a lot of options for us with two kids under 5.

[2go2disney]

:cheer2:
Excited to join this group as we booked our cruise this weekend for July 28th. This will be our very first Disney cruise!!! Want to take advantage of all the fun, so please pass along any tips. It will be me, my hubby, DD(8) and DS (4).

Update....had to switch our cruise date due to work....so have to leave this board. You all may have the ship to yourselves. The other week had 21 pages of postings I have to catch up on. Have a great cruise week!!!!

[Im_A_Princess]

Hi Everyone!
We just booked this cruise and the 7/21 Fantasy cruise today as VGT.
Doing a B2B on the the Fantasy :woohoo:
It will be DH (Brett) and myself (Chrissy). :goodvibes
Would love to join the FE if there is one. Don't know our room # yet as we are a VGT.

[WAHkoMom]

We're a friendly group, so don't be surprised if your family gets "adopted" into the "gang"! :cool1:

--Drew

Sounds like a party! :woohoo:

[Elfinjojo]

Welcome aboard I'm a Princess :welcome:

Drop me a PM with you stateroom number when have one and the names of everyone in your party and I will add you to the FE list.

Slowly but surely we are getting a group together!:cool1:

[WAHkoMom]

JoJo,

Are you ready for the MV? You've only got 3 weeks left!! Are you doing a FE on that sailing, too?

[Elfinjojo]

I am starting to get organised:) The packing will be done the week before we leave, and yes I am doing the FE for the MV, but just a small group. The main list is around 60 cabins which is just too many, so we have split into those that want to do a smaller group of just 15 cabins which is much more reasonable. I can't say what the FE gifts are as some of them are the same for this cruise too:rotfl2: but it's only a little something as we do have the weight restrictions to allow for.

I am off into town today to get the kiddies parts of the FE:thumbsup2

I don't have a spare room so can't lay the clothes out anywhere just yet, but I have a mental packing list in my head.


Getting really excited now:cool1:

[DVC Mary]

Hi all, checking in and getting excited with all the fantasy buzz this week. It looks like we are going to have a small intimate meet thread. Have any of you been to any of the ports we are stopping at? If so what's fun to do excursion wise? We have little kids so I'm not holding out too much hope that there are a lot of options for us with two kids under 5.

"Au contrair" or however ya spell it in French.

Excursions w/ little ones are quite possible if you do your research, know what will keep your kids interest, pick the right ones, possibly do on your own which allow to come and go when you need to for your family's schedule, reserve It's A Small World Nursery as early as possible ie.) I can book things in 49 days b/c I'm silver. If it's your 1st cruise you can book in about 64 days. The key is to book as soon as you can.

We didn't think we'd want to be w/o our kids much on our 1st cruise. I think our boys were 3 & 5. We had to DRAG them kicking and screaming out of the club, unless we were leaving to something they wanted to go to or they had already passed out asleep. We quickly the learned importance of different color highlighters markers & planning. Kids each got their own color & would highlight 2-3 events in the club they wanted to do most. We all got together & highlighted our family events, dinner, shows, family activities, & Mom & Dad time.

On our 1st cruise which was an Eastern here's what we did for excursions:

St. Maarten:

We got off the boat as early as possible, grabbed a cab to Orient Beach and asked the cab driver to drop us off at a spot that would be more family oriented (we still some very old very saggy or very heavy nude beach walkers), sunscreened every 30 minutes, left by 11am & still were burnt like lobsters--we use rash guards now to help protect our fine Irish skin. Boy, I loved our Alaskan cruise & Canada. Pale skins all around & you can get tea anywhere brewed properly. :cloud9: (Ask our eldest son about his mild panic attack when I announced we were moving to Canada. We're not, but in the moment I was pretty serious.)

We had lunch, left the kids in the club, received a pager, they knew which excursion we were on & we loved:

Golden Eagle Catamaran (3.5-4 hours)* Sail across the sparkling Caribbean waters in a catamaran, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Pastries and an open bar are provided, after your snorkeling adventure. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Price: Adult $69 (ages 10 & up)

All ages excursions you might enjoy:

Seaworld Explorer Coral Reef Exploration (2.5 hours)

Retreat to Grand Case on the French side of spectacular St. Maarten via a scenic bus ride. Once there, board the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine for a one-of-kind glimpse into the wondrous world beneath the surface of the translucent blue sea. During the 45-minute trip, a diver will be on hand to "escort" a variety of aquatic life in front of the viewing chambers so you can be sure to see it all up close. Afterward, take in the Caribbean sights before your return back to the ship. This tour is available to All Ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. Travel time from the pier to Grand Case, and back again, is approximately 30 minutes in each direction.

Price: $45 (ages 10 & up) $29 (Infant-9)



St. Thomas

We did the submarine but they've raised the age on that to 5, which was proably a smart idea considering that my little guy had to use the bathroom despite going just before getting on & limiting his drinks that morning. He held it :scared:, but my guess is that they had one too many accidents or crazed parents who didn't read/listen when they were told NO bathrooms onboard.

My suggestions for you that I've done or heard others do w/ little ones:

Paradise Point Tramway (1 hour) (You can do this one your own for slightly less money too, but the ease of doing excursion via Disney is nice too.)
Drink in the spectacular vistas while enjoying a frozen libation from a moving room with a view! The scenic Paradise Point Tramway takes you to the top of the point, where you can enjoy the shops, nature trail and cafe - and don't miss the tropical bird shows held twice daily.

Adult Price: $15 (ages 10 & up) Child Price: $8 (ages 5-9) Under 5 are free



Magen's Bay Beach Break (4.5 - 5 hours) I would definitely do this one using a cab so you'll be free to go when you want b/c that's all this excursion provides you a ride to the beach--NOTHING ELSE. We did this one on a different Eastern & really enjoyed this beach. We went w/ another family & the kids had fun together, which made it easier on us b/c we had similar ages. Head to St. Thomas' finest beach for a day in the Caribbean sun. Along the 25 minute scenic drive, you'll stop at Drake's Seat known for it's incredible views of the bay and Down Island. Next, you arrive at Magen's Bay where you can swim, stroll along the water's edge or simply relax in a beach chair. Water is provided, food is available for purchase. Floats and water toys can be rented.

Price: $44 (ages 10 & up) Child: $33 (ages 3 - 9) Under age 3 are free

Coral World and Butterfly Garden (3.5-4 Hours)
You can do this on your own too & choose do just one of these. If your 2 year old still fits in a backpack carrier, this would be a great place for one.
Embark on an approximate 25-minute ride to Coral World Ocean Park.
Enjoy approximately 90 minutes of free time at Coral World including the undersea observatory where you view a living coral reef 15 feet below the sea without getting wet. Encounter sharks, stingrays, turtles and other fascinating marine animals. Have the option to visit the beach located next to Coral World. Note: Guests who visit the beach must be back to the meeting point on time or they will be responsible for their own transport back to the ship. Guests should bring swimwear and towels if wishing to swim.
Hop back on your transportation and take an approximate 25-minute drive to the Butterfly Garden. Upon your arrival, meet and greet your friendly guide who will take you on a tour through a tropical garden wonderland where hundreds of beautiful butterflies from around the world fly freely all around you. During your visit, discover the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly—from meandering caterpillar to fluttering winged insect, and discover the beauty of their colorful winged markings and the uniqueness of their various shapes and shapes. You may also enjoy a parrot show, a kid's favorite.
Following your visit, embark on a 5-minute walk back to the ship. Additional Information. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. This tour is conducted either on an open-air safari bus or a minivan. This tour may run in reverse order.
Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at Coral World and the Butterfly Garden.

Price: $46 (ages 10 & up) $36 (ages 3-9) Under 3 Free


Castaway Cay: Straight to the Kid's Club on the Island Scuttle's Cove w/ restrictions to keep them in the shade. Next heaven in our private cabana massage for two :cloud9:. Leisurely fruit snack & beach w/o kids for about 15 min & then we missed them too much. Back to pick them up & get lunch. Did the little treck to find the coins, but totally cheated b/c we wanted to keep them out of the sun. We hurried to In Da Shade Games which at the time was almost a secret on CC. We bemoaned our issue of limiting suntime b/c of the previous sun burn to a CM. He walked right over to where the treasure chest for the coins were & then we made a game out of it for our kids to keep looking for the coins. Boy were they surprised & we thus skipped 4 or 5 clue stops. When it got closer to 2 we decided our 5 year old demands to snorkel & find Mickey under the water had to be attempted. He's was a good swimmer, but it's a big snorkel lagoon. I towed him back most of the way. We switched off playing w/ the 3 yr old at the beach & snorkeling. We were more exhausted then the kids.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-childrensactivities.htm#flounder

http://www.disneycontestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cay-map.jpg


Please forgive any spelling or grammatical errors I made. It's way too late & I need to get to sleep especially since I'm losing an hour tonight!

[DVC Mary]

I forgot to say that we're on the fence about the FE. Kids want to do it. I want to do it, but always have anxiety b/c I have the creativity of a gnat & can't seem to find more economical ways of doing these, & DH grumbles loudly about the space/weight they take up in our luggage--especially since we're going to WDW for 2 days before & 2 days after. No, I'm not crazy I just got stuck w/ limited frequent flyer options.

I don't even have a ticket yet! We only had enough miles for 3 tickets & I've been holding out for many months for a sale.

My idea thus far, which he thinks is crazy, is that I will ask at the front desk for an empty box the a.m. of the cruise. I will fill it w/ all the dirty clothes & then mail the box for my Mom to keep until I get home. I did this once before. What do you think? Am I crazy?

[Elfinjojo]

Mary I would just pack enough clothes for the week, a capsule wardrobe where you can mix and match and launder clothes on the ship. It works for us. We have limited packing space due to overseas weight restriction on flight, so pack a few days worth of clothes for a one week stay and a weeks set of clothes for two weeks stay and launder:laundy:, it really doesn't take up too much time out of the cruise.

Saves room then for all the souvenirs :cool1:

[WAHkoMom]

Mary,
I thought I was crazy for doing laundry on our last cruise, but it was sooo worth it! It didn't take long and saved packing space - replaced the space used up by FE stuff with FE stuff received, plus souvenirs. Followed a tip from the DISboards to bring a pop-up mesh hamper for dirty clothes and to transport clothes to and from the laundry room. We all have our favorite t-shirts and shorts so it allowed us to wear them more than once and I am quite sure no one was playing the fashion police ("Didn't she wear that top on TUESDAY?!?!" LOL).

And I'm investigating how to get a free sample of those Tide pods so I can pack those instead of the Purell sheets I used on the last cruise (although those worked fine).

I love planning for Disney cruises!;)

[DVC Mary]

Ok, so you guys are bugging me to do what my husband has tried to get me to do on our last 2 cruises. I have resisted. I see vacation as laundry free. :lmao: Yes I come home w/ giant piles. I hear your wisdom. I'm just resisting. Imagine me w/ a death grip on the railing or my chair of whatever event I'm at. Heck, it could just be me taking a leisurely nap.

I'll think about it. :earboy2: Yeah, I know I'm hopeless, but it's a combo of me fearing I'll forget to go back at the right time & my laundry's gone or fearing that standing near the machines will make my seasickness kick in. I use the patch behind the ear, the ginger, lots of ginger ale, the occassional burnt toast (room service always gets confused on that one), etc.

We do wear our evening clothes over w/ different tops. I usually get one thing dress capris or skirt drycleaned if absolutely necessary.

Take care all! :flower3:

P.S. JoJo I can't wait to hear about the MV. I'm soooo jealous, but very :banana::yay::cool1: for you!

[Elfinjojo]

I have gone back thru the thread right back to the beginning and made a list of everyone that has said they are cruising. I hope more of the folk will come back as the cruise gets closer and we can then get a proper FE taking place.( So far there are only 3 families taking part that I know of that have messaged me) The names of those that are currently active on the thread are in red, as folk notify me that they are active I will then change their colour too.

ROLL CALL(by DIS name)
Elfinjojo
RLccweems
smileneyes
WAKhoMom
DVCMary
Im_A_Princess
Suzcruise
Nette
PrincessCinderella
Princess Runner



Macassi
Lady pirate
Simbasmom2
Jacksmom2009
Irishcowboy
Disneypoor




FE LIST(all details will be PM/emailed once list is final)

DISname: Elfinjojo +3
DISname: RLccweems +2
DISname: WAKhoMom +3
DISname: Suzcruise +2
DISname: Princess runner +2
DISname: Mayda+2
DISname: Princesscinderella +4
DISname: Im_A_Princess+1




If you want to be added to the FE list
Or to let me know that you are active on the board, please PM me with your details(for FE this includes names of folk travelling in your party, ages of children, any allergies to take into consideration and finally a SR# if you have it)

Thank you:thumbsup2

[SUZCRUISE]

Hi, please add us to the roll call:

Me, Susan
Daughter Megan (17)
Daughter Lizzy (14)

Also add us to the FE list. This will be our 3rd Disney Cruise, 1st one on the new ships... can't wait, but don't want to wish the whole summer away either.

[Elfinjojo]

:welcome: suzcruise

I have added you to both lists, nice to have you onboard. We are a quiet board at the moment bu hopefully as the cruise gets closer then folk will start posting more.:cool1:

[Nette]

I kept wondering if this thread would pick up. Probably not... Probably because I am on it. :rotfl: I seem to kill every cruise meet thread I join.

Anyway, the first night of our cruise is my DD's 10th birthday. She does not know about it yet. We're hoping to keep it that way until the ship comes into view... I'm fairly certain she will not be one of those kids that reacts completely opposite of how I think she will... I think. I hope. :laughing:

Anyway, it's me, DH, DD10, and DS2... First cruise with a toddler... that should be interesting.

[Elfinjojo]

:welcome: or is it :welcome:Back?

We will get this board going:banana: I have added you to the roll call, do you want in on the FE?

[Elfinjojo]

So as some of you know I am off on the MV of the fantasy in 9 days time:banana::cool1::cheer2: and was wondering how you guys would like a trip report? I am not planning on doing one on the main board but as you guys will all be cruising on the Fantasy too I don't mind doing a mini TR for your viewing.

Let me know what you think:confused3

[princesscinderella]

I am definitely active and want to do the fe. We are in a ogt cabin so we do not know our room as of yet. I'll pm you the details. I know I would love to have a mini trip report elfinjojo. I would love some excursion suggestions as we have never been to st martin or st Thomas.

[Princess Runner]

This is awesome! sorry we had dissapeared but "life happened" and had been crazy, any way the deal with us is that we actually took advantage of the "restricted fare" and came cheaper than our original reservation in the Dream, what we had to do was to pay off the whole thing and they will assign the room number at a later date, I am planning to call next week to see if I get a room number, in any case, you can add to the roll call

Cabin #1
Elcka (me)
Carlos DH
Carmen DD 7
Celebrating: DD 8th bday on July 30 and DH bday on July 28

Cabin #2 "The Grandparents"
Annie
George

Cabin #3
Fernando
Mayda
Zachary DS 8

We are for sure joining the fe, we have done this in 3 out of our 4 DIScruises, we are going "Castaway GOLD" in this one being our 5th one:yay:.
As far as goodies for the fe you guys can keep it simple and inexpensive, but no candy please!!!! We had been in fe's sooo elaborated and truly believe that is creativity what should show, a detail will make us happy, something from your hometown, something that talk about you....

Cabin #2 are my in laws, is their first DIScruise so they will be in the meet and all our get togethers but want to stay off the fe.

Cabin #3 are our friends, they went with us in the Dream in 2011, they want to join the FE group, it will be their first time doing it, but I already give them the information so Mayda will take care of sending their details for FE purposes.

Other than that, we are counting the days, we are coming from Miami so no flying for us, is great because we get to pack craze amount of clothes, but I do believe is a good idea to laundry a couple of things in the ship so the ones flying dont have to pay extra.

Well kisses to all, hope to hear from you soon

Like I say...as soon as I get the cabin #s I will let you know

[Elfinjojo]

I am definitely active and want to do the fe. We are in a ogt cabin so we do not know our room as of yet. I'll pm you the details. I know I would love to have a mini trip report elfinjojo. I would love some excursion suggestions as we have never been to st martin or st Thomas.

A mini TR I can do but we are not doing any excursions at all this time round, we just want to chill and enjoy the ship. We are doing two weeks, so plenty of R&R time:) Sorry I can't recommend any:confused3

[Elfinjojo]

:welcome:back Princess Runner and Princesscinderella :welcome:


I have both of your Fe details and I have updated on the roll call :cool1:

[WAHkoMom]

I'm so happy to see the flurry of activity on our meet thread!

JoJo ~ any posting you want to do from the MV would be super! I'm sure there will be a lot to do on the ship so I envy you for having no excursions planned. We're still on the fence about which ones to do, but DS12's request is "no boring tours where they teach you stuff!" :rotfl:

[Nette]

I don't know on the FE yet. I tend to get way too stressed about that kind of stuff and it makes DH nuts. :rotfl: We're also really bad at commitments on vacations, so don't be offended if we say we're coming to a meet and don't show up. We are very "go with the flow" people on vacation.

Gosh I'm so excited I can't stand it. We've had this cruise booked for over a year now. This will be DH's and my 7th DCL and DD's 6th and DS's FIRST!!!

[Princess Runner]

Hello to all, please elfinjojo add a 4th cabin to our group fr the roll call, he is my friend's father Fernando Duenas Sr.

Mayda will probable get to the thread some time ths weekend, I will bug her until she does

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way>>> any LAW ENFORCEMENT families in the group? my DH is a firefighter and we had exchange t-shirts in the past with fellow fireftrs in the group!

Love and blessings
Elcka

[Elfinjojo]

Will do:thumbsup2

[Im_A_Princess]

So as some of you know I am off on the MV of the fantasy in 9 days time:banana::cool1::cheer2: and was wondering how you guys would like a trip report? I am not planning on doing one on the main board but as you guys will all be cruising on the Fantasy too I don't mind doing a mini TR for your viewing.

Let me know what you think:confused3

We r leaving on the Magic on 3/30. :wizard:

After we return I will be more active here I promise!

[Elfinjojo]

Be sure to wave across to us on the fantasy when we are in ports together:cheer2:
Have a good trip

[DVC Mary]

So as some of you know I am off on the MV of the fantasy in 9 days time:banana::cool1::cheer2: and was wondering how you guys would like a trip report? I am not planning on doing one on the main board but as you guys will all be cruising on the Fantasy too I don't mind doing a mini TR for your viewing.

Let me know what you think:confused3


Tips of any kind would be great. I feel like there's so much I don't know.

When I get onboard, where do I go if I need a Palo/Remy reservations?

Where does one go for........?

Which tours require tickets & where do I go to get them?

Which things should we sign up early for b/c ....... & when/where do we sign up?

When I'm on the Magic or Wonder, it's so easy b/c I feel like I know where to do for everything.

What are the big differences in location for things? Did they change which desk does what? I know all about the aquaduck, restaurants, ie. BIG things, but I'd love the practical advice on what's different.

Let us know if they have Dooney & Bourke bags for the Fantasy like they did for the Dream please! Pictures of anything you want to share would also be great.

Have great time & we will be really grateful :worship: for anything you teach us when you get back.

[Elfinjojo]

A week til we sail:cool1:

I woke this morning ready to tackle a long list of things I jotted down last night that needed doing along with a list of things still needed to buy.

Job for the day: Goto town and get last minute bits and bobs.

So my DD and I headed into town this morning(one small shopping mall)so that I could get her some sandals to wear around the ship, however she is an awkward madam and we came out of the shop with a pair of pumps instead lol, they will look fine with her playsuits and sun dresses I am sure.:thumbsup2, I also got her 2 new swimsuits and bought us both matching T-shirts with Minnie looking rather moody, wearing a union Jack skirt and the wording "feisty" on it.she is only 10 but the size 6(uk) fits her perfectly(this is a very small adults size) mine is a rather not so small adults size:rotfl2: we picked up some other bits and pieces and then headed home, satisfied that we had everything that we went for!

Later in the afternoon I took DS to get a haircut ready for the trip, our hairdresser loves to hear our stories about the cruises and has even looked into going on one herself now, but as yet she hasn't taken the plunge! This evening DS took part in a beaver scouts swim gala and fun swim which we went along to watch. bless him, afterwards he said the next time I wear a swim suit will be on the aquaduck:banana:

This evening I have continued to work on the FE gifts for the second weeks cruise. I am painting polystyrene Easter eggs to look like minnie and Mickey(I will try and post a pic when they are finished) Mickey eggs have read bottoms and black tops and the yellow buttons, No face. Minnie eggs are all red with White spots. Both will have a ribbon in the top for hanging the egg somewhere should the recipients wish too! There is a Mickey and Minnie for each cabin. each egg has needed at least 3 coats of paint and I have so fa only finished the Mickeys, tomorrow I start on the Minnies. Each cabin will also have a selection bag of easter themed sweets and they will be distributed on Easter sunday:) There are only 14 cabins taking part(another quiet group) but they are well spread about the ship.
We are also taking part in a magnet exchange so I have been planning the design tonight. I am not sharing them on here though as I might just use them for this FE LOL:rotfl2:

ok that is me for tonight....tomorrow the cases come out!

[Princess Runner]

My DD just remind me that the Bidibibadi boutique will be operating in the Fantasy, please find out for us how to make the reservations!, dont se anything in the website yet. Other than that I read the ship is very similar to the Dream, but they added / twick some stuff.

Im really exited for you, and by the way March 31st is my birthday. So think of me aboard the Fantasy MV.

Love and blessings

[Elfinjojo]

I will raise my sail away champagne glass to You on you birthday as a Toast .

As for BBB I will make a special trip to find out how to book etc as it's not something my DD will be interested in.

[Elfinjojo]

This morning we got the cases out of the loft:cool1:

DD and I went and got the little bit of grocery shopping that we need for the week and a couple of bits and that the trip called for:) before I set about cleaning the house. This evening I have packed one case DS 's so I am a quarter of the way there:cheer2:

The fe is ongoing and WILL b finished by Thursday night:rolleyes1

[WAHkoMom]

I just read your first two mini-PTRs, JoJo - - You must be getting soooooooo excited! And it's fun hearing your kids are getting in on the excitement, too.

My DH discovered (and has become mildly obsessed :lmao: ) with the webcam at Port Canaveral. So we will for sure watch the Magic on the 30th (for Chrissy) and the Fantasy on the 31st (for JoJo) as she sails away!!

Here's the URL if you want to check it out: http://www.portcanaveralwebcam.com/

Good luck to both of you with your last minute "to do"s! :flower3:

[Elfinjojo]

:rotfl2:Another member of the webcam obsession , it's so addictive. I have it open at the moment ready to watch the fantasy sail away later for her last preview before the important trip on saturday:banana:

[Elfinjojo]

So back from work, after a busy day. Today I have changed 1 wall display, a role play corner from a castle to under the sea( I did consider doing a cruise ship but my colleagues think I Am obsessed enough!:rotfl2:) made little baskets with the children for Easter and that's without the routine numeracy, literacy and reading that's done daily...phew.

Now I have come home and 1 load of laundry is washed, the kids are fed(including a school friend of Holly's) and the Mickey mouse eggs for the FE have had their yellow buttons painted on . now I need to start on the Minnie eggs.

Once Holly's friend has gone home I shall finish Evan's packing and start on Holly's, and then maybe get onto printing out the magnets.

But of course that's in-between watching the web cam :lmao:

[DVC Mary]

JoJo: Are you a :teacher:? Is the MV during your Spring Break?

I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Is it Eastern or Western? I'll check out the webcam to wave you off on the 31st. I hope someone posts navigators asap, maybe not from the MV b/c I'm sure you'll have some special things, but from a different Eastern trip. Have a wonderful maiden voyage you lucky girl!:woohoo::yay::banana::cool1: :woohoo::yay::banana::cool1: :woohoo::yay::banana::cool1: :woohoo::yay::banana::cool1: :woohoo::yay::banana::cool1: :woohoo::yay::banana::cool1:

It's my Spring Break this week, so now I'm in hard core planning mode. Made my dining ressies for before & after our trip. Now I'm trying to decide on which St. John excursion to do. We've always spent time in St. Thomas & I'm excited to check out St. John but which excursion.....??????


What excursions does our group have planned?
Some of us our doing the regatta in St. Maarten
We're all looking forward to waverunners on CC & I have a makeup excursion w/ eldest DS for parasailing. The winds were too strong last time.

[Princess Runner]

I will raise my sail away champagne glass to You on you birthday as a Toast .

As for BBB I will make a special trip to find out how to book etc as it's not something my DD will be interested in.

Je je je! We are going to be in Jamaica in an all inclusive couples only resort, no the wicked weird ones :littleangel:, but adults only! so kids are staying, je je je :thumbsup2

DD was not interested in BBB until she saw her cousin getting the makeover at MK last week, so now she wants it, DD refuses to wear princess costume but she likes the Pirate one, I wander if they have special Pirate Girl makeover...

You are going to have a super blast, are you doing the brunch? that is a must for us, had a reminder set up for April 29 to reserve the brunch at Palo for all the days at sea, I know is $20 but is sooo worth it.

Love and blessings to all

[ScrapnCruise]

Hello!My husband, son (14) & I are getting really excited :cool1: :woohoo: :woohoo: about our cruise on the Disney Fantasy -- 1) Because it’s DISNEY; 2) we’ve NEVER been on a cruise before; and most importantly 3) Celebrating the end of my husband’s third deployment! YES!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: He is scheduled to be home mid-May!!! This has been the hardest!! We’ve celebrated each one with a Disney-related trip. The first one, we stayed at Caribbean Beach; after the 2nd one, we were at WDW during Christmas season & stayed at Wilderness Lodge. This time, we thought we’d go a different route -- CRUISE!!!!
I’m looking at all the excursions there are to do. Let me say..WOW! So. Overwhelming!!!! So…any tips/advice, etc. will be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

Melanie

[Elfinjojo]

JoJo: Are you a :teacher:? Is the MV during your Spring Break?

I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Is it Eastern or Western?



What excursions does our group have planned?
Some of us our doing the regatta in St. Maarten
We're all looking forward to waverunners on CC & I have a makeup excursion w/ eldest DS for parasailing. The winds were too strong last time.


Hi, I am not a :teacher: but a :teacher:'s assistant, working with 5 and 6yr olds. our Easter break does start this weekend(we don't call it spring break but that is what it is I guess) for 2 weeks but I get an early pass so that we could fly out on Friday....schools here are very fussy about you taking time off in term time but we put in a special plea:rotfl2:

the itinerary that we are sailing is western AND eastern as we are doing a B2B:banana:
We are not taking any excursions on this cruise, we are in for some serious relaxing:cloud9: so I can't recommend anything, but whatever you choose I am sure you will have fun.

[Elfinjojo]

Another busy day at work, followed by a successful visit to the dentist for our 6 monthly check up(all perfct teeth:thumbsup2)

The Mickey eggs are finished:banana: and the Minnie eggs need one more coat of paint before the White spots can go on...hope to get them finished:scared1: DS's case is packed completely and DD's is half packed. I just have some adjustments to do to some of her summer dresses that last time she wore them needed the straps sewing up to make them shorter so they wouldn't slip off her shoulders...now they need letting back down again LOL. She has a school dance tomorrow evening so her heeled shoes will be worn, so they will have to go in tHe case tomorrow evening, and her semi formal outfit is. The laundry after I noticed there was a small stain on the front:scared1:

Tomorrow evening I will pack my case and on Thursday DH will be home from working away in Scotland so he will sort and I will pack his then, along with al the odds and ends, FE gifts wash bags etc...
I am beginning to panic as I am running out of time to get things done...work is getting in the way!!!:rotfl2::lmao::lmao::lmao:

[WAHkoMom]

Hello!My husband, son (14) & I are getting really excited :cool1: :woohoo: :woohoo: about our cruise on the Disney Fantasy -- 1) Because it’s DISNEY; 2) we’ve NEVER been on a cruise before; and most importantly 3) Celebrating the end of my husband’s third deployment! YES!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: He is scheduled to be home mid-May!!! This has been the hardest!! We’ve celebrated each one with a Disney-related trip. The first one, we stayed at Caribbean Beach; after the 2nd one, we were at WDW during Christmas season & stayed at Wilderness Lodge. This time, we thought we’d go a different route -- CRUISE!!!!
I’m looking at all the excursions there are to do. Let me say..WOW! So. Overwhelming!!!! So…any tips/advice, etc. will be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

Melanie

:welcome: ScrapnCruise / Melanie!

JoJo must be en route to the Fantasy Maiden Voyage, so I'll introduce you to our meet!

We're a pretty quiet bunch, but those of us that check in are friendly! :flower3:

I think you and your family will love cruising Disney style! And a HUGE thank you to your DH and the whole family for your sacrifices for our country. Hats off! :thanks:

This is my 3rd Disney cruise. DH and I went on the Dream without our 2 kids last May and it was fab - u - lous! Can't wait to spend a whole week on the Fantasy (4 nights was not long enough!) with DD and DS.

We're still deciding about excursions - I just want to cab it to the beaches, but we'll see.

Ask questions, and if I or anyone can answer, we will!

[Elfinjojo]

Almost en-route;)

Welcome to the group, I will chat to you some more when I get back, but in just 4 hrs time we head off to the airport to fly over from the UK to meet the MV of the Fantasy:cool1:


ok this is my final update on Pre trip report, I may check in during the cruise but the main TR will be done when we return in two weeks.

I made a mistake yesterday wheI said we were sailing eastern and western itineraries this time, infact we are sailing the same itinerary twice, but with grand cayman and cozomel swapped around on days on the second cruise. When we cruise the B2B with you guys in the summer it will be eastern and western:banana:

Ok so it is 2.30 am in the UK as I write this, too excited to sleep and only just finished sorting everything out from packing to straightening the house. I had an emotional day at work with a collegue retiring(she was also my DD 's teacher for two years and by far her favourite so far!) but it was also an exciting day as it was confirmed that I can apply for assessment to gain a higher level teachers assistant status:banana:

Ok won't bore you with the ins and outs of the packing etc...so I will say good night and try and get a couple of hours sleep before the household is up and ready to go.

SEE YOU REAL SOON:mickeyjum

[Smileneyes]

Almost en-route;)

Welcome to the group, I will chat to you some more when I get back, but in just 4 hrs time we head off to the airport to fly over from the UK to meet the MV of the Fantasy:cool1:


ok this is my final update on Pre trip report, I may check in during the cruise but the main TR will be done when we return in two weeks.

I made a mistake yesterday wheI said we were sailing eastern and western itineraries this time, infact we are sailing the same itinerary twice, but with grand cayman and cozomel swapped around on days on the second cruise. When we cruise the B2B with you guys in the summer it will be eastern and western:banana:

Ok so it is 2.30 am in the UK as I write this, too excited to sleep and only just finished sorting everything out from packing to straightening the house. I had an emotional day at work with a collegue retiring(she was also my DD 's teacher for two years and by far her favourite so far!) but it was also an exciting day as it was confirmed that I can apply for assessment to gain a higher level teachers assistant status:banana:

Ok won't bore you with the ins and outs of the packing etc...so I will say good night and try and get a couple of hours sleep before the household is up and ready to go.

SEE YOU REAL SOON:mickeyjum

Safe travels, JoJo...we look forward to hearing about your fun!

[Smileneyes]

Okay, it is now officially time for our clan to be pumped up...we completed online check-in today, and have booked our excursions!

No, we're not packed yet.... :rotfl2:

--Drew

[Elfinjojo]

Good morning from ORLANDO! We are finally here and can't believe that in just a few short hours we will be on the DISNEY FANTASY!!!!:cool1:

We had an uneventful flight over from London Gatwick, after I had only 3 hours sleep the night before LOL and after a short shuttle ride to the hotel we ordered room service and crashed out early-well early for US time, late for UK time(would have been near midnight UK) but we are all up and wide awake at 5am US time, too excited to sleep anymore:rotfl2:

The shuttle back to the airport comes for us at 9.30 so we are now pacing. We will do breakfast soon and make sure that we have everything we need for our day bag and that the rest of the cases are packed back up again. Hopefully we won't have too long to wait for a DCL bus to the port and then the adventure really begins.

Be sure to watch us on webcam sail away.:cheer2:

I will update when I can but will do a day by day TR on return:love:

[princesscinderella]

We are going to watch you sail away!!! Have a great time!

I have not been on the cruise forum in a week. We have decided to become DVC members so I have been on that forum all week getting my DVC education. We have a contract for resale in at boardwalk villas so hopefully in 60 days as long as Disney does not exercise first right of refusal. Disney makes it so fun to part with all your hard earned bucks.

[Smileneyes]

Got the webcam up and running. Ready to watch the maiden voyage! :thumbsup2

[WAHkoMom]

I cannot believe I missed the sailaway of the MV on the webcam!!!!:eek::sad2:

[princesscinderella]

The kids and I watched it we saw someone holding up a British flag. I wonder if it was elfinjojo.

[Elfinjojo]

Nope wasn't me but thanks for thinking of us:rotfl2:

We are in beautiful grand cayman this morning and from our verandah we have the most stunning view of The Disney Magic, moored up! I will post pics on my return.

All has been plain sailing so far from embarkation to merchandise purchase etc....a very different feel to the Dreams Maiden voyage. it's been so nice to see so many familiar crew members that remember us too!

You guys are in for a real treat when you finally get on board!

Now off to enjoy the sun:cool1:

[WAHkoMom]

WOW! Updating from the Fantasy! You're so good to us, JoJo!

I'm glad everything is going well so far, and I hope you are relaxing like you wanted to. :flower3:

[Elfinjojo]

Ola from Cozumel, there is a stunning view today from our ship....we are moored up next to the magic!

Lots of fun in the sun fantasy

[WAHkoMom]

JoJo,

It suddenly occurred to me that I have a "scout" onboard the Fantasy right now ;) . . . . . . would you be able to find out what beers are on tap in the bars? DH and I are beer drinkers and the Dream didn't have a huge selection of beers on tap (if I recall - - we actually brought beer in our carry-ons :drinking1

Anyway, since you will be onboard for a while (you lucky duck), if you wouldn't mind investigating that for me, I'd appreciate it! :flower3:

I hope you are still having a great time!

THANK YOU!

[Princess Runner]

JoJo,

It suddenly occurred to me that I have a "scout" onboard the Fantasy right now ;) . . . . . . would you be able to find out what beers are on tap in the bars? DH and I are beer drinkers and the Dream didn't have a huge selection of beers on tap (if I recall - - we actually brought beer in our carry-ons :drinking1

Anyway, since you will be onboard for a while (you lucky duck), if you wouldn't mind investigating that for me, I'd appreciate it! :flower3:

I hope you are still having a great time!

THANK YOU!

Glad you ask, DH and myself are also beer drinkers lol

[Nette]

So is anyone here concierge or Platinum and has had a chance to book excursions and PALO/remy? I'd love to know the availability of the cabanas as we really want to snatch one up on friday if they are available. :)

[Smileneyes]

So is anyone here concierge or Platinum and has had a chance to book excursions and PALO/remy? I'd love to know the availability of the cabanas as we really want to snatch one up on friday if they are available. :)

Hi!

It's our first platinum cruise, so we were able to book on the 30th of March.

I just checked CC, and all of the cabanas have been reserved...both for the family beach and Serenity Bay.

Spotchecking the dining, I found the following:

Day 2 (at sea)
Palo dining slots available from 6:00 - 8:30
Remy dining slots availabe from 6:20 - 8:10 excepting a couple slots, i.e. 7:30.

Day 6 (at sea)
Palo brunch spots available from 10:00 - noon

Note, I didn't not check every option on those days.

If you have a specific restaurant and day, I'll be glad to research more specifically for those availabilities. Just let me know. :thumbsup2

--Drew

[Nette]

Thanks for checking! That is as I expected, so we will continue to check back for cabanas. It's not a huge deal, just thought it would be nice for the 2 yo. I have no idea what we want to do for PALO, so no help there, I'm just glad there are some open, though we've never had trouble with getting PALO when we wanted once on board.

I'm so excited I could just squeal. :)

[Elfinjojo]

Hi all,back from the MV and B2B and had such a fab time on a gorgeous ship. I am all messed up wit body clock now as hetman is kicking in big time, but as soon as I can think straight I will do my mini TR and will hopefully answer some questions too. The question about the beer I am not sure I can answer but I may have a link to another TR that may be able to help. Will get back to you in a day or two!

[Princess Runner]

Hi all,back from the MV and B2B and had such a fab time on a gorgeous ship. I am all messed up wit body clock now as hetman is kicking in big time, but as soon as I can think straight I will do my mini TR and will hopefully answer some questions too. The question about the beer I am not sure I can answer but I may have a link to another TR that may be able to help. Will get back to you in a day or two!

Glad you are back and ready to plan the next vacation!!! xoxo

[Princess Runner]

Hello to all!!!! I looked from page one for the FE information, as far as how many people/ages are going to participate....please let me know where did you guys have the information, or did you email it? the thing is that I need to have an idea to start preparing the goodies!!

I'm kind of worry, I see no posting since the weekend of the 15 of April....

In other news, my DS is going to join us, now we are a 10 people group (only 4 participate in FEs) some plans he had for the summer fell apart and I didnt have the heart to leave him behind, so my "baby boy" (he is 19) is coming with mommy!!! and I am so happy.

Also let me know if there s other Police or Firefighters among us, my DH love doing Tshirt exchanges :firefight:

Hopefully we can keep it no candies, its a shame but I hate to throw them away, there is so much food during the trip and to pack them and bring them home is just no practical.

Well...love you all and can't wait to meet you!!!

[welchmom]

My husband is a firefighter and we can't wait for the cruise. Let us know if you want us to bring a shirt and what size. We would like to join the FE it will be my husband and I with our 15yr daughter.

[Princess Runner]

My husband is a firefighter and we can't wait for the cruise. Let us know if you want us to bring a shirt and what size. We would like to join the FE it will be my husband and I with our 15yr daughter.

My DH is a large, let me know your DH size aswell, we are travling with our DD 7 and my DS 19!!!! can't wait xoxox

[Elfinjojo]

Hello to all!!!! I looked from page one for the FE information, as far as how many people/ages are going to participate....please let me know where did you guys have the information, or did you email it? the thing is that I need to have an idea to start preparing the goodies!!

I'm kind of worry, I see no posting since the weekend of the 15 of April....

In other news, my DS is going to join us, now we are a 10 people group (only 4 participate in FEs) some plans he had for the summer fell apart and I didnt have the heart to leave him behind, so my "baby boy" (he is 19) is coming with mommy!!! and I am so happy.

Also let me know if there s other Police or Firefighters among us, my DH love doing Tshirt exchanges :firefight:

Hopefully we can keep it no candies, its a shame but I hate to throw them away, there is so much food during the trip and to pack them and bring them home is just no practical.

Well...love you all and can't wait to meet you!!!


Hi I am so sorry I have not been active on the board since my return from the MV, still trying. To catchup. I shall make a huge effort over the weekend to get an updated FE list on the board, and to try and email a spreadsheet to you all. I am on the IPad at the moment, but will get the laptop out and get organised for you.

As for restricting it to no candies, that may not suit everyone but if you want to put a specific request on the list for no candies for your family then we can do that. Know what you mean about having to throw away un eaten, we had so much given to us over the two weeks that we couldn't make room to pack it all, we ate what we could and then packed the rest up and gave it to the YC That we had made friends with which they appreciated.

Anyway I shall be back properly over the weekend.

[Princess Runner]

:grouphug:Hi I am so sorry I have not been active on the board since my return from the MV, still trying. To catchup. I shall make a huge effort over the weekend to get an updated FE list on the board, and to try and email a spreadsheet to you all. I am on the IPad at the moment, but will get the laptop out and get organised for you.

As for restricting it to no candies, that may not suit everyone but if you want to put a specific request on the list for no candies for your family then we can do that. Know what you mean about having to throw away un eaten, we had so much given to us over the two weeks that we couldn't make room to pack it all, we ate what we could and then packed the rest up and gave it to the YC That we had made friends with which they appreciated.

Anyway I shall be back properly over the weekend.


No rush!!! just take care of your stuff first, there is time to plan I was just wandering if we were still on. I know is crazy , believe me, and you had been very nice taking the chore of putting together this so thank you very very much

[princesscinderella]

Who's joining me at midnight for palo and remy ressies? 90 day mark wool Hooo!

[Princess Runner]

Who's joining me at midnight for palo and remy ressies? 90 day mark wool Hooo!

I am there with you...byt are you sure they open at midnght? I m off tomorrow so I will be awake! xoxo and blessings

[princesscinderella]

They opened at midnight on the last cruise I did which was in January. Don't sweat it though if the ressies you want aren't available as they hold some back for onboard booking. We are not doing any excursions my kids are too little. Make sure to do the online check in too for the earliest boarding time.

[Princess Runner]

They opened at midnight on the last cruise I did which was in January. Don't sweat it though if the ressies you want aren't available as they hold some back for onboard booking. We are not doing any excursions my kids are too little. Make sure to do the online check in too for the earliest boarding time.

Ill be here for sure at midnight. In our last cruise July 2011 5 nights in the Dream, I was not able to book on line, there was just one day at sea. When we got on board there was NOTHING, we placed ourselves in the waiting list and this never came thru, btw we like the brunch no the dinner, so we got dress and showed up at Palo, when we were at the hostess desk, Pietro, the maitre d' came out and regocnize us from the Magic!!!!!! he seat us, but the other couple that was with us didnt make it. I know this time more slots are going to be available because we will have 3 days at sea, my other concern is Bidibibodi Boutique for my DS....I heard is super hard to get reservations for this one.

[princesscinderella]

Well I was able to get all the ressies I wanted, palo brunch on day 2, dinner on day 3 and remy on day 4. And the nursery times that coincide with the reservation times. Woo hoo the next 90 days are going to fly by.

[WAHkoMom]

I was online with you last night/early this morning, too! I got what we wanted: Palo Dinner on Monday and Palo Brunch on Thursday, plus our excursions for St Maarten (Rib Boat Adventure) and St. Thomas (Screamin Eagle Jet Boat). My DD14 wanted me to see if I could book her a massage at the Chill Spa, but as I suspected, no options for that online. We'll head straight to the spa when we board and see what we can get her, plus see what the specials are (for me!).

Isn't it soooooo exciting to be less than three months away!???!!

Princesscinderella - - JoJo posted the FE info somewhere, but not the first page because the person who started this thread dropped out of the group due to a date change. Let me see if I can find the post number.

[WAHkoMom]

I have gone back thru the thread right back to the beginning and made a list of everyone that has said they are cruising. I hope more of the folk will come back as the cruise gets closer and we can then get a proper FE taking place.( So far there are only 3 families taking part that I know of that have messaged me) The names of those that are currently active on the thread are in red, as folk notify me that they are active I will then change their colour too.

ROLL CALL(by DIS name)
Elfinjojo
RLccweems
smileneyes
WAKhoMom
DVCMary
Im_A_Princess
Suzcruise
Nette
PrincessCinderella
Princess Runner



Macassi
Lady pirate
Simbasmom2
Jacksmom2009
Irishcowboy
Disneypoor




FE LIST(all details will be PM/emailed once list is final)

DISname: Elfinjojo +3
DISname: RLccweems +2
DISname: WAKhoMom +3
DISname: Suzcruise +2
DISname: Princess runner +2
DISname: Mayda+2
DISname: Princesscinderella +4
DISname: Im_A_Princess+1




If you want to be added to the FE list
Or to let me know that you are active on the board, please PM me with your details(for FE this includes names of folk travelling in your party, ages of children, any allergies to take into consideration and finally a SR# if you have it)

Thank you:thumbsup2

Lots of Princesses on our FE list!! :banana:

[Elfinjojo]

Hello just a quickie from me tonight:), hope everyone is well :thumbsup2

We were able to book our reservations :cool1: we have snagged a Remy for both weeks, a Palo brunch and a Palo dinner for week one and a brunch for week two. We have also booked BBB for Holly and Evan on pirate night(pirate makeovers for both, not princess for Holly, she would have a fit) but on week two.

Excursions wise, we had decided not to do any excursions again, but DD expressed a wish to see the turtle farm, so thats what we shall be doing in Grand cayman during week 2, but on this cruise we are going to do the butterfly excursion on St Maarten. DH has some diving booked at St Thomas I believe and also during costa Maya on the second week.

Also a big dose of PIXIE DUST from DH, he booked us a virtual porthole room for this cruise and for the second leg we are heading on up to deck 12:banana: we have never been so high before and also first time for concierge so any insight from fellow cruisers is great fully received

[Princess Runner]

Hey Jojo! I was able to add my DS (19 ) to our reservation last week, please add him to the FE list, thank you

[Princess Runner]

Well I was able to get all the ressies I wanted, palo brunch on day 2, dinner on day 3 and remy on day 4. And the nursery times that coincide with the reservation times. Woo hoo the next 90 days are going to fly by.

I was online with you last night/early this morning, too! I got what we wanted: Palo Dinner on Monday and Palo Brunch on Thursday, plus our excursions for St Maarten (Rib Boat Adventure) and St. Thomas (Screamin Eagle Jet Boat). My DD14 wanted me to see if I could book her a massage at the Chill Spa, but as I suspected, no options for that online. We'll head straight to the spa when we board and see what we can get her, plus see what the specials are (for me!).

Isn't it soooooo exciting to be less than three months away!???!!

Princesscinderella - - JoJo posted the FE info somewhere, but not the first page because the person who started this thread dropped out of the group due to a date change. Let me see if I can find the post number.

Hello just a quickie from me tonight:), hope everyone is well :thumbsup2

We were able to book our reservations :cool1: we have snagged a Remy for both weeks, a Palo brunch and a Palo dinner for week one and a brunch for week two. We have also booked BBB for Holly and Evan on pirate night(pirate makeovers for both, not princess for Holly, she would have a fit) but on week two.

Excursions wise, we had decided not to do any excursions again, but DD expressed a wish to see the turtle farm, so thats what we shall be doing in Grand cayman during week 2, but on this cruise we are going to do the butterfly excursion on St Maarten. DH has some diving booked at St Thomas I believe and also during costa Maya on the second week.

Also a big dose of PIXIE DUST from DH, he booked us a virtual porthole room for this cruise and for the second leg we are heading on up to deck 12:banana: we have never been so high before and also first time for concierge so any insight from fellow cruisers is great fully received


I don't understand how you guys did it!!!!:confused: I was on line at midnight and this morning too, and nothing...so I waited until 9:00 am and call DCL the lady told me that those reservations are only possible on line, so I told her that I was on line and got nothing, she gave me the speech about gold and platinum being able to book ahead of time and I said that my family deserved a fair share because after all....we are paying the same! besides that this is our fifth cruise, so how unfair that is for first time DCL cruisers that won't have the chance to enjoy all the activities available. Don't get me wrong I agree all the way with platinum and gold getting loyalty perks...but I think is unfair that reservations get booked without the rest having a fair chance to it , and the folks that, like my grandmother, don't do online? I know they apart a percentage of ressies for on board booking, but last time we were placed in the waiting list for the brunch and almost didn't get to eat at Palo!and our friends, first time cruisers, didn't make it at all. :furious: Long story short: she got me a supervisor, very nice lady and got Palo brunch for the 30th for all the adults in our party. Please don't think I'm being conflictive, I'm ususally a very easy going person:rolleyes1 but I was under the mind set that we were going to take whatever day/time was available for the brunch, and there was nothing at all.
In any case, very glad you guys didn't have to go trough this too and looking sooo very forward to meet you all. xoxo

[jazmyin]

Hi, I have been looking at this thread for a while and decided I wanted to introduce myself. We, (my friend and I) will be joining you all on July 28th!!! It is just the two of us (no children this time). This is my 3rd cruise...1 Magic, 1 Wonder and now the Fantasy!!!!! I am a vacation club member and travel to WDW yearly but haven't been on a cruise in over 5 years. I am interested in joining your group but do not plan on doing the FE this time. Just wondering if there will be any type of cruise meet on the ship? I read disboards everyday and get so much information that is so useful. July 28th can not come soon enough!

[princesscinderella]

I don't understand how you guys did it!!!!:confused: I was on line at midnight and this morning too, and nothing...so I waited until 9:00 am and call DCL the lady told me that those reservations are only possible on line, so I told her that I was on line and got nothing, she gave me the speech about gold and platinum being able to book ahead of time and I said that my family deserved a fair share because after all....we are paying the same! besides that this is our fifth cruise, so how unfair that is for first time DCL cruisers that won't have the chance to enjoy all the activities available. Don't get me wrong I agree all the way with platinum and gold getting loyalty perks...but I think is unfair that reservations get booked without the rest having a fair chance to it , and the folks that, like my grandmother, don't do online? I know they apart a percentage of ressies for on board booking, but last time we were placed in the waiting list for the brunch and almost didn't get to eat at Palo!and our friends, first time cruisers, didn't make it at all. :furious: Long story short: she got me a supervisor, very nice lady and got Palo brunch for the 30th for all the adults in our party. Please don't think I'm being conflictive, I'm ususally a very easy going person:rolleyes1 but I was under the mind set that we were going to take whatever day/time was available for the brunch, and there was nothing at all.
In any case, very glad you guys didn't have to go trough this too and looking sooo very forward to meet you all. xoxo


I'm happy you were able to get a ressie at palo brunch in the end. The first thing I booked was brunch knowing that goes first, at exactly midnight there was alredy nothing for day 3, so I looked at day 2 and there was only the 11:30 time available so I grabbed it. I never looked for our last sea day as to what was available since I already got a reservation for day 2. Then I booked palo dinner next as I know at the $20 price point it will book faster than Remy, so picked day three and there were the pick of times from 6 to 8 pm. I picked Remy for pirate night and the earliest seating was at 6:50. Which I took because it can take 3 hrs, but it is amazing we dined there on the dream last summer. It's worth every penny.

When we went last summer on the dream we booked the cruise 65 days before sailing. I figured there would not be any specialty reservations available, but I was able to get palo dinner and remy reservations online. I called from our stateroom upon boarding and was able to get Palo brunch.

I got locked out for 10 minutes before I could get back in probably due to all the site traffic at once and was then able to get the nursery times that coordinate with all of our dinner reservations. I did not bother with excursions as my dd2 is not old enough for most and with 7 of us the fees add up quickly, we just explore on our own.

Make sure you go through all the online check in steps even if you do no have all the info so you can get an early port arrival time.

[Princess Runner]

Hi, I have been looking at this thread for a while and decided I wanted to introduce myself. We, (my friend and I) will be joining you all on July 28th!!! It is just the two of us (no children this time). This is my 3rd cruise...1 Magic, 1 Wonder and now the Fantasy!!!!! I am a vacation club member and travel to WDW yearly but haven't been on a cruise in over 5 years. I am interested in joining your group but do not plan on doing the FE this time. Just wondering if there will be any type of cruise meet on the ship? I read disboards everyday and get so much information that is so useful. July 28th can not come soon enough!

Hello there! how nice that you decide to join us, I believe we don't have an official meet place/time but we will soon. xoxo

[Princess Runner]

:yay:I'm happy you were able to get a ressie at palo brunch in the end. The first thing I booked was brunch knowing that goes first, at exactly midnight there was alredy nothing for day 3, so I looked at day 2 and there was only the 11:30 time available so I grabbed it. I never looked for our last sea day as to what was available since I already got a reservation for day 2. Then I booked palo dinner next as I know at the $20 price point it will book faster than Remy, so picked day three and there were the pick of times from 6 to 8 pm. I picked Remy for pirate night and the earliest seating was at 6:50. Which I took because it can take 3 hrs, but it is amazing we dined there on the dream last summer. It's worth every penny.

When we went last summer on the dream we booked the cruise 65 days before sailing. I figured there would not be any specialty reservations available, but I was able to get palo dinner and remy reservations online. I called from our stateroom upon boarding and was able to get Palo brunch.

I got locked out for 10 minutes before I could get back in probably due to all the site traffic at once and was then able to get the nursery times that coordinate with all of our dinner reservations. I did not bother with excursions as my dd2 is not old enough for most and with 7 of us the fees add up quickly, we just explore on our own.

Make sure you go through all the online check in steps even if you do no have all the info so you can get an early port arrival time.

Thats for sure! Im going to do the online check in and put together documents etc! Can't wait xoxoxo

[welchmom]

My DH is a large, let me know your DH size aswell, we are travling with our DD 7 and my DS 19!!!! can't wait xoxox

Mine is a large as well. We will bring it and see you in 3 months!

[ladypirate]

Haven't posted in a while, need to get in task for my palo reservation tonite! Today we decided to fly to MCO so I'm wondering how that's going to impact our FE participation. One other cruise we did, we had a spreadsheet (it was type A but awesome!) and the list was big so we only had to do one day for all the FE's and we were done but we still got things everyday from others. I am hoping this one will be similar since I'm going to have limits on space, if I'm only bringing multiples of one item (I have an awesome doodad that everyone will like!), it will help plan. How many participants are confirmed? Just throwing out that idea out there.... Can't believe it's soon!

Sarah

[Princess Runner]

Haven't posted in a while, need to get in task for my palo reservation tonite! Today we decided to fly to MCO so I'm wondering how that's going to impact our FE participation. One other cruise we did, we had a spreadsheet (it was type A but awesome!) and the list was big so we only had to do one day for all the FE's and we were done but we still got things everyday from others. I am hoping this one will be similar since I'm going to have limits on space, if I'm only bringing multiples of one item (I have an awesome doodad that everyone will like!), it will help plan. How many participants are confirmed? Just throwing out that idea out there.... Can't believe it's soon!

Sarah

Welcome back! Yes the spreadsheet is definetily a big plus, if you go a couple post in the past you'll find an updated list of the participants in the FE. So far we are an small group, but Im sure is going to be lots of fun!!! Elcka

[DVC Mary]

For those who thought it was hard to make ressies at midnight, let me tell you what I did. I was on scout camping trip w/ my sons. I had to get permission to leave the campsite & reenter that late. The other scout parents thought I was nuts. I left the campsite at 11:10, drove 45 minutes to get to the "closest free wifi," which was at a motel where I had to drive around to find a signal that would work from the parking lot. It should have only been 25 minute drive, but it was hard to follow my paper directions in the dark, so I relied on the GPS which took me down little country roads.

It took about 20 minutes before I could get in, but was lucky enough to get my ressies. After that I tried to find a gas station that was open & didn't look too :eek:. I couldn't find one, so I prayed that there would be one on the way to the next day's event. I got back to the campgrounds around 1:45, got up at 7am, & of course there was no gas station on the way, so I ran out of gas in the cemetary where the Lincoln Pilgrimage ended. I waited about 45 min for AAA & then drove home in a rainstorm.

But I got my ressies! Determination or Derangement?? :rotfl: :lmao:

[ladypirate]

On a topic other than FE - is anyone planning to do the Castaway Cay 5k? I want to and would love to have another runner with me. I'm not super fast, about an 11:30 pace should be fine, but i want that t-shirt.:cool1:

[jazmyin]

DVC Mary, Your story is so funny to me. I think I would have done the same thing! I'm sorry about the gas incident but I'm sure worth it in the end. :thumbsup2

[princesscinderella]

On a topic other than FE - is anyone planning to do the Castaway Cay 5k? I want to and would love to have another runner with me. I'm not super fast, about an 11:30 pace should be fine, but i want that t-shirt.:cool1:

I'm planning on doing the 5k! I have no idea what my pace is. I'm trying to start training for the food and wine half marathon, but I slipped and have aggravated my siatic nerve on my right leg and have had too much pain to run. I have been doing speed walking just to keep at it. It is finally starting to feel better, so I am going to give it my all to be able to do the 5k :yay:

[ladypirate]

i just hope that they have an organized run and that you actually get the water bottle or t shirt. sometimes i have seen that you have to go to guest services, especially if it's not in the Navigator. I may do a magnet or a t shirt design on my own from the boards, but haven't started on that yet. There's so many new designs since my last cruise. As for pace, no worries. It's not a race for time. I have a 5k next weekend and recovering from bronchitis and not doing great. I can run now up to 5miles (takes about an hour for me) and my friends want me to do a the wine and dine with them, but doing a half is not on my radar. Need to master the 10k first i think! we will definitely have to figure out a way to meet up and all that on the island!

Sarah

[Princess Runner]

For those who thought it was hard to make ressies at midnight, let me tell you what I did. I was on scout camping trip w/ my sons. I had to get permission to leave the campsite & reenter that late. The other scout parents thought I was nuts. I left the campsite at 11:10, drove 45 minutes to get to the "closest free wifi," which was at a motel where I had to drive around to find a signal that would work from the parking lot. It should have only been 25 minute drive, but it was hard to follow my paper directions in the dark, so I relied on the GPS which took me down little country roads.

It took about 20 minutes before I could get in, but was lucky enough to get my ressies. After that I tried to find a gas station that was open & didn't look too :eek:. I couldn't find one, so I prayed that there would be one on the way to the next day's event. I got back to the campgrounds around 1:45, got up at 7am, & of course there was no gas station on the way, so I ran out of gas in the cemetary where the Lincoln Pilgrimage ended. I waited about 45 min for AAA & then drove home in a rainstorm.

But I got my ressies! Determination or Derangement?? :rotfl: :lmao:


Congratulations Scout Leader! it seems to me that you are really working on the Boy Scouts motto: Be Preapred,
My DS is an Eagle Scout! and I am glad you got your ressies.
Would you like to exchange Council patches? Please let me know xoxo
I am glad you got your ressies,

[Princess Runner]

On a topic other than FE - is anyone planning to do the Castaway Cay 5k? I want to and would love to have another runner with me. I'm not super fast, about an 11:30 pace should be fine, but i want that t-shirt.:cool1:

My DH and me are in! even if we dont plan it we can meet and go together! xoxo

[Elfinjojo]

HELLO FELLOW CRUISERS!

I am so sorry for not getting my butt in gear sooner to update you on the fe...somehow i just couldn't bring myself to do it...call it MV blues, but now I am ready to do this thing!:cool1:

Ok this is the list I have so far for FE participants. I am also going to PM the folks on the list to confirm details, so there maybe some changes in the next few days. I will also compile a spreadsheet and email it out once I have an email addy for everyone taking part.

:
DISname: Elfinjojo +3
DISname: RLccweems +2
DISname: WAKhoMom +3
DISname: Suzcruise +2
DISname: Princess runner +2
DISname: Mayda+2
DISname: Princesscinderella +4
DISname: Im_A_Princess+1


Nette and ladypirate I am sending you a PM, as not sure of you wanted in on FE or not.


when do we want to have the cut off date for the FE so that we can get organised? I was thinking the last week of june to give 4 weeks to complete? but if you would prefer earlier then let me know and we will come up with a date.
Now all we need to decide is do we want a meet up on sailaway day?

[Elfinjojo]

I should have added that anyone else who I did not mention above and who wants in on the FE, please PM me or contact me on jooliver@ntlworld.com with details of Stateroom number, guests travelling(names for all and ages of any kids travelling.) please let me know if there are any allergies that need to be taken into consideration, special requests such as no candy and any celebrations that maybe taking place.

[DVC Mary]

Congratulations Scout Leader! it seems to me that you are really working on the Boy Scouts motto: Be Preapred,
My DS is an Eagle Scout! and I am glad you got your ressies.
Would you like to exchange Council patches? Please let me know xoxo
I am glad you got your ressies,


I'm actually not a scout leader now that both of my sons are in boy scouts. Both my husband & I were leaders in the pack, but can't seem to find our leadership spot in the troop, but our oldest son was the recently elected Senior Patrol Leader.

How does the council patch exchange work?? Is it the big patch on the arm, b/c we've got LOTS of those. Every year we get a new one when we give $$ to Friends of Scouting. Let me know, I've got one picked out.

[DVC Mary]

Forgot to tell you guys our latest injury. It wouldn't be summer if one of our family members have a medical emergency at the start of summer. Last year, I told everyone they could spot me b/c I'd be the one w/ the big bandage on her arm from a burn. DH had burst appendix 3 weeks before our Tortola cruise. So this year....

Eldest DS 15 cut his ring finger slightly & sliced his pinky so thoroughly that he cut both tendons & the nerve. He was supposed to have surgery the next day, but as only a teenage boy would do....he got up that morning and ate!! Luckily they got us in the following day.

It's writing hand, not sure how's he's going to bubble in scantron final exams. I'm sure it will work out. And since this is cruise is so late in summer (we usually cruise in June) I'm sure he'll be in good shape my then. His canoe & horseback riding trip w/ scouts in less than a month is doubtful.

We're looking forward to meeting everyone. Even though we're not doing FE this time, we look forward to the DIS meet & getting to know everyone over the course of the cruise. We know Smileneyes & RLccweems from our Tortola cruise & went to Alaska w/ Smileneyes too.

[Elfinjojo]

Happy monday everyone, and a belated mothers day to you all, hope you had good days. our mothers day was celebrated in march.

below you will find the confirmed participants of the FE, thank you to those of you that have already responded to your PM's, those of you in red are now confirmed as taking part and are on the spreadsheet. The rest please would you mind taking a look at your pm's and pass on your details. any new comers that are interested PM me:thumbsup2

DISname: Elfinjojo +3
DISname: RLccweems +2
DISname: WAKhoMom +3
DISname: Suzcruise +2
DISname: Princess runner +2
DISname: Princesscinderella +4
DISname: Im_A_Princess+1
DISname: lady pirate +2 (just the +2 taking part)


There is a nut allergy in lady pirates party so please bear that in mind Thankyou. I will get a copy of the spreadsheet out to those confirmed as taking part and then send updated ones as the info comes in. Hope this is ok.


Enjoy the rest of your day, DH is currently cooking our evening meal and I am seriously hungry!!

[Princess Runner]

HELLO FELLOW CRUISERS!

I am so sorry for not getting my butt in gear sooner to update you on the fe...somehow i just couldn't bring myself to do it...call it MV blues, but now I am ready to do this thing!:cool1:

Ok this is the list I have so far for FE participants. I am also going to PM the folks on the list to confirm details, so there maybe some changes in the next few days. I will also compile a spreadsheet and email it out once I have an email addy for everyone taking part.

:
DISname: Elfinjojo +3
DISname: RLccweems +2
DISname: WAKhoMom +3
DISname: Suzcruise +2
DISname: Princess runner +2
DISname: Mayda+2
DISname: Princesscinderella +4
DISname: Im_A_Princess+1


Nette and ladypirate I am sending you a PM, as not sure of you wanted in on FE or not.


when do we want to have the cut off date for the FE so that we can get organised? I was thinking the last week of june to give 4 weeks to complete? but if you would prefer earlier then let me know and we will come up with a date.
Now all we need to decide is do we want a meet up on sailaway day?




Hello to all!! We just came back from a fantastic Mother's Day weekend at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, and for the ones that haven't been there: it is awesome!!!

I believe the cut off date should be Sunday June 27, for Elfinjojo to be able and put together a final spreadsheet. My family is still in GTY status and won't find out our cabin number until 7 days previous to our sailing, but I take upon myself to inform you as soon as I find out.

Is anybody else also in GTY? let me know

As far for the meet, sail away day is the one to do, but I think it should be once we are organize in the rooms and put something in our stomachs, what about right during/after sail away celebration?, we can come up with a place in the deck to meet, maybe an idea from Elfinjojo will be good, since you had been there already.

I say this because the spa always has a tour of the facilities and they give some freebies then (I heard) and I never get to go because is early on the first day as soon as we get to the ship, but I will go with whatever the group decide because the most important thing for me is to meet you all and have an awesome time.

xoxoxo

[Princess Runner]

I'm actually not a scout leader now that both of my sons are in boy scouts. Both my husband & I were leaders in the pack, but can't seem to find our leadership spot in the troop, but our oldest son was the recently elected Senior Patrol Leader.

How does the council patch exchange work?? Is it the big patch on the arm, b/c we've got LOTS of those. Every year we get a new one when we give $$ to Friends of Scouting. Let me know, I've got one picked out.

Hey there! congratulations to your son for his latest resposability position nomination, being a SPL is both an honor and a responsability.

The Council patch is the one you wear on the class A shirt, on the left shoulder above the troop number.

It's going to be awesome for them to meet.

xoxo

[Elfinjojo]

June 27 th sounds fine by me as a cut off date, does that suit everyone else?

meeting point, I will have to have a think about that one. I know there are a couple of spots inside that might be doable, Vistas coffee lounge on deck 4 midship which is small area overlooking the atrium, or there is the atrium itself that has some nice seating and there is the bon voyage bar along side(imagine where guest services is on the classics and you are in the right area) these areas are not as big as promenades, but I am thinking this may not be a huge meet.

We are on main dining so normally after sail away we head back to prepare for dinner so an earlier meet suits me, OR we can try and fit something in on the first sea day....happy to go with whatever, and if someone wants to take charge of organising it then please do:thumbsup2

I will have a think on other areas that we could meet.:confused:

[DVC Mary]

We have 1st dining so earlier is better for us & never having cruised the Fantasy, I will go w/ our experienced Fantasy cruisers.

Some groups have 2 meets: 1st day & 1st sea day.

But I really like for the kids especially to meet each other on the 1st day.

I forget what ages of kids we have. I think I was still looking out for a boy in the tween age. Youngest DS Patrick will be 12 & going into 7th grade. Any boys out there his age??

Princess Runner: How old is your son who's an eagle scout? Eldest DS Liam will be 15 & 1/2 going into his sophomore year.

[Im_A_Princess]

I really don't have a preference for the cut off date. I just always feel bad if it it too soon (too long before cruise date) because people who just find the meet board or book the cruise late can't get in the FE list.

I should have added that anyone else who I did not mention above and who wants in on the FE, please PM me or contact me on jooliver@ntlworld.com with details of Stateroom number, guests travelling(names for all and ages of any kids travelling.) please let me know if there are any allergies that need to be taken into consideration, special requests such as no candy and any celebrations that maybe taking place.

[Elfinjojo]

Good morning fellow cruisers:thumbsup2

How are we all this week? It's been busy week with work and study and really need some R&R but that's not going to happen:rotfl2:

Yesterday was my little dudes 8th birthday so today we have a get together with family for tea and cake(very British :lmao:) but before that we are taking Evan and his best friend bowling and out for lunch so should be fun. Tomorrow DD Holly is playing her flute in a her youth orchestra summer concert. She has two concerts to performing one day so she will be exhausted!

Today is a big day in Britain, as the Olympic torch arrived this morning in Cornwall which is on the south coast, at a point called lands end, which is the most southernly point of the country, and the relays have begun, it will be passed through county to county as it makes it's way towards London, it passes through my town in early July. This is of big significance to us because when the torch finally gets lit In London, it marks not just the Olympics but OUR FLIGHT OUT OF HERE TO JOIN THE CRUISE:rotfl2::cool1:

Hope you all have great weekends x

[Elfinjojo]

Hello it's me again with FE update, I have details from the following :

DISname: Elfinjojo +3
DISname: RLccweems +2
DISname: WAHkoMom +3
DISname: Suzcruise +2
DISname: Princess runner +3
DISname: Princesscinderella +4
DISname: Im_A_Princess+1
DISname: lady pirate +2 (just the +2 taking part)
DISname:Welchmom +2

Details in red are confirmed on the spreadsheet.

Does anyone know Welchmom? She has emailed me he details but don't think I have seen her post on here , correct me if I am wrong!

Can I ask that you all PM me with your email so I can mail out the current list so you can get on with your planning, thank you.

[Princess Runner]

Good morning fellow cruisers:thumbsup2

How are we all this week? It's been busy week with work and study and really need some R&R but that's not going to happen:rotfl2:

Yesterday was my little dudes 8th birthday so today we have a get together with family for tea and cake(very British :lmao:) but before that we are taking Evan and his best friend bowling and out for lunch so should be fun. Tomorrow DD Holly is playing her flute in a her youth orchestra summer concert. She has two concerts to performing one day so she will be exhausted!

Today is a big day in Britain, as the Olympic torch arrived this morning in Cornwall which is on the south coast, at a point called lands end, which is the most southernly point of the country, and the relays have begun, it will be passed through county to county as it makes it's way towards London, it passes through my town in early July. This is of big significance to us because when the torch finally gets lit In London, it marks not just the Olympics but OUR FLIGHT OUT OF HERE TO JOIN THE CRUISE:rotfl2::cool1:

Hope you all have great weekends x

That was hilarious Jojo!!!!! :lmao: I started reading and thinking how nice of you to share some of your country current events and, just like me, everything happens around a Disney event. We live in Miami so we spend plenty weekends in Disney, just came back from my Mother's Day celebration at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and this will be our 5th Discruise!!!

I am glad to see that your kids are involve in art, my DS played the trumpet trough Middle and HS, my DD is more into athletics, she is a soccer player!! But I had a crazy weekend too, ending taking a day off from work today with an eye allergy to MANGO SAP!!!!! it looked really bad but it was weird that every year happened to my around this time, now I know where is coming from, my neighbor have a couple mango trees in her backyard and they are in full flowering :flower3:

I also saw your update in the FE list, but you are still missing to add my DS (19 yo) that decided to go with us last month, not a biggie, just add him whenever. xoxox

[Elfinjojo]

Ooops your right I have missed him off the list , but I can assure you he is on the spreadsheet! I will go back and edit x

[princesscinderella]

We are officially DVC members now! Hoping to get some DVC swag on the cruise at the meet and greet. I don't know where the month of may went, but before we know we will be on board the Fantasy. Have a wonderful memorial day weekend all!

[Princess Runner]

We are officially DVC members now! Hoping to get some DVC swag on the cruise at the meet and greet. I don't know where the month of may went, but before we know we will be on board the Fantasy. Have a wonderful memorial day weekend all!

That is super awesome!! DVC was the best investment ever for us!!! we have use it so much, you are going to get some cool goodies in your cabin from them and to some invitations to events trough the trip, now we can go together!!!

Did you do it in Disney? I wish I knew they were running some cool specials as far as points, and did you get you $25ngift card per person just for seeing the presentation? I hope you did!!! in any case welcome to the club, you will not regret this desicion!!!:banana:

[jazmyin]

I am also a DVC member and I am looking forward to attending the DVC meeting on the cruise. I joined approx. 5 years ago and have enjoyed traveling to the DVC resorts. I have only been to Vero one time and never to HH yet. My all time favorite Disney Vacation Club is AKL. We have stayed there 5 times, BCV 2 times, WLV 1 time and BWV 1 time. Prior to joining I had stayed at All Stars Sports, POP, Port Orleans Riverside and several times at the Polynesian. (I wish there was a DVC with the Poly). I have been on the DCL x2 once for 3 days, once for 4 days and now for 7 days. I get teased by friends, family and co-workers who say..."your going to Disney AGAIN"......There is just something about Disney that makes me so happy!:cool1:

[DVC Mary]

Elfinjojo: Loved hearing about the Olympic Torch. I love the stories of who gets chosen to carry it & seeing the photos of all the places it travels. We were hoping to get the Olypmics in Chicago, instead we got the NATO Summit & all the madness of protesting that comes w/it.

PrincessRunner: It seems like many of us will have more in common than just Disney & Scouts. I'm a huge supporter of kids playing music. Liam is flying home from Washington D.C. as I write this. His h.s. band played in the National Memorial Day Parade. He marched but couldn't play thanks to his injury.

princesscinderella: Congratulations of becoming DVC members--more things many of us will have in common & we can hang out at DVC member meet. We've been members since '99 at Boardwalk & we've stayed at every WDW resort. My fav is WL. DH's fav is AKL which is where we are staying before the cruise for 2 nights.

jazmyin: Our friends & relatives now ask what are you doing w/ Disney this year. They know we'll be on a cruise or at WDW every year. Disney is my happy place. DH knows we'll get a high quality vacation experience. My boys who I thought would be bugging me to cruise RCCL by now, still want to cruise Disney. Although eldest DS Liam is complaining this year that he wants more park time. We normally cruise every other year, but wanted to cruise w/ friends again & the timing worked out perfectly. I promised him at least a week hopefully 9-10 days at WDW next summer.

Is anyone doing tea at Palo? It's not something my DH enjoys but I'd love to get to know each other better over tea. Anyone interested???


13 Days until DH & I cruise the Magic by ourselves to Canada! I can't get trip tickers to work lately & school is keeping me too busy to try that hard.

Speaking of which, got to get back to grading......:teacher:

[Elfinjojo]

Ooh enjoy the Magic.....

[princesscinderella]

That is super awesome!! DVC was the best investment ever for us!!! we have use it so much, you are going to get some cool goodies in your cabin from them and to some invitations to events trough the trip, now we can go together!!!

Did you do it in Disney? I wish I knew they were running some cool specials as far as points, and did you get you $25ngift card per person just for seeing the presentation? I hope you did!!! in any case welcome to the club, you will not regret this desicion!!!:banana:

We bought DVC on the resale market 230 pts for $55 a point at BWV. Direct through disney BWV would have been $115. The new restrictions on not being able to do cruises and the collections did not bother us. My inlaws have been DVC members since 95 so they could always book those for us and we can book their regular stays or transfer points to them. It took two months to close but we were not in a hurry. We want to go to aulani next summer and we priced out a cash stay for week in a one bedroom and it was the close to the buy in cost for DVC on the resale market so it was a no brainer for us. Im only using 24 points this year for a OKW studio for the F&W1/2 marathon and banking the rest for a 2 bedroom at Aulani. Im just hoping our dates will be there at the 7 month booking window.

[Princess Runner]

I am also a DVC member and I am looking forward to attending the DVC meeting on the cruise. I joined approx. 5 years ago and have enjoyed traveling to the DVC resorts. I have only been to Vero one time and never to HH yet. My all time favorite Disney Vacation Club is AKL. We have stayed there 5 times, BCV 2 times, WLV 1 time and BWV 1 time. Prior to joining I had stayed at All Stars Sports, POP, Port Orleans Riverside and several times at the Polynesian. (I wish there was a DVC with the Poly). I have been on the DCL x2 once for 3 days, once for 4 days and now for 7 days. I get teased by friends, family and co-workers who say..."your going to Disney AGAIN"......There is just something about Disney that makes me so happy!:cool1:

Sounds good sister! so we can make our own private event out of the DVC meet and greet lol, in the 7th day cruise there is several of them I guess we just have to agree to which one we want to go. As far as being a Disney lover AKL is our favorite, love the gym/spa area and the opportunity of having a freebie sauna while there, as far as VBR you got to go, that was our Mother's Day get away, we were 12 people and got a villa, they are soooo beautiful and huge, in the pool they have a dj from 1 to 4 and is a blast, the bar is great too with live music, in general a great experience. I don't like amusement parks in general, so I usually go because of DH and DD but I am super happy by the pool at BLT, watching the sunset from the lounge and the fireworks. I also have to deal with folks asking if we are going to Disney again, but either they can afford it or they settle for less than Disney quality, to me Disney sets the bar high in the hotel/entertainment industry.
Love Disney!!!!!!

[Princess Runner]

:thumbsup2We bought DVC on the resale market 230 pts for $55 a point at BWV. Direct through disney BWV would have been $115. The new restrictions on not being able to do cruises and the collections did not bother us. My inlaws have been DVC members since 95 so they could always book those for us and we can book their regular stays or transfer points to them. It took two months to close but we were not in a hurry. We want to go to aulani next summer and we priced out a cash stay for week in a one bedroom and it was the close to the buy in cost for DVC on the resale market so it was a no brainer for us. Im only using 24 points this year for a OKW studio for the F&W1/2 marathon and banking the rest for a 2 bedroom at Aulani. Im just hoping our dates will be there at the 7 month booking window.

Sounds like an awesme deal! I just look up yur profile I see you are also in SoFla, wandering if you are a 305GAL like me, and I agree about DCL restrictions no bothering you because we get a better deal Fl resident discount wth the sailings. We havent decide on Aulani for the summer but is for sure an option.

I see you are also a runner, we are too, did a couple full including Disney w my DH, I did the inagural Princess 1/2 and others, plenty Disney shorter runs and the Castaway Cay 5k in every cruise. Not doing F&W this year but who knows maybe we'll go to cheer for you guys.

Hey what about...DCL out of Miami soon :thumbsup2 Can't wait to meet you guys!!!!

[Princess Runner]

"]Day full of awesoness!!!!!!!! [/COLOR]just realized we are under the two months mark!!!!!!!!!!!

[princesscinderella]

:thumbsup2

Sounds like an awesme deal! I just look up yur profile I see you are also in SoFla, wandering if you are a 305GAL like me, and I agree about DCL restrictions no bothering you because we get a better deal Fl resident discount wth the sailings. We havent decide on Aulani for the summer but is for sure an option.

I see you are also a runner, we are too, did a couple full including Disney w my DH, I did the inagural Princess 1/2 and others, plenty Disney shorter runs and the Castaway Cay 5k in every cruise. Not doing F&W this year but who knows maybe we'll go to cheer for you guys.

Hey what about...DCL out of Miami soon :thumbsup2 Can't wait to meet you guys!!!!

I'm a 954 girl in Hollywood. I am hoping for a deal on the wonder if she is not filling up and we can make a last minute trip. I have never run before but my little sister did it last yearnand has convinced me to do it. I usually just work out at the gym but I'm trying. We have another cruise on the fantasy booked for my kids spring break next year but we will most likely cancel it if we get aulani booked and hope for a special on the wonder.

I was planning to go to the first DVC meet and greet event figuring it would be more lively but that's also more competition for the on board credit raffle.
I soooo need a vacation and cannot wait to relax on the fantasy while the kids play in the club.

[WAHkoMom]

Another DVC Dis'er here! We joined in 1999 when I was pregnant with my son/youngest. Our home resort is BWV and our kids like it there best so that is where we stay the most!

I am so excited for our cruise!!

[Smileneyes]

Also DVC (thanks in part to the sales pitch from DVC Mary). :rotfl2:

Joined while on the Alaska cruise last June. AKV is our home resort...love it! Trying out HHI in a couple of weeks.

Saw another thread where someone booked the week b4 us on an 11C GTY ressie was assigned a 5A room. We're GTY as well...keeping fingers crossed that there's leftover pixie dust for us! :wizard:

[Princess Runner]

I'm a 954 girl in Hollywood. I am hoping for a deal on the wonder if she is not filling up and we can make a last minute trip. I have never run before but my little sister did it last yearnand has convinced me to do it. I usually just work out at the gym but I'm trying. We have another cruise on the fantasy booked for my kids spring break next year but we will most likely cancel it if we get aulani booked and hope for a special on the wonder.

I was planning to go to the first DVC meet and greet event figuring it would be more lively but that's also more competition for the on board credit raffle.
I soooo need a vacation and cannot wait to relax on the fantasy while the kids play in the club.

Running Disney is a lot of fun! running is a lot of fun! We don't have another cruise planned, but I believe after the novelty of the Wonder leaving from Miami goes away they are going to be FLRs so we'll just wait.

Another DVC Dis'er here! We joined in 1999 when I was pregnant with my son/youngest. Our home resort is BWV and our kids like it there best so that is where we stay the most!

I am so excited for our cruise!!

Also DVC (thanks in part to the sales pitch from DVC Mary). :rotfl2:

Joined while on the Alaska cruise last June. AKV is our home resort...love it! Trying out HHI in a couple of weeks.

Saw another thread where someone booked the week b4 us on an 11C GTY ressie was assigned a 5A room. We're GTY as well...keeping fingers crossed that there's leftover pixie dust for us! :wizard:

I just checked, but they havent assign a room number for us yet, we are GTY aswell, what I see is a restricted fare for the verandah rooms, keeping fingers crossed too.

I think FIRST DVC MEET AND GREET :grouphug: will be cool for all to get together, and then I will go to another one during the trip. Whatever you guys think...also I want to sign up my DH for the whikey or beer tasting.

I can't believe the date is coming closer and closer!!! :hourglass

xoxox to all!!!!

[kandekarleen]

Hi just wanted to introduce ourselves. This will be our 6th Disney Cruise but first time perticipating in FE. Really interested in joining the little group of FEers. Our Names are:
Kelly (adult male)
Erin(adult female)
Kendra ( 8 year old girl)

Stateroom 7002

My husband(Kelly) will be celebrating his birthday on the 29th.

Stateroom #2

Jim (adult male)
Rose(adult female)
Grace( Teen girl age 14)

Stateroom # 7000

Any info to help ud through this new experience will be greatly appriciated