02/16/2012 Disney Dream "TraLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLa...Happy Cruisin' Sweet Sixteen(th) !"

[jdybnsn]

YaY :cool1:

.... looks like we are doing a B2B and cruisin' on the 16th Feb 2012 3 night Disney Dream.....right after our 4 night cruise on the 12th Feb 2012.

Anyone else cruisin on the sweet sixteenth ???? :love:

3-Night Bahamian Cruise
February 16 to February 19
Disney Dream
Day 1 Port Canaveral, Florida — 3:45 p.m.
Day 2 Nassau 9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Day 3 Castaway Cay 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Day 4 Port Canaveral, Florida 7:30 a.m. —

Dis Meet :
Vista Cafe : deck 4 at 3pm


FE LIST

JdyBnsn
Judy (me)
Brian (DH)
Joe (DS) -14
Vyrnwy (DD) - 10
cabins 9174 & 9176 (on the very aft of the ship !)

Sherpasmom
Donna
(DD) -9
cabin 10658

Tup1830
(DH)
(DW)
2046 - TBC (maybe upgrading ?)

Gretchnh
Gretchen
DH-Lance
DD-13
DS-10
DS-9

cabin 6172

[IrishCowboy]

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

[jdybnsn]

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

Thank you ! :)


....now...where is everyone else ?????:sail: :sail: :sail:

[jdybnsn]

Ooops forgot to say we are from Cheshire in the UK and our party is made up of ;
me - Judy
DH - Brian
DS - Joe (who will be age 14 on the cruise)
DD - Vyrnwy (who will be age 10 on the cruise)

[jdybnsn]

Well, after several changes (oooooo...too much choice, and so little known about the ship at this point !) I have finally settled on a couple of connecting AFT cabins right at the back 9174 & 9176.

We are sailing in different cabins (8644 and an inside cabin close by 8641) for the first part of our B2B cruise -I deliberately wanted to try somewhere different for our second leg though, and these cabins seemed a good choice. I have been told that all verandah cabins will have connecting verandahs on the Dream, but of course I will have to wait until Jan 2011 to find out if this is true also of the AFT cabins:confused3...I do hope so as this should give us an awsome verandah at the back of the ship if its true !!!:banana:

[jdybnsn]

HAPPY NEW YEAR !party:

[livan126]

This will be part two of our back to back as well.

[jdybnsn]

Yay ! welcome aboard my fellow B2B-er !!!

party:

[jdybnsn]

Just bumping to pick up more passengers !!:goodvibes

[tjgabemom]

Looks like my family will also be on this cruise! Just changed our dates due to school holidays! This will be our first cruise and I don't know who is more excited me or the kids :goodvibes

[jdybnsn]

Looks like my family will also be on this cruise! Just changed our dates due to school holidays! This will be our first cruise and I don't know who is more excited me or the kids :goodvibes

Great news ! :banana:

Happy planning ....any questions just ask away.:goodvibes

[NTOFD]

We are on this cruise too. I had to be in Orlando for work on the 19th, because of the Presidents Day holiday airfare that weekend was very high. By leaving a few days early the difference in airfare almost paid for the cost of the cruise. How could I not book? This will be Disney cruise #14, 3rd on the Dream(we did a B2B in February).

[jdybnsn]

Just back from my 10 night Med. cruise, so will start pulling stuff together on here shortly - I will try to use the first page of the thread to post important information, such as the FE lists (and anything else you guys think would be useful), so that it is easy to find.

Wow.....I can't believe we will be sailing again so quickly - we used to make one cruise every 2 years, but suddenly I have done 3 cruises (and a total of 24 days - which should have been 25, if the Magic had not got stuck on CC in Feb. 2010) in 18 months !! Eeek this is getting an expensive addition ! :eek:

[NTOFD]

20 more weekends to go:woohoo::woohoo:

[jdybnsn]

Yay :woohoo: ..getting closer !!!

...any more new cruisers ??

..any interest in doing the FE gift exchange ? :confused3

[NTOFD]

Now it really feels like this cruise is getting closer:cool2: Online check in and on board booking opened up for us today:woohoo:

[DMMarla07860]

Just saw this thread so thought I'd post and say hey, can't wait for the cruise:goodvibes:cool1:

[jdybnsn]

Just saw this thread so thought I'd post and say hey, can't wait for the cruise:goodvibes:cool1:

Hi and welcome aboard :thumbsup2

[NTOFD]

100 days to go until this cruise:woohoo:

[munch704]

Add me, Add me!!!!! Just booked tonite for me, hubby, and another couple celebrating their 10 year anniversary on the 16th. Changed my Aug 10th 2 nite out of NYC. Can't wait to Dream again

so the other couple decided to go on a different cruise line :-( and me and hubby bumped the date up to Jan 15th.

Happy Cruising everyone

[NTOFD]

Welcome aboard, less than 90 days to go:woohoo:

[DMMarla07860]

can't wait for this cruise:cool1:

[NTOFD]

We're down to 75 days to go:cool2:

[tjgabemom]

It is actually starting to feel real!!! Did online checkin last night. Got 11-11:30port arrival time:goodvibes

[sholey01]

We will on this cruise. I am really excited. This is the first cruise for my two boys,my husband and me!!

[NTOFD]

We will on this cruise. I am really excited. This is the first cruise for my two boys,my husband and me!!

Welcome aboard. 10 weeks from today we fly down to Orlando, 10 weeks from tomorrow this cruise sets sail.:woohoo:

[DMMarla07860]

:cool1:, woo hoo:goodvibes

[jdybnsn]

Hi All :goodvibes

do we have any interesst in the FE exchange ?:confused3

...I am happy to coordinate it. :)

Please leave your details in the following format :

- DIS NAME
- CABIN No(s) if known.
- Party members and ages (PS. you do not have to give kids names if you are not comfortable to do so - either DS or DD will be fine).

Yay not long now :banana::banana::banana:

[NTOFD]

Eight weeks from today we board the Dream:thumbsup2

[tjgabemom]

Getting closer!!!!!!! Booked our hotel for the 15th yesterday and did my reservation for Park and Cruise. Got a pleasant suprise when I got the email confirmation from them. The website quoted $6.99 a day but the email says that I will get a special rate of $4.99 :cool1: Love saving money on parking. Means more to spend on the big boat:thumbsup2

[DMMarla07860]

Can't wait for this cruise and to get back and see the Dream again:goodvibes.

[jdybnsn]

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!!!

party:

...Sorry if I'm early ...but I am posting from the UK !


:goodvibes

[jdybnsn]

Not too many of us on this cruise it seems from this thread size ..hope we are really getting the ship all to ourselves !!:goodvibes

No takers for the FE still ? :confused3...

...do let me know if anyone wants to participate in one.

YAY!!!... not long now :cool2:!!! :banana::banana::banana:

[DMMarla07860]

I'm excited about this cruise:goodvibes

[NTOFD]

I'm really looking forward to this cruise, 6 weeks from today we board:banana:

[tjgabemom]

Just curious, what type of weather do you think we will have? Trying to decide how to pack!

[NTOFD]

Just curious, what type of weather do you think we will have? Trying to decide how to pack!



The weather can vary a lot in February, you won't get the sweltering heat and it can be quite chilly, especially at night. It is pretty much the same as Florida weather with more of a breeze. We have been lucky, on 3 cruises in late Feb/ early March it has been t-shirt weather during the day(bathing suit on CC). I would bring sweatshirts.

[jdybnsn]

The weather can vary a lot in February, you won't get the sweltering heat and it can be quite chilly, especially at night. It is pretty much the same as Florida weather with more of a breeze. We have been lucky, on 3 cruises in late Feb/ early March it has been t-shirt weather during the day(bathing suit on CC). I would bring sweatshirts.

I would agree after 3 previous Feb cruises....only to add that sometimes the weather has been a little cooler and dull at Port Canaveral, and crossing the gulf stream the first night a little rough....however by the dawn of the first day and onward, the weather has mostly been really good.

[tjgabemom]

Thanks everybody. Looks like I will need to pack a little more than planned but would rather be prepared than be miserable!:thumbsup2

[sholey01]

I am getting so excited! I am at a lost on what to pack too. We are driving from Michigan in a Ford Focus. We don't have much room. We are going to Disney World for 5 nights before the cruise and we are hoping for short weather.

I have read that there is semi-formal night on the cruise. Is this true? How do you dress for that?

[sholey01]

What time is your dining? We have second seating.

[tjgabemom]

Hi, Im not sure about the SemiFormal night??? I had also read about it somewhere. Maybe someone on here can clear that up for us! We have first seating but were thinking of changing to second. Cant seem to make up my mind.

[gretchnh]

Hello all! THis will be our first Disney Cruise! It will be me, DH, DD(13), DS (10), DS(9).
This will be the first cruise ever for our kids and only our 2nd cruise. I'm so excited! My oldest son is afraid he'll fall off the boat. LOL!

I haven't made it through this entire thread yet but those "seasoned cruisers"
what about...
1. The pirates party? Can we wear pirate shirts and bandanas and still be okay?
2. Should I plan on sweatshirts for everyone or light jackets or both? We'll be in WDW from 2/10-2/16 so I don't want to drag too much along.
3. My daughter will be just 1 month short of turning 14. She's saying she doesn't want to go to the kids club for her age group because everyone will be much younger and she won't know anyone. Any advice? She also doesn't want to be in there alone. Our boys are close enough in age that they'll be together in the kids club. I'm going to make them go at least once I think.
4. Any tips for us first timers?

Thanks so much!
Gretchen in KS.:cool1:

[DMMarla07860]

I am getting so excited! I am at a lost on what to pack too. We are driving from Michigan in a Ford Focus. We don't have much room. We are going to Disney World for 5 nights before the cruise and we are hoping for short weather.

I have read that there is semi-formal night on the cruise. Is this true? How do you dress for that?

It isn't really a big deal semi-formal night on the 3 or 4 night cruises, one 7 nights much more people dress up for it. Last time I cruised the Dream I am pretty sure it was called dress-up night on not semi-formal. I usually don't dress up on the 3 or 4 night cruises since usually says optional and it is usually the last night when all stuff needs to be packed.

[sherpasmom]

Hi everyone, I'm finally waking up from my post Christmas daze and realizing it's almost time to cruise! woohooooooooooooooooooo I better get busy!

This is DD's first cruise and my first Disney Cruise so we're super excited :goodvibes

It's just me (Donna)
and DD (Savannah turning 9 on 2-14)
And we're aft in Cabin 10658

Judy mentioned the FE exchange, we'd be most interested, especially since we'll be leaving Mardi Gras in full swing and loads of goodies we can share from that but I gotta get in gear and actually get an extender!

I'm so happy y'all are talking about the weather too because I've been a little unsure of what exactly to prepare but it looks like there is just like here, you never know if it's gonna feel like late spring or early fall....it doesn't matter I have a feeling it's all good on the Dream :cloud9:

See you real soon! pirate:

[DMMarla07860]

Hi everyone, I'm finally waking up from my post Christmas daze and realizing it's almost time to cruise! woohooooooooooooooooooo I better get busy!

This is DD's first cruise and my first Disney Cruise so we're super excited :goodvibes

It's just me (Donna)
and DD (Savannah turning 9 on 2-14)
And we're aft in Cabin 10658

Judy mentioned the FE exchange, we'd be most interested, especially since we'll be leaving Mardi Gras in full swing and loads of goodies we can share from that but I gotta get in gear and actually get an extender!

I'm so happy y'all are talking about the weather too because I've been a little unsure of what exactly to prepare but it looks like there is just like here, you never know if it's gonna feel like late spring or early fall....it doesn't matter I have a feeling it's all good on the Dream :cloud9:

See you real soon! pirate:

Welcome to the group

[sholey01]

Hello all! THis will be our first Disney Cruise! It will be me, DH, DD(13), DS (10), DS(9).
This will be the first cruise ever for our kids and only our 2nd cruise. I'm so excited! My oldest son is afraid he'll fall off the boat. LOL!

I haven't made it through this entire thread yet but those "seasoned cruisers"
what about...
1. The pirates party? Can we wear pirate shirts and bandanas and still be okay?
2. Should I plan on sweatshirts for everyone or light jackets or both? We'll be in WDW from 2/10-2/16 so I don't want to drag too much along.
3. My daughter will be just 1 month short of turning 14. She's saying she doesn't want to go to the kids club for her age group because everyone will be much younger and she won't know anyone. Any advice? She also doesn't want to be in there alone. Our boys are close enough in age that they'll be together in the kids club. I'm going to make them go at least once I think.
4. Any tips for us first timers?

Thanks so much!
Gretchen in KS.:cool1:

Hi Gretchen,

We are also going to Disney before our cruise. We are staying at Pop Century. My DS is also 10, he is looking forward to spending time in the kids clubs.

[DMMarla07860]

so does anyone want to plan a dismeet if one isn't being planned already. I hope to meet some of you even if I don't know I did :lmao:

[tup1830]

Hello all,

We just booked for the Feb 16th cruise...any excuse to get on another cruise :o)

Its just DW and myself....
We'd enjoy participating in any FE or dismeet...just add us to the group.

We're only in guarantee right now, so as soon as i can find a room (and maybe upgrade) then maybe we can have a meet on the ship the first day to get the updated rooms from everyone.

This is gonna be awesome!!!!

[jdybnsn]

Hi and welcome to all recent cruise bookers ! party:

There doesn't seem too many of us for the FE exchange but I am happy to organise this no matter what size of group. :goodvibes

So far we have (I think!)

JdyBnsn
Judy (me)
Brian (DH)
Joe (DS) -14
Vyrnwy (DD) - 10
cabins 9174 & 9176 (on the very aft of the ship !)

Sherpasmom
Donna
(DD) -9
cabin 10658

Tup1830
(DH)
(DW)
details to be confirmed


anyone else want to join ? :confused3

I am also happy to organise an informal Dis meeting - I need some suggestions as to venue, as we have only ever sailed on the Wonder & Magic:confused:

Yay - not long now !!!! :banana:

[jdybnsn]

Hi, Im not sure about the SemiFormal night??? I had also read about it somewhere. Maybe someone on here can clear that up for us! We have first seating but were thinking of changing to second. Cant seem to make up my mind.

I wouldn't stress too much about dress codes - DCL is very relaxed - I've seen everything from formal suit and ballgowns, to denim hot pants and jeans ..and every level of dressing up inbetween !!! Beach wear is really only the big 'no no' I think ! Personally, if you don't particularly enjoy 'dressing up' (perfect excuse if you do) then wear what you would be comfortable in arriving at any restaurant that markets itself above McDonalds and alike !

As for second dinning we much prefer it as ;

-we don't have young kids who might get tired on second seating.
- we found early dining gave us too little time between meals, and not enough time enjoying other cruise activities....especially in Winter when daylight is more limited.
-we are late eaters at home.

I don't know if this helps you any with your decision ?

[jdybnsn]

Hello all! THis will be our first Disney Cruise! It will be me, DH, DD(13), DS (10), DS(9).
This will be the first cruise ever for our kids and only our 2nd cruise. I'm so excited! My oldest son is afraid he'll fall off the boat. LOL!

I haven't made it through this entire thread yet but those "seasoned cruisers"
what about...
1. The pirates party? Can we wear pirate shirts and bandanas and still be okay?
2. Should I plan on sweatshirts for everyone or light jackets or both? We'll be in WDW from 2/10-2/16 so I don't want to drag too much along.
3. My daughter will be just 1 month short of turning 14. She's saying she doesn't want to go to the kids club for her age group because everyone will be much younger and she won't know anyone. Any advice? She also doesn't want to be in there alone. Our boys are close enough in age that they'll be together in the kids club. I'm going to make them go at least once I think.
4. Any tips for us first timers?

Thanks so much!
Gretchen in KS.:cool1:

Pirate shirts are fine - Disney supply bandanas for everyone at the evening meal that night so its not completely necessary to bring your own. You can also buy pirate gear onboard but better still, is the shop attached to the Pirate Museum (well worth a visit if you got younger kids) on Nassau.......or what we have done in the past, is get stuff shipped directly to our room from Deadmentellnotales.com as a surprise gift for our kids (done this twice with no problems) - but you do need to order from them roughly 2 weeks before sail date - not too early / not too late to ensure it get safely onboard with you.


With regard to your daughter and the clubs I would speak to the kids counsellors on the first day - they are much more flexible with the age thing these days....we hardly ever see our DS14 all cruise, apart from meal times,...and he never knows anyone in kids club beforehand either !! - I think that's the same for the majority of kids actually. In fact, my DS says that he would cruise every holiday if he had the chance !!!

[sherpasmom]

DMMarla ~ Thank you :goodvibes

and Judy, thanks so much for organizing us :cutie:

Now onto finding some FE goodies since it looks like we'll be able to do this. I'll admit I'm a bit intimidated by some of the HUGE exchanges I've seen so I don't mind at ALL dippin a toe in this time. That's sortof what this cruise is all about for us, seeing if a longer cruise will be in our future!

That being said I need advice:

We're currently on early seating. DD and I are both night owls so I'm wondering if we should switch?

Also, for those of you who've Dreamed before, any advice? I know we have to make choices since a 3-day cruise is very short. Our first choice was Atlantis and the Shallow Dolphin / Aquaadventure since DD has been dying to do ALL of the above and this trip is part of her birthday.

Since day 2 is going to be pretty full I've kindof wondered if we should hang back a little on CC day and maybe get a later start? Is that heresy? :confused3

Now, surfing for FE goodie ideas.......

[DMMarla07860]

I am also happy to organise an informal Dis meeting - I need some suggestions as to venue, as we have only ever sailed on the Wonder & Magic:confused:

Yay - not long now !!!! :banana:

I can help you out I was thinking maybe a dis meet by Vista Cafe. From the Picture below I am standing on deck 5, deck 3 is where we all board, and Vista Cafe is on Deck 4, on one side is shutters and the other side vista cafe, it's family place so no need to worry. In the picture you can see Vista Cafe above where we board.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/marla07860/Disney%20Dream%20Back-2-Back/P2170115.jpg

if anyone else has cruised and has a different place in mind it's good as well.

[tup1830]

Hi guys,

That place is perfect. DW and i were on the maiden voyage of the dream...you're gonna have a blast. Just remember...a lot more people, but it won't feel it because the ship is just that big and so many things to do.

We're doing early dining, so maybe we can meet up that night like right after the sail away party or maybe even an hour before the safety demonstration.

Can't wait to meet you all.

[DMMarla07860]

Hi guys,

That place is perfect. DW and i were on the maiden voyage of the dream...you're gonna have a blast. Just remember...a lot more people, but it won't feel it because the ship is just that big and so many things to do.

We're doing early dining, so maybe we can meet up that night like right after the sail away party or maybe even an hour before the safety demonstration.

Can't wait to meet you all.

Meets I went too usually were around 3:00pm for a quick put faces with names, but later is good as well. Whatever is good with others. I'll try to be on the ship as early as I can so anytime will be good for me except dinner and show time lol

[gretchnh]

Okay so I just now learned what an FE was. I don't even have one. I'm not a person that can sew. I saw some duck tape ones on the other boards and thought about attempting it.
But, is it too close to cruise time for me to get this started? We're a family of 5 so we're a little larger than most families it seems.
I know that my kids would probably really enjoy this, but I'm afraid I'm not crafty or creative enough. Some of the gifts I've seen look extravagant. :worried:

I think this would be great fun to do, but...

Sorry. We're first time DCL cruisers and this is only the 2nd cruise for DH and I.
I just want to make sure I do everything right if I participate!
Thoughts?

And thanks for those that addressed my previous post.
Are there any cruisers with a daughter that is 13? She's a little quiet and is worried she won't have fun because she doesn't know anyone.

Thanks peeps!
We're getting so excited!
--Gretchen in Ks.:yay:

[jdybnsn]

Thanks for the suggestion :goodvibes

Vista Cafe deck 4 at 3pm for the Dis meet it is then ! :thumbsup2

[jdybnsn]

Okay so I just now learned what an FE was. I don't even have one. I'm not a person that can sew. I saw some duck tape ones on the other boards and thought about attempting it.
But, is it too close to cruise time for me to get this started? We're a family of 5 so we're a little larger than most families it seems.
I know that my kids would probably really enjoy this, but I'm afraid I'm not crafty or creative enough. Some of the gifts I've seen look extravagant. :worried:

I think this would be great fun to do, but...

Sorry. We're first time DCL cruisers and this is only the 2nd cruise for DH and I.
I just want to make sure I do everything right if I participate!
Thoughts?

--Gretchen in Ks.:yay:

Hi Gretchen

You don't need to make an FE to participate - the first two cruises we did we bought one of those cheap, draw string, gym shoe bags, for about $2 from Walmart. It had a Mickey & Minnie Mouse on it - it did just fine - people could leave their gifts in it just the same. I wouldn't stress it if you don't have time or sewing ability to make one.

Eventually, before our third cruise, I cheated and got one made by someone off Ebay :rolleyes1

For the record I don't make any FE gifts either... I just rely on bits and pieces that I find in bargain stores ...I generally keep to a "useful" theme, rather than decorative - but the great thing is that everyone has their own ideas on gifts, so there is usually a wide spectrum of stuff : some people like to bring regional stuff from their home town or home land, others like a Disney theme, or a cruise theme - or a mixture of all these things (sometimes bought, sometimes homemade ) - there's no right or wrong gift ....which makes it all the more interesting.

[jdybnsn]

DMMarla ~ Thank you :goodvibes

and Judy, thanks so much for organizing us :cutie:

Now onto finding some FE goodies since it looks like we'll be able to do this. I'll admit I'm a bit intimidated by some of the HUGE exchanges I've seen so I don't mind at ALL dippin a toe in this time. That's sortof what this cruise is all about for us, seeing if a longer cruise will be in our future!

That being said I need advice:

We're currently on early seating. DD and I are both night owls so I'm wondering if we should switch?

Also, for those of you who've Dreamed before, any advice? I know we have to make choices since a 3-day cruise is very short. Our first choice was Atlantis and the Shallow Dolphin / Aquaadventure since DD has been dying to do ALL of the above and this trip is part of her birthday.

Since day 2 is going to be pretty full I've kindof wondered if we should hang back a little on CC day and maybe get a later start? Is that heresy? :confused3

Now, surfing for FE goodie ideas.......

If you are doing excursions in the day, I think that would swing it for me to switch .......otherwise you coud be rushing it to change for dinner once back on board. :)

[gretchnh]

Hi Gretchen

You don't need to make an FE to participate - the first two cruises we did we bought one of those cheap, draw string, gym shoe bags, for about $2 from Walmart. It had a Mickey & Minnie Mouse on it - it did just fine - people could leave their gifts in it just the same. I wouldn't stress it if you don't have time or sewing ability to make one.

Eventually, before our third cruise, I cheated and got one made by someone off Ebay :rolleyes1

For the record I don't make any FE gifts either... I just rely on bits and pieces that I find in bargain stores ...I generally keep to a "useful" theme, rather than decorative - but the great thing is that everyone has their own ideas on gifts, so there is usually a wide spectrum of stuff : some people like to bring regional stuff from their home town or home land, others like a Disney theme, or a cruise theme - or a mixture of all these things (sometimes bought, sometimes homemade ) - there's no right or wrong gift ....which makes it all the more interesting.

Okay, well I'd like to try the FE exchange! I was worried about an actual FE. I scoped out stuff today I could get.
So do you need our info?
Our cast and crew are...
Myself-Gretchen
DH-Lance
DD-13
DS-10
DS-9

Since this seems like it will be a smaller exchange, I think this will give me a good idea of what to expect and it won't seem so overwhelming!
So...Count us in!
We're first timers, but it sounds like too much fun to pass up!
Thanks so much for organizing, Judy!
:0)--Gretchen in Kansas

[gretchnh]

Okay, well I'd like to try the FE exchange! I was worried about an actual FE. I scoped out stuff today I could get.
So do you need our info?
Our cast and crew are...
Myself-Gretchen
DH-Lance
DD-13
DS-10
DS-9

Since this seems like it will be a smaller exchange, I think this will give me a good idea of what to expect and it won't seem so overwhelming!
So...Count us in!
We're first timers, but it sounds like too much fun to pass up!
Thanks so much for organizing, Judy!
:0)--Gretchen in Kansas


Oh, and I forgot to say that...
My username: gretchnh
Cabin 6172

[gretchnh]

Hi Gretchen,

We are also going to Disney before our cruise. We are staying at Pop Century. My DS is also 10, he is looking forward to spending time in the kids clubs.

Sholey- That's great news! I don't know if I mentioned it before, but we're staying at Port Orleans Riverside. We like to stay in Alligator Bayou!

My one DS-10 is a real gamer and to be quite honest, he's afraid he's going to fall off the ship! LOL!
My other DS is 9 yrs old. He could make friends with most any kid he comes across so excited to tell them both that there will be kids there that we already "know."
My boys' names are Braeden and Keaton. What is your son's name? Maybe they can meet up while at the kids clubs!

[NTOFD]

This cruise seems really close now, we received our travel docs/luggage tags today:woohoo::banana::yay::goodvibes

[tjgabemom]

Got my cruise documents/luggage tags yesterday too!!!! Cant believe that the vacation I have been planning for over a year is only a little over a month away. Im getting so excited:goodvibes:banana:

[tjgabemom]

GretchnH.......just noticed your last name. It happens to be my mother's maiden name lol. Your not kin to any Herron's in SC are you????

[gretchnh]

Well, I haven't gotten any of my luggage tags or cruise docs yet! I'm so jealous! Hopefully today! I love getting that stuff in the mail.

You know, I don't think my hubby has any relatives in South Carolina. All I know about were his grandparents and they were born and raised in Wichita, Ks.
But you know now that I think about it, DH's uncle's ex-wife (I know-title is way too long!) lives in South Carolina I think. Her name is Sue. His cousin Ramsey went to school there somewhere.


GretchnH.......just noticed your last name. It happens to be my mother's maiden name lol. Your not kin to any Herron's in SC are you????

[sherpasmom]

If you are doing excursions in the day, I think that would swing it for me to switch .......otherwise you coud be rushing it to change for dinner once back on board. :)

Thanks Judy, You just persuaded me because I hate rushing for dinner! One last question, can I ask for the change now or wait till we board? I know several people are waitlisting for early dining so someone will be happy with me!

Excited about the meet and FE! :woohoo:

[sholey01]

Sholey- That's great news! I don't know if I mentioned it before, but we're staying at Port Orleans Riverside. We like to stay in Alligator Bayou!

My one DS-10 is a real gamer and to be quite honest, he's afraid he's going to fall off the ship! LOL!
My other DS is 9 yrs old. He could make friends with most any kid he comes across so excited to tell them both that there will be kids there that we already "know."
My boys' names are Braeden and Keaton. What is your son's name? Maybe they can meet up while at the kids clubs!

My son is Dylan. He would love to meet your boys. I can't wait. 29 more days.

[haddybaby]

Hi all!! We just did the Xmas cruise on the Dream and decided we did not have nearly enough time on the Dream. So we just booked this cruise!! I'ts me, DH, DS- 9, DS- 7, & DS- 3.

[gretchnh]

Hi all!! We just did the Xmas cruise on the Dream and decided we did not have nearly enough time on the Dream. So we just booked this cruise!! I'ts me, DH, DS- 9, DS- 7, & DS- 3.

Welcome haddybaby!!
Wow! Returning to the Dream so soon! Jealous!!

[jdybnsn]

Okay, well I'd like to try the FE exchange! I was worried about an actual FE. I scoped out stuff today I could get.
So do you need our info?
Our cast and crew are...
Myself-Gretchen
DH-Lance
DD-13
DS-10
DS-9

Since this seems like it will be a smaller exchange, I think this will give me a good idea of what to expect and it won't seem so overwhelming!
So...Count us in!
We're first timers, but it sounds like too much fun to pass up!
Thanks so much for organizing, Judy!
:0)--Gretchen in Kansas

Right, added you to the FE list on the first post of this thread :thumbsup2

Any more FE participants please feel free to make yourselves known.:)

I am actually very glad of the small numbers of FEs this time - I am doing the cruise before this one too, and there are currently 17 of us for that FE list :scared1:...and it doesn't look like the group will be split either...and since I'm not organising that one , it doesn't look as though it will (even though I have dropped in the suggestion, as from past experience that is normal practice) !. Now that is a heck of a lot stuff for us to bring over from the UK, and is going to take up a fair bit of time to distribute during that short cruise :eek:.....however, lucky our baggage allowance is pretty good with our airline !.......and I'm not going to stress it, as these things are still alot of fun, and I have been busy putting FE stuff together over the past 12 months.

[jdybnsn]

Hi all!! We just did the Xmas cruise on the Dream and decided we did not have nearly enough time on the Dream. So we just booked this cruise!! I'ts me, DH, DS- 9, DS- 7, & DS- 3.

Welcome aboard the thread :wizard:

[jdybnsn]

Thanks Judy, You just persuaded me because I hate rushing for dinner! One last question, can I ask for the change now or wait till we board? I know several people are waitlisting for early dining so someone will be happy with me!

Excited about the meet and FE! :woohoo:

Personally , I'd do it now as;
1) its one less hassle to think about and do, when you board the ship (plus your dining rotation tickets, which will be ready for you in your cabin when you board, will not need to be reissued).
2) you will take away some anxiety for someone waited listed for early dining before they cruise.

[sherpasmom]

My FE gifts are coming together! I read that people usually ziptie their FE's...do y'all take yours in at night or just leave it out (so I know how many zipties to bring?)

Also anything else I need to bring that is FE specific since I'm a newbie? :confused3

[gretchnh]

Thanks, Judy for adding me on the FE list. I'm going to attempt to make a no sew FE this weekend. It looks easy enough, but sometimes what I think looks easy turns into a nightmare. if all else fails, it'll be a sling backpack with mickey stuff all over it!

I agree that this small one will be a great one to get me started. And since it is such a small cruise, I didn't want to spend time running all over the ship delivering FE goodies. It helps that you and one of the others are 2 and 3 floors directly above us!! Up the elevator to deliver those!

It seems that there are several of us on this cruise with boys the same age!
My boys are 9 and 10 so they'll be able to hook up with some other kids!! I've already told Braeden and Keaton about Dylan being on board. They'll be on the look out for him!

Oh, and I finally got my luggage tags and stuff in the mail yesterday!! Getting so close!!! 4 weeks from today at this time I'll already be on the Dream!!
--Gretchen in Ks.

[jdybnsn]

My FE gifts are coming together! I read that people usually ziptie their FE's...do y'all take yours in at night or just leave it out (so I know how many zipties to bring?)

Also anything else I need to bring that is FE specific since I'm a newbie? :confused3

We have always left ours out...mainly because it is personalised with our names..... so not really any use to anyone else.
I'd never thought about zip tying it ...but that would seem sensible (though we've never experienced any problems on previous cruises).

...can't think of any thing FE specific..apart from remembering to bring the list with you LOL !

[sherpasmom]

:yay: good tip! I know have a whole new list just for FE related! ;)

Our Tinkerbell themed one came today! :cool1:

[jdybnsn]

Quick heads up -

.....I just released cabana no.5 on the family beach for CC, if anyone wants to book it quick before it disappears again !;)

...we have now decided to stay on the ship on the second part of our B2B.:cool2:

[jdybnsn]

This time next week........



We will be in Orlando :banana::banana::banana:

Spending the weekend there, followed a week at Anna Maria Island and then we are .....


CRUISING !!

:cool1:

[sherpasmom]

I'm cutting out door magnets right now! :cool1: Enjoy your Vacation Judy and we'll see you on the 2nd back of your B2B :goodvibes

[sherpasmom]

Also I guess that's all for our FE exchange? I'm getting goodies together for the suitcase this next week popcorn::

[DMMarla07860]

I'm getting more excited about this cruise, can't believe it is coming pretty fast. Can't wait to get back on the Dream again:cool1:. And looking forward to meeting some of you at the dis meet as well:goodvibes.

[jdybnsn]

Started packing now .....its getting closer !


Last heads up for the FE list - anyone ?.....:goodvibes

[tup1830]

hey guys, sorry for not responding for a while..busy busy busy...and keep on checking for an upgrade...i got a room assignment for my FE, but am probably going to upgrade it later...so i don't want to put it down just yet.

Have we confirmed a place and time to meet? Shutters at 4?..maybe? the atrium area of where the shops are at 10?..drinks refill station at 7:39?...
sorry just listing places we've met before.

I haven't received my cruise documents yet :o(...but i should get them shortly.

Has anyone taken the bus from the airport? how long have you had to wait? A one way car rental is the same price as the bus..so i just want to know what will get me to the port the quickest....i get so excited that i can't stand being 10 min late...haha.

Anyone want to save 5% on their cruise? If you sign up for the target red card, you can buy disney gift cards in target and save 5% and use the gift cards for the cruise. Just saved myself $80 on this sailing...woohoo.

[DMMarla07860]

Have we confirmed a place and time to meet? Shutters at 4?..maybe? the atrium area of where the shops are at 10?..drinks refill station at 7:39?...
sorry just listing places we've met before.



we did confirm a place I think by Vista Cafe at 3:00, which if you haven't been on the Dream in on deck 4 across from shutters overlooking deck 3 atrium:goodvibes

[NTOFD]

Two weeks from today we board:woohoo::yay::banana::thumbsup2

[sherpasmom]

sooooooooo excited! I'm hoping hoping that DD loves to cruise because if so I see MED in our future :lovestruc

right now it looks like my living room threw up Disney Suitcases so I gotta get packing! :scared1:

Can't wait to meet y'all and looking forward to FE and many magic memories made. I LOVE DIS'ers!

[jdybnsn]

Yes, just confirming...

Dis Meet :
Vista Cafe : deck 4 at 3pm :cool1:


Yay ...looking forward to meeting you all.


So excited about the FEs too ...having a small group means I can indulge in some really nice surprises !!!!!;)

:goodvibes

[jdybnsn]

oops double posted !!:headache:

[DMMarla07860]

I'm not doing to FE, but I'm looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can:goodvibes

[NTOFD]

10 days to go:woohoo:

[gretchnh]

Almost packed! We leave on Friday for WDW and then we'll catch a private transfer to the port on Thursday 2/16 at 11am.
Getting so excited!!
I've got my FE made, personalized and it looks great if I do say so myself!
I've got my FE prizes. This is my first one. I hope I don't disappoint anyone.

How are we supposed to find what room number you're in TUP1830??

I'm going to try to make it to the meet at 3pm, but I'm not going to guarantee anything. It will be my kids first time on a ship and I don't want to take away or miss any experiences they have. But I will try, especially if they're just swimming.

One other thing...do you guys just wear your swim suits under your clothes to the port so that they're already on when you board?? I thought I read that somewhere and thought it was a good idea. Just curious!

See you all in just over a week!:cool1:
Woot!

--Gretchen in Ks.:banana:

[sherpasmom]

Hi Y'all we're leaving Sunday for our pre-stay at Bay Lake! I'm super excited even after reading some TR's of some less than magical recent 3-day Dream cruises....I know we can't possibly do everything but I'm packing my sense of humor along with FE goodies that I'm super excited about! :cool1:

I have been on two other cruises (both Carnival and Royal Carribean) and those both had different vibes so very hopeful I'll feel loads of Disney Magic on the Dream...even if there are crowds and whatnot...at least I won't be freezing as I am now! :confused3

Enjoy the buildup.... to quote Willy Wonka.... "The Suspense is Terrible...I hope it will last!"

I think the few days leading to vacation are a huge part of the fun! :wizard:

p.s. Hi Gretchen, I think we're going to try wearing our swimsuits....pools may be super crowded but it can't hurt! ;)

[tjgabemom]

I read the same review about crowds. Anyone know if our cruise is sold out?

[sherpasmom]

I just checked the website and the Oceanview Staterooms were the only ones showing availablilty, but there were some available. Hopefully ours will only be filled with little angels :rolleyes1

[tjgabemom]

Well at least it isn't sold out but sounds like it will be crowded. I plan to keep a watchful eye after my angels so hopefully I won't be reading any comments on mine when I get back on here :rotfl: Im getting very excited!!!!!

[jdybnsn]

Well, we are here already in Florida :cool1:


...not a great day for us as my DH ran the hire car into a concrete post on the hotel parking lot in Orlando !
Fortunately we were just doing about 1 per hour ....but did sufficient damage to warrant a return to MCO to get he car swapped and damage owned up to, before setting off to Anna Maria Island.... where we are staying till Sunday morning :goodvibes

Yesterday we were stuck in a Walmart parking lot in Orlando because the hand brake got stuck on the car - we Brits always use it when parking ...but apparently you guys don't....so not the best starts to our holiday !!!! Nevermind..holiday will start properly tomorrow we hope as we can relax at our villa by the pool and our Orlando parking problems will start to fade.:goodvibes

[DMMarla07860]

Well, we are here already in Florida :cool1:


...not a great day for us as my DH ran the hire car into a concrete post on the hotel parking lot in Orlando !
Fortunately we were just doing about 1 per hour ....but did sufficient damage to warrant a return to MCO to get he car swapped and damage owned up to, before setting off to Anna Maria Island.... where we are staying till Sunday morning :goodvibes

Yesterday we were stuck in a Walmart parking lot in Orlando because the hand brake got stuck on the car - we Brits always use it when parking ...but apparently you guys don't....so not the best starts to our holiday !!!! Nevermind..holiday will start properly tomorrow we hope as we can relax at our villa by the pool and our Orlando parking problems will start to fade.:goodvibes

well hope your vacation starts to get better:goodvibes

[tup1830]

Hello all,

My room number as of now is 2046 BUT i'm going to try to upgrade at the port.

The packed cruise...i called the DCL today and the guy told me there were only 30 rooms left...which basically means packed. IF you've done a lot of DCL cruises (i'll be plat this time...woo hoo)...then just try to stay away from the huge crowd pleasing activities.

If you can't make it to the meet up at 3, then i'll leave you a message on your room phone with my updated room number...does that make sense?

Can't wait to see you all. I read the crowded thread today...i've been on the Dream on its maiden voyage...not 1 room went empty. It was only a 4 nighter...so i'm just saying although it will be a packed ship, as long as you don't need to be the first person doing everything..just take it easy, take it slow and enjoy yourself and you'll have a blast.

If anyone wants to hang out on the ship and have coffee or just hang out, let us know!

[sherpasmom]

tup1830: Room phone message sounds good! Can't wait to meet y'all. This is my first DIS meet on my first DIS cruise :woohoo: Congrats on the plat status...if DD enjoys this one we're doing the MED next.

Judy, I totally salute y'all for driving in another country especially in a walmart parking lot which is easily compared to running the gauntlet :scared1: When I'm in England my bf would no more let me drive than a man in the moon...loads of times I'm peeking through my eyes as we pass oncoming cars. Enjoy your island time and first cruise leg!

I hope Everyone enjoys their pretrips, travels and we'll see you soon! One of my earliest Disney lessons was years ago travelling with my now ex DH. We were waiting for the monorail and he hung back and we were last to board. The monorail driver saw us doing this and motioned for us to come up front....a magic moment and all because of not rushing in. :wizard:

I'm good with not being first! And one day on the Dream (even if at capacity) is better than working-- I'm sure of this! We're off to Bay Lake for our pre-trip Sunday!

[jdybnsn]

Yay ..:cool1:

We are leaving at last for the first leg of our B2B on the Dream tomorrow (Sunday) !

Just a recap, from page one of this thread, for our Dis meet and our mini FE exchange ;


Dis Meet :
Vista Cafe : deck 4 at 3pm


FE LIST

JdyBnsn
Judy (me)
Brian (DH)
Joe (DS) -14
Vyrnwy (DD) - 10
cabins 9174 & 9176 (on the very aft of the ship !)

Sherpasmom
Donna
(DD) -9
cabin 10658

Tup1830
(DH)
(DW)
2046 - TBC (maybe upgrading ?)

Gretchnh
Gretchen
DH-Lance
DD-13
DS-10
DS-9

cabin 6172

Look forward to meeting you soon - promise we won't eat and drink everything before you get on board !;)

[sherpasmom]

TUP1830 we owe you your FE gift! :goodvibes I didn't have your latest cabin number!


We really had fun with the FE and enjoyed the cruise very much....so much so we're cruising again. I hope everyone has safe travels.

On an aside note my parents (who are older 78 and 85) very nicely came to pick me and DD up at airport. Our flight into home airport was delayed 40 minutes so they were in the terminal about an hour and half. While inside, someone "hit and run" their new GMC Terrain causing, $7,000.00 worth of damages> :mad: I immediately contacted airport security who is scanning parking lot footage but so far have heard nothing? :headache:

Apparently this happens more often than is heard of? The head of airport security said one day 15 cars were damaged....crazy world, welcome home!

[DMMarla07860]

It was great getting to meet some of you guys. The cruise was amazing, I stayed out till 2:00am or later every night and met a lot of the cruise staff and also got to see Trevor again, so it was pretty amazing cruise. I now can start planning for my cruise on the Fantasy on April 21st.:cool1:

[jdybnsn]

On an aside note my parents (who are older 78 and 85) very nicely came to pick me and DD up at airport. Our flight into home airport was delayed 40 minutes so they were in the terminal about an hour and half. While inside, someone "hit and run" their new GMC Terrain causing, $7,000.00 worth of damages> :mad: I immediately contacted airport security who is scanning parking lot footage but so far have heard nothing? :headache:

Apparently this happens more often than is heard of? The head of airport security said one day 15 cars were damaged....crazy world, welcome home!


Awww sorry to hear about their car - what a downer for the end of your trip :sad2: ........and just wanted to reassure you it wasn't my DH !!!!:rolleyes1

[clten]

Welcome back everyone. I'm keeping track of Castaway Cay stops this year. Can someone let me know (either post or pm me) for sure that you made it (sounds like you did). A brief weather report would be a bonus. Thanks!

[tjgabemom]

We did make it to Castaway Cay! The weather was beautiful the entire trip. Temps in mid 70's each day. Water at Castaway was too cold for me but my kids got in for a little bit. I did get in the pools onboard and that water was very comfortable since they are heated.

[clten]

We did make it to Castaway Cay! The weather was beautiful the entire trip. Temps in mid 70's each day. Water at Castaway was too cold for me but my kids got in for a little bit. I did get in the pools onboard and that water was very comfortable since they are heated.

Thanks for the info. I'll add it to the list.