March 23, 2013 FANTASY - The Final Inaugural Cruise of the Disney Fantasy

[theboysmommy]

What does it mean that you are cruising platinum?

 

[DisneyMommy04]

Welcome Jen!

This is my families first cruise as well. To say we are excited is an understatement.....

The first thing my son (9) says when I pick him up at night is how many days we have lefy.

Can't wait to meet everyone.

Theresa

 

[lbgraves]

Since this my 1st Disney cruise I didn't know how the booking port adventures and onboard fun worked. And I didn't go on right away to book. We got a spot for the boys to get made up as pirates on the pirate night, but it's in the morning we were hoping for the afternoon and now the port adventure we were hoping to do that day is only available in the morning too. We plan on keeping the pirate thing for the kids, but do you think it is worth calling to see if there are other openings so we can do both things? Or should I just keep looking online? Or chalk it up to now I know for next time? I heard you should keep checking for cabanas in castaway cay..so I'll keep looking for that since that looks fun also. If we don't end up with a cabana...any recommendations on what to do with a 3 and 5 year old?

You can't call DCL to book anything. That needs to be done after you board the ship. Personally, I would book the excursion for your family and just buy pirate costumes for your kids -- either from the shop on the ship or beforehand on Amazon or somewhere else. At that age, they will think it is wicked cool to be dressed up like pirates for the night.

What does it mean that you are cruising platinum?

It means that they have done at least 10 cruises on DCL.

 

[JacksGirlz]

Since this my 1st Disney cruise I didn't know how the booking port adventures and onboard fun worked. And I didn't go on right away to book. We got a spot for the boys to get made up as pirates on the pirate night, but it's in the morning we were hoping for the afternoon and now the port adventure we were hoping to do that day is only available in the morning too. We plan on keeping the pirate thing for the kids, but do you think it is worth calling to see if there are other openings so we can do both things? Or should I just keep looking online? Or chalk it up to now I know for next time? I heard you should keep checking for cabanas in castaway cay..so I'll keep looking for that since that looks fun also. If we don't end up with a cabana...any recommendations on what to do with a 3 and 5 year old?

Don't worry about not getting a cabana. It's so much fun to just swim in the beautiful ocean. Not sure about ages or how adventurous your kids are but my DD and I loved the stingray excursion on Castaway Cay. As per the post by lbgraves I would book the port adventure that you want. Once you are onboard the ship you should be able to see if there are other openings for the pirate appointment. You can buy pirate costumes on board or bring your own. People do change their minds all the time so keep checking online for what you want and you never know.

 

[lbgraves]

Don't worry about not getting a cabana. It's so much fun to just swim in the beautiful ocean. Not sure about ages or how adventurous your kids are but my DD and I loved the stingray excursion on Castaway Cay. As per the post by lbgraves I would book the port adventure that you want. Once you are onboard the ship you should be able to see if there are other openings for the pirate appointment. You can buy pirate costumes on board or bring your own. People do change their minds all the time so keep checking online for what you want and you never know.

Missed the mention of Cabanas. IMO, your kids will have more fun with other kids on the family beach. Mine have always met kids they didn't know before that day, along with DIS friends, and built sand castles, floated around in the water and just had a great time there. I would save that money for an excursion or two.

 

[jocelynt01]

I hate to ask...but I thought I would try anyway. I just came from the same cruise about 3 weeks ago and I missed out on the Castaway Cay tervis tumbler. Is anyone willing to pick one up for me (if available as they are extremely popular)? I know it will be VERY hard to think of anything else because it IS SO fun, but I am willing to pay for it, shipping, and even an inconvenience (or appreciation) fee. I can even give it to you prior to your trip date. Please message me if you are willing. Thanks!

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

I hate to ask...but I thought I would try anyway. I just came from the same cruise about 3 weeks ago and I missed out on the Castaway Cay tervis tumbler. Is anyone willing to pick one up for me (if available as they are extremely popular)? I know it will be VERY hard to think of anything else because it IS SO fun, but I am willing to pay for it, shipping, and even an inconvenience (or appreciation) fee. I can even give it to you prior to your trip date. Please message me if you are willing. Thanks!

I was going to look for one of these for myself anyway; I'd be happy to pick up one for you if I can. I'll send you a PM and we can talk about it.

ETA: I sent you a PM but I'm not sure if you can actually PM or not until you have 10 posts. If you don't see it, let me know.

 

[lupitail]

welcome to the fun! I see you are from IL? we live in the nw suburb of Cary, IL! I have a 14 yr. old son and a (soon to be) 13 yr. old daughter, so if your daughter wants to chat with mine, I can give you her email address..she's been chatting with a couple other girls now. this is our 3rd disney cruise - we are hooked on cruising!

feel free to ask questions!

Thanks would would be great! So new to DIS boards...can I message you? Send you an email?? My soon to be 14 DD would love to chat with your daugther. Knowing someone before the cruise I think would really help.

I know where Cary is! I have friends in Algonquin!

Thanks again!

 

[lupitail]

DH must have gone on the Big Red Boat. DCL will be an entirely different experience for him!

Don't try and take on everything your first cruise. You need to be able to relax at some point.

DD14 can go to either the Vibe [teen club] or the Edge [tween club]. Being the oldest in the area might be easier for her than being the youngest in the teen area.

OMG Thanks for telling me this! I was worried we would be overwhelmed with the older teenagers. This will really help!

 

[lupitail]

Hi All!

My family and I will be joining you all this Spring Break...

This is our first Disney cruise and we are beyond excited and a little nervous.

My son (age 9) is just hoping to meet lot's of kids his age.

Glad I found you all because I am feeling a bit overwelmed....

Theresa

I know exactly how you feel!! My DD is 8 - it sounds like there are lots of kids their ag. When I tell family/friends that we are going on a "Disney" cruise, I always get the same response..."You are going to LOVE it"!

 

[jocelynt01]

I was going to look for one of these for myself anyway; I'd be happy to pick up one for you if I can. I'll send you a PM and we can talk about it.

ETA: I sent you a PM but I'm not sure if you can actually PM or not until you have 10 posts. If you don't see it, let me know.

Yes, I just tried to PM and it said I needed 10. But I'd still love to take you up on your offer to pick one up for me. I guess I better start posting! LOL I will PM you once I am able too.

 

[lupitail]

This is our first cruise and I don't want to miss anything. Have dinner reservations at Palo the last night if cruise. Is it worth missing the "Until we meet again" dinner? DH wants adult only dinner and this is the only night that was open.

Lupita

 

[willyguy]

I just sent out an email with the first version of the FE group list. Please let me know if you are participating in the FE and did not receive the email.

Hi this is willy did you get my e-mail.

 

[willyguy]

The cut off for the FE group will be January 15th, since that was the date receiving the largest number of votes.

Hi this is willy
we are in room 9065
DH DW DGM DD 10
thank you so very much you can text me at

 

[theboysmommy]

What is FE?

 

[lauriegs]

Thanks would would be great! So new to DIS boards...can I message you? Send you an email?? My soon to be 14 DD would love to chat with your daugther. Knowing someone before the cruise I think would really help.

I know where Cary is! I have friends in Algonquin!

Thanks again!

I sent you a PM with our emails...you may not be able to pm me back until you have more posts, but at least you will have our emails.

 

[lauriegs]

I think I'm getting a little excited about the cruise, the last couple nites I've had dreams about it.

Has anyone here ever gone ziplining? we've signed up for that excursion in PR, and I've always wanted to try it, but I'm also feeling a bit nervous about it....

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Has anyone here ever gone ziplining? we've signed up for that excursion in PR, and I've always wanted to try it, but I'm also feeling a bit nervous about it....

Not in PR, but DD and I have gone ziplining twice in Mexico. It was amazing! I was nervous at first too because I'm generally afraid of heights, but it wasn't a problem at all. I was having too much fun to be scared. Obviously every place is going to be different, but I've read some reviews on Cruise Critic about the PR ziplining excursion and it sounds great. You're going to have a great time!

 

[lbgraves]

Hi this is willy
we are in room 9065
DH DW DGM DD 10
thank you so very much you can text me xxxxxxx

You sent it at 1 a.m. I have sent you a reply. Will not text. You should remove the number from your post.

 

[lbgraves]

Posting this to first post as well to help those with questions. Sorry short. Fractured arm this morning so typing with one hand.

FE Basics

More FE advice

You can do individual gifts or family gifts. No set delivery date, just at some point during cruise. We are not dividing into groups.