June 17 Wonder to Alaska

[Astonsmom]

Nevermind! Figured it out!
Thanks,
Elsibeth

 

[808MauiMama]

Can Tahnru and sde20 please contact me to get the MUFE list. Thank you!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I can't remember if I've asked this before so please excuse me if I have! Are you guys bringing Canadian dollars with you? It seems like most places we can use our credit cards (that don't charge a conversion fee) or pay in US dollars? I don't mind ordering the currency through my bank but then it leads to my next question - how much would we need? We are in Vancouver Sat before the cruise and leaving the day of the cruise so not a lot of time. I was planning on ordering a few to have on hand but primarily using my credit card since they don't charge me a fee and I get points that way and it's just easier to pay when I get back home online!

Thanks,
Heather

 

[Linda67]

I can't remember if I've asked this before so please excuse me if I have! Are you guys bringing Canadian dollars with you? It seems like most places we can use our credit cards (that don't charge a conversion fee) or pay in US dollars? I don't mind ordering the currency through my bank but then it leads to my next question - how much would we need? We are in Vancouver Sat before the cruise and leaving the day of the cruise so not a lot of time. I was planning on ordering a few to have on hand but primarily using my credit card since they don't charge me a fee and I get points that way and it's just easier to pay when I get back home online!

Thanks,
Heather

I had this exact conversation with DH last night
We are in Vancouver for a few days before and after the cruise so we will be taking cash as well as our credit card
We'll need cash for tips, small items, cabs etc and I don't think they will accept our British Pounds !!
We have double trouble because we have to get hold of Canadian and US currency before our trip
We actually get a better exchange rate if we use our credit card so that will be our main way of spending (too much) ha ha !

 

[zweihund]

I can't remember if I've asked this before so please excuse me if I have! Are you guys bringing Canadian dollars with you? It seems like most places we can use our credit cards (that don't charge a conversion fee) or pay in US dollars? I don't mind ordering the currency through my bank but then it leads to my next question - how much would we need? We are in Vancouver Sat before the cruise and leaving the day of the cruise so not a lot of time. I was planning on ordering a few to have on hand but primarily using my credit card since they don't charge me a fee and I get points that way and it's just easier to pay when I get back home online!

Thanks,
Heather

Last time we went, we just took money out of the ATM as needed. We had no idea what we would need, so we used the card for gift purchases and groceries and the like, and used cash for the rest. We didn't really spend that much cash in Vancouver, we used the card for aquarium tickets and what-not.

Works for us, because our credit union does not do exchanges :-( we would have to drive all the way across town to the exchange in the Florida Mall, which charges big fees. I'd say if your bank DOES exchange Canadian dollars, take some with you for spending and use your card for the rest. And if you need more, you can always go to the ATM!

Our bank didn't charge us much for using the ATM - it was still way less than the mall exchange fees would have been.

 

[Linda67]

Last time we went, we just took money out of the ATM as needed. We had no idea what we would need, so we used the card for gift purchases and groceries and the like, and used cash for the rest. We didn't really spend that much cash in Vancouver, we used the card for aquarium tickets and what-not.

Works for us, because our credit union does not do exchanges :-( we would have to drive all the way across town to the exchange in the Florida Mall, which charges big fees. I'd say if your bank DOES exchange Canadian dollars, take some with you for spending and use your card for the rest. And if you need more, you can always go to the ATM!

Our bank didn't charge us much for using the ATM - it was still way less than the mall exchange fees would have been.

I wish that we could just get cash from the ATMs.
The UK banks charge ridiculous fees if we do that whilst abroad

 

[sde20]

Welcome! We also have an only child (he's 9.5) and he doesn't go to the kids club too much since he is with us 95% of the time. He will definitely check it out and we have a Palo Brunch booked so he'll go to the club during that time too. He doesn't email right now but I wanted to say, "I understand your situation".

Thanks for the good vibes . Let's hope they both enjoy the kids clubs and make great memories! And if they spend all their time with us , we will enjoy while we can, huh?


I haven't cruised with an infant, however my DS has about the same sleep schedule you just mentioned. He is usually in bed by 8pm on school/week nights and the weekend, maybe 9pm. The reason being - he wakes up at 6am every day! We are flying in two days before the cruise to Vancouver to adjust to the time different from the East Coast so hopefully this helps. We know we won't sleep 100% like we do at home, but we try not to overdo it. We are doing a lot more excursions on this cruise so I expect we will all crash at night!

Heather

Thanks for the good vibes . Let's hope they both enjoy the kids clubs and make great memories! And if they spend all their time with us , we will enjoy while we can, huh?

 

[sde20]

Sorry if I didn't accept you into the MUFE, but I did add you in!! Check out our facebook link in post #325. Please message me your names, dining early or late and if you want to, facebook name, email and favorite characters.

Our stateroom is :2054
Late dining
Our names are Stephanie , Dallas (DH), and Eve (DD, 11).
My daughter loves tinkerbell and stitch ( quite a mix, I know , my DH, goofy, And I love the classics, Mickey and Minnie !
This will not let me post my email, but I will check out the facebook link.\

 

[sde20]

Last day to sign up for MUFE! Can you believe how close we are to this cruise?? OMG so excited and working on my FE is so much fun!

Excited to be part of the MUFE group! Starting my planning now for the FE. How many nights should we plan on delivering gift? We are new to this!

 

[sde20]

I have a dd who is 11 and she would email with your daughter. Put some random posts out so that you get your count to 10 so you can message me for the email or check out the FB page with the spreadsheet.

I'm working on it. We've never spent so many days on the ship. It will be great to get a headstart on the friendships! Thanks for responding.

 

[808MauiMama]

Excited to be part of the MUFE group! Starting my planning now for the FE. How many nights should we plan on delivering gift? We are new to this!

Hi! Glad to hear from you, you can private message me your email address or join our facebook page. The spreadsheet is loaded there. I will update your names and info on Monday. Glad to have you in the MUFE!

I think most of us are first time Disney cruisers. Delivering the gifts is entirely up to you. There are no rules and no restrictions. I divided the group in two as it was getting large. There are 30 people in each group, 8 or 9 staterooms. It is your option if you want to give to both groups. I suggest 1 stateroom gift representing where you are from and 1 individual gifts. Any other giving is optional. This is only a suggestion, you do what you can and want. Have fun planning your FE, I'm having a blast working on mine.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I had this exact conversation with DH last night
We are in Vancouver for a few days before and after the cruise so we will be taking cash as well as our credit card
We'll need cash for tips, small items, cabs etc and I don't think they will accept our British Pounds !!
We have double trouble because we have to get hold of Canadian and US currency before our trip
We actually get a better exchange rate if we use our credit card so that will be our main way of spending (too much) ha ha !

LOL - true about the British Pounds I guess some of us do have a little advantage!!

Last time we went, we just took money out of the ATM as needed. We had no idea what we would need, so we used the card for gift purchases and groceries and the like, and used cash for the rest. We didn't really spend that much cash in Vancouver, we used the card for aquarium tickets and what-not.

Works for us, because our credit union does not do exchanges :-( we would have to drive all the way across town to the exchange in the Florida Mall, which charges big fees. I'd say if your bank DOES exchange Canadian dollars, take some with you for spending and use your card for the rest. And if you need more, you can always go to the ATM!

Our bank didn't charge us much for using the ATM - it was still way less than the mall exchange fees would have been.

That's exactly what I was thinking - the bank will charge me a fee for ordering a little (don't need a lot) and then if I have any leftover, I'll have to deliver back tot he bank and likely incur a fee for exchanging it again. I'll have to look it up to see if it's even worth it.

Thanks for the good vibes . Let's hope they both enjoy the kids clubs and make great memories! And if they spend all their time with us , we will enjoy while we can, huh?

You bet! I'm sure this is going to be memorable trip for all!

Now we can say - next month at this time, we will be ON the Wonder....

Heather

 

[zweihund]

I don't remember if anyone already said this or not, but we had dinner with our travel companions last night (both of whom work in the banking industry) and one suggested getting a pre-pad American Express Travel card. You can use it in any country without incurring any exchange fees! The only potential downfall is not everywhere takes AmEx....but it's an option. Because if you don't spend it all (not that this is likely to be our situation, let's be realistic lol) you can still use it back home for your usual things like groceries.

I don't know if it comes with a PIN number or not. But might be worth looking into.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I don't remember if anyone already said this or not, but we had dinner with our travel companions last night (both of whom work in the banking industry) and one suggested getting a pre-pad American Express Travel card. You can use it in any country without incurring any exchange fees! The only potential downfall is not everywhere takes AmEx....but it's an option. Because if you don't spend it all (not that this is likely to be our situation, let's be realistic lol) you can still use it back home for your usual things like groceries.

I don't know if it comes with a PIN number or not. But might be worth looking into.

Hi Erica! That is another great idea and I actually do travel with an Amex type prepaid card (my Serve card) and when my friends pay me back for things through the year, it's my "free spending card". My DH has one too so we've kept it to the side and we'll use it for a few dinners there or while traveling.

I went ahead and ordered the minimum amount my bank allowed which was $100. They charged a $7.50 delivery fee but I figured it was worth it for peace of mind to have it ON us. We'll use it for the taxi's back and forth (estimating $40 each way with tip from the airport to Pan Pacific) and then an extra $20 for emergencies or smaller items. The rest - on the credit card!

I find it mind boggling that soon we'll be saying, "in three weeks"....omg - it's creeping up so fast now. Has anyone started packing yet? I might break out the suitcases next weekend and start putting items in there for the trip!

Heather

 

[zweihund]

Hi Erica! That is another great idea and I actually do travel with an Amex type prepaid card (my Serve card) and when my friends pay me back for things through the year, it's my "free spending card". My DH has one too so we've kept it to the side and we'll use it for a few dinners there or while traveling.

I went ahead and ordered the minimum amount my bank allowed which was $100. They charged a $7.50 delivery fee but I figured it was worth it for peace of mind to have it ON us. We'll use it for the taxi's back and forth (estimating $40 each way with tip from the airport to Pan Pacific) and then an extra $20 for emergencies or smaller items. The rest - on the credit card!

I find it mind boggling that soon we'll be saying, "in three weeks"....omg - it's creeping up so fast now. Has anyone started packing yet? I might break out the suitcases next weekend and start putting items in there for the trip!

Heather

I haven't started packing, but I didn't put the suitcases or my carry-on bag (read: giant mom purse that I only use for travel) away after my recent mini-getaway to NYC with Isabelle. I think if we didn't have a dog and a bird who both "know" what suitcases mean, I'd have mine open and start throwing things in....like jackets, long-sleeved stuff, etc. But doing that this far out would cause constant whimpering and squawking for the next three weeks

So instead I am checking and re-checking my packing list, and practice-packing in my head

The time is going to FLY!

 

[Linda67]

Hi everyone

I'm just back from a weekend away and have been so busy over the last couple of weeks, it feels like today is the first day that it has actually hit me how close we are to sailing

I'm a devil for beginning my packing ridiculously early so I don't think it will be long until I am getting DH to grab the suitcases from the attic!

Our Mickey Mail finally arrived and of course I had to save it until the perfect moment to open it

Aargh - so excited I can't stand it!

 

[MommyB]

I cannot believe how fast this is coming up! We have so much going on before the end of school which is June 7.

We did some remodeling and I am still trying to get the house put back together.

I think about packing and then think I have too much other stuff I need to be doing first and then...

 

[Bangerang]

After a lot of back and forth and looking at other vacation options, we decided to book this cruise. I just got our confirmation number yesterday and booked our flights last night. My DH and I are dumping our kids on relatives to take our first trip in 10 years without children in honor of our 20th anniversary. Not only is this our first Disney cruise, it's our first cruise EVER! My DH is a reluctant cruiser, which is why it's taken me so long to get him on one. Then again, I had to drag him down to Disney World the first time too. Now I sometimes wonder if he likes that place more than I do. We'll see what happens with this trip. I can say he is a huge Pixar fan and is really excited about the Pixar Pals Party. I know we'll have a good time but at the moment I'm freaking out with all there is to do before we go.

Like a lot of you, we are flying into Seattle. I'm checking out options on getting to Vancouver and noticed that one of the shuttle busses has an express bus back to Seattle the morning of the 24th. It leaves at 9:00am. For those of you who've done this before, is there enough time to get off the boat and catch the bus if we arrive at 8:00?

I'm also curious about the idea of the Fish Exchange and Roaming Mickey. It sounds like a lot of fun but with all that I have to do to get ready, the end of school, etc., I'm not sure I'll have time to put anything together. How long will you be accepting people or is it already too late? We've booked a floating room (in a sense I guess they are all floating rooms! ) so my confirmation doesn't have stateroom number. When I signed on our account yesterday afternoon a room number showed up. Does this mean we've been assigned a room or will this likely change? It might be kind of hard to join in if we don't know where we'll be.

 

[Aurora1959]

After a lot of back and forth and looking at other vacation options, we decided to book this cruise. I just got our confirmation number yesterday and booked our flights last night. My DH and I are dumping our kids on relatives to take our first trip in 10 years without children in honor of our 20th anniversary. Not only is this our first Disney cruise, it's our first cruise EVER! My DH is a reluctant cruiser, which is why it's taken me so long to get him on one. Then again, I had to drag him down to Disney World the first time too. Now I sometimes wonder if he likes that place more than I do. We'll see what happens with this trip. I can say he is a huge Pixar fan and is really excited about the Pixar Pals Party. I know we'll have a good time but at the moment I'm freaking out with all there is to do before we go.

Like a lot of you, we are flying into Seattle. I'm checking out options on getting to Vancouver and noticed that one of the shuttle busses has an express bus back to Seattle the morning of the 24th. It leaves at 9:00am. For those of you who've done this before, is there enough time to get off the boat and catch the bus if we arrive at 8:00?

I'm also curious about the idea of the Fish Exchange and Roaming Mickey. It sounds like a lot of fun but with all that I have to do to get ready, the end of school, etc., I'm not sure I'll have time to put anything together. How long will you be accepting people or is it already too late? We've booked a floating room (in a sense I guess they are all floating rooms! ) so my confirmation doesn't have stateroom number. When I signed on our account yesterday afternoon a room number showed up. Does this mean we've been assigned a room or will this likely change? It might be kind of hard to join in if we don't know where we'll be.

Congrats and welcome aboard.

As for when you might get off the ship.... You might want to call DCL. I know that concierge told us that we shouldn't expect to get off the boat until around 8:30 am. Typically if you have to make it to a flight or something they can make accommodations for you to be in the first group off. Otherwise that first group is the concierge group.

When we departed in Barcelona they were taking those with the earliest flights first. But you had to have let them know in advance of your plans.

When we did it in LA, we were in the first group off, and there were some other people who tried to get off with us. But they didn't have the right luggage tags, so they were told that their luggage wouldn't be off for another 90 mins or more and they were going to be stuck waiting. Overall I think that was the worst experience we've had. I think in Florida it's a lot better. We'll have to see how it goes in Vancouver.

As for staterooms, if you have one assigned to you already, I don't think it would change. I know of people checking in at the port and being upgraded or calling and changing it. But beyond that, I don't think you should expect to show up and suddenly be in a different room. However, stranger things have happened I'm sure.

 

[Linda67]

After a lot of back and forth and looking at other vacation options, we decided to book this cruise. I just got our confirmation number yesterday and booked our flights last night. My DH and I are dumping our kids on relatives to take our first trip in 10 years without children in honor of our 20th anniversary. Not only is this our first Disney cruise, it's our first cruise EVER! My DH is a reluctant cruiser, which is why it's taken me so long to get him on one. Then again, I had to drag him down to Disney World the first time too. Now I sometimes wonder if he likes that place more than I do. We'll see what happens with this trip. I can say he is a huge Pixar fan and is really excited about the Pixar Pals Party. I know we'll have a good time but at the moment I'm freaking out with all there is to do before we go.

Like a lot of you, we are flying into Seattle. I'm checking out options on getting to Vancouver and noticed that one of the shuttle busses has an express bus back to Seattle the morning of the 24th. It leaves at 9:00am. For those of you who've done this before, is there enough time to get off the boat and catch the bus if we arrive at 8:00?

I'm also curious about the idea of the Fish Exchange and Roaming Mickey. It sounds like a lot of fun but with all that I have to do to get ready, the end of school, etc., I'm not sure I'll have time to put anything together. How long will you be accepting people or is it already too late? We've booked a floating room (in a sense I guess they are all floating rooms! ) so my confirmation doesn't have stateroom number. When I signed on our account yesterday afternoon a room number showed up. Does this mean we've been assigned a room or will this likely change? It might be kind of hard to join in if we don't know where we'll be.

Firstly congrats on your 20th anniversary and welcome aboard!
I'm sure you will enjoy DCL, we only cruised for the first time about 2 years ago and we fell in love with it. We've only ever cruised with Disney but have been totally won over by them and can't imagine cruising with anyone else - I'm sure your DH will love it ..... Maybe you will be re-booking on board !!
The FE list has closed but I'm not sure about the Roaming Mickey - perhaps 808MauiMama can chip in here?