September 24th, 2016 Fantasy cruise

[FonsyK]

My husband and I went on a Carnival 3 day cruise before we had kids, and now we are going on our first Disney Cruise with our two boys, 5 and 8. We just booked it yesterday, and I am SO excited!

 

[FonsyK]

Has anyone explored Port Adventures yet? What looks good to you?

 

[mcurrence]

Has anyone explored Port Adventures yet? What looks good to you?

Welcome! Prepare to fall in love with Disney cruises! We are more just hang out at the beach people so we will probably just grab a cab and head out to beaches but everyone rants and raves about the Baths in Tortola?..Would love to hear any recommendations as well
M.

 

[FonsyK]

everyone rants and raves about the Baths in Tortola

This is something that really caught our eye, and I'd love to see it, but I'm a little nervous about getting my heart set on a specific adventure and then having it sold out...because we haven't cruised with Disney before, I guess we can't make our selections until 75 days before?

If you grab a cab to go out to the beaches, how do you get back?

 

[mcurrence]

This is something that really caught our eye, and I'd love to see it, but I'm a little nervous about getting my heart set on a specific adventure and then having it sold out...because we haven't cruised with Disney before, I guess we can't make our selections until 75 days before?

If you grab a cab to go out to the beaches, how do you get back?

Once you're Silver (on your next cruise) you can pre-book 90 days out. Still, I don't think the excursions sell out too quickly. What I've heard goes fast are the Cabanas.

My understanding is that you can tell the taxi driver to come back at a specific time or if you are going to the more popular spots, there will be taxis available there? Not sure but trying to get all the info I can on these boards
M.

 

[tigerchic89]

When we went on our 1st Disney cruise, there was only one excursion sold out when my window opened. there were plenty of other options.

 

[moremouse]

Hi! We're on this sailing too. Can't wait to see a new port. Thank you DCL. I hear Tortola is beautiful.

It will be just my husband and me. Mid 40s and 50s. This is our 5th on DCL. Can't wait.

Was on the 9/18 last year and hoping this is also a Halloween on the High Seas sailing.

 

[alstraus514]

Hello everyone! We are sailing on this cruise for my son's 5th birthday and would love to be apart of the fish extending group. I'm willing to help coordinate everything if no one has started yet. This will be our second disney cruise. I also will be traveling with my husband, my daughter Chelsea who is 6 and my son Parker who will be 3. So excited!!!

 

[AAOSAM2]

Just joining in We (myself and DH) will be on this cruise celebrating our 40th anniversary. This will be our 8th Disney cruise 1st time on the Fantasy and 1st time alone. Looking forward to the Eastern

 

[Fepeaux]

Would anyone be interested in joining a Facebook page for this cruise? I know not everyone is on FB but it is a lot of fun to have random postings especially as we get closer. I can set one up if so. My work blocks disboards but not Facebook (for some reason!). Me, DH, and DS 13 can't wait! This will be our 7th Disney Cruise!!! Haven't been to Eastern Caribbean since before our DS was born... way too long!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

For anyone interested in joining a Facebook group, please search for "**************************" and request to join! I've been in FB groups in the past and it is a lot of fun to watch the countdown, remind others to sign up for different activities, and share the knowledge of the experienced cruisers. We can direct anyone interested in an FE group back to this discussion as needed.

You are aware of the policy about other social media websites, right? (You can't post links or search directions to them).

If not, read here:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

 

[shortyc28]

Hello everyone. We are so excited about our first Disney cruise! My daughter will be turning 10 and this is her gift. I'm trying to learn everything I can about Disney cruises so I will be prepared. I'd love to be included in the fish extender group if anyone wants to start it. Thank you.

 

[mcurrence]

Hello everyone. We are so excited about our first Disney cruise! My daughter will be turning 10 and this is her gift. I'm trying to learn everything I can about Disney cruises so I will be prepared. I'd love to be included in the fish extender group if anyone wants to start it. Thank you.

I think we're interested in doing the FE too...we've never done it but it seems like fun? Does anyone know how to start one or how it works?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I think we're interested in doing the FE too...we've never done it but it seems like fun? Does anyone know how to start one or how it works?

Here you go:

SETTING UP A FE GROUP
It appears there are a number of you who are interested in a Fish Extender group. There isn’t one currently set up here on DISBoards. Here’s a little write up on how FE groups are set up:

There really are no “rules” as to how a FE program runs. Basically someone maintains the list of those who wish to participate. The group can decide on what information is necessary to produce FE gifts. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/ favorite character/ favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know in order to create the gifts. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE group. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

The easiest, most private way to handle the information necessary to prepare the list (many people prefer not to put sensitive information on a public forum), is to use the “Conversation” feature here. There needs to be at least two people to start a conversation. Only the starter of the conversation (usually the organizer) can add additional people into the conversation (as long as they do NOT select “Allow anyone in the conversation to invite others” at the bottom of the reply window). Then when new people express a desire to join, usually by just saying “we want to join the FE”, the organizer can add them by clicking on the “Invite more” button in the “Conversation Participants” window (lower right of conversation page). Only those people participating in the conversation can see what’s posted there, and respond there. I will also note, to participate in conversations, everyone needs to have at least 10 posts. For those who wish to use this option for private conversations that don’t have 10 posts yet, head over to the Test Board to post and up your post count. http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/

Up to 20 people can participate in any given conversation.

At some point the list will “close”. Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will post the list, either directly on the Cruise Meet thread, OR via private conversation, or, possibility, via e-mails. This is to confirm everyone on the list is still participating. It’s important to make a statement about “anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped” at this time. A little harsh, yes, but often there are people who will post on the cruise meet thread as soon as they reserve the cruise and say “I want to participate”, and are never heard from again.

Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a “pixie dust” list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others may or may not add to their “final” list. Be sure the “pixie dust” list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others, but are expected to provide gifts for the other FE participants anyway.

The other “biggie” is no other social media sites are allowed to be linked or search directions posted as to how to find that other site here on DISboards. Please read this: http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

As it seems there are a few here on your cruise meet thread who would be interested in doing this, who’s going to step up and volunteer to maintain the list?

And a little info on "what it is....."

WHAT IS A FISH EXTENDER? (FE)
Outside your room onboard is a message holder, in most cases it's shaped like a fish:

The fish is there for Disney to place important communications to you such as excursion tickets and notes from the Cruise staff. It is like a mailbox for your room. A Fish Extender (FE) it is something that you hang off the fish. By hanging the Fish Extender off of the fish, the Cast Members can still use it for its original purpose.THIS IS NOT A ONE ON ONE EXCHANGE, YOU ARE PART OF A GROUP. All the people in the exchange buy or make little items and place them in each other's fish extenders. It is great fun to come back and check the items you have received.

Once a cruise meet thread is up and running, someone in the group will (should?) step up and say "I'll maintain the Fish Extender exchange list". That person is the center point for all those who want to participate in the exchange. The list can be as simple as DISnames/room number/number of guests or as involved as full names/room number/ages of guests/like & dislikes/allergies/favorite characters/whatever is deemed necessary to know assemble the gifts.

Then each room on the FE list (note this will not be everyone on the Cruise Meet thread for your specific cruise), makes a Fish Extender holder. This is basically an organizer-type hanging bag with separate pockets for each person in the room:

The most common Fish Extenders are ones that have a pocket for each person in that stateroom. Some are very fancy, some are very plain. Some are store bought, some are homemade. Search "Disney fish extender" and you will get options that range in price. You should make sure your Fish Extender is between 8" & 12"" wide. Otherwise it starts to get in the way of your stateroom door. It should not exceed 5 feet; otherwise it will hit the floor. If you are creating your own it is suggested you make the pockets a little deeper than normal too. It will keep items from falling out and keep curious hands from reaching in (average depth is 5-6 inches)but 8-11 is a better way to go if you are making it yourself

They also make up gifts (either individual gifts or room gifts - whatever is decided by your group) to be delivered during the cruise).

One note about the gifts, some groups set up specific delivery dates, and specify "each person gets a gift" or "only one gift per room" or (even) maximum/minimum price ranges for gifts. Other groups just say "whatever", so people can choose what/how many gifts to give. Some give individual gifts, others only one gift per room, while others might do one for the adults and separate gifts for kids. Or only gift the kids.

 

[mcurrence]

Here you go:

SETTING UP A FE GROUP
It appears there are a number of you who are interested in a Fish Extender group. There isn’t one currently set up here on DISBoards. Here’s a little write up on how FE groups are set up:

There really are no “rules” as to how a FE program runs. Basically someone maintains the list of those who wish to participate. The group can decide on what information is necessary to produce FE gifts. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/ favorite character/ favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know in order to create the gifts. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE group. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

The easiest, most private way to handle the information necessary to prepare the list (many people prefer not to put sensitive information on a public forum), is to use the “Conversation” feature here. There needs to be at least two people to start a conversation. Only the starter of the conversation (usually the organizer) can add additional people into the conversation (as long as they do NOT select “Allow anyone in the conversation to invite others” at the bottom of the reply window). Then when new people express a desire to join, usually by just saying “we want to join the FE”, the organizer can add them by clicking on the “Invite more” button in the “Conversation Participants” window (lower right of conversation page). Only those people participating in the conversation can see what’s posted there, and respond there. I will also note, to participate in conversations, everyone needs to have at least 10 posts. For those who wish to use this option for private conversations that don’t have 10 posts yet, head over to the Test Board to post and up your post count. http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/

Up to 20 people can participate in any given conversation.

At some point the list will “close”. Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will post the list, either directly on the Cruise Meet thread, OR via private conversation, or, possibility, via e-mails. This is to confirm everyone on the list is still participating. It’s important to make a statement about “anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped” at this time. A little harsh, yes, but often there are people who will post on the cruise meet thread as soon as they reserve the cruise and say “I want to participate”, and are never heard from again.

Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a “pixie dust” list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others may or may not add to their “final” list. Be sure the “pixie dust” list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others, but are expected to provide gifts for the other FE participants anyway.

The other “biggie” is no other social media sites are allowed to be linked or search directions posted as to how to find that other site here on DISboards. Please read this: http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

As it seems there are a few here on your cruise meet thread who would be interested in doing this, who’s going to step up and volunteer to maintain the list?

And a little info on "what it is....."

WHAT IS A FISH EXTENDER? (FE)
Outside your room onboard is a message holder, in most cases it's shaped like a fish:View attachment 151275

The fish is there for Disney to place important communications to you such as excursion tickets and notes from the Cruise staff. It is like a mailbox for your room. A Fish Extender (FE) it is something that you hang off the fish. By hanging the Fish Extender off of the fish, the Cast Members can still use it for its original purpose.THIS IS NOT A ONE ON ONE EXCHANGE, YOU ARE PART OF A GROUP. All the people in the exchange buy or make little items and place them in each other's fish extenders. It is great fun to come back and check the items you have received.

Once a cruise meet thread is up and running, someone in the group will (should?) step up and say "I'll maintain the Fish Extender exchange list". That person is the center point for all those who want to participate in the exchange. The list can be as simple as DISnames/room number/number of guests or as involved as full names/room number/ages of guests/like & dislikes/allergies/favorite characters/whatever is deemed necessary to know assemble the gifts.

Then each room on the FE list (note this will not be everyone on the Cruise Meet thread for your specific cruise), makes a Fish Extender holder. This is basically an organizer-type hanging bag with separate pockets for each person in the room:View attachment 151276

The most common Fish Extenders are ones that have a pocket for each person in that stateroom. Some are very fancy, some are very plain. Some are store bought, some are homemade. Search "Disney fish extender" and you will get options that range in price. You should make sure your Fish Extender is between 8" & 12"" wide. Otherwise it starts to get in the way of your stateroom door. It should not exceed 5 feet; otherwise it will hit the floor. If you are creating your own it is suggested you make the pockets a little deeper than normal too. It will keep items from falling out and keep curious hands from reaching in (average depth is 5-6 inches)but 8-11 is a better way to go if you are making it yourself

They also make up gifts (either individual gifts or room gifts - whatever is decided by your group) to be delivered during the cruise).

One note about the gifts, some groups set up specific delivery dates, and specify "each person gets a gift" or "only one gift per room" or (even) maximum/minimum price ranges for gifts. Other groups just say "whatever", so people can choose what/how many gifts to give. Some give individual gifts, others only one gift per room, while others might do one for the adults and separate gifts for kids. Or only gift the kids.

Thanks for this info! I'm secretly hoping someone who's done it before will organize it lol but I certainly will if no one else does! I'm not the most organized person but I would love to be involved!!
Is there a limit to how many people can participate in a group? If one was organizing it, for example, could you close the group once 10 families signed up ? Can there be multiple groups on the same cruise? Thanks again for the great info!!
M.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for this info! I'm secretly hoping someone who's done it before will organize it lol but I certainly will if no one else does! I'm not the most organized person but I would love to be involved!!
Is there a limit to how many people can participate in a group? If one was organizing it, for example, could you close the group once 10 families signed up ? Can there be multiple groups on the same cruise? Thanks again for the great info!!
M.

Typically the FE organizer sets up whatever "rules" they want to. But, will post the rules when starting the FE list, considering and changing any that the group as a whole (or a major part of it) agrees to.

There are FE organizers who will say something like "The list will be open until we have 10 rooms signed up". Or a specific cut off date (regardless of how many rooms sign up). Some groups start a new list every 10 rooms, so each room is only responsible for gifts to 9 other rooms. Some groups do this, and allow people to sign up on more than one list.

It's up to the organizer (primarily) how the exchange is organized.

Our first cruise that we did FEs on had over 60 rooms (5 different lists). We only signed up for one list (15 rooms), but we were also in a FE group on another cruise site with 20 rooms. There were people who signed up on 2 or 3 of the lists.

 

[shortyc28]

Thanks for this info! I'm secretly hoping someone who's done it before will organize it lol but I certainly will if no one else does! I'm not the most organized person but I would love to be involved!!
Is there a limit to how many people can participate in a group? If one was organizing it, for example, could you close the group once 10 families signed up ? Can there be multiple groups on the same cruise? Thanks again for the great info!!
M.

I don't have a lot of free time, but I'd be willing to help you organize one if you'd like. Just let me know.

 

[mcurrence]

I don't have a lot of free time, but I'd be willing to help you organize one if you'd like. Just let me know.

Thank you!!! I think I will organize one and appreciate your offer Since we're such a small group (at least for now) it'll be fun to to experience together! I hope it's OK with all but I think I would rather keep the group small...maybe 10 families tops? What do you guys think? Then after 10 families someone else can start a new group? I have to figure out the conversation piece and will start one this week!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thank you!!! I think I will organize one and appreciate your offer Since we're such a small group (at least for now) it'll be fun to to experience together! I hope it's OK with all but I think I would rather keep the group small...maybe 10 families tops? What do you guys think? Then after 10 families someone else can start a new group? I have to figure out the conversation piece and will start one this week!

Funny, I just answered this on another thread:

In order to participate in a conversation all participants must have at least 10 posts. So, everyone who wants to utilize the more private conversation option, must head over to the Test Board and up their post count:http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/

Once the organizer of the Fish Extender has at least 10 posts, and at least one other person wishing to be part of the FE has 10 posts, then they can start a conversation.

To start one, you click on the avatar or username of the person you wish to converse with and then click on the "Start a conversation" link in the next window. You can invite (add) more participants by clicking the "invite more" button on the lower right in the "conversation participants" window.

OR, if there are more than one person you wish to converse with (again, they all must have 10 posts), hover over the "inbox" at the top right of this page and click on the "Start a new conversation" link there. You can invite up to 19 other people to participate in a conversation (maximum of 20).

 

[mcurrence]

Funny, I just answered this on another thread:

In order to participate in a conversation all participants must have at least 10 posts. So, everyone who wants to utilize the more private conversation option, must head over to the Test Board and up their post count:http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/

Once the organizer of the Fish Extender has at least 10 posts, and at least one other person wishing to be part of the FE has 10 posts, then they can start a conversation.

To start one, you click on the avatar or username of the person you wish to converse with and then click on the "Start a conversation" link in the next window. You can invite (add) more participants by clicking the "invite more" button on the lower right in the "conversation participants" window.

OR, if there are more than one person you wish to converse with (again, they all must have 10 posts), hover over the "inbox" at the top right of this page and click on the "Start a new conversation" link there. You can invite up to 19 other people to participate in a conversation (maximum of 20).

Thank you! I love how helpful everyone is