01/02/10- Mickey's New Decade Brigade!

[tiffanye77]

Hello all fellow cruisers. My Grandmother just gifted us with this cruise for our Christmas present. I am so excited and can't wait until it's time to board. I have been sitting at this computer since I found out that we are going. Granted I have learned alot of great stuff but, really my kids are getting so tired of seeing me sitting here. We will be cruising with my grandmother, Shirley; mother, Sherrye; sister, Stephanye; myself, Tiffanye; my two sons, Dominic 13 and Dravin 12; my nephew, Devin 12 and last but definately not least my daughter, Lexye 10.

I have read about the FE and am very interested in doing this not only for my cabin 5502 but also for our other cabin 5504.

If anyone has ever cruised before and can tell me anything that you think I should know as a first time cruiser please let me know.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and can't wait to hopefully meet you in person.

Thanks so much for listening to me and I hope to talk soon!

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Hello all fellow cruisers. My Grandmother just gifted us with this cruise for our Christmas present. I am so excited and can't wait until it's time to board. I have been sitting at this computer since I found out that we are going. Granted I have learned alot of great stuff but, really my kids are getting so tired of seeing me sitting here. We will be cruising with my grandmother, Shirley; mother, Sherrye; sister, Stephanye; myself, Tiffanye; my two sons, Dominic 13 and Dravin 12; my nephew, Devin 12 and last but definately not least my daughter, Lexye 10.

I have read about the FE and am very interested in doing this not only for my cabin 5502 but also for our other cabin 5504.

If anyone has ever cruised before and can tell me anything that you think I should know as a first time cruiser please let me know.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and can't wait to hopefully meet you in person.

Thanks so much for listening to me and I hope to talk soon!

WOW! What a fantastic gift for you and your family!! You are in for a truly Magical vacation!! Love how are spelling your names btw

The DIS is the first time cruiser's best friend for sure. Lots and lots of tips and it will probably take you until we board to read them all Just kidding! Not sure what category room you are but my favorite and most useful tip was the over the door shoe holder especially if you have more than 2 people in a stateroom. Get the clear kind, hang it on the outside of your bathroom door and it will keep all sorts of stuff organized from toiletries to hair brushes

Have you booked any excursions yet? Your kiddos will love the kid's clubs so get a good picture when you board because they will be having so much fun you will not see much of them after that. My daughter made a life-long friend on our first cruise last year and my son was just a social butterfly - we hardly saw him! But, we did make it a rule that we all had dinner together in the evening so we could at least catch up on the day.

There are lots of returning cruisers on this board so don't hesitate to ask questions!

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Oh no. That is terrible too. I agree, when it rains it pours. Talking about weather, we have had rain for 7 days now, and it turned to snow this afternoon for a while.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers with DH accident. He still has very sore ribs on the Rt. side. He also had a lung contusion, and along with it shortness of breath, etc. He is still unable to lay down, he sleeps in the lazy boy.

I was so disappointed I haven't booked any of my reservations yet for Palo or excursions. The money that I was going to make my final payment went towards a replacement car. So will now make my final payment just before it is due. I hope I will still get in on a fishing excursion and parasailing at castaway. But if I don't, guess it was not meant to be.

Have started my FE shopping I am so looking forward to this cruise.

Anyways Happy Thanksgiving to you all, it is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada this coming weekend so will spending time with family. Before you know it, the rest of you will be celebrating in November.

Pixie Dust to everyone. Karen

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Karen!

Guys, it's getting so close! A few months ago it seemed like it was so far away that it would never come, but I'm getting super excited now! My parents are actually going to Disney World on Sunday for a mini-vacation... and leaving me at home!

Yeah, I would not like it if I was left at home either ....hope they had a fun trip tho!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Hello all fellow cruisers. My Grandmother just gifted us with this cruise for our Christmas present. I am so excited and can't wait until it's time to board. I have been sitting at this computer since I found out that we are going. Granted I have learned alot of great stuff but, really my kids are getting so tired of seeing me sitting here. We will be cruising with my grandmother, Shirley; mother, Sherrye; sister, Stephanye; myself, Tiffanye; my two sons, Dominic 13 and Dravin 12; my nephew, Devin 12 and last but definately not least my daughter, Lexye 10.

I have read about the FE and am very interested in doing this not only for my cabin 5502 but also for our other cabin 5504.

If anyone has ever cruised before and can tell me anything that you think I should know as a first time cruiser please let me know.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and can't wait to hopefully meet you in person.

Thanks so much for listening to me and I hope to talk soon!

Hello and welcome Tiffanye! You must be so ecstatic to have been surprised with such an awesome gift, a Disney cruise! And we are happy you have found us here on the DIS, like SorcererMom said, there is so much information to help a new DCL cruiser out! My biggest tip for you right now would be to make sure your cruise is paid in full before the 75 day mark (the due date) so that you can make your Palo and excursion reservations online. Excursions for the ports of all are fun, and you'll have many to choose from- do you know much about Palo, the adult only dining experience? If you don't, just let me know and I'd be happy to give you more info on it!

I'm glad you are interested in the Fish Extender! I am in charge of the organization of who is participating- please see post #91 a few pages back in this thread, which explains the information I'll need from you in order to sign you up for the FE exchange. Also if you want more information on what the FE is about, what gifts people give, etc, please feel free to ask and I'd be happy to explain! I see you are new to the DIS so you might not have posted enough to PM- if you cant PM me your info, you can just post it here or post your email address and we can communicate that way.

Again, welcome!!

 

[tiffanye77]

WOW! What a fantastic gift for you and your family!! You are in for a truly Magical vacation!! Love how are spelling your names btw

The DIS is the first time cruiser's best friend for sure. Lots and lots of tips and it will probably take you until we board to read them all Just kidding! Not sure what category room you are but my favorite and most useful tip was the over the door shoe holder especially if you have more than 2 people in a stateroom. Get the clear kind, hang it on the outside of your bathroom door and it will keep all sorts of stuff organized from toiletries to hair brushes

Have you booked any excursions yet? Your kiddos will love the kid's clubs so get a good picture when you board because they will be having so much fun you will not see much of them after that. My daughter made a life-long friend on our first cruise last year and my son was just a social butterfly - we hardly saw him! But, we did make it a rule that we all had dinner together in the evening so we could at least catch up on the day.

There are lots of returning cruisers on this board so don't hesitate to ask questions!

Thanks so much for for the tip about the over the door shoe holder. We will have 4 per room so this will be helpful I'm sure.

We have not booked any excursions yet but, my sister is looking into all the excursions. I have been issued everything else while she takes care of them.

It is hard to explain everything to them so I did order the video to hopefully get them more excited. We have always done Disney vacations and I for one am so happy that we are finally doing the cruise.

As children my grandmother took us to Disney every two years. Since we have gotten older and had our own family's it has made it alittle difficult. The kids have only been to Disney World and I think are ready for something alittle different. Since I am a huge fan of Disney I am glad that we still get the Magic on the cruise.

I can't wait to get to know everyone and really can't wait for Jan. 2nd

 

[tiffanye77]

Hello and welcome Tiffanye! You must be so ecstatic to have been surprised with such an awesome gift, a Disney cruise! And we are happy you have found us here on the DIS, like SorcererMom said, there is so much information to help a new DCL cruiser out! My biggest tip for you right now would be to make sure your cruise is paid in full before the 75 day mark (the due date) so that you can make your Palo and excursion reservations online. Excursions for the ports of all are fun, and you'll have many to choose from- do you know much about Palo, the adult only dining experience? If you don't, just let me know and I'd be happy to give you more info on it!

I'm glad you are interested in the Fish Extender! I am in charge of the organization of who is participating- please see post #91 a few pages back in this thread, which explains the information I'll need from you in order to sign you up for the FE exchange. Also if you want more information on what the FE is about, what gifts people give, etc, please feel free to ask and I'd be happy to explain! I see you are new to the DIS so you might not have posted enough to PM- if you cant PM me your info, you can just post it here or post your email address and we can communicate that way.

Again, welcome!!

I have read this intire post. Needless to say, I am extremely tired but, still can't seem to pull myself up from my chair....LOL

I really know nothing about Palo's and I guess you could say that I am not to worried about it. However, if you could change my mind I'm open to that.

I am really getting excited about the FE, Magnets and such.....I feel like if I keep myself busy with all of this the time will fly. I can't pm just yet but, hey I'm on my way. After this only 2 or 3 more to go.

I feel like I already know most of you and just hope that I can find the determination to lose some wait the way Melissa has.

It won't let me post my email until I have 10 post either so, off to do some posting.]

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I have read this intire post. Needless to say, I am extremely tired but, still can't seem to pull myself up from my chair....LOL

I really know nothing about Palo's and I guess you could say that I am not to worried about it. However, if you could change my mind I'm open to that.

I am really getting excited about the FE, Magnets and such.....I feel like if I keep myself busy with all of this the time will fly. I can't pm just yet but, hey I'm on my way. After this only 2 or 3 more to go.

I feel like I already know most of you and just hope that I can find the determination to lose some wait the way Melissa has.

It won't let me post my email until I have 10 post either so, off to do some posting.]

Palo is something I would not miss on a cruise, and most people feel the same- there are those that say they are fine with just sticking with the regular dining, but I think that especially on a longer cruise, you are missing out if you dont do at least one meal in Palo. Personally, I love brunch AND dinner there and couldn't recommend one or the other so i always do both ; ) Brunch though is a good compromise if you aren't willing or sure that you want to miss any of the nights in the dining rooms. The food is outstanding for either brunch or dinner in Palo, a large notch above the dining room food in my opinion- again, there are those that say they dont see a difference in Palo's food vs. the dining rooms, but I can't imagine saying that--I eat out all the time myself, frequently at upscale, nicer restaurants so I think I have a good perspective on this. I highly recommend Palo for a nice change of pace from the regular cruise dining!

Have fun posting to get to the limit where you can PM! I'll look forward to hearing from you once you can PM me about joining the FE exchange!

 

[tiffanye77]

I know that this is sad and I really need to sleep but, I have been looking into Palo and was wondering if it is really only $15 extra per adult. Of course excluding beverages. If so, that's not bad. However, how would I know that we will not miss out on one of the big dining nights. I appreciate all info that you could share.

Thank you,

 

[secretkeeper]

I know that this is sad and I really need to sleep but, I have been looking into Palo and was wondering if it is really only $15 extra per adult. Of course excluding beverages. If so, that's not bad. However, how would I know that we will not miss out on one of the big dining nights. I appreciate all info that you could share.

Thank you,

Welcome Tiffanye & family!

I agree the DIS iis the best place for live information. My familly never saw me once I found the boards for our first cruise. It is a great place to get terrific info.

My few tips are:

1) Buy a copy of PassPorter's Disney Cruiseline and it's Ports of Call It will become your trip "Bible".

2) We always book Palo for the 4th or 5th night so we don't possibly miss Animator's or Pirate's night but you have a couple of other choices. Book for any night but Tuesday which is Pirate's Night and if you have "Late" seating, go to Palo early and then you can still go to your normal dining (Already Stuffed) and sit with the kids while thy eat or if you have early seating reverse the order.

3) If you are an avid planner like I am, you can look at copies of previous "Navigator's" which are daily guides left in your stateroom each night. They are posted on sites like "Platinum Castaway Club Disney Line Information".

4) Order cookie from room service at least once. They are wonderful!

5) Enjoy the boards. We have made lifelong friends as a result of "The Dis Boards", we are lucky to be cruising with part of their family again on this trip

Karen, I'm glad your husband is doing better and Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your family!

My husband was casted yesterday and we are still waitling on a sugery date for Kaitlyn. I'm off the last week of the month so I'm hoping we can push it off until closer till then. However she will not risk being in a cast for the cruise so if they say next week we will do it then.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Dana

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I know that this is sad and I really need to sleep but, I have been looking into Palo and was wondering if it is really only $15 extra per adult. Of course excluding beverages. If so, that's not bad. However, how would I know that we will not miss out on one of the big dining nights. I appreciate all info that you could share.

Thank you,

Yes, Palo really is only $15/pp which is remarkable considering how good of a meal it is!! Keep in mind you can get as many appetizers, salads, soups, dinners and desserts as you want- and if you cant decide on entrees, you can order "half orders" of multiple things to try! Palo is remarkable. The only thing is that while technically the $15 fee does include a portion which goes to the server for a tip, it is a very small amount- I'm pretty sure it is only $5 of the $15. I personally think that is not enough I always tip more on top of the $15/pp to give the server a tip equivalent to what I'd tip for a nice meal at a nice restaurant at home...however this is an extremely touchy subject here on the DIS because lots of ppl agree with me, and lots say that you shouldn't have to tip extra so be warned, if you ask this question on the main board its likely to stir up people who have nothing better to do than argue- lol its hard to believe because most people on the DIS are so nice and helpful but Palo tipping is one of a few touchy subjects that gets people fired up : 0

Secretkeeper gave you some great tips on how to choose a night for Palo. You should also visit the DCL FAQ thread on here at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966 and scroll down to "Dining Rotations" where you will see the 3 possible rotations and the special theme night order. While you wont know specifically which rotation you'll have until you board, you can use the theme nights as a guide to which night you dont want to miss and book Palo accordingly. Also, when you log in at your 75 day mark to book Palo, book whatever is available- even if it is a night that you dont want, it is easy to switch once on board.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Alright, here is my concern about Palo brunch. I am not even sure if there will BE any openings, much less multiple openings to choose from.

I'd like to do Palo dinner, but I know the fam isn't really into it.

Anyway, ideally, I don't want to have it the same day as character breakfast. I know that timewise, they won't interfere, but I want to enjoy the character breakfast without feeling like I am forcing myself to eat. So, in that sense, it is probably better to look later in the week.

But, here is what I am thinking: if I do Palo brunch earlier in the cruise, I am afraid nothing else the rest of the cruise will taste adequate in comparison. If I book it for later in the cruise, we will definitely have something to look forward to, BUT I am afraid that we will be sooooo stuffed from all of the eating the first few days, that we may feel too blah to eat, and won't be able to eat much.

Thoughts?

 

[secretkeeper]

Palo food is very good however it has never made me like the other food any less. If you are talking about only doing the brunch, it is most unlike the other meals you will get anywhere else on the ship. They have stations you will walk around where you serve yourself. There is a bread area, a cheese and meat table with lots of seafood selections as well. The portions in these areas are appetizer sized. There is also a desert area. You will also be brought food to your table, you are usually brought one of their gourmet woodfire pizzas to share and then you choose a main brunch meal. You also get one complimentary champagne speciality drink. The pace is slow and relaxed. Also since it is a small restaurant you get a lot more specialty treatment. The breakfasts in the other restaurants are good and we have always enjoyed them. We have only eaten at topsiders which is a true steam tray buffet with an omelet station and Parrot Key which is also a buffet but has a wait staff that will bring you drinks. My husband wants to try Lumiere's this time for a true sit down family breakfast. That is if we can get the teens out of bed. Palo is a wonderful experience but the other restaurants have their own surprises as well. If you want to try Palo and there is nothing avaliable at the 75 day mark you can always head to the bar "Diversions" first thing where they do dining changes and see what is avaliable. We always get to the port early so we can get on the ship early. On our first cruise we could not book Palo online but we were able to book on the ship.

Hope that helps!

Dana

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

I know that this is sad and I really need to sleep but, I have been looking into Palo and was wondering if it is really only $15 extra per adult. Of course excluding beverages. If so, that's not bad. However, how would I know that we will not miss out on one of the big dining nights. I appreciate all info that you could share.

Thank you,

Palo is really worth the $15 if you can for brunch or dinner. High tea is another option and that is $5. We are trying that for the first time and dinner come to think of it. We had reservations for both brunch and dinner last cruise but just did brunch and it was fantastic!

Alright, here is my concern about Palo brunch. I am not even sure if there will BE any openings, much less multiple openings to choose from.

I'd like to do Palo dinner, but I know the fam isn't really into it.

Anyway, ideally, I don't want to have it the same day as character breakfast. I know that timewise, they won't interfere, but I want to enjoy the character breakfast without feeling like I am forcing myself to eat. So, in that sense, it is probably better to look later in the week.

But, here is what I am thinking: if I do Palo brunch earlier in the cruise, I am afraid nothing else the rest of the cruise will taste adequate in comparison. If I book it for later in the cruise, we will definitely have something to look forward to, BUT I am afraid that we will be sooooo stuffed from all of the eating the first few days, that we may feel too blah to eat, and won't be able to eat much.

Thoughts?

You will certainly not be disappointed with the dining rotations even if you do Palo brunch and/or dinner. They are all so different and fun with TONS of variety. Don't forget too that you can order as many things to try on the menu as you would like. My husband did that alot last cruise. Didn't clean his plate each time but it was nice for us to all get a taste of more than one thing. Plus, you're servers will get to know you and what you like. Each night, ours new to bring my DD her Caesar Salad and my DS his chocolate milk....they felt very pampered but I told them not to expect that kind of service at home

Palo food is very good however it has never made me like the other food any less. If you are talking about only doing the brunch, it is most unlike the other meals you will get anywhere else on the ship. They have stations you will walk around where you serve yourself. There is a bread area, a cheese and meat table with lots of seafood selections as well. The portions in these areas are appetizer sized. There is also a desert area. You will also be brought food to your table, you are usually brought one of their gourmet woodfire pizzas to share and then you choose a main brunch meal. You also get one complimentary champagne speciality drink. The pace is slow and relaxed. Also since it is a small restaurant you get a lot more specialty treatment. The breakfasts in the other restaurants are good and we have always enjoyed them. We have only eaten at topsiders which is a true steam tray buffet with an omelet station and Parrot Key which is also a buffet but has a wait staff that will bring you drinks. My husband wants to try Lumiere's this time for a true sit down family breakfast. That is if we can get the teens out of bed. Palo is a wonderful experience but the other restaurants have their own surprises as well. If you want to try Palo and there is nothing avaliable at the 75 day mark you can always head to the bar "Diversions" first thing where they do dining changes and see what is avaliable. We always get to the port early so we can get on the ship early. On our first cruise we could not book Palo online but we were able to book on the ship.

Hope that helps!

Dana

Friends of our did what Dana had suggested on semi formal night...they went to Palo early and then met us in the dining room for dessert. Worked out great and they didn't feel like they missed out.

We tried Lumieres one day for breakfast and it was soooo nice...want to do it again this time and also try Parrot Cay - we didn't make it there for breakfast last time. As Dana said, Topsiders is typical buffet fare, but sitting outside early in the morning is just....aahhhh....fantastic. They could give me a stale piece of bread and cold coffee and I'd be happy (okay, well, maybe not cold coffee...)

Speaking of coffee, Cove Cafe by the adult pool, makes great lattes, espressos etc. and have a nice selection of pastries, lite snacks in the am and throughout the day. A great quiet spot w/TV, games, cards etc. It's just for the adults (18 or older). My husband and our friend were regulars last time and at the time, they had a punch card where if you bought so many, you got one free...this saved us some $$ since they were "regulars"

You can also order Mickey Bars....yuuuummm.....from room service. Mickey Bars and cookies....what a way to end the day!!!! (or begin it for that matter!)

Hey, I wonder what movies will be on board when we sail?? Any ideas?? Didn't get to go last time but I would like to this trip

Dana - hello??!!! I saw a post that Katie sprained her hand??!!! We're gunna have to wrap that kid in bubble wrap till January!!! I'll send you an e-mail in a bit to get the scoop.

Happy Monday everyone!!!!

 

[tiffanye77]

Thanks to everyone for providing me with such great information. I think that if Palo's is open we are going to give it a try. Of course early so that we can still make our regular dinner. I am getting to excited and impatient about everything. I am ready to get everything done right now. I can't wait to find out everyone involved in the FE. I can't imagine how some of you have handled the time. Melissa, you are my hero! I think that by now if I was you I would be hairless.....LOL

I just keep reading and waiting for something new to be posted on every thread. Someone needed an intervention. I think that I am right there with her.

I hope everyone has a great week.

 

[LVaughn]

Greetings DIS Cruisers,

We'll be on this cruise as well. We've got myself, DW, DS13 and DD10. It's our third cruise, but our first time on the Magic. My signature shows the first two. We're looking forward to a great time! I need to read through the thread to catch up. I don't see any meetings planned yet. Is anyone interested in meeting?

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Greetings DIS Cruisers,

We'll be on this cruise as well. We've got myself, DW, DS13 and DD10. It's our third cruise, but our first time on the Magic. My signature shows the first two. We're looking forward to a great time! I need to read through the thread to catch up. I don't see any meetings planned yet. Is anyone interested in meeting?

Welcome! I know you have a lot of catching up to do reading this thread, but I did just want to say hi and point out a few things. First, about your question of organizing a meeting- way back, several of us had discussed meeting early in the cruise to get to know each other, and possibly organizing some other activities together. TADSmommy had expressed interest in organizing this, but this was months ago and I haven’t seen any posts from her on here in awhile, so I hope everything is okay…I can PM her and see if she is still going on this cruise and still wants to organize meets, and if not, if you or anyone else is interested in organizing them, that would be great!

Have you done a Fish Extender exchange on your first two DCL cruises? If you want more information on it and want to sign up, please read post #91 in this thread which tells you what it is about and what info you’ll need to PM me to join. Also another member has organized a magnet exchange if you are interested, sorry I don’t know the post number but it is only a few pages back.

Again, welcome to our cruise thread!

 

[tiffanye77]

Greetings DIS Cruisers,

We'll be on this cruise as well. We've got myself, DW, DS13 and DD10. It's our third cruise, but our first time on the Magic. My signature shows the first two. We're looking forward to a great time! I need to read through the thread to catch up. I don't see any meetings planned yet. Is anyone interested in meeting?

Welcome to you and your family! I too have a DS13 and DD10 as well another DS12 and a DN12. I am not sure about the meetings. I know that I have read mention about one however, I did read through the threads in one night and need to do it again since I was sleep deprived.LOL

Everyone does have alot of fun stuff planed like the FE exchange and Magnet exchange.

This is not only our first cruise for most of our family anyway, but our first Disney cruise. I am so excited and can't wait.

Hope to learn more from you in the coming days.

 

[mmackeymouse]

I am ready to get everything done right now. I can't wait to find out everyone involved in the FE. I can't imagine how some of you have handled the time. Melissa, you are my hero! I think that by now if I was you I would be hairless.....LOL
I hope everyone has a great week.

Hahaha.......why so?

I guess I missed the reason that I was your hero?

 

[LVaughn]

Welcome to you and your family! I too have a DS13 and DD10 as well another DS12 and a DN12. I am not sure about the meetings. I know that I have read mention about one however, I did read through the threads in one night and need to do it again since I was sleep deprived.LOL

Everyone does have alot of fun stuff planed like the FE exchange and Magnet exchange.

This is not only our first cruise for most of our family anyway, but our first Disney cruise. I am so excited and can't wait.

Hope to learn more from you in the coming days.

The kids have been on both the previous cruises, which were a 3-night and 4-night on the Wonder. None of us has been on the Magic yet. We're looking forward to finding all the differences between the ships.

If you'd like to have the kids correspond before the cruise so they can "know" someone else on the ship, let me know and I can PM their email addresses.

I've discussed the FE and magnet exchanges with my DW, and she seems open to the idea. We haven't done these on the previous cruises. We have done door signs, however. I haven't seen discussion of door signs, so I'm not sure who's planning on doing one. We use the magnetic printer paper, and put magnets on some "Mickey" paint chips with our names on them around the sign. We put several other paint chips on the door, and other cruisers took them. That wasn't the intention of making them, but it wasn't a problem for us, either.

We arranged a meet on the last cruise. We met on the "secret" area aft on Deck 8 before the Sail Away party. It was nice to put faces to names, and we saw the others several times during the cruise. I'm open to doing that again for this cruise if anyone's interested.

It seems we have some veteran cruisers joining us. I'll be happy to share any information I have, and I'm always open to learning new things on the best way to enjoy the cruise.

First question: Does anyone have experience with the different shore excursions? What do you guys recommend?

 

[WDW Princess 71]

double post sorry...still cannot figure out how to just delete a post?!