05/24-05/31/14 - The Disney Fantasy, (Bob) Marley and Me on The FANTASTICAL VOYAGE!

[DizDaddy]

Bryan27/H, Brianne 22/W
From: LaVista, NE
Stateroom: TBA at this time
Celebrations: we are else rating our third wedding anniversary.
Dining: second seating
Participate in FE: Would love too!
Prior Disney Cruises: Brianne went on a cruise in the Bahamas May of 2010. This is Bryan's first Disney cruise!

My husband and I decided to come along with my family. And are so excited! It's our first trip since our honeymoon!

Got you added to page 1, and it will be available for viewing in the next 1/2 hour or so!

 

[DizDaddy]

I hate to say goodbye to this wonderful group
but we had to change our cruise dates;
dh will be traveling next spring and the dates overlap the cruise.

We were able to re-book a wonderful cruise on the Magic for next November - there is no cruise group started yet so hopefully that group will have some great members like this one!

Have a great time on the Fantasy and I will look for your trip reports!!!

So sorry to hear this! I was looking forward to meeting y'all!!! Well, here's wishes of another great cruise for you....take care! I've removed your profile from page 1, and from the room listing!

 

[DizDaddy]

Hi

I just want to let everyone know that we will no longer be sailing with you all in May. Due to a scheduling conflict, we will now be sailing the Magic in April. I hope you all have a fantastic cruise.

Well, I hope you enjoy the new amenities on the Magic....we all would love to hear from you post-trip! Take care!

 

[DizDaddy]

We have an addition to our cruise ! Our fabulous friend Sonya will be flying over from England to join us on the cruise. We met her in May 2009 on our first DIS cruise and are so excited that she will be joining her DIS friends for another cruise .

John ~ Can you please add Sonya to our cabin #2017?

On a side note, last week I was able to make our pre-cruise DVC reservation for a week at AKV-Jambo and I was able to book our flights (using all SWA rapid rewards points ). It makes the trip seem "real" and so close now.

Hope everyone is doing well and had a good weekend !

This is awesome news! Sonya was our Friday announcement guru on how many days remained for the last cruise!!! Looking foward to finally meeting her!

I've added her to you Dznyacct profile, but we can get her a separate profile going if she likes!

 

[DizDaddy]

I figured parents would handle getting penpals/skype/facetime meetings set up. BUT, once we set up our Meet & Greet, does any parent want to take lead on a "Kid's Corner" where the kids can do some 'ice breaking' games? (I hate those things, but they really do work to get folks to know each other). At our last meet and greet, a lot of the kids just sat with their parents, who also just sat there, and didn't mingle much. Maybe we need ice breaker game for the 'big' kids too! Something simple like the DISboards bingo. ("who has been to WDW more than 10 times?" "who has been to a Disney park BESIDES FL or CA?", etc)

Hopefully we can meet and greet somewhere other than poolside! It was great for the few we got to meet, but a bit of chaos all around.

 

[DizDaddy]

To any cruisers with kids that will be visiting the Clubs, or for anyone that wants to know more about the ship or being a Cast Member on board, you should read this thread if you haven't found it already.

Current Youth Activities CM - Ask me anything!

Great information from someone who obviously loves her job. Did you know that CMs on board are starving for a good magazine to read? That CMs can't have Mickey Bars (but if given one by a guest can eat it)? That cash tips go to the manager if the CM is not in a tipping position? That it's recommended to take off your kid's Mickey Band when going on excursions or in the pool (hundreds found in pool filters)? That only entertainers are Cast Members, everyone else is a Crew Member?

Check out the thread and get ALL your Kid's Club questions answered.

I'm glad you posted this John----Susan and I have been absorbing it, and I was going to post it (great minds....). Glad I saw your entry first!

 

[DizDaddy]

Just found out that hubby has a conference in Orlando in February, so we're going to get to make an unscheduled trip to DW! This will only be my 3rd visit, 1st being a DISer, and all this info on FP & FP+ is overwhelming me. I don't want to over schedule the visit, and we'll only get to spend a couple of days in the parks. Hoping that in February lines won't be too bad. Anyone have any experience there during this time of the year?

Who doesn't love a spur of the moment Disney trip? For us living near St. Louis, those are few and far between, HOWEVER....we just booked 8 nights in Florida, and are going to MK two days, one of which is for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! The stars had to align just right. We are doing condo stays, half in Orlando, half on...literally ON...Daytona Beach. I have family in Jacksonville, and we will commute daily to spend time with them and meet in between on other days, such as in St. Augustine. We are extremely excited about this early Christmas present, because although Susan and I have been to WDW many times (and DL), we've never seen it decorated for a holiday. This will be our first!!! We also targeted the week that attendance is LOWEST in the park all year, week of 12/9. Wahoo!!!!

 

[DizDaddy]

John, could you possibly adjust our cabin again and remove DSIL? We're on our own the girls and I! My mom and sister are two cabins down though!

Removed from your profile and the room listing on page 1 also!

 

[DizDaddy]

Hey there! We are a little late in the game getting on here. But can't wait!! We'll be doing 5 nites at OKW after the cruise.

***Roll Call***
DIS Name: Two-Foxes
Jill - 40 (that hurts) / DW, Tim - 46/DH, Merrick 6/DS, Reagan 4/DS

From: Fort Collins, Co
Stateroom: 12510
Celebration(s) During the Cruise: Start of Summer and both my boys have birthdays in the beginning of June!!!
Dining: Main
Participate in FE: Sure!
Prior Disney Cruises/ships: this is our 9th DCL cruise...have sailed on all the ships!
A few words about you and your group:We tend to not participate too much in group events, but love being able to see folks we "know" on board!

Got you added to page 1! Welcome, and feel free to add a pic, or send one to me via PM, and I will get it added for you.

 

[DizDaddy]

Thanks for your patience!!! We are in overdrive trying to plan everything for everyone, since we are traveling with a HUGE group and Susan and I coordinate for that group also. Susan has taken a greater role in that, and I'm *very* happy about that!!!

We are now counting down the days to a quick getaway to Florida. Everything just kind of slid into place....and it's going to be great! I plan on doing the hot air balloon in DownTown Disney, hitting the Orlando Attractions store, the Disney Store outlet in both Orlando and St. Augustine....and visiting with family that are in from Italy!!! Can.not.wait!!!

Now the trick will be to not overplan everything (if you know me and my tendencies to organize and create a spreadsheet for everything----my daughter hassled me about scheduling rest time---I'll have to plan hard not to plan!!), and just go with the flow. New camera ready to go.

 

[sues14]

Sue, the cost for this one through DCL is $95 for adults and $89 for kids. I know other people used third-party vendors, for a lot less, but I'm not sure if they went to this same location, or somewhere else. Yes, you get in the water with the dolphin, there is one in each area with each group. I will definitely share a photo, after I get back home. We are in Ohio this weekend, spending a weekend away with friends. [/QUOTE I can't wait to see your photos. I think in january we will get our group together and really start looking at

 

[sues14]

Sue, the cost for this one through DCL is $95 for adults and $89 for kids. I know other people used third-party vendors, for a lot less, but I'm not sure if they went to this same location, or somewhere else. Yes, you get in the water with the dolphin, there is one in each area with each group. I will definitely share a photo, after I get back home. We are in Ohio this weekend, spending a weekend away with friends.

thanks i can not wait to see your photos. I think after the new year we will get together our group and see if their is anything we want to do as a group. I am leaning toward doing nothing. I do want to get off the ship look around and maybe get our passport stamped but i don't want to go crazy.

 

[sues14]

Have gone to conferences at WDW in late Jan/early Feb for 18 years. Very light crowds, cool weather, fun to see the locals in down parkas when temps dip below 60F. My favorite time to visit if I don't plan on swimming - although sometimes the days were in the 80's and you could take a dip. Can ALWAYS sit in the hot tubs! I'm guessing President's week might be a little more crowded.

Too funny! You have you watch out for people like us too! We went on our first cruise in feb, 2010. When we left st.louis it was twenty degrees. We went swimming in the pools at the condos we stayed at. The temp was 40* is fl. So cold. But that won't stop us we got right in! PARKAS

 

[sues14]

First day back at work after Fantasy Eastern cruise and two nights at Villas at the Grand Floridian. Here's a quick trip report, please save your questions until the end . . . Cruise was great. While getting a manicure (yeah . . . go ahead and laugh, but my nails look great), I talked to the manicurist about Jamaican tours, what to do and what NOT to do. She said DEFINITELY don't plan on hanging out at the port in Falmouth. Horrible place to be. Said Mystic Mountain is fun with the zip lines and bobsled run. Or hit anything at Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. New menu items, so a little bit of a change. More duck - mmmmmm! No more Popcorn Soup. Had dinner at Palo and MAN, that Chocolate Souffle is outrageous! Had a wonderful time there. We did the Wine/Chocolate tasting. Four drinks paired with chocolates (and parmagiano reggiano cheese). Champagne, red wine, port and Whisky. Got a bit of a chocolate lesson and really saw how the chocolate changed the perception of the drinks and how the drinks changed the taste of the chocolate (or cheese). We enjoyed that tasting a lot. Went to Orient Bay (St Martin) on our own and had a nice day on the beach. Had planned to do the Sea Trek Helmet Dive excursion on St Thomas, but cardiologist said no exertion (after having a stress test just before leaving). I think he was just being cautious, but didn't want to push it. So we just booked a massage for that day. Stayed up late to watch the premier of Thor. It started at 12:01am Thursday night/Friday morning and ran until 2:00am. Didn't stay through the credits, so missed the stuff at the end. They ran the premier in 3D in the Walt Disney Theater and in 2D in the Buena Vista Theater. The ship was decorated for Christmas, but seemed to be low key. Had some rocky seas, even our stateroom hostess was affected. Pam took her Dramamine and felt good. I don't take anything and had no problem. Slept well with the rocking. Pam did take a spill getting out of Satellite Falls when the ship pitched while she was taking a step. HUGE bruise on her, um, derriere. Bruised her elbow and hurt her wrist, but the wrist was fine a day later. Villas at the Grand Floridian are beautiful. Nice to see the parks getting decorated for Christmas, but it DOES seem awful early. It was the first time our travel companions saw the Osbourne Lights, so it was neat to watch their faces when the lights were lit. Once I get home tonight, I'll start working on the pictures and if there's anything interesting I'll post it. I'll answer any questions now . . . Yes, you in the back with your hand raised . . .

Me! Me! Over here! How can you miss ME! JOHN PICK ME! No what was i going to ask

 

[sues14]

Hey there! We are a little late in the game getting on here. But can't wait!! We'll be doing 5 nites at OKW after the cruise. ***Roll Call*** DIS Name: Two-Foxes Jill - 40 (that hurts) / DW, Tim - 46/DH, Merrick 6/DS, Reagan 4/DS From: Fort Collins, Co Stateroom: 12510 Celebration(s) During the Cruise: Start of Summer and both my boys have birthdays in the beginning of June!!! Dining: Main Participate in FE: Sure! Prior Disney Cruises/ships: this is our 9th DCL cruise...have sailed on all the ships! A few words about you and your group:We tend to not participate too much in group events, but love being able to see folks we "know" on board!

 

[sues14]

I've got you added to page 1, and you should be able to view it in an hour or so (mass updates to be made!!!). Since this is your first Disney cruise, and you have young ones, I do want to alert you to an advantage with late dining----it's called Dine and Play. Essentially, your servers get your childrens orders RIGHT AWAY, food delivered, and then attendants from the kids clubs retrieve the kids from the dining room and take them for play time, and it allows the adults some dining time! We travel as a HUGE family, so we all value the late dining, and it allows the kids to play that much more and zonk out later! We had little ones falling asleep at the table when they didn't participate in the Dine and Play. Options, options!

Like tony, I like the dine and play. However, on the fantasy they did not do it as well as on the magic. But i think if you make sure your wait staff know that this is something you want to take advantage of they will do better.

 

[dznyacct]

Thanks for your patience!!! We are in overdrive trying to plan everything for everyone, since we are traveling with a HUGE group and Susan and I coordinate for that group also. Susan has taken a greater role in that, and I'm *very* happy about that!!!

We are now counting down the days to a quick getaway to Florida. Everything just kind of slid into place....and it's going to be great! I plan on doing the hot air balloon in DownTown Disney, hitting the Orlando Attractions store, the Disney Store outlet in both Orlando and St. Augustine....and visiting with family that are in from Italy!!! Can.not.wait!!!

Now the trick will be to not overplan everything (if you know me and my tendencies to organize and create a spreadsheet for everything----my daughter hassled me about scheduling rest time---I'll have to plan hard not to plan!!), and just go with the flow. New camera ready to go.

I'm sure you and Susan are awesome organizers for your big group . I love taking on that role when we do a group trip . Everyone will fall in love with Sonya . She is such a wonderful person and Brian and I are thrilled to have her as a cabinmate. I hope your post-surgery experience is going well . You will love the balloon ride in DTD. I surprised Brian with a ride in May and he loved it. It was a great way to view the entire WDW area. And you have a visit planned to the Disney outlet....a must do for me on every WDW trip . Your comment about being a planner/scheduler made me think of an extended family trip with Brian's brother and family a few years ago. I sent his brother a very rough itinerary (park hours, parades, fireworks, dining ADRs). He asked me if I had bathroom breaks scheduled .

I made our pre-cruise WDW dining ADRs yesterday . I had to adjust the time on a few of them, but I'll continue to check in case something opens up.

T minus 186 days until sailaway

 

[JohnPA]

Hey there! We are a little late in the game getting on here. But can't wait!! We'll be doing 5 nites at OKW after the cruise.

***Roll Call***
DIS Name: Two-Foxes
Jill - 40 (that hurts) / DW, Tim - 46/DH, Merrick 6/DS, Reagan 4/DS

From: Fort Collins, Co
Stateroom: 12510
Celebration(s) During the Cruise: Start of Summer and both my boys have birthdays in the beginning of June!!!
Dining: Main
Participate in FE: Sure!
Prior Disney Cruises/ships: this is our 9th DCL cruise...have sailed on all the ships!
A few words about you and your group:We tend to not participate too much in group events, but love being able to see folks we "know" on board!

Sorry I missed this, somehow my notifications are off. Got you on the spreadsheet.

Grand Slam on the ships, eh? Still trying to convince my wife we need to go on the Magic so we can say the same.

 

[dznyacct]

Hey John ~ This may have already been discussed, but can please tell me if there is a rough date of when the FE group "assignments" will happen? I have ideas and am hoping to get a jump start as some of the ideas will take a bit of time. Also, I'll need to know the demograohics (i.e. adults vs, kids) for some items. Thanks

 

[two-foxes]

Sorry I missed this, somehow my notifications are off. Got you on the spreadsheet.

Grand Slam on the ships, eh? Still trying to convince my wife we need to go on the Magic so we can say the same.

Although now the Magic has been "re-imagined", I don't think I can actually count it now, can I??? Excuse for our 10th!!! Like I needed one The Magic was/is my favorite of the 4, I think.....