09/18/11 - DVCers Take Over the Dream (S.S. Member Cruise 2011) - Thread #13

[calypso726]

Question for y'all - I found some name badge insert refills at work today and I was thinking I could print them out and we could put them on our lanyard where we keep our room keys. I was thinking I could do our real names, disboard name and maybe our avatar. What do you think - worth it or not?

That is SO thoughtful and generous. I would certainly love one

You make it! I'll wear it!!
Can I get a thong version?

Ew ew ew

What is this sword you speak of? Could have sworn it was Terrie and Jennifer with the swords?

It was. Jennifer's DH and will have swords to do battle with all evil entities that threaten the happiness and well being of the DISpeeps on the cruise, like Junior's thong and calories ... we shall smite them all!!!

The on board meet is earlier, I see. Are we still in the 687 District? Is this where they do the on board Palo, Remy and dining changes?

I am going to be so disoriented, first time on the Dream. The Wonder/Magic feel like home now, so the new ship will be different for sure.

I believe so. Yeah, even though the last SSMC on the Wonder was our first Disney cruise, I still felt disoriented on the new ship

We don't have any Poles around the house. Can I bring a Czechoslovakian?

Good question Carol. As you saw, right now I have it listed as 2:30 social hour and 3:00 meeting in 687 Lounge (the Muster Drill is at 3:45 or 4:00 depending on which Navigator we go by, April or July).

Any other thoughts? Any experience with DISmeets, especially on the Dream? Anyone read recent Trip Reports that might help? Jennifer suggested 2:00, but I'm still not exactly clear why.

Keep watching this thread, Page 1, Post 10 for the latest changes.

Last year, I believe we all met up at 3pm and had enough time to meet and greet, award PP prizes and take group pictures. I am pretty sure this crowd will need a little bit more time as there are more of us overall and we have definitely proven to be a chatty bunch I think that for those who want to begin socializing by 2 that is cool but if we all met up by 2:45/3pm that would provide enough time for most to get on board, meet up with the rest of the DISpeeps and make sure we were all done by muster drill time.

What is this? please explain? Sandy

FE is the Fish Extender gift exchange which is a common activity on Disney Cruises for the DISers. People sign up to participate with whoever is heading it up for a particular cruise. Our leader is Debbie, luckymomoftwo this year who also took charge of it last year Each participant will bring or make a gift for all of the other cabins/participants that have signed up. The gift can be candy, small DCL/Disney related item, something representing your home town etc. Outside of each cabin door there is a metal fish (on Wonder and Magic) or Seahorse (on Dream) decoration that is supposed to be for the crew to leave you messages. FE peeeps will hang an extension of some sort to said fish that contains pockets or compartments to leave the gifts. Here is a pic of ours.

The deadline was last month because it does take some prep work and some do bring home made items. However, if interested, you can probably ask Debbie to ask the group if she is able and has time to (she is on the B2B too) if anyone has extra stuff and would be willing to add you on their list. Keep in mind though that it doesn't give you a whole lot of time to get stuff for the people who do agree. On the upside your list would be much smaller and manageable than everyone else's As for an extender, you can hang a small tote bag on your fish/seahorse and that would be just fine.

Things are great! We started out at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort. Really nice place. Great room, on the top floor. Service was outstanding. Much better than we expected! I was wondering if it was because they may have noted that I was a travel agent from when I made my reservation, but not everyone would have had that info.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter blew me away. Really well themed and I couldn't stop grinning while walking through the castle. They did an outstanding job!

We did our first day on Labor Day and the park was empty. We did everything we wanted to do between 8 (early entry time) and 10 am. The other things we wanted to see didn't open until 11 or 12. And the guys didn't want to do the water rides so early in the day. So, we left and went back to the hotel and napped. Came back, did the rest of the stuff and went to Margaritaville for dinner. I had a great time at Margaritaville. The Bahama Mama I started with really knocked my socks off and I really enjoyed the place probably more than it really deserved. LOL The live band was really great though!

We slept in the next day and then packed up and had them hold our luggage while we did the other side of Universal. We had a good time, but the heat was getting to me. We did everything we wanted to see and then left for OKW about 4:30pm.

I have to say, I LOVE OKW!!! This is our first time here. We got the room location I asked for and I sat out on our balcony and watched the Illuminations fireworks. It was awesome and completely unexpected!!

We did Epcot today. Got there for rope drop and there may have been 50 people there ... maybe. It was dead! No crowds, only line we saw was for Soarin' and there was only a 20 minute wait at 3pm and Fast Passes were only about a half hour out. The CM who checked us in for lunch at Le Cellier said it was supposed to be one of the slowest, if not The slowest day of the year! Had the fabulous Mushroom Filet for lunch. YUM!!

Dinner, unfortunately, wasn't great. The guys ordered their burgers from T-Rex medium and they were pretty rare. Like not cooked in the middle at all. Had to send Stitch's back to be redone and then it came back without the lettuce, tomato and pickles on it. Our server was quite nice though. Made sure she got a good tip. Kitchen issues aren't her fault. The nachos were good though.

I'm enjoying some quiet time now while Jason and Stitch are out at the gym and the pool. Grumpy is off in their bedroom listening to his music, as he's been doing for days. Walks around the parks listening to his iPod. He's so strange.

Tomorrow is DHS rope drop!

Sounds like you are having an AWESOMESAUCE time!!!! Been dying to go to the WWOHP! Have fun and see you soon!

So the Agenda might look like this:
2:30 - 3:00 Social Hour

3:00 - 3:30
Pick up Mini-Navigator on the way into the (687?) Lounge
Run through times for DIS-only events (Coffee club, Wine club, Parrot Head gathering, Pirate photos, Cabin tour, & Sports club)
Remind people to gather on Deck 12 forward immediately following the Muster Drill (point to people on B2B who scoped out a spot for us).
Remind people to gather near the Boat Harbor Beach for the DVC photo.
Run through Thank You's for those who volunteered for various jobs here.
Have Dan and/or Junior remind folks about the TOTWL fireworks viewing and Dan & Sue's Vacation Ending Bash at BLT
Award Prizes.

I think it can still eaisly be done in a half hour, as long as we get most of the socialization done before 3pm, right?
We can make sure that everyone I want to thank is near 'center stage' and ready for the Thank You's.

Sounds like a plan!!!!

 

[SandyPA]

FE is the Fish Extender gift exchange which is a common activity on Disney Cruises for the DISers. People sign up to participate with whoever is heading it up for a particular cruise. Our leader is Debbie, luckymomoftwo this year who also took charge of it last year Each participant will bring or make a gift for all of the other cabins/participants that have signed up. The gift can be candy, small DCL/Disney related item, something representing your home town etc. Outside of each cabin door there is a metal fish (on Wonder and Magic) or Seahorse (on Dream) decoration that is supposed to be for the crew to leave you messages. FE peeeps will hang an extension of some sort to said fish that contains pockets or compartments to leave the gifts. Here is a pic of ours.

The deadline was last month because it does take some prep work and some do bring home made items. However, if interested, you can probably ask Debbie to ask the group if she is able and has time to (she is on the B2B too) if anyone has extra stuff and would be willing to add you on their list. Keep in mind though that it doesn't give you a whole lot of time to get stuff for the people who do agree. On the upside your list would be much smaller and manageable than everyone else's As for an extender, you can hang a small tote bag on your fish/seahorse and that would be just fine.



I tell ya what! as it is too late I will just enjoy walking down every hall looking at everyones magnets and creations they made on their doors. If I ever take another Disney Cruise I will remember this FE and get onboard right away. It is great that you all get into a group and have fun. I hope all of you have a great FE and get lots of goodies. Thanks for the invite. Sandy

 

[SandyPA]

If you don't know then it's too late. The deadline was a month ago or so. What it is though is a gift exchange. We make or buy things to hand out to all who signed up. We have a Fish Extender, which is where you get FE from, that hangs from your fish outside your door. The FE has pockets and that is where the goodies are delivered to. It's a lot of fun! Make sure to sign up for it on your next Disney cruise!

Thanks for the info. If I take another Disney cruise I will be well informed of the plans of this FE. you all have fun now!

 

[calypso726]

Saturday September 24th following fireworks @ TOTWL

Attendees

Dan and Sue--------------Some kind of fruity cobbler pudding goodness
Michael and Nancy--------Will come up with something too!!!!
Junior and Debbie--------Some kinda snack/dessert and $$$ for Pizza
Mike and Debbie----------Chips, Queso, bloody Mary mix and $$$ for Pizza
John, Lara and Laran
Terri and Tim------------Will do the same as Mark and Lynn
Mark and Lynn------------$$$$ or whatever is needed
Karen and Jason----------Chicken wings and/or Veggie tray? $$$ for Pizza
Kelly and Jim-------------$$$ for whatever!
Wally and Terrie---------$$$ for Pizza and whatever! Terrie will Bartend!
Laura and Jim------------We'll come up with something..


Suggestions


Bail Money
Dessrts

How many pizzas do you think we'll need??

This is the sign up sheet. Need head count and suggestions of what to have.

Ok DISpeeps who are signed up for this, need to know what the preferences are that will require my bartending skills since I don't want to bring stuff that won't be consumed Choices that are easy will be Italain Margaritas (or regular if you prefer), Pina Coladas.

Last week I managed to concoct what I consider to be the perfect Red Velvet Cake Martini. I toyed with 6 recipes and discovered the perfect combo IMNSHO. There's a LOT of alcohol in it, you don't taste the alcohol. But it will sneak up on you like a ninja and it can and will knock you on your @$$ if you're not careful

So let me know your preferences so I know what to bring, suggestions are welcome, especially if most are interested in the same one.

 

[susieq55]

Question for y'all - I found some name badge insert refills at work today and I was thinking I could print them out and we could put them on our lanyard where we keep our room keys. I was thinking I could do our real names, disboard name and maybe our avatar. What do you think - worth it or not?

I know we would all love them in my group! (if you are going to try to make them) Thanks!!

 

[SandyPA]

I would just like to stop in and say hello. since I am also staying here also. I know I may be up there watching the fireworks also. so If you all do not mind I would just like to walk over and say a few hellos to you all.

 

[beeadude]

All members of the Sunrise Coffee Club should be awake by now!!

Good morning what time is the -yawn-coffee club gathering on the cruise. Also, will you be joining us at Fishlips on Saturday?

 

[susieq55]

Good morning what time is the -yawn-coffee club gathering on the cruise. Also, will you be joining us at Fishlips on Saturday?

Hi Vicki!!

Coffee is (hopefully I will rise and shine on time) around 6 am. Sounds really early doesn't it - but I don't like to miss anything so it gets me ready for the rest of the day!

YES, we would love to join you for dinner. I missed where this restaurant is located. We get into MCO at 4:10 on Southwest Air, so I guess we should be out at the Radisson around 5:30 ish? Maybe? What time is dinner?

 

[beeadude]

Hi Vicki!!

Coffee is (hopefully I will rise and shine on time) around 6 am. Sounds really early doesn't it - but I don't like to miss anything so it gets me ready for the rest of the day!

YES, we would love to join you for dinner. I missed where this restaurant is located. We get into MCO at 4:10 on Southwest Air, so I guess we should be out at the Radisson around 5:30 ish? Maybe? What time is dinner?

Fishlips is right by the port [according to Ian]. Kelly & Jim [lilliansmommy] will be getting to the Radisson around 7 and John and family will be in contact with me since they are driving in. So, 7:30 sounds good. I'll call Fishlips & see if they take reservations. Looks like gooftroop will be staying @ Radisson too-hopefully they can join us.

 

[susieq55]

Fishlips is right by the port [according to Ian]. Kelly & Jim [lilliansmommy] will be getting to the Radisson around 7 and John and family will be in contact with me since they are driving in. So, 7:30 sounds good. I'll call Fishlips & see if they take reservations. Looks like gooftroop will be staying @ Radisson too-hopefully they can join us.

Thanks for the invite - sounds like fun!!

 

[SandyPA]

hi Sue



We get into MCO at 4:10 on Southwest Air,

Hi Sue, I think we are on the same flight 1373. and heading for the country inn& suites for the night. enjoy your dinner.

 

[calypso726]

I would just like to stop in and say hello. since I am also staying here also. I know I may be up there watching the fireworks also. so If you all do not mind I would just like to walk over and say a few hellos to you all.

Please do! Join us everyone is welcome and the more the merrier

 

[annearchi]

What is this? please explain? Sandy

Sandy, I joined too late to be on the FE list. Maybe my group and your group could do something for each other. But, you only have two and we have 5. That's seems a bit lopsided.

 

[Steamboat WillyNilly]

Ok DISpeeps who are signed up for this, need to know what the preferences are that will require my bartending skills since I don't want to bring stuff that won't be consumed Choices that are easy will be Italain Margaritas (or regular if you prefer), Pina Coladas.

Last week I managed to concoct what I consider to be the perfect Red Velvet Cake Martini. I toyed with 6 recipes and discovered the perfect combo IMNSHO. There's a LOT of alcohol in it, you don't taste the alcohol. But it will sneak up on you like a ninja and it can and will knock you on your @$$ if you're not careful

So let me know your preferences so I know what to bring, suggestions are welcome, especially if most are interested in the same one.

Piña Coladas are my fave unless you're making Konk Koolers. I'm down for trying whatever else your make. Hope that helps! I might have some stuff left over from the cruise to help pitch in too.

 

[calypso726]

I tell ya what! as it is too late I will just enjoy walking down every hall looking at everyones magnets and creations they made on their doors. If I ever take another Disney Cruise I will remember this FE and get onboard right away. It is great that you all get into a group and have fun. I hope all of you have a great FE and get lots of goodies. Thanks for the invite. Sandy

It is a LOT of fun, you would certainly enjoy it. Ya know, I'm pretty sure that if you let everyone here know your stateroom door number I didn't see posted on page one that has most of the names and room numbers posted) and just happen to hang a shopping bag or something on your fish/seahorse ... you would probably come back to a surprise here and there throughout the cruise ... just sayin' ...

 

[annearchi]

Sorry you didn't get one. I think it must have been a very l o n g day for you... So long that it threw your timing off!

Thanks again for your offer for the name tags, that was a GREAT idea!

Can you please include us with the name tag thing. There are five of us but I don't know if the kids need them. anne and ron

 

[CarolAnnC]

Good question Carol. As you saw, right now I have it listed as 2:30 social hour and 3:00 meeting in 687 Lounge (the Muster Drill is at 3:45 or 4:00 depending on which Navigator we go by, April or July).

Any other thoughts? Any experience with DISmeets, especially on the Dream? Anyone read recent Trip Reports that might help? Jennifer suggested 2:00, but I'm still not exactly clear why.

Keep watching this thread, Page 1, Post 10 for the latest changes.

So the Agenda might look like this:
2:30 - 3:00 Social Hour

3:00 - 3:30
Pick up Mini-Navigator on the way into the (687?) Lounge
Run through times for DIS-only events (Coffee club, Wine club, Parrot Head gathering, Pirate photos, Cabin tour, & Sports club)
Remind people to gather on Deck 12 forward immediately following the Muster Drill (point to people on B2B who scoped out a spot for us).
Remind people to gather near the Boat Harbor Beach for the DVC photo.
Run through Thank You's for those who volunteered for various jobs here.
Have Dan and/or Junior remind folks about the TOTWL fireworks viewing and Dan & Sue's Vacation Ending Bash at BLT
Award Prizes.

I think it can still eaisly be done in a half hour, as long as we get most of the socialization done before 3pm, right?
We can make sure that everyone I want to thank is near 'center stage' and ready for the Thank You's.

Haven't been on the Dream, but have been at plenty of DIS meets, lol. I think 2 pm is too early only because many will not have gotten settled, ie had lunch, dropped things in stateroom, etc. after arriving at the Port.

Maybe I read it wrong, but it sounded like the FB group is planning a separate meet also at 3 pm. Maybe that is why there is a suggestion out there to do this one earlier? Not sure, but I personally think 2:30 is early enough.

 

[Steamboat WillyNilly]

I would just like to stop in and say hello. since I am also staying here also. I know I may be up there watching the fireworks also. so If you all do not mind I would just like to walk over and say a few hellos to you all.

[SARCASM]A few hellos is all you get!!! Then leave!!![/SARCASM]

We are a fun bunch. I'm sure we will all get along. It may take a bit to get used to my humor but you're more than welcome to hang out. We are a lot of fun! Just join us and have fun!

 

[SandyPA]

Sandy, I joined too late to be on the FE list. Maybe my group and your group could do something for each other. But, you only have two and we have 5. That's seems a bit lopsided.

We have 4 in our group. coming along with friends. and they have no idea I chat with disney friends on this board. they will be totaly lost if I tell them what this FE is!LOL Just a howdy to friends is good enough for me. I know next time I will pay more attention to these great disney cruise friends that I have learned so much info from on this cruise. Hope to meet you all soon

 

[hyballin]

How do you add a picture, I found somthing I thought was worth sharing but cannot figure out how to post it