2015 DVC Alaska Member Cruise 5/25-5/31/15

[poison ivy]

I've noted a few changes in red. Hope this helps.

FE update: Bold names in the Role Call are on FE List . From looking at the list it seems cabin 2594, 6581 & 8000's Disboard names are missing?
If you sent in info and your name isn't bold please PM me?

Number of cabins 26 - should only be 24 right now (cabin 8000 is listed 2x) and #16 is empty (was slmjam - no longer cruising)
Number of people 71

Roll Call Divided for FE and non-fe (alpha order)

FE
Ariel93086
Daffydee
Deanna1221
DisneyBelle99
Duckieluckey
ExpeditionEverest
Jay Kat
JimmyL47
leslienish
LOLA2
looksliketink
lukikam
maburke
MarthaMouse
MMouse2
myxdvz
nunzia
nrexxma44
Pamelalouise
poison ivy & Johnny Quest should be pty of 3 adults and cabin location is starboard_aft
therina
Tidefan


Non-Fe
Aunt Peggy
BinkYABT
bobbiwoz (not on cruise)
dunnhorn
eeyorejanet
jonida3 (considering cruising)
juliek16
Let'sGoToDisney
Mathmagicland
mommacat56 (no longer cruising )
monorialrider
NJMermaid
ohil
OKraysLoveDisney (confirmed not participating in FE)
pjstevens (not cruising )
scruffiee24
slmjam (updated 10/4 11:30pm no longer on cruise but CONGRATS to daughter!!! removed from FE list)
stayfos
suzysharp
TheSoderquackers
Tigger1313
Windermere


Noted interest but have received NO info from cruisers (I am pming these people today.)
maburke
BinkYABT
suzysharp
stayfos - is #12 on the current FE
Tigger1313

 

[poison ivy]

Thanks to all who are working together to make this happen! Personally, we don't want to see the group split and if it does, can we please be added to both groups? As for a deadline, does anyone who's participated in prior FEs know what the norm is or if there's a norm? I've silently been hoping for at least a few months to prepare. Again, so excited and thanks to everyone for your hard work!!

the deadline varies depending on the size of the group. but it's usually anywhere between 60 - 90 days prior to sailing to give participants enough time to organize or craft something.

In cases where it's a popular or specialty cruise (like ours) and the list tends to grow it will split up and close out into multiple FE groups. At that point, another list will usually form and be kept open to allow latecomers to participate. And like yourself, some do choose to join multiple groups

We're at the point now where an Adult FE #1 can easily be spun off and closed out with 15 confirmed cabins that are adults only. This is a very manageable FE group for the members cruise.

I feel we have enough input now from the adults only cabins to go ahead and proceed with this.

We can keep the 2nd Family list open since it currently has 9 families plus yourself participating = 10 confirmed and will continue to grow in number.

 

[nunzia]

OOOOKKKK..certainly don't want to be invloved in a kerfluffle as this is my very first FE and had the idea it should be fun..so I'll bow out of the managing part. Still would prefer small groups, and adult, but will go wherever I am put, if a group is too big I'll just pull back on what I do to for each cabin. I do think we need to remain mindful of luggage space for all..since this is a DVC Members cruise we will get lots of goodies from them as well.
Handing the reins to Autumn

 

[maburke]

I've noted a few changes in red. Hope this helps.

Noted interest but have received NO info from cruisers (I am pming these people today.)
maburke
BinkYABT
suzysharp
stayfos
Tigger1313

I'm (maburke) on the FE list now.

 

[DisneyBelle99]

the deadline varies depending on the size of the group. but it's usually anywhere between 60 - 90 days prior to sailing to give participants enough time to organize or craft something. In cases where it's a popular or specialty cruise (like ours) and the list tends to grow it will split up and close out into multiple FE groups. At that point, another list will usually form and be kept open to allow latecomers to participate. And like yourself, some do choose to join multiple groups We're at the point now where an Adult FE #1 can easily be spun off and closed out with 15 confirmed cabins that are adults only. This is a very manageable FE group for the members cruise. I feel we have enough input now from the adults only cabins to go ahead and proceed with this. We can keep the 2nd Family list open since it currently has 9 families plus yourself participating = 10 confirmed and will continue to grow in number.

Yes, we should be on the FE list, and yes, we vote for the Adult FE group, but I do have some small gifts for younger kids, that I will pass along without any need for return. Hate to introduce another concept here, but that is known as "pixie dust" giving. Some folks bring extra items to give out . I agree that we were overwhelmed by all the gifts on the member's cruise. And truth be told, recently rediscovered some while doing the scrapbook for that trip.

 

[Ariel93086]

I've noted a few changes in red. Hope this helps.

Hi! We (ariel93086) are cabin 8000. 3 woman, all individual adults. need any more info, just let me know. Thanks!!

 

[Pamelalouise]

I am very excited, and looking forward to prepare for the FE. I don't mind if it is split but I am travelling from the UK so am restricted on space and weight. I did an FE in Aug on The Fantasy and we had 12 cabins in our group which didn't feel was enough. Also I presume that if a teenager in our cabin is 18 and over we will be classed as adult group. I think splitting adults and families would be good if that's the case.

 

[Ariel93086]

I actually was thinking that 15 was on the smaller side also. If there are more people that want to join (for the adult only Group) would they be added to the pre-existing list? Or would they be put in a new adult Group (if we close It Off at 15)? If there ends up being 2 adult groups, could we opt to be in both groups? Still getting the hang of everything. Thanks in advance!

 

[poison ivy]

obviously every FE is different, but this is our exchange from a June 2012 Fantasy Western cruise.

we had a 15 cabin group (Here were 12 of the items).
As you can see it's a lot of gifts even at the dozen shown in the photo.



plus (not shown but also received on that cruise)

pirate chest w/chocolate coins

key fobs

and finally - a hand painted framed keepsake of the Disney Fantasy
which I don't seem to have a picture of but it's very similar in size and style to the item placed in DisneyBelle99's FE photo shown here.

Our Cabin door with the FE:

I've posted this before, but here's a link with more details about the various FE gifts pictured above with a few more entries from another cruise.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47465790&postcount=872

I'd love to show the gifts from our Sept 2013 members cruise but haven't had time to put something together.

Hopefully soon.
christine

 

[poison ivy]

If there ends up being 2 adult groups, could we opt to be in both groups? Still getting the hang of everything. Thanks in advance!

Once we split, you can sign up to be in as many groups as you'd like. We've had members participate in more than one group.

 

[poison ivy]

I am very excited, and looking forward to prepare for the FE. I don't mind if it is split but I am travelling from the UK so am restricted on space and weight. I did an FE in Aug on The Fantasy and we had 12 cabins in our group which didn't feel was enough. Also I presume that if a teenager in our cabin is 18 and over we will be classed as adult group. I think splitting adults and families would be good if that's the case.

Sorry to hear your fantasy FE exchange seemed a little lite. What were the items like? (If you don't mind sharing.)

but regarding the 18 yr old in your cabin being classified as an adults only, that's how I was viewing it. any cabins with everyone being 18 and older would be considered an adult group.

But I'm sure we're all open to whatever works best for each of us.
I see no problems if you'd rather participate in the family exchange.

The FE should be fun! We're a flexible group!

 

[Pamelalouise]

Sorry to hear your fantasy FE exchange seemed a little lite. What were the items like? (If you don't mind sharing.) but regarding the 18 yr old in your cabin being classified as an adults only, that's how I was viewing it. any cabins with everyone being 18 and older would be considered an adult group. But I'm sure we're all open to whatever works best for each of us. I see no problems if you'd rather participate in the family exchange. The FE should be fun! We're a flexible group!

We had som lovely gifts. A cruise first aid kit, Mickey solitaire. I tried to keep track of gifts as they came in and I think we were missing gifts from 2 cabins. They may have gone missing from our FE but I don't think so. We didn't let it spoil our experience and are keen and excited to do it again. We would prefer to be in the adult group.

 

[ExpeditionEverest]

Thank you doing the FE organization work, Autumn. I am so excited that I can hardly contain myself and I have already started on getting my FE gifts together. I am happy to do the original group and also join the 2nd group if extra people are needed.

 

[nunzia]

obviously every FE is different, but this is our exchange from a June 2012 Fantasy Western cruise.

we had a 15 cabin group (Here were 12 of the items).
As you can see it's a lot of gifts even at the dozen shown in the photo.



plus (not shown but also received on that cruise)

pirate chest w/chocolate coins

key fobs

and finally - a hand painted framed keepsake of the Disney Fantasy
which I don't seem to have a picture of but it's very similar in size and style to the item placed in DisneyBelle99's FE photo shown here.



I've posted this before, but here's a link with more details about the various FE gifts pictured above with a few more entries from another cruise.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...&postcount=872

I'd love to show the gifts from our Sept 2013 members cruise but haven't had time to put something together.

Hopefully soon.
christine

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing... It may be my computer, but I couldn't get the link to work.

 

[poison ivy]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing... It may be my computer, but I couldn't get the link to work.

No it was on my end. I fixed that post. thanks
but try this link. it should work
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47465790&postcount=872

 

[poison ivy]

Airfare Update out of PHL to YVR.

just checked Air Canada this morning.

they are running flights for 528/rt. - all connecting thru Toronto.

United seems to be matching this price but has less desirable connections.

We are getting ready to make a purchase commitment soon on this once southwest releases our dates on 10/27/14.

I have been closely watching our options.


Also,

there is a great Alaska Trip Report right now which involves a group of 42 Disers - some travelling together from Seattle by rail, and most staying at the Pan Pacific. They also toured Seattle and Vancouver precruise.

check it out: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3315482

Some good travel and sightseeing tips with great meal reviews.
can't wait to read about the Alaska portion of their trip.

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Hi Everyone!!!

My parents and I are waitlisted for this cruise but I am holding out hope that the stars align and the waitlist comes through. The sailing will be just a little over a month shy of my dad's 65th birthday so it will kind of be a celebration for him too. My husband and I did the Member Cruise in August and had a phenomal time. I can't even imagine how amazing this Alaska cruise will be (Alaska in and of itself is an amazing trip).

We also did a FE exchange for the first time in August and if we are able to secure a spot, would love to sign up again. When talking with Member Services they said we would most likely know by February if we will make it on the cruise - will there be a latecomers list or anything like that? I don't want to sign up for anything now, not knowing for sure we will make it.

So if everyone could send some wait list pixie dust, would definitely appreciate it and I am looking forward to hopefully meeting everyone in May!!

 

[lukikam]

I like the idea of a family FE, too, since I think it's easier to buy for kids than adults! I would do up to 25 rooms, but whatever works for us. Just let us know. Kim

 

[tidefan]

Hello all. Been away from the thread for awhile. We are up for being in both FE groups, if that is OK.

I think that we have gotten most of our travel arranged, with the exception of getting the domestic legs done. I have the night of the 23rd reserved in Seattle, then taking the train up to Vancouver on the 24th. Staying at the Hampton Inn Downtown Vancouver the night before the cruise.

After the cruise, we are heading to Aulani for a week! Got a great fare on Alaskan Air out of Bellingham, WA (BLI) non-stop to Honolulu. We figured we might as well do that since we were already on the west coast...

 

[poison ivy]

Disneyluvr81 - to our cruise meet!

I hope your waitlist comes thru! Feel free to join right in with us. We're glad to have you here.

FYI - JQ contacted the DVC to check availability on our cruise and
Surprise! A CAT T was available. $15,962.00 for 2.

Also open were 1 5A / 1 5B / 1 5C / and several Cat 4's.
Would love to upgrade from our 7A secret verandah to a Cat 4 but it's over 10K for 3.

so we're happy to be aboard and thankful for what we have!

tidefan - welcome back! that post cruise trip to Aulani sounds fantastic! What a great idea to head to Hawaii from the West Coast. You must be dealing with a ton of planning between the 2 trips!