3/21/2010 -- 4 Night Disney Wonder Spring Break Cruise

[debmomof2]

That's where we will be on the 20th--EPCOT!!! Good choice! It will be crowded but if you arrive at park opening, you should be able to do the most popular attractions. The Flower and Garden Festival will be going on as well.

The boys told me last night they really want to go to Animal Kingdom too. I might have to add a day to our tickets now and go to AK on Friday.

I think Epcot sounds like the best choice too. DH says it can handle large crowds better than the other parks. So, you are getting in Friday night - I wish I had thought ahead - I didn't consider a day at the parks when we booked the airline tickets, so we get in at 11:00am on Saturday, and leave at 9:00pm on Thursday. I could kick myself now, we'll just have to deal. We'll probably get to Epcot by 1:00 or so, but at least we have until closing. The only other option is getting off the ship asap on Thursday and getting to a park (AK?) fast. Not sure I want the stress either after the cruise!

Oh, the problems of planning the perfect vacation!!

So, what kinds of things does your DS11 like to do? Jake is into sports(football, football, and more football) and he's so excited about the Percy Jackson movie coming out, he's marking the days on his calendar!

Deb,DH,DS14,DS10

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I also vote for Epcot for the day before the cruise. I visited Epcot one year during Spring Break (convention after 2:00 pm pass) and it didn't seem too bad. We mostly did World Showcase and it was pre-Soarin'. I'd want to at least do Soarin' if I visited Epcot. Arriving at 1:00 pm will probably be too late for most fast passes at Epcot. I think you'll still have a lot of fun, even if you have a long line or two.

We tried to do the Give a Day, Get a Day, but they didn't have any programs for kids under 15 in Colorado until very late in the year. We could have done just the adults, but instead have decided to just take it easy on the 20th. With our large group (10), fighting the crowds, even at Epcot, was something we decided not to do this time. We arrive on the 19th, and will enjoy a late breakfast at Chef Mickey's on the 20th, taking a ride on the monorail, perhaps riding the ferry and then heading to DTD via boat from Port Orleans. I may try the hot air balloon at DTD if there's time. We will probably also hit the Character Premier store at the Outlet Mall for some discounted pins for pin trading on board. And of course, we can't miss Earl of Sandwich!

Our kids are also looking forward to the new Percy Jackson movie. Our kids started that series back in the spring of 2008 (before our big 15-night cruise). I mentioned the books on the meet thread and lots of the other families were familiar with them or went out and bought them for their kids. I generally have to buy the new ones on the day they're released and they are quickly read within a day or two!

Deb -- I'm glad you enjoyed the tips. I wish I had known some of them on our first cruise.

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

Ok...FE is almost done and doesn't look too bad. I just hope the hot glue gunned pockets hold up with the use.

So, as I am out and about keeping an eyeball on possible FE gifts...I thought I would ask what the typical rules of the FE are. Do you give little gifts every day or one gift during the cruise? I plan on giving a little something to the kiddos and something for the grownups...is that ok? Should I plan on something every day? I am making the grown-up gifts. I have several ideas in mind...we'll see which one wins.

I hope others decide to join and do the FE's. My girls are excited! They love their FE with their names on it. I will post a pic when it is all done. Maybe by the end of the weekend.

TGIF

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Ok...FE is almost done and doesn't look too bad. I just hope the hot glue gunned pockets hold up with the use.

So, as I am out and about keeping an eyeball on possible FE gifts...I thought I would ask what the typical rules of the FE are. Do you give little gifts every day or one gift during the cruise? I plan on giving a little something to the kiddos and something for the grownups...is that ok? Should I plan on something every day? I am making the grown-up gifts. I have several ideas in mind...we'll see which one wins.

I hope others decide to join and do the FE's. My girls are excited! They love their FE with their names on it. I will post a pic when it is all done. Maybe by the end of the weekend.

TGIF

Yes, TGIF!!

With respect to FE, there are no particular "rules".

We've only done the FE on one cruise and it was a 15-night cruise with about 130 rooms participating. For that cruise, we had one gift for each person (about 400 people total!). We gave out customized pens ordered on-line with the name of the DIS group on it and the dates of the cruise itself. It came out to less than 20 cents a person. Most people gave one gift per stateroom.

I would still think that one gift per person or stateroom is still acceptable rather than one for each day of the cruise. But that's up to you. On our cruise, we didn't even make it a rule that you had to give out gifts to participate in the FE exchange. You just had to sign up and hang a FE. We even had someone make a map of all the participating rooms with names and number of adults/kids in each of those rooms.

Hopefully we'll get a few more participants. I know that our kids did enjoy looking in the FE for new gifts each time we returned to the stateroom. There was a wide variety of gifts, some of which we still use frequently.

 

[5CruisersCruising]

Wow, time flies! It's time to start some detailed planning...how much do people dress up for dinner on the cruise? Should I work on some pirate costumes (at least for my kids)? We're all getting really excited!

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I know!!! Getting so close. We leave in 42 more days (spending a few days in WDW before the cruise!)

I had a dream a few nights ago that we got all the way down there and forgot the birth certificates so we couldn't board!!! Wait.....it wasn't a dream, it was a nightmare!!! I woke up freaking out! But honestly, I am glad I had the dream because I could honestly see me forgetting such an important piece of information!!!!

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

Wow, time flies! It's time to start some detailed planning...how much do people dress up for dinner on the cruise? Should I work on some pirate costumes (at least for my kids)? We're all getting really excited!

We're wearing pirate t-shirts/pirate bandanas. The kids are for sure dressing up with tattoos and some face paint. We might depending on how into it we see people getting.

We got Palo reservations...so I think I will dress up that night. Otherwise maybe cute sundresses.

We are going on a trip to Ohio next week and I think I will start packing (or at least start getting everything into the guest bedroom) for the cruise.

Can't wait!

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

I finished it over the weekend. It is a little sloppy in places, but I think it will work. Not sure if it is too long though...what is max length?

I am going to try and work on some of the FE gifts while I have my mom's help. One of them can be personalized. Anyone who is participating in the FE exchange and would like their gift personalized...send me a private message with your family's last name.

Here's a pic of my FE (it took me forever to figure out how to post it...)

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I love it!!! Great job!

 

[Tweet]

Ok. We are going on this cruise! Wasn't sure between this one or the 3 night but there is no FE on the 3 night for March 25. Yes, I know this is crazy! My husband thinks I have lost my mind. I can't belive how addicting these cruises are. Anyway, can we join the FE pleaseeeeee! I don't know are room number yet. Also, for the family that glued the FE together can you tell me how you did it. I can't even so a button. Thanks!

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

Ok. We are going on this cruise! Wasn't sure between this one or the 3 night but there is no FE on the 3 night for March 25. Yes, I know this is crazy! My husband thinks I have lost my mind. I can't belive how addicting these cruises are. Anyway, can we join the FE pleaseeeeee! I don't know are room number yet. Also, for the family that glued the FE together can you tell me how you did it. I can't even so a button. Thanks!

Congrats and Welcome!

Our household is excited too! My oldest is dreaming about the Mickey Mouse Boat.

I sent you a message so I wouldn't take up a bunch of space on the board with the instructions on how I made our FE. If you have any questions...let me know. It was really easy...then again I am a pro with a glue gun BECAUSE I can't sew. I think I could probably build a car with a glue gun!

Have fun making your FE!

 

[twins-and-1]

Hey gang!
We are planning on getting into the FE exchange also. Would you be willing to share your directions with me also? I have seen a couple on ebay, but was wondering if I could just do it myself. Does anyone have any other ideas of what can be used?
We are so ready for the cruise. We have been out of school since Tuesday and we are all getting cabin fever. I have been addicted to reading the boards over the last 4 days!!! Can't wait until March 21st!
Thanks for any help making the FE!

 

[Tweet]

alwaysabuckeye: Sent you a PM

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I finished it over the weekend. It is a little sloppy in places, but I think it will work. Not sure if it is too long though...what is max length?

I am going to try and work on some of the FE gifts while I have my mom's help. One of them can be personalized. Anyone who is participating in the FE exchange and would like their gift personalized...send me a private message with your family's last name.

Here's a pic of my FE (it took me forever to figure out how to post it...)

Great FE! I don't know the exact maximum length, but from the picture, it looks like it will fit fine.

Ok. We are going on this cruise! Wasn't sure between this one or the 3 night but there is no FE on the 3 night for March 25. Yes, I know this is crazy! My husband thinks I have lost my mind. I can't belive how addicting these cruises are. Anyway, can we join the FE pleaseeeeee! I don't know are room number yet. Also, for the family that glued the FE together can you tell me how you did it. I can't even so a button. Thanks!

I've added you to the list on page one, as well as noted you as participating in the FE exchange.

We can get room numbers once everyone starts receiving their final documentation.

Has anyone been upgraded yet??

Hey gang!
We are planning on getting into the FE exchange also. Would you be willing to share your directions with me also? I have seen a couple on ebay, but was wondering if I could just do it myself. Does anyone have any other ideas of what can be used?
We are so ready for the cruise. We have been out of school since Tuesday and we are all getting cabin fever. I have been addicted to reading the boards over the last 4 days!!! Can't wait until March 21st!
Thanks for any help making the FE!

I've added you to the FE list on page one. My wife was able to just look at the pictures and make ours. She much more creative than me.

I can't believe all of the snow in the eastern US. We've been in Denver for three years and our kids have missed a grand total of one day of school due to weather. We don't get that much snow here. Today's sunny and in the 40's, but I'm looking forward to sunny and the 70's/80's next month on the cruise!!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

As a reminder, here's the roster from page one and the current FE list. If anyone has any changes, updates, deletions, please let me know.

Thanks!

1. * KSDisneyDad (Christopher), and Junesgoofy (June), DS14, DS12 and DS8
(turns 8 in March before the cruise). We will also have my BIL, SIL and
MIL and two nieces joining us, ages 12 and almost 9.
2. * mommyofthreeboys (Christina), DH, DS16, DS11, DS8
3. Oregon Traveler, DW, DS13, DD10, DD9
4. NatMomto2, DH, DD4, DS2
5. rkwells (Gina), DH, Two teens 13 and 16
6. tonyvinci, DW, DD5
7. seven2go, DH, DD19, DD16, DS15, DS7
8. jlindermer, DH, DS8, DS6
9. mfortune, Spouse, DD8, DD3
10. * 5CruisersCruising, DH, DS11, DD8 and DD5
11. ginger3son, DH, DS6, DS4
12. * twins-and-1 (Melanie), DH (Ted), DD10, DD10, DD6
13. * alwaysabuckeye, DH, DD5, DD3
14. debmomof2, DH, DS14, DS10
15. * tweet, DH, ???

* interested in fish extender. Will get room #'s for this later.

 

[Tweet]

twins and 1 : Here is the no sew FE
I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased some Mickey Mouse fabric...the smallest they would sell me was 1 ft. Since it was wrapped around a bolt, it was plenty long enough. I also purchased the same amount of felt (which comes in many many colors-i got a sparkly red). The felt is the backing to the FE to make it a little more stiff and durable. It comes on a bigger bolt, so even though I bought the same amount...the felt piece was lots longer.

I think the final product needs to be around 8 inches wide, so cut the 1 foot fabrics down accordingly (you can use pins to keep the material in place). A good pair of scissors makes this job a lot easier.

I glue gunned the fabric to the felt with a HIGH temp glue gun. I think the high temp sticks better. I just went a little at a time around the edges until it was all glued. I then used a black and red dot ribbon I got at Hobby Lobby to trim out the edges. I made the felt piece about ten inches longer than the Mickey fabric. This was so I could iron on our family name and also to make a pocket for the dowel rod to go into.

The pockets are little canvas totes they sell at Hobby Lobby. I chose black, but they also have red and natural. They are less than $1 each. I cut the handles off and prepared it for my mickey design. For this I used iron-on computer paper which I ran through the printer with a copy of the mickey head and our names on it. If you aren't good with a computer...I can send you a file with your names on it. I will be out of town for a week, so I would have to do it when I got back.

I cut out each Mickey head and iron it on "centered" to the canvas tote pocket. I then outlined the Mickey head with glitter glue and then let it dry for 24 hours. After they were dry, I hot glue the heck out of each one to the Mickey Mouse fabric. I spaced each pocket equally and started from the bottom of the pocket and hot glued it to the back. I then worked my way up until it was done, making sure the corners had enough glue. If you do it all at once, the glue cools down and you do not get as good of a bond.

Once the pockets were on, I ironed-on our family name just on the plain felt. I then trimmed it out with red glitter glue as well. I added some buttons for trim at the top.

The top 4 inches or so...I folded back onto itself to form a pocket and hot glued the fabric so the pocket would stay. I purchased a dowel rod from Hobby Lobby and cut it down so there was about 3/4 of an inch on either side of the FE. Next to the dowel rods they sell these little end finial things. They come four in a pack for less than $2. I painted the dowel and ends black and hot glued one end to the dowel. I then slid it through the pocket I made and hot glued the other end to keep it in place. Make sure you make the pocket big enough to slide the dowel through but not so big that the whole rod can slide through.

I then tied ribbon to each end of the dowel before the finial and it is done.

I hope it is clear enough and I hope I didn't leave anything out. I kind of figured it out as I went along. I can help...so don't be shy.

 

[Tweet]

KSDISNEYDAD:
Thanks so much for adding us. It will be me, DH, and DS will jusy be turning 13. Will let you know room number as soon as we get it Can't wait

 

[twins-and-1]

Wow Tweet! Thanks so much for the detailed instructions to the FE! Sounds like it would have been a great project for my recent 4 snow days! I guess I better get started! Thanks again!

 

[Tweet]

twins-and-1
I just passed them on. Thanks to alwaysabuckeye for the details

 

[debmomof2]

It was so exciting to get our cruise docs in the mail! Is this a bit early?? Anyway, we were bumped up a level to deck 7. The room is now a cat 5 instead of cat 6 - everything is the same except for the level. We're now on the starboard side, which is a switch. We were a bit surprised, since we specifically requested our previous room. Everyone is starting to have dreams about the trip - this next 5 weeks better fly!

Deb, DH, DS14, DS10