A Disney Start to 2015 - What a Dream! :-) Disney dream 12/29/2014

[TheBanksFam]

Shawn - I'm intrigued that there is actually shopping on CC - Shouldn't be surprised that there is the opportunity to acquire more Disney merchandise there...

Is it mainly clothing and CC related souvenirs?

Not sure... As the Alaska cruise was our first DC, we have never been to CC. I know they have shops with CC merchandise. I am told they have most of the amenities on CC that they have on the boat. Food and such.

 

[TheBanksFam]

I didn't see any race on the 1st. Where did you find that? Also I'm intrigued about the geocache. We enjoy that too! Have you found it before?

Again, this is our first trip to CC. Here is a link to the cache. Not sure if we will cache in Nassau. I really don't want get in the wrong neighborhood.

Shawn of TheBanksFam

 

[The Mouse Marvels]

I spent all night and morning packaging your fe gifts! I am sooooo excited to give them out. Hope you like them!!!!!

 

[russ0907]

You wont see the 5K listed for activities to preplan. You will recieve info about it the night before we arrive at CC(New Years Eve). Finally started ordering stuff for FE, wife and DD will spend some of Thanksgiving break putting them together. Looking forward to this trip!!!

 

[dhelin]

My family as well as another that cruising with us are planing on completeing the 5K. Hoping they will allow my DD to complete it with us. She is only 8 but is doing 3 5K over the next 3 weeks, so I know she's capable. I guess there is an age restriction.

she can participate, absolutely!

 

[dhelin]

Shawn - I'm intrigued that there is actually shopping on CC - Shouldn't be surprised that there is the opportunity to acquire more Disney merchandise there... Is it mainly clothing and CC related souvenirs?

yes... Beach things, CC logo gear, etc. just a couple little places.

 

[TheBanksFam]

It has officially begun! I pulled the luggage out of the closet, opened them up, and placed them on the guest bed. We have one more component to our FE gift that we have to get and we can finish putting them together. I know I have said it before but we are really excited about how they have turned out. I hope you are as pleased as we are. It is an take-off of a gift we received on our last cruise but I think our modifications have made it even better. We had to fly on our last cruise so our FE had to be limited to what we could carry in our regular luggage. Since we are driving to Florida, we have the ability to dedicate a duffle bag to our FE components. We will put the final product together on board and will be ready for distribution. We have the components separated by room in ziplock bags. Storage would be an issue if we put everything together in advance. I guess since I can't tell what it is, I am relieving the pressure to tell you by discussing our organizing! There is also a little sprinkle of grading procrastination in their too

 

[js]

It has officially begun! I pulled the luggage out of the closet, opened them up, and placed them on the guest bed. We have one more component to our FE gift that we have to get and we can finish putting them together. I know I have said it before but we are really excited about how they have turned out. I hope you are as pleased as we are. It is an take-off of a gift we received on our last cruise but I think our modifications have made it even better. We had to fly on our last cruise so our FE had to be limited to what we could carry in our regular luggage. Since we are driving to Florida, we have the ability to dedicate a duffle bag to our FE components. We will put the final product together on board and will be ready for distribution. We have the components separated by room in ziplock bags. Storage would be an issue if we put everything together in advance. I guess since I can't tell what it is, I am relieving the pressure to tell you by discussing our organizing! There is also a little sprinkle of grading procrastination in their too

Had a surprise party on Saturday for my dh's birthday and have been saying to myself once that was over I would begin my packing So, you have beat me to it! I would love to know what your FE is and you can tell Group 2 if you like since we won't be receiving since not in your group but understand you want to keep a secret. I think my FE came out good too. I have them all labeled with names and cabins and will give out, I hope, on our first day.

Happy packing everyone. I'm starting this week too!

 

[TheBanksFam]

I would love to know what your FE is and you can tell Group 2 if you like since we won't be receiving since not in your group but understand you want to keep a secret.

I will certainly post a picture post-cruise. I might even send you a pic in a PM once I take one. We are putting one together for us, so I will be taking a picture of that.

Enough procrastination....I have to get grading!

 

[Vhurley]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
Days are getting close

 

[TheBanksFam]

FYI: I wanted to post a note about DIS Boards new/not-so-new policy regarding solicitations and third party sites (Facebook, Google Docs, Etc.)

"It has come to our (DIS Board Administrators) attention that our members have received solicitations to post their information on other sites including Facebook and Google Docs.

We have had complaints from several members (Not in our FE Group) that these turned out to be solicitations from travel agencies and other forms of advertising.

We have examined the policy of other cruise forums and have found that they have policies forbidding this.

In order to protect our members the DIS Webmasters have decided to institute a similar policy. Moving forward there will be a new infraction "Attempting to lure DIS members to post private information on other sites". It will be a 40 point violation.

We also encourage DIS members to let us know if they are solicited via private message or any other means. This policy was first posted in early July, 2014 and has seen minimal compliance so additional emphasis is now being placed on the issue."​

This FE/Meet & Greet Group has not collected any personal information that can be used to solicit. Addresses, phone numbers, etc have not been collected. We have used Facebook and Google Docs appropriately to generate discussions, ask questions, organize our FE list, etc. It is not a good idea to post personal information on the internet anyway. It is to your discretion who you "decide" to share any personal info with. I know a few of us are meeting for dinner prior to cruising and have privately shared information to coordinate that effort. Just know there are some heels out there trying to sell you cruises and other items. (I haven't seen anything in this group so present company excluded.) This is a violation of DIS Boards rules and could get you kicked off DIS Boards, booted out of Meets & FE groups etc. So please don't do it. We want to continue to make Meet & Greets and FE and wonderful and positive part of the DCL experience.

Shawn of TheBanksFam

 

[The Mouse Marvels]

Well we are sitting under a foot of snow right now. We are really looking forward to some nice warm weather next month. Getting soooo excited! Our fe gifts are packaged and sorted and ready to go. Can't wait!!

 

[TheBanksFam]

TheBanksFam wishes all of you a very happy Thanksgiving. 32 days to go!!!

 

[The Mouse Marvels]

What is everyone's plan for your cell phone on the ship? The last time we turned them off so we didn't incur any charges. Does anyone know if you put it on airplane mode will that work?

 

[dhelin]

What is everyone's plan for your cell phone on the ship? The last time we turned them off so we didn't incur any charges. Does anyone know if you put it on airplane mode will that work?

airplane mode...download Navigator App to text DD on board...sign up for 50 MB free WiFi on Day 1 to make sure the critters at home are staying warm...that works---no roaming charges and no wireless charges

 

[Vhurley]

All my peoples will be with me. We will be downloading the app which is so helpful plus it's handy to take photos at the same time. The teens will more than likely take the room phone for communication onboard. I am certain my amazing hubby will have his phone issues taken care of before we board. Days are closer.

 

[js]

Shawn:
Fish Extender Question:
I packed up all my fish extenders and put them in the cabin order but
I realized we do not have a Cabin Number for Phik Kis.

Phik Kis, are you participating?

Edit: oops, just went to google calendar and see Phik not participating.

When/where is our meet/greet. I'm all packed and ready to go but don't know where/time and place for M&G.
Thanks so much!

 

[TheBanksFam]

Shawn: When/where is our meet/greet. I'm all packed and ready to go but don't know where/time and place for M&G.

The Meet & Greet is at 5pm on the 29th at the Vista Cafe (Deck 4, Midship) We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

We have packed the passports and the DW finally asked for the packing list today. So I reckon we will add a few things to the bags this weekend. I really would like to pack the FE Gifts but don't know if there will be enough time.

Shawn of TheBanksFam

 

[Vhurley]

I can't pack yet I have to wait till Dec 25 when we gift the trip to everyone. It is driving me wacko. I have the FE all boxed up and organized. I am anxious to meet everyone. Prepare to meet a redneck Mexican who actually sunburns And I do not speak Spanish or can tolerate spicy food My sister in law is the one who has the spicy soul

 

[dhelin]

OK NYE Dream Cruisers, I'd like to talk PINS....I NEED to talk pins! Yes, I am a pin trader. The addiction started in early 2008 and was pretty out of control for 1-2 trips to WDW a year until early 2013. At that time we split our Florida trip between the Dream and Universal. The pin trading on the ships is OK, but not as crazy as in the parks. So I was able to gain some control over my cravings to collect!
This summer/fall I've kept myself distracted by being excited and occupied with FEs....but I'm starting to twitch....I think I heard The Banks Family has caught the pin bug....anyone else?
What are you all looking for when you trade pins? While I certainly could load up the suitcase for the cruise (what the heck, it's already almost full of FE gifts)...I'd really be happy if I could bring something to a trade that someone has been waiting for!
Kate and I have collected sets of Hidden Mickeys from the 2007-2013 years, and I also look for unique park/ride themed pins and Tinkerbell.
If anyone else is itching to make some trades, let's get talking! (PS--I'm not a pin Shark! I usually trade with cast members, but figured this group might be a fun place to talk pins too)