A little Texas Christmas Magic - 12/21/2012

[Brooklyn]

Let's make this simple (so families don't have to drop out)...on the spreadsheet instead of calling it "FE" call it "FE cabin." This way a family with 2 or 3 cabins who still want to participate in the FE but only want to exchange one FE gift from their family can pick the one cabin as an "FE cabin." This way they will still receive one FE gift and only have to give one FE gift from their family. This will make it fair for all families to choose how many "FE cabins" they will have participating.

On our last cruise we had issues with this same situation...we gave out FEs to each of the cabins but some families who had more than one cabin gave out only one gift. This is why we were saying that we were only going to give out one FE gift per family...but I think making it an "FE cabin" will resolve this.

Only 45 days until our cruise!

I added "cabin"

I think however there is always going to be a BIG swing in what people are going to give. I have couples who give a very nice personalized item and a family with 2 cabins give a ziplock with tootsie rolls. I think everyone should give what they want and to who they want. If you want to give one per family then go for it. If I want to give one per cabin then that works too.

 

[Hmorale]

Let's make this simple (so families don't have to drop out)...on the spreadsheet instead of calling it "FE" call it "FE cabin." This way a family with 2 or 3 cabins who still want to participate in the FE but only want to exchange one FE gift from their family can pick the one cabin as an "FE cabin." This way they will still receive one FE gift and only have to give one FE gift from their family. This will make it fair for all families to choose how many "FE cabins" they will have participating.

On our last cruise we had issues with this same situation...we gave out FEs to each of the cabins but some families who had more than one cabin gave out only one gift. This is why we were saying that we were only going to give out one FE gift per family...but I think making it an "FE cabin" will resolve this.

Only 45 days until our cruise!

That is a Great idea .

 

[grlzmom]

For the FE, I have been on many exchanges where more than one person will pitch in and do something really nice for FE resulting in only one gift given, but having come from multiple sources (if that makes sense).

I've been on huge exchanges and small exchanges and never paid attention if someone gifts me or not I just gift everyone on the list.

We love it all from the simple to the extravagant and get excited coming down the hall seeing something sticking out of the fe.

Would hate to see this get too complicated or controlled and ruin the fun of the exchange.

On a side note, Stephanie did you say it's ok to freely use all the graphics you have put up on the FB page?

 

[Brooklyn]

For the FE, I have been on many exchanges where more than one person will pitch in and do something really nice for FE resulting in only one gift given, but having come from multiple sources (if that makes sense).

I've been on huge exchanges and small exchanges and never paid attention if someone gifts me or not I just gift everyone on the list.

We love it all from the simple to the extravagant and get excited coming down the hall seeing something sticking out of the fe.

Would hate to see this get too complicated or controlled and ruin the fun of the exchange.

On a side note, Stephanie did you say it's ok to freely use all the graphics you have put up on the FB page?

Yes feel free to use any graphics that I share on the FB page!

Oh my! If we are keeping tabs on how many gifts a cabin gives out I think I might bow out. Less to carry and clearly less drama. I will ask my girls but I am not sure we will be particpating anymore. Too much stress...it is Christmas for goodness sake!

 

[skypixy]

Kidz dream you have been added!
This brings our total up to 17!

As our group gets larger I am thinking about contacting DCL to see if we would be able to use the Promenade Lounge for our gathering.
I will see what they have available for us, otherwise we can take over the deck by the Goofy pool...

 

[skypixy]

OK, so my parents will have a FE outside their cabin & will be distributing gifts to the other listed FEs. And, my family will have an FE outside our cabin & will be distributing to other FEs. Right?
I don't mean to be dense, but since we are under my Dis-name I want to make sure that people know we are 2 seperate cabins. I also don't want to be confused!
I'm glad the spreadsheet was created since I need to special order supplies for my FE gift and I can get a start!
Also, does anyone want to share what excursions they are going on?
Here is ours:
Key West: Conch Train
Costa Maya: Tropicante reserved, thinking about Dolphin Encounter
Cozumel: Beach Day with Hmorale & Petdoc (non DCL)

And, anyone else staying at the Galvez on 12/20?

 

[carly68]

Hi
I am new to the whole FE thing. Cruised with Disney in 2006 but never heard of this. We are on the 12/21/12 Christmas cruise. 2 families with adjoining cabins. I think we would like to join the group but want to make sure we're doing it "right".
Is there a way we could just do gifts for the kids not adults in our cabins? I'm not sure how to get on the spreadsheet.
We have Jack (14), Alyssa (11) in #7600 and Sydney (13) and Jaedyn (10) in #7602 1 boy (Jack) and 3 girls.
Also, is the ornament exchange a separate thing?
Do we just give one gift per person for the whole cruise. I don't have space in my luggage for a gift for everyone for every day? Is there an assigned day that you give your gifts or just pick a day?
Sorry so many questions.
Carly

 

[carly68]

Hi
I am new to the whole FE thing. Cruised with Disney in 2006 but never heard of this. We are on the 12/21/12 Christmas cruise. 2 families with adjoining cabins. I think we would like to join the group but want to make sure we're doing it "right".
Is there a way we could just do gifts for the kids not adults in our cabins? I'm not sure how to get on the spreadsheet.
We have Jack (14), Alyssa (11) in #7600 and Sydney (13) and Jaedyn (10) in #7602 1 boy (Jack) and 3 girls.
Also, is the ornament exchange a separate thing?
Do we just give one gift per person for the whole cruise. I don't have space in my luggage for a gift for everyone for every day? Is there an assigned day that you give your gifts or just pick a day?
Sorry so many questions.
Carly

 

[kimwhitt93]

No, I don't feel "too" overwhelmed, a little maybe, but not "too". ;0)

My big question is about my FE that we hang outside the door. I just want to have one for my whole family so, should I just put one cabin number on the google list?

I just don't want to confuse people if they are looking for 2 rooms and only 1 has the FE on it.

I hope I am explaining it right.

 

[skypixy]

No, I don't feel "too" overwhelmed, a little maybe, but not "too". ;0)

My big question is about my FE that we hang outside the door. I just want to have one for my whole family so, should I just put one cabin number on the google list?

I just don't want to confuse people if they are looking for 2 rooms and only 1 has the FE on it.

I hope I am explaining it right.

Yes, I think if you want one FE only list the cabin it will hang beside.
That makes sense to me!

 

[Hmorale]

No, I don't feel "too" overwhelmed, a little maybe, but not "too". ;0)

My big question is about my FE that we hang outside the door. I just want to have one for my whole family so, should I just put one cabin number on the google list?

I just don't want to confuse people if they are looking for 2 rooms and only 1 has the FE on it.

I hope I am explaining it right.

Yes-that is a good idea- only put a yes in the FE box of the cabin number your FE will be hanging outside. Otherwise we will all be wasting our time going to rooms without FEs.

 

[kimwhitt93]

Too make things less confusing for my family, I have removed one of our room numbers and added those family members(DS&DH) to the other room. Therefore, kimwhitt93 will only have 1 Fish Extender hanging at one room.

Now, to start getting working on the gifts!

 

[Brooklyn]

Hello. We are not going to participate in the FE for this cruise. Too much managing for me. I also don't want my gifts to be compared to others and if mine are "not enough" don't want others to be upset they gave to both our staterooms. I changed the spreadsheet. We will still be participating in the ornament exchange (x2). Thanks!

 

[kimwhitt93]

Hello. We are not going to participate in the FE for this cruise. Too much managing for me. I also don't want my gifts to be compared to others and if mine are "not enough" don't want others to be upset they gave to both our staterooms. I changed the spreadsheet. We will still be participating in the ornament exchange (x2). Thanks!

Brooklyn,
That is so sad! Sorry to hear. We have never done this before but it sounds like a lot of fun, once you get over the "What do I do? Do I do something for each person, each family, just the kids?" and the list goes on.

I personally don't care if you have 2 state rooms. It's still the same amount of people whether you have 1 or 2. I know personally that I will not be judging any other person's FE gift, as I don't even know how mine will turn out. I also don't care if there is one item for the cabin or individual items.

The way I understand this, is that it is all about the "Magical Fun" and sneaking around the ship delivering the gifts like you are Santa Mickey or Minnie.

I hope you and your girls may change your minds, but understand if you don't. Look forward to meeting you on the cruise.

 

[kimwhitt93]

Brooklyn,
That is so sad! Sorry to hear. We have never done this before but it sounds like a lot of fun, once you get over the "What do I do? Do I do something for each person, each family, just the kids?" and the list goes on.

I personally don't care if you have 2 state rooms. It's still the same amount of people whether you have 1 or 2. I know personally that I will not be judging any other person's FE gift, as I don't even know how mine will turn out. I also don't care if there is one item for the cabin or individual items.

The way I understand this, is that it is all about the "Magical Fun" and sneaking around the ship delivering the gifts like you are Santa Mickey or Minnie.

I hope you and your girls may change your minds, but understand if you don't. Look forward to meeting you on the cruise.

Not to mention you have already given us gifts. You started the spreadsheet and facebook page. I have gotten more info off of the facebook page, then I have on the DIS(it's confusing sometimes and you don't always see things). And, you have designed some great Christmas designs.

 

[grlzmom]

Hello. We are not going to participate in the FE for this cruise. Too much managing for me. I also don't want my gifts to be compared to others and if mine are "not enough" don't want others to be upset they gave to both our staterooms. I changed the spreadsheet. We will still be participating in the ornament exchange (x2). Thanks!

I'm gonna join you on this one.

We def. are doing the ornament exchange, so excited for that!

 

[grlzmom]

Not to mention you have already given us gifts. You started the spreadsheet and facebook page. I have gotten more info off of the facebook page, then I have on the DIS(it's confusing sometimes and you don't always see things). And, you have designed some great Christmas designs.

Me too on the FB page, easier for me to follow on my phone and I love the Christmas graphics. Can't wait to make some magnets!

 

[MJDisFamCruisers]

Hello. We are not going to participate in the FE for this cruise. Too much managing for me. I also don't want my gifts to be compared to others and if mine are "not enough" don't want others to be upset they gave to both our staterooms. I changed the spreadsheet. We will still be participating in the ornament exchange (x2). Thanks!

Brooklyn, it seemed to be too overwhelming for us too with all the details but we really enjoy doing the FE exchanges. It is so much fun and it will be even better on the Christmas cruise because it will make you feel like you are secret Santa. It was so neat to come back to our stateroom to find a surprise waiting for us in our FE! No matter whether the gift was big or small, we loved them all! As a matter of fact, we enjoy putting together our FE gifts for everyone just as much as receiving our FE gifts. And that's the true spirt of Christmas since it always better to give than receive. Hope you reconsider.

 

[jgura]

For those that have been on a Christmas cruise before, do you remember if they serve the more holiday traditional foods (yule log) on Christmas or Christmas Eve?

Thanks, Jill

 

[hotchpot]

My partner and I are taking this cruise with our 13 y/o daughter. Forgive my ignorance but what do all the initials mean? I know FE is fish extender and believe DD is daughter, but what about everything else?

I've ordered a FE for this cruise, it does sound fun!