ALASKA - August 30th, 2011 - Mickeys Mooseketeers & the last Alaskan Cruisade!

[Pinky166]

Hi everyone!!! I just returned home from the 7 night Eastern Caribbean and booked this cruise while onboard. This will be my 6th Disney Cruise unless I work something in for 2010.

I will be happy to help with any DIS activity planning if needed. On last weeks cruise I organized a cabin tour, PJ Breakfast, Fish Extenders and a Secret Mickey. I also created a group page for the cruise on Facebook. It was a great way to get to know everyone a little better before the cruise.

It will be myself, Pam....my daughter and her husband.....Leissa and Charlie (they also went on last weeks cruise for their honeymoon and will be celebrating 2 years on this Alaska cruise).....not sure who will be traveling with me, but I will let you know when I know!!

Looking forward to getting to know all of you over the next 2 years!! It will be here before we know it tho!

The cabin tour is a tour of different categories that are booked within our DIS group....you basically volunteer to open up your cabin for a brief tour so each person can see what the different categories look like. Last week we were lucky enough to have someone in the Roy Suite so we ended the tour there and she had concierge bring cheese, crackers, fruit and drinks for us. Usually it starts on the lowest deck and goes up from there and is held on a sea day.

The Secret Mickey is like Secret Santa. You submit your information such as favorite character, favorite scents, things you might collect, favorite foods, hobbies, sports, etc....whoever is in charge of this would take all the names and assign everyone that is participating to someone and then you would purchase small gifts for your person and give to them thru out the cruise....via FE or have the room steward deliver it. Usually on the last sea day we all get together to find out who our Secret Mickey was.....it is lots of fun.

The PJ Breakfast is held in Lumiere's or Tritons on a sea day. It is held at whatever time the dining room opens (7 or 8am)....everyone comes to eat in their PJ's. This has to be set up with Disney in advance. Shutters will take a group photo for a fee.....

Pam, Leissa & Charlie. Glad to have you on board.

Thanks for offering to help out, I guess we have got plenty of time on our side. I wish it was next August & not 2011!!!

I was thinking earlier about setting up a Facebook page. It sounds like you planned some fun things on your last cruise, I love the Secret Mickey idea.

 

[Pinky166]

Our TA booked this for us while we were at WDW last week. It will be me, Terri, and my DH, Brett. I will PM the details. Our last cruise was the Panama Canal Cruise on the Magic. This will be our 4th cruise. Last week was an exciting week for use. We were at WDW (always exciting), booked this cruise and bought Disney Vacation Club...all in one week. We like to travel outside of the summer months when things seem a little calmer. Look forward to getting to know all of you.

Terri & Brett.

Congrats on buying DVC, I would like to buy it at some point in the future.

Thanks for your PM - I will update the list shortly.

 

[CustardTart]

The cabin tour is a tour of different categories that are booked within our DIS group....you basically volunteer to open up your cabin for a brief tour so each person can see what the different categories look like. Last week we were lucky enough to have someone in the Roy Suite so we ended the tour there and she had concierge bring cheese, crackers, fruit and drinks for us. Usually it starts on the lowest deck and goes up from there and is held on a sea day.

The Secret Mickey is like Secret Santa. You submit your information such as favorite character, favorite scents, things you might collect, favorite foods, hobbies, sports, etc....whoever is in charge of this would take all the names and assign everyone that is participating to someone and then you would purchase small gifts for your person and give to them thru out the cruise....via FE or have the room steward deliver it. Usually on the last sea day we all get together to find out who our Secret Mickey was.....it is lots of fun.

The PJ Breakfast is held in Lumiere's or Tritons on a sea day. It is held at whatever time the dining room opens (7 or 8am)....everyone comes to eat in their PJ's. This has to be set up with Disney in advance. Shutters will take a group photo for a fee.....

Wow!!! They all sound awesome - especially love the sound of Secret Mickey...

Pam, Leissa & Charlie. Glad to have you on board.

Thanks for offering to help out, I guess we have got plenty of time on our side. I wish it was next August & not 2011!!!

There's always the Med cruises, Claire...

 

[Pinky166]

There's always the Med cruises, Claire...

Ohhhhhh don't tempt me! I may accidently pop on & price it up.

Did you have a lovely time in Paris? BTW - Harry Hill is back on next Saturday.

 

[CustardTart]

Ohhhhhh don't tempt me! I may accidently pop on & price it up.

I am soooo looking forward to it!!! Booked our pre-cruise Barcelona hotel last week (we're going 3 days earlier) and I've been systematically stalking poor AndrewDerekUK for details of his private tour people!!!

...Did you have a lovely time in Paris?

Yes thanks, hun...

It was a bit of a working weekend - Richard was in the office on Friday and we had the huge matter of getting rid of the 100% knackered, oversized, unwanted sofa in our 100% cream-crackered, undersized but most definitely wanted apartment!!! Sounds simple BUT the place is on the 4th floor, the lift's tiny and we were quoted a gazillion euros by a removals firm!!! SO Richard bought several saws, a 100 enormous bin bags and proceeded to cut the condemned couch into pieces!!! It took a while but it worked!!! We did get the chance to have a couple of lovely meals out tho'...

...BTW - Harry Hill is back on next Saturday.

Now that is good news - what am I saying, it's GREAT news!!!

 

[Pinky166]

I am soooo looking forward to it!!! Booked our pre-cruise Barcelona hotel last week (we're going 3 days earlier) and I've been systematically stalking poor AndrewDerekUK for details of his private tour people!!!

I bet you have fab time.

We won't be cruising next year though, we kind of decided a few months ago that we want to go back to the West Coast next year (we've been to LA, San Diego & Vegas before) but not quite planned it yet......the rough plan is fly in to San Francisco (I have always wanted to go there) & stay for 4 or 5 nights, then drive down the coastal route to Anaheim & spend a couple of nights in DisneyLand woohoo: Not been here either), then drive to San Diego for a few nights, then fly to Vegas for the last few nights & fly home from there.

Yes thanks, hun...

It was a bit of a working weekend - Richard was in the office on Friday and we had the huge matter of getting rid of the 100% knackered, oversized, unwanted sofa in our 100% cream-crackered, undersized but most definitely wanted apartment!!! Sounds simple BUT the place is on the 4th floor, the lift's tiny and we were quoted a gazillion euros by a removals firm!!! SO Richard bought several saws, a 100 enormous bin bags and proceeded to cut the condemned couch into pieces!!! It took a while but it worked!!! We did get the chance to have a couple of lovely meals out tho'...

Sounds like a pain in the you know what but these things have to be done. That is the kind of thing Lee would have done but probably with a sledge hammer rather than saw.

At least you got a few nights out.

Now that is good news - what am I saying, it's GREAT news!!!

I love HH!

 

[CustardTart]

...We won't be cruising next year though, we kind of decided a few months ago that we want to go back to the West Coast next year (we've been to LA, San Diego & Vegas before) but not quite planned it yet......the rough plan is fly in to San Francisco (I have always wanted to go there) & stay for 4 or 5 nights, then drive down the coastal route to Anaheim & spend a couple of nights in DisneyLand woohoo: Not been here either), then drive to San Diego for a few nights, then fly to Vegas for the last few nights & fly home from there...

Sounds like a fab plan, Claire!!! I love the little I've seen of the West Coast and we definitely want to see more...

IMO it's always good to mix it up a bit - there's just so much of the world to see! I find that sometimes our (OK, MY ) Disney obsession pushes other options onto the backburner so we make a concerted effort to try at least one new destination per year... This year we managed Dubai, the Eastern Caribbean and there's a chance I'll go with Richard to Dublin on business in November. Apart from that, our next one is skiing in Chamonix over the New Year - we've rented a chalet and all the children plus partners are tagging along so it should be lovely. We've never been here and we've never had a catered chalet - so all new... TBH I'm still not sure about the skiing part (I've tried and not enjoyed it in the past) BUT everyone else can ski, so I'm determined to give it another chance...

 

[sunshine1259]

Boy, I was hoping that someone would start a thread for this cruise. I was waiting until today before starting one, if one had not yet been started.

Hi, I am Brenda and I will be traveling with my DH Eric. We will actually set sail on his 51st birthday (I will be 51 at the time of sailing as well). It will also be an early 4th wedding anniversary trip for us as well (Sep 15). By the time that we sail on this trip it will be my 6th DCL cruise, but only my second 7-day cruise. I must admit, I do love those sea days. I don't know that I will be able to do another 3-day cruise.

I am the lead on another cruise thread on 10/23/2010 and that one already has over 200 people and counting . I made a dummy reservation for this trip on my trip in August. That really saved some money, both with the 1/2 off deposit and OBC, not to mention the 10 percent discount.

We currently have GTY Category 05C with early dining and would love to participate in the FE gift exchange. Had a great time the last time we participated.

We look forward to getting to know everyone.

 

[CustardTart]

...Hi, I am Brenda and I will be traveling with my DH Eric...

aboard, Brenda and Eric!!!

Boy, I was hoping that someone would start a thread for this cruise. I was waiting until today before starting one, if one had not yet been started...

Sssh don't tell anyone but I booked on September 21st and was too lazy to take the responsibility myself - so big thanks to Claire!!!

...We will actually set sail on his 51st birthday (I will be 51 at the time of sailing as well). It will also be an early 4th wedding anniversary trip for us as well (Sep 15)...

How fab - I don't know a better way to celebrate anything than a DCL cruise so it'll definitely be a trip to remember... You've got me thinking that this will be an early wedding anniversary trip for us too (September 23rd) and OMG I can't believe it but we'll be whooping it up for 29 years!!!

...By the time that we sail on this trip it will be my 6th DCL cruise, but only my second 7-day cruise. I must admit, I do love those sea days. I don't know that I will be able to do another 3-day cruise...

It's definitely an addiction - and the onboard booking discount and OBC keep us hooked!!! I love the sea days too - it's just relaxing being onboard and chilling...

...I am the lead on another cruise thread on 10/23/2010 and that one already has over 200 people and counting .

I've seen that thread, Brenda - love the title 'serenity now!!!' I believe a pal of mine, (another Brenda plus her daughter) are sailing on that one...

...We look forward to getting to know everyone.

Likewise!!!

 

[sunshine1259]

aboard, Brenda and Eric!!!

Thanks, Karen.

Sssh don't tell anyone but I booked on September 21st and was too lazy to take the responsibility myself - so big thanks to Claire!!!

Me too, except I didn't book until the 28th.

How fab - I don't know a better way to celebrate anything than a DCL cruise so it'll definitely be a trip to remember... You've got me thinking that this will be an early wedding anniversary trip for us too (September 23rd) and OMG I can't believe it but we'll be whooping it up for 29 years!!!

Wow, that puts us to shame. Well, congrats on your anniversary as well.

It's definitely an addiction - and the onboard booking discount and OBC keep us hooked!!! I love the sea days too - it's just relaxing being onboard and chilling...

I know what you mean. My DH is always looks at the Disney Visa and sees another 2 or 4 hundred dollars and wonders what's up with that. I just tell him that's just a dummy booking for our next cruise.

I've seen that thread, Brenda - love the title 'serenity now!!!' I believe a pal of mine, (another Brenda plus her daughter) are sailing on that one...

Well, that name was definitely a concerted group effort. Eric is going to come with something to put that on.

Which Brenda is your friend? I'm Sunshine Brenda, there is a Colorado Brenda from Denver and I believe we have a Strawberry Brenda from Gilroy. With me being the lead, it was decided that we give the Brendas special names to differentiate us. We may have to do that with Jennifers as well.

Likewise!!!

 

[Pinky166]

Sounds like a fab plan, Claire!!! I love the little I've seen of the West Coast and we definitely want to see more...

IMO it's always good to mix it up a bit - there's just so much of the world to see! I find that sometimes our (OK, MY ) Disney obsession pushes other options onto the backburner so we make a concerted effort to try at least one new destination per year... This year we managed Dubai, the Eastern Caribbean and there's a chance I'll go with Richard to Dublin on business in November. Apart from that, our next one is skiing in Chamonix over the New Year - we've rented a chalet and all the children plus partners are tagging along so it should be lovely. We've never been here and we've never had a catered chalet - so all new... TBH I'm still not sure about the skiing part (I've tried and not enjoyed it in the past) BUT everyone else can ski, so I'm determined to give it another chance...

Thanks hun. I know what you mean about mixing it up, we both like to travel to other places but I have become a little bit too addicted to WDW lately & it's certainly taken it's toll on poor Lee.....he's been walking around singing "Boo to you" for the past week.

Dublin is a lovely place we went there a couple of years ago. I have never fancied skiing (Lee does so I am sure we will go at some point) - well other than the apres ski. I am sure you will have a fab time with the whole family.

Boy, I was hoping that someone would start a thread for this cruise. I was waiting until today before starting one, if one had not yet been started.

Hi, I am Brenda and I will be traveling with my DH Eric. We will actually set sail on his 51st birthday (I will be 51 at the time of sailing as well). It will also be an early 4th wedding anniversary trip for us as well (Sep 15). By the time that we sail on this trip it will be my 6th DCL cruise, but only my second 7-day cruise. I must admit, I do love those sea days. I don't know that I will be able to do another 3-day cruise.

I am the lead on another cruise thread on 10/23/2010 and that one already has over 200 people and counting . I made a dummy reservation for this trip on my trip in August. That really saved some money, both with the 1/2 off deposit and OBC, not to mention the 10 percent discount.

We currently have GTY Category 05C with early dining and would love to participate in the FE gift exchange. Had a great time the last time we participated.

We look forward to getting to know everyone.

aboard Brenda & Eric.

Wow you must have a busy thread on your other cruise!

I've added you to the first post.

Sssh don't tell anyone but I booked on September 21st and was too lazy to take the responsibility myself - so big thanks to Claire!!!

I really don't mind keeping track of the list & organizing stuff.....it'll keep me out of trouble.

I should say this is the first time I have run a cruise thread so if I miss anything then feel free to let me know.

How fab - I don't know a better way to celebrate anything than a DCL cruise so it'll definitely be a trip to remember... You've got me thinking that this will be an early wedding anniversary trip for us too (September 23rd) and OMG I can't believe it but we'll be whooping it up for 29 years!!!

That made me think.....we would have just celebrated our 10th anniversary in the July!

 

[Pinky166]

Shall we start to think of a name for our group???

I suppose there is no hurry but it would be nice to get some ideas together.....I'll put my thinking cap on.

 

[sunshine1259]

Thanks hun. I know what you mean about mixing it up, we both like to travel to other places but I have become a little bit too addicted to WDW lately & it's certainly taken it's toll on poor Lee.....he's been walking around singing "Boo to you" for the past week.

Dublin is a lovely place we went there a couple of years ago. I have never fancied skiing (Lee does so I am sure we will go at some point) - well other than the apres ski. I am sure you will have a fab time with the whole family.




aboard Brenda & Eric.

Wow you must have a busy thread on your other cruise!

I've added you to the first post.




I really don't mind keeping track of the list & organizing stuff.....it'll keep me out of trouble.

I should say this is the first time I have run a cruise thread so if I miss anything then feel free to let me know.






That made me think.....we would have just celebrated our 10th anniversary in the July!

Hi, Clarie, thanks for the welcome. This is going to be so much fun. I will start trying to think of a name and get my DH in on it.

And thanks for adding us to the main cruise page. BTW, we have early dining.

 

[CustardTart]

I found this rather piratical image earlier...

I love the fish alternative to crossbones!!!

 

[Pinky166]

Thats a great image.

 

[Pinky166]

Hi, Clarie, thanks for the welcome. This is going to be so much fun. I will start trying to think of a name and get my DH in on it.

And thanks for adding us to the main cruise page. BTW, we have early dining.

No probs, I added your dining to the list too.

 

[CustardTart]

Maybe we could change the bottom banner to something more DCL-specific... "Cruise till you croak"..? Or "The Last Cruisade"..? We could be the Last Cruisaders...

Here's a quick and rather messy idea - but I think you'll get the gist...

Now I really must go and make dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pinky166]

That's good Karen.

I like The Last Cruisaders......

 

[CustardTart]

Thanks, Claire! Oh, if only I could demonstrate this kind of abstract creativity in my studies...

 

[Nutty4Disney]

Welcome Brenda and Eric.
I like the title and graphic. I already have a pirate themed FE from our Panama Canal cruise. I just realized we will be celebrating our 11th anniversary (a little late, its Aug. 5) on this cruise. We celebrated #8 on the Magic (EB Panama Canal cruise), #9 at WDW, #10 will hopefully be at AKV (club level) and #11 on the Wonder to Alaska. Let me know how I can help out. It was so nice to have an active thread on the Panama Canal cruise. I felt like I knew everyone before we sailed. We did the cabin tours and PJ breakfast too. I overslept for the breakfast, but the tour was fun. We even had a group that did a scrapbook swap. If that is something anyone is interested in I would be happy to help with that. My DH says I should be in Disney heaven with 3 trips to plan for the next 2 years.