>> April 1, 2012 - Disney Dream Spring Break Frenzy! <<

[guarn3md]

Here is the updated Role Call... If I made any mistakes, omitted or added someone, please let me know - it wasn't intentional. If I couldn't find who you were travelling with let me know and I will add your information. Does anyone think we should add deck number? Or is that too much information???

ROLL CALL
Disney Dream Spring Break Cruise
April 1, 2011

1) Poeticmoe - Monie (me) and DS (11)
2) Donna3271 - Donna (?), DS (10), DD (6), DD (6)
3) VA mouseman - Jamie, Suzanne, DS (13), DS (10) ***Traveling with but not on DISboards
DIL & DSIL, DS (5), DS (5)
4) WhoDat - Nancy, DH, DS (13) [Deck 7]
5) MASrules - DH, DW, DS (8), DS (6)
6) RRL38 - DW, DH, DS(14)
7) mantaz - Angela, DH, DD(7)
8) drthies - DW, DH, DS (12), DD (9)
9) Guarn3md - Debbie, John, Connor (10) ***Traveling with but not on DISboards [Deck 10]
Judy, Harry (Parents) and Asia (8) (Sister) [Deck 10]
10) tinkerbellfriend - Jen, DH, DS (14), DS (10), DD (8) [Deck 8]
11) Brookie1972 - Brooke (?), DH, DS (9), DS (5), DD (5)
12) sdzimm - DW, DD (14), DS (16)
13) tinklover - DW, DH, DD (13), DS (10), DS (9)
14) Remocat - Erin, DH, DD (10), DS (6) *** Traveling with but not on DISboards
DGM, DGF
15) Disneynerds2012 - DW, DH
16) CLC053103 - w/ DM, DS (6) ****Traveling with [Deck 9]
Sister, DS (9), DS (13)
17) DebT - Deb, DH
18) Showready - DH, DW
19) TAKitty - Tracie & Dfriend (Becky)
20) mshoo1 - DH, DW, DD (6)
21) sshWYO - Shelli, DD (12)
22) ccbride412 - Meaghan, DF (DH during cruise)

 

[RemoCat]

Thanks for the roll call! For us (Remocat) is is myself (Erin), DH, DD (10), DS (6). Thanks!!

Erin

 

[RemoCat]

Forgot to add we are also traveling with Grandma and Grandpa, though they're not on the boards. Thanks again!

 

[guarn3md]

Thanks for the roll call! For us (Remocat) is is myself (Erin), DH, DD (10), DS (6). Thanks!!

Erin

Fixed it...Thank you!!

Debbie

 

[guarn3md]

Forgot to add we are also traveling with Grandma and Grandpa, though they're not on the boards. Thanks again!

And updated too!!

On a positive note - we are moving this thread along!!

 

[tinkerbellfriend]

Here is the updated Role Call... If I made any mistakes, omitted or added someone, please let me know - it wasn't intentional. If I couldn't find who you were travelling with let me know and I will add your information. Does anyone think we should add deck number? Or is that too much information???

I am fine with giving my deck number. I think it would be fun to see if any of us are on the same floor. I will wait to give my deck number to see if you all feel the same way.

 

[WhoDat]

Does anyone think we should add deck number? Or is that too much information???
(12)

We're on deck 7. I guess if we do a FE group we'll need to know.

 

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone! I'm still lurking on this thread since we're booked on this cruise but we aren't sure we'll end up being able to keep this reservation due to my job situation. (My full-time position was eliminated last June and I was only able to find something one day a week which has greatly impacted our vacation funds. If I don't pick up more days in the next couple of months, we'll need to look for a cheaper off-season cruise to save money.) Otherwise, I would have gladly volunteered to organize the FE Exchange. I've organized at least eight exchanges and would be happy to offer advice to anyone who'd like to do it this time. For example, to maintain privacy I always gathered personal information through pm's (names of everyone in the cabin, ages of the children, allergy issues, and cabin number) and only gave that information out to other participants. On the main thread, I would just list the DIS name along with appropriate acronyms and ages (ie. Deb T. & DH, DD10, DS6). Also, you'll want to decide on a cut-off date for joining the exchange (3-4 weeks prior to sailing works out well). Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

 

[tinkerbellfriend]

Hi Everyone! I'm still lurking on this thread since we're booked on this cruise but we aren't sure we'll end up being able to keep this reservation due to my job situation. (My full-time position was eliminated last June and I was only able to find something one day a week which has greatly impacted our vacation funds. If I don't pick up more days in the next couple of months, we'll need to look for a cheaper off-season cruise to save money.) Otherwise, I would have gladly volunteered to organize the FE Exchange. I've organized at least eight exchanges and would be happy to offer advice to anyone who'd like to do it this time. For example, to maintain privacy I always gathered personal information through pm's (names of everyone in the cabin, ages of the children, allergy issues, and cabin number) and only gave that information out to other participants. On the main thread, I would just list the DIS name along with appropriate acronyms and ages (ie. Deb T. & DH, DD10, DS6). Also, you'll want to decide on a cut-off date for joining the exchange (3-4 weeks prior to sailing works out well). Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

I sure hope it works out that you can still come on this cruise. I am so sorry about your situation. What exactly is the FE Exchange? I am interested in learning more about this.

We are on deck 8.

 

[Deb T.]

I sure hope it works out that you can still come on this cruise. I am so sorry about your situation. What exactly is the FE Exchange? I am interested in learning more about this.

We are on deck 8.

For all of you "first timers", here's my best explanation of a "Fish Extender Gift Exchange":

Beside every cabin door is a large metal silver fish (or starfish or seahorse) with an indentation in the back for cruise personnel to leave information, invitations, etc. Teenagers receive invitations to Teen Club activities and we've also received "rebooking onboard" price quotes tucked in our fish.

DISboarders have taken the silver fish (starfish, seahorse) one step further... by creating hanging pockets (much like cloth letter holders) to hang from the fish (or starfish, or seahorse) - thus the name, "Fish Extender". The Fish Extenders (FEs) can be made of practically anything (cloth, plastic, paper gift bags, etc.), as long as they have at least one pocket that can hold surprises. My FE had always been just a plain canvas bag on which I'd added a tropical scene, the names of the Disney ships, and our names. But recently, a very sweet DISer surprised me with a beautiful "real" FE!

On each "Cruise Meets" thread (such as this 4-1-12 one) someone usually organizes a little gift exchange during the cruise. People sign up by giving their cabin number, names of everyone in their cabin, and ages of the kids so that everyone will know how many goodies to bring and where to deliver them. Some people give one gift per family, some people give a little gift to each person. It's totally up to the giver to decide what to give and when to give it during the cruise.

There are several threads on the main cruise boards that discuss ideas for FE gifts. Some gifts are from Dollar Stores, some are handmade, and some are bought in bulk from websites that sell trinkets like the Oriental Trading Company. Often, they are stickers, candy, glow sticks, lanyards, etc., with themes such as pirates, beach, cruise, tropical, hometown, holiday, etc. The main idea is just to have fun finding little goodies in your FE throughout the cruise. Kids LOVE running back to their cabin to see if anything's been left in their FE. As an adult, I have to admit that I love it, too!!!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Also, this thread has tons of info and ideas about FE Gift Exchanges: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

I speak from personal experience that it really is a LOT of fun to participate!

 

[guarn3md]

Deb - I am still hoping that you are able to join us for this cruise. But most importantly my thoughts are with you that your job situation improves!
I can attest to the fact that Deb is a pro at organizing a FE!!! She did an amazing job organizing our rather large FE from the Spring Break Cruise 2011. She also organized all the meets and kept a rather long list of various lists that formed while we got to know each other... The lists ranged from --- My husband just doesn't get it (Disney obsession) to Bike riding together at Castaway Cay (we all dropped out though by the time the cruise came around). I am still undecided if I want to do a FE this time around. I am traveling with my DH this time and he really doesn't get it!! Plus we are flying. If I can come up with a small idea, one that I am able to put in a carry on I really want to join. Connor (my son) wants to do it again - he enjoyed coming back to the cabin and retrieving the little gifts. He also liked hunting for the various rooms all over the ship. I think I learned from Deb how to organize a FE - so if she is unable to organize and someone else doesn't want the job...I will volunteer.
Our stateroom is on deck 10 - we are adjoining with my parents & sister. We actually have the same exact stateroom from our last cruise.
Debbie

 

[Deb T.]

Deb - I am still hoping that you are able to join us for this cruise. But most importantly my thoughts are with you that your job situation improves!
I can attest to the fact that Deb is a pro at organizing a FE!!! She did an amazing job organizing our rather large FE from the Spring Break Cruise 2011. She also organized all the meets and kept a rather long list of various lists that formed while we got to know each other... The lists ranged from --- My husband just doesn't get it (Disney obsession) to Bike riding together at Castaway Cay (we all dropped out though by the time the cruise came around). I am still undecided if I want to do a FE this time around. I am traveling with my DH this time and he really doesn't get it!! Plus we are flying. If I can come up with a small idea, one that I am able to put in a carry on I really want to join. Connor (my son) wants to do it again - he enjoyed coming back to the cabin and retrieving the little gifts. He also liked hunting for the various rooms all over the ship. I think I learned from Deb how to organize a FE - so if she is unable to organize and someone else doesn't want the job...I will volunteer.
Our stateroom is on deck 10 - we are adjoining with my parents & sister. We actually have the same exact stateroom from our last cruise.
Debbie

Awww, thanks for all the kind words. We sure did have a lot of fun planning and preparing for that spring break cruise, didn't we!

I hope you come up with a FE idea so you can participate.

 

[RemoCat]

I definitely want to participate in the FE group. Please make sure to include us on that list. Having only been on a cast member preview cruise and never doing a FE group, I probably shouldn't volunteer to lead it, though. I'm still a rookie. Our kids would certainly love that. Heck, they'll just be in shock the whole cruise from the surprise of being on the ship at all.

Erin

 

[SSinWYO]

Thanks for the Roll Call! For #21-SSinWYO- my name is Shelli if you need it. So excited!

 

[SSinWYO]

Oh this looks like fun! I went to ebay to see what they are - so cute! Count us in if you all do this FE~

 

[guarn3md]

Thanks for the Roll Call! For #21-SSinWYO- my name is Shelli if you need it. So excited!

Updated! Thanks!!

 

[guarn3md]

So I was thinking we need a new list...

Interested in participating in a Fish Extender

1) RRL38
2) RemoCat (Erin)
3) WhoDat (Nancy)
4) Guarn3md (Debbie)
5) Tinkerbellfriend
6) Mom Minnie

Anyone else interested...let me know!!

Deb T - just wanted to get a list going...if you are able to sail I will give over the leadership to you!!

 

[SSinWYO]

We would like to participate in the FE. SSinWYO (Shelli). Thank you!

 

[Deb T.]

So I was thinking we need a new list...

Interested in participating in a Fish Extender

1) RRL38
2) RemoCat (Erin)
3) WhoDat (Nancy)
4) Guarn3md (Debbie)

Anyone else interested...let me know!!

Deb T - just wanted to get a list going...if you are able to sail I will give over the leadership to you!!

You go, girl! You're doing great!

 

[guarn3md]

Checking back in...so excited!
Just booked our after cruise WDW hotel! We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge from April 5 - 9. I had to book a package with a 1 day base ticket in order to add the Quick Service Dining. I am not holding out for AP rates for this time period but since AP rates don't go through those dates yet I have to book a regular package then later drop the 1 day ticket.
We leave in 59 days for our Thanksgiving WDW trip and DS (Connor) was really upset when I changed the hotel from WL to Poly. We were originally booked to stay CL at WL but when AP rate were released there were no discounts left for WL in the CL area. So we switched to Poly and not CL there either. They only had GV left. So not only was my spoiled rotten kid upset about the resort change he was was also upset not to stay CL. OH well...was my answer. AP rates were 40% off for almost all of our nights - except for three. We told Connor we would try to stay CL at Easter since it was only for four nights. My total for a 7 nights at Poly with AP rate and full dining plan is the same as my four nights at WL CL for 4 nights with Quick service dining plan at Easter. Yuck! Hope they release some kind of discount, but I know that is not likely.
Spring Break is getting closer...somewhat! Ohhh...and the dining reservation 180 days is coming...mine is Oct 8th.
Debbie