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

[guarn3md]

Cute video!

We just FINALLY took the kids for their passport cards today, we were going to chance it with the birth certificates, but decided we would just get them so we can go back to Canada. We only live an hour for the border, we used to go a few times a year, but haven't since they changed the requirements.

Also paid final payment and got insurance through another company for quite a deal less. Now just waiting so I can book shore excursions. Is it true that we can't book until 75 days out for first time disney cruisers? Is it the same day for online check in?

Yep that's true. Kind of stinks...when we were first time cruisers last year I couldn't book Palo brunch or get a decent time for Palo dinner. Turned out not to matter (brunch) we ended up not having the "at sea" day and got an extra day at Castaway Cay. The Aquaduck broke on our 1st Castaway Cay day and they made an announcement that night that we were going to sail out into open water for the pirate party and fireworks and then come back to Castaway Cay for a 2nd day because they didn't know if they would get the Aquaduck working again for our cruise. So since we were back at Castaway Cay the brunch was cancelled, needed CM's to cover at Castaway. Bonus - got Aquaduck up and running too.
Our cruise is paid in full and we can book excursions as of midnight tonight and do online check in. Going to try to book Palo brunch and hopefully a cabana on Castaway Cay. Not holding out much hope that I will get it.
Debbie

 

[VA_mouseman]

We're paid in full now and free and clear to book some items tomorrow.

We want to make a Palo reservation for the adults in our extended group (seven), and even though the others in the group are first time DCL cruisers, we can book us all together since we're DCL veterans and are eligible to book tomorrow.

Just not completely sure which night to book, since we don't know our dining rotation; I don't want us to miss our night at Animators Palette.

 

[ccbride412]

Debbie- There's 2 cabanas left (#19 and 20) as of 9:15pm. I hope you can get one. Looks like all the concierge and platinum members got the rest. I looked into getting one just now since I can book and hadn't heard of them, but we won't be able to use it the whole day because of the wedding. I hope you get one! They look really awesome!

 

[guarn3md]

Debbie- There's 2 cabanas left (#19 and 20) as of 9:15pm. I hope you can get one. Looks like all the concierge and platinum members got the rest. I looked into getting one just now since I can book and hadn't heard of them, but we won't be able to use it the whole day because of the wedding. I hope you get one! They look really awesome!

OH!!! That stinks...I won't be able to book. I think #19 and 20 are on Serenity Bay and we have kids in our group. That kind of makes me a little mad...
But thanks for the info!!

 

[Brookie1972]

Those are in the adult only section, bummer! I was wishing.....Oh well, time to look at other stuff.

Anyone do the stingray thing at Castaway? I am thinking of just getting the package with snorkel, bikes, tubes, and wondering if I want to add the stingray to it also. I kind of like not being locked into any times, etc. Our kids are 5, 5, and 9.

Trying to figure it all out before winter vacation is over and back to work on Tuesday:-(

 

[guarn3md]

Those are in the adult only section, bummer! I was wishing.....Oh well, time to look at other stuff.

Anyone do the stingray thing at Castaway? I am thinking of just getting the package with snorkel, bikes, tubes, and wondering if I want to add the stingray to it also. I kind of like not being locked into any times, etc. Our kids are 5, 5, and 9.

Trying to figure it all out before winter vacation is over and back to work on Tuesday:-(

Hey Brooke - we did the stingray adventure at Castaway last April. It was cool. Forgot to mention that in my PM about the dolphin encounter...

 

[VA_mouseman]

We booked parasailing at Castaway Cay for the four of us; we've booked this before on our past two cruises but each time it was canceled due to "high winds." We'll see if we get lucky this trip.

Looking over our Palo and spa options next.

 

[WhoDat]

I did it! I got the activities I wanted. We're doing Palo dinner & brunch and parasailing on CC. Also got an early boarding time. I sure hope the weather agrees with us this time. When we cruised two years ago the seas were too choppy to dock at CC so we never got to go there. Also, I booked pretty last minute and didn't know about Palo.

Now that I've gotten over the hurdle of online booking I guess it's time to start seriously thinking about the FE. I think I know what I want to make but I'm pretty much the worst crafting person on the face of the earth. If I'm able to get these things together those of you on the FE list will know that you are truly special. I don't think I've ever made anything that I could give to anyone (other than a meal - I can cook circles around almost anyone ). I'm headed to Hobby Lobby and Michael's today to scout out materials. Keep me in your thoughts - I usually become very anxious when I go in those places. The OC in me wants to organize the whole place! By the way, it's only OC - there's no D if it's not a problem.

 

[Brookie1972]

Hope the weather cooperates for the parasailing. I am WAY too chicken to do that, dh mentioned it looked fun.

What month was it when it was too rough to dock at CC, is this common. I remember missing private island at Salt Cay or Cocoa Cay and staying on the ship, I don't remember which month it was probably Feb or Dec, that is when we usually cruised.

What check in time did you get, do they base this at all on your flight time or just whatever time you request. We are coming in a few days early and was *hoping* to get an early check in.

 

[loschavez2k]

We got our excursions including parasailing at CC. I signed all four of us up (me, husband, 10 yr. old son, 8 yr. old daughter) for parasailing just to make sure we had reservation but it is doubtful I will be brave enough. When we were there in Nov. it was too windy and parasailing got cancelled for husband and son. We wanted Palo brunch but could not get it. Even at midnight last night.

 

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone! I've been trying to keep up on posts lately and just had to jump in here on the parasailing conversation. We did it last April with our adult DS, DD and DSIL. I was sure I'd chicken out at the last minute, but the lure of seeing the Dream from high above won over my fear of heights. It's amazing how quiet it is when you're floating so far above.

We signed up for tandem parasailing, so we went up in pairs of two. We were a family of 5 and there was another family of 5. Instead of sending two strangers up together, the two men running our excursion offered to give an extra turn to one person in each group in order to go up with their "odd-man-out" family member, which was really nice!

For those of you who don't really want to go up in the parasail, maybe you can go ahead along for the excursion and then give up your turn so that one of your family members can have an extra turn.

 

[guarn3md]

Hello all!
I went online midnight of 1/2 and booked parasailing and Palo Brunch and tea. I booked the parasailing for DH and DS (10) and my Dad and Sis (8). My mom and I are opting out! I booked the brunch and tea for me and my Mom. I am going to cancel the tea. The brunch is from 10am - noon and the tea is from 3pm -4pm. We have main seating for dinner so I think the brunch, tea and then dinner will be way too much food. Plus I have read some reviews and the tea seems to the one that people say they wouldn't do again.
Wasn't able to reserve a cabana on CC. A little upset about that. Wish there was a way to put my name on a waitlist now, in case people decide to cancel before the cruise. There were two cabanas left when I went online but they were on the adult beach and that won't work for us.
Did our online check in too...I debated the arrival time between arriving early and arriving later. We are staying at a hotel near MCO on Saturday night and we have a car service bringing us to the port the next day. I remember last April that we had the first arrival time, our boarding group was 17! So getting there early didn't help us. We ended having to sit in the crowded terminal for a while. So now I am going the other way. I chose 1pm as our arrival time. Thought I would have the car pick us up at 12pm and then by the time we got onboard we could get into our room. All arrival times were available when I was online. DH doesn't like my plan. He thinks we should get there at 12:30 - have the car get us at 11:30. What do you all think? I having been trying to remember how long everything took before and I can't remember!!
Back to work today after an 11 day Winter break. Now looking forward to Spring Break. Cruise is getting closer and closer...
Debbie

 

[ddeal1957]

Is there an updated FE list? Trying to talk DH into us joining the FE list.

Can't wait - less than 90 days till another Dream cruise!!!!!

 

[SSinWYO]

OY! You guys are busy. I feel like I've forgotten something....such as booking like you all! At least I ordered my FE~ LOL

I liked the idea of not overbooking while in Nassau, giving us the chance to enjoy an almost empty cruise ship. But we might do the pirate tour. Just not sure.

Getting really excited for April to get here!

 

[DISNEYGAMMIE]

Well we got out our 2 guarantee cabins assigned, on 2 different decks! My Son's cabin is located directly under mine so I guess we can bang on the ceiling or floor to get each others attention

Our reservations have been linked since day one of the booking, it's strange Disney would drop the ball on this.

My TA was told they are out of cabins but, she will keep checking.

Here's hoping for some pixie dust

 

[guarn3md]

Update Roll Call as of 1/4/12

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 & Showready - DW, DH
16) CLC053103 - w/ DM, DS (6) ****Traveling with [Deck 9]
Sister, DS (9), DS (13)
17) DebT - Deb, DH
18) TAKitty - Tracie & Dfriend (Becky)
19) mshoo1 - DH, DW, DD (6)
20) SSinWYO - Shelli, DD (12)
21) ccbride412 - Meaghan, DF (DH during cruise)
22) Mom Minnie - DW, DH, DD (14), DD (10)
23) ddeal1957 - DW & DH
24) Chavez Family - DW, DH, DS (10), DD(8), MIL and FIL
25) Happy N Doc - Deck 10 - Tom & Barb Traveling with...
26) Happy N Doc - Deck 10 - Doug, Lizzie, Thomas (5), Mary (2)
27) Skinnineminnie123 – Kim, DH, DS (12), DD (8) (I saw your post, but didn't have you on roll call)

Let me know of any additions or mistakes...

 

[guarn3md]

Updated FE as of 1/4/12

Interested in participating in a Fish Extender
1) RRL38
2) RemoCat (Erin)
3) WhoDat (Nancy)
4) Guarn3md (Debbie)
5) Tinkerbellfriend
6) Mom Minnie
7) SSinWYO (Shelli)
8) Chavez Family (loschavez2k)
9) Happy N Doc Room #1 – 10516
Room #2 - 10518
10) MASRules -
11) Brookie1972
12) Skinnieminnie123
13) Deb T. - Deb & DH
14) ddeal1957

This is what I have right now...anyone else let me know...

 

[guarn3md]

ATTENTION ALL FE PARTICIPANTS...

I think it is time to get more seriously organized. The holidays are over and our cruise is quickly approaching. So...

1) We need an end date for FE sign ups - how about a month before the cruise 3/1/12? If you want to participate in the FE you need to let me know by 3/1, ok?!

2) If your name is on the list and you are still interested please PM me more detailed information about your traveling group. I will only pass this information on via PM or email to the other participants.
I need to know a) real names of everyone in the group b) ages of kids in the group c) stateroom number (if you have it) d) email address, if you are willing to share.

3) If your name is on the list and you are NOT interested anymore let me know so that I can remove your name.

OK, that's it for now!
Debbie

 

[Deb T.]

ATTENTION ALL FE PARTICIPANTS...

I think it is time to get more seriously organized. The holidays are over and our cruise is quickly approaching. So...

1) We need an end date for FE sign ups - how about a month before the cruise 3/1/12? If you want to participate in the FE you need to let me know by 3/1, ok?!

2) If your name is on the list and you are still interested please PM me more detailed information about your traveling group. I will only pass this information on via PM or email to the other participants.
I need to know a) real names of everyone in the group b) ages of kids in the group c) stateroom number (if you have it) d) email address, if you are willing to share.

3) If your name is on the list and you are NOT interested anymore let me know so that I can remove your name.

OK, that's it for now!
Debbie

Debbie, thanks so much for setting this up! You are doing a fabulous job! Please add us to the FE Exchange (Deb T. and DH). I'll send you a pm with our info.

Getting excited about the cruise! Can't wait to be back on the Dream!

 

[guarn3md]

Debbie, thanks so much for setting this up! You are doing a fabulous job! Please add us to the FE Exchange (Deb T. and DH). I'll send you a pm with our info.

Getting excited about the cruise! Can't wait to be back on the Dream!

Got you on the list!