April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[Ness2289]

2. Leaving the Bike group (sorry Ness!)

Sigh... Oh well....
..................................


You know, I may even leave Ness's Bike Riding Group...

 

[Deb T.]

Sigh... Oh well....
..................................


You know, I may even leave Ness's Bike Riding Group...

Don't give up, yet... you still have a little group going:
Ness's Bike Riding List:
Ness2289
guarn3md (maybe)
bdink921

It could still grow...

 

[bdink921]

Don't give up, yet... you still have a little group going:
Ness's Bike Riding List:
Ness2289
guarn3md (maybe)
bdink921

It could still grow...

I'm still planning on bike riding at CC -- have no idea why I want to do it so badly, I just DO . That is, unless I join the 'girls night out' and am unable to function the next day . Hey, I'm a lightweight...

I can do the large group Deb, or both groups up to 40.

 

[Deb T.]

I'm still planning on bike riding at CC -- have no idea why I want to do it so badly, I just DO . That is, unless I join the 'girls night out' and am unable to function the next day . Hey, I'm a lightweight...

I can do the large group Deb, or both groups up to 40.

Hooray! Ness still has a bike riding buddy!

Gotcha in the larger groups! Thanks!

 

[momtoleasawav]

I'm in for both groups. I will be at the meet and greet and the 11pm club tour sounds like fun , since I am thinking I am never going to see my kids on this ship then I 'm in for that one too.
I have been reading the boards, there is a thread of the top ten things to pack for the cruise. It is all very overwhelming figuring out what I need and don't need. Luckily(well kind of unluckily too) we are driving so space won't be a problem. I could not find cheap airfare anywhere! By the time we get out of the car we are all going to be glad the ship is so huge, none of us may want to see eachother!

 

[disneycruisegal]

Hey Deb, put us in for the big group. I think it's a great way to see many different parts of the ship while spreading a little fun around.

 

[golfnsuch]

Confirm me for both groups. I've already started personalizing and bagging and tagging by stateroom, so I'm good to go.

I'm a maybe for the Club crawl- depends on the night and DH.

E.

 

[castlegazer]

Small FE Group limited to 15 Participants:
goofy4tink
hbg4
pershing - thinking about it?
castlegazer - would you consider joining the small group??

OK, I am in! We have fish extenders anyways, and the kids like doing this!

 

[guarn3md]

Hello
I am good with being in the large group - up to 40 staterooms and my other half of the stateroom (Mom, Dad, Asia) are the same as me.
I don't know what to do about dining. I was with my parents yesterday and was talking to my Dad about dinner. I mentioned the Palo reservation for 8:30pm and asked if we still wanted to keep it. He said he didn't really like eating that late. So I told him, well that is our normal dining time every night - 8:30pm. He looks at me with this look of "What?". I told him when we booked (a year ago April) the early dining option was gone, we are waitlisted for early but our assignment is 8:30. He wasn't too happy about eating so late. What should I do? Should I call DCL and ask about switching now, even though I don't think that will work, right? Should I ask onboard and what are the chances? I think I will cancel the Palo reservation though... Any help/advice...
Thanks!
Debbie

 

[jilljill]

Debbie, just keep checking on your waitlist for early dining. It could come thru at the last minute. You can always wait until you are onboard and check where dining changes are made to see if you can be moved if your waitlist hasn't come thru yet. The same with Palo, just check onboard to see about moving the time since not all ressies are released for online booking.

 

[WPoohgirl]

Hello
I am good with being in the large group - up to 40 staterooms and my other half of the stateroom (Mom, Dad, Asia) are the same as me.
I don't know what to do about dining. I was with my parents yesterday and was talking to my Dad about dinner. I mentioned the Palo reservation for 8:30pm and asked if we still wanted to keep it. He said he didn't really like eating that late. So I told him, well that is our normal dining time every night - 8:30pm. He looks at me with this look of "What?". I told him when we booked (a year ago April) the early dining option was gone, we are waitlisted for early but our assignment is 8:30. He wasn't too happy about eating so late. What should I do? Should I call DCL and ask about switching now, even though I don't think that will work, right? Should I ask onboard and what are the chances? I think I will cancel the Palo reservation though... Any help/advice...
Thanks!
Debbie

Hi Debbie, I just wanted to comment on your late dinner assignment. On the first cruise I was bummed because we had a late assignment but it turned out to be way better. The first seating has most of the young children on board which is fine, but the later seating is definitely older kids, it seemed to me. Also we would go to the pool and get some chicken nuggets/fries or a wrap/ice cream around 5:30 and hang at the pool since a lot of people were gone and it was delightful. Then we could leisurely dress for dinner. It worked out fine for us and we were never rushed. There is also a show in there. You can get some food for snacks 24-7 The wait staff also seemed a little more relaxed to me but I could be imagining that. It may not be right for your family, but I just wanted to let you know our experience which may help you decide one way or another. wendy

 

[Deb T.]

Did everyone see this new thread on the main boards? Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2664127


As reported on mouse planet:

Riders must be 42" tall to ride with someone else. This is a 6" drop from the previous requirement, which means lots more kids will be allowed to ride.

However, to ride alone you must now be 54" tall. This is a 6" increase from the previous requirement, and we've been told this has more to do with weight than height. The raft needs a certain amount of weight on it to get up the two hills, and an under-weight raft is more likely to get stuck, forcing the ride to be shut down while they evacuate the stuck rafter.

If a rider is under 7 years old, they must ride with someone 14 years of age or older.

 

[Deb T.]

I'm in for both groups. I will be at the meet and greet and the 11pm club tour sounds like fun , since I am thinking I am never going to see my kids on this ship then I 'm in for that one too.

Hey Deb, put us in for the big group. I think it's a great way to see many different parts of the ship while spreading a little fun around.

Confirm me for both groups. I've already started personalizing and bagging and tagging by stateroom, so I'm good to go.

I'm a maybe for the Club crawl- depends on the night and DH.

E.

OK, I am in! We have fish extenders anyways, and the kids like doing this!

Hello
I am good with being in the large group - up to 40 staterooms and my other half of the stateroom (Mom, Dad, Asia) are the same as me.

I've added you all to the appropriate lists.

Castlegazer - I'm glad you decided to join in on the fun!

 

[rdevine10]

Keeping my fingers crossed that my 5 year old grows 1/2 inch (at least a 1/3 of an inch) before the cruise! I need to up her veggie intake as there are no "cheater" shoes for a waterride!

 

[Deb T.]

I have been reading the boards, there is a thread of the top ten things to pack for the cruise. It is all very overwhelming figuring out what I need and don't need. Luckily(well kind of unluckily too) we are driving so space won't be a problem. I could not find cheap airfare anywhere! By the time we get out of the car we are all going to be glad the ship is so huge, none of us may want to see eachother!

Maybe I can help here...

First, remember that this is a relatively short cruise, so you will be busy and out of your cabin most of the day. I've read time and time again that the best way to pack for a cruise is to lay out all the clothing you think you'll wear, then put half of it away and only pack the other half! And you know, after ten Disney cruises, I'd have to agree!

Onboard, you will find:
All the food you can eat, 24-hours a day
All the sodas, filtered water, coffee, and tea you can drink, 24-hours a day
Guest Services can provide lots of little odds and ends
The gift shop is well stocked with a little bit of everything
Nassau has shops, too, where you could buy something you need

Now, you all know me pretty well by now... and it's no secret that I'm a tad on the compulsive side AND I am always making lists. Family and friends call me the ultimate boy scout because I am ALWAYS well prepared for anything. And, I am all about comfort.

With that said, I admit that in the beginning, I would bring everything but our kitchen sink on our cruises. Oh yes. And I'd take about two hours to carefully unpack and lovingly arrange all the wonderful comfort items I'd brought onboard for my family. Then, 3 days later, I would be cooped up in our cabin trying to cram all those unused, never-touched items back into our suitcases while the rest of my family was out enjoying activities on the ship. I didn't even[ I]know[/I] there was a "See Ya Real Soon" goodbye show in the atrium until our 5th cruise!!!!

All you really need to bring is:
A credit card
Passports
Camera
Wrist watches
Bathing suits
Sunscreen
Active clothing for when you're not in your bathing suit
Casual outfits for dinner
Casual shoes
Underclothes
Medicines
FE and FE surprises

All of those extra items that you've probably read about are just extras/luxuries. Helpful? Sure, sometimes. But for a 4-night cruise, you really don't need:
An over-the-door shoe holder - the Dream has plenty of storage space
A power strip - cell phones will be turned off during the cruise
Snacks - there is plenty of food available onboard
Bottled Water - filtered water is available at the drink station
Refillable mugs, plastic cups - paper cups are readily available
Shampoo/Conditioner - H2O Products are already in your cabin
Laptop - you can borrow one from Guest Services
Duct tape, masking tape, velcro - Guest Services would be able to supply small emergency items
Sea Sickness meds - available from Guest Services and the Health Center onboard
Whiteboard - you can get extra stationery from Guest Services for notes
Hairdryer - the one provided isn't the best, but it beats dragging your own onboard
Laundry Hamper - just throw the clothes in the bottom of the closet
Alarm clock - the Dream has them (Wonder and Magic don't)
One Dollar Bills - Guest Services can make change
Lysol - Stateroom Hosts keep cabins clean. You can always ask for a touch up, if needed
Small Fan - does anyone really need to drown out possible sounds??
Air freshener - if there is a bathroom odor, the stateroom host will take care of it
Clothespins - just hang your clothes over the clothesline
Games/Activities - believe me, there is plenty to do onboard

So, my advice is to scale back. Pack light. And spend your time enjoying your vacation on the ship.

 

[momtoleasawav]

Thanks Deb for the advice, I think I just crossed most everything off my list. I guess it might be different if it was a 7 day cruise but you are right, I hardly see us spending anytime in our room and the thing I am looking for to most is not having to lug my cell phone around (PLEASE PLEASE tell me I won't have service!!) If I do I will have to carry it for my husband's business and I really don't want too!

 

[Deb T.]

Thanks Deb for the advice, I think I just crossed most everything off my list. I guess it might be different if it was a 7 day cruise but you are right, I hardly see us spending anytime in our room and the thing I am looking for to most is not having to lug my cell phone around (PLEASE PLEASE tell me I won't have service!!) If I do I will have to carry it for my husband's business and I really don't want too!

You might get service, but it would be on a very expensive International roam rate. I sure hope you don't have to do work while on the cruise.

Glad I could help with your packlist. If you have any questions about specific items, just shoot them my way and I'll let you know if you have alternatives onboard. I have gotten very creative with what's available on the ship!

Is anyone curious about what Deb T. might get "creative" with onboard?? Well, here are a couple of my favorite creative concoctions!

Banana Split:
-1 drink cup from the 24-hour drink station (way larger than the ice cream cups!)
-1 banana swiped at breakfast or hopefully from Fillmore's Favorites
-Plastic knife to cut banana and a spoon from Fillmore's Favorites
-Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream from Eye Scream Treats
-Chocolate syrup from Eye Scream (and caramel if they have it on the Dream)
-Whipped Cream and a Cherry from the nearest bar
(Sometimes, the breakfast buffet has mini-marshmallows that I will put into a paper cup and add to my sundae later! YUM!)

"Real" Sweet Tea:
-Brew a tea bag available at the 24-hour drink station for 5 minutes in a styrofoam coffee cup half full of hot water also available there
-Stir in sugar to taste (for me - a LOT of sugar!!!)
-Pour it into a drink cup full of ice
-Pour into another drink cup full of ice
-Add lemon slices from the nearest bar

DH and DS make Coke Floats, too!

In my defense, we didn't start being "creative" until we were on the longer cruises. But, you might just catch me in the middle of a banana split mission during this cruise, too!

 

[momtoleasawav]

Oh Thank Goodness for the International Roam Rate!!! I wouldnt actually have to work just make sure I always have the phone with me in case his business needs to get in touch- it is just they call alot when we are away and I am looking forward to a phone free few days!
The banana split sounds awesome! I am sure I will have a few questions for you!
Thanks Christine

 

[Deb T.]

Oh Thank Goodness for the International Roam Rate!!! I wouldnt actually have to work just make sure I always have the phone with me in case his business needs to get in touch- it is just they call alot when we are away and I am looking forward to a phone free few days!
The banana split sounds awesome! I am sure I will have a few questions for you!
Thanks Christine

Just stuff that 'ole cell phone in the room safe and enjoy!

 

[Deb T.]

Small FE Group limited to 15 Participants:
castlegazer & DH, DS9, DD6 (new!)
Mom_3_mouseketeers & DH, DS11, DD9, DS7 (new!)
hbg4, DM, DD14
pershing - thinking about it? (not confirmed)

Large FE Group:
Deb T. & DH
Ness2289 & DD12
jeni37 & DH, DS14, DS10, DD6
lindafish & DH
caronjn & DW, DS11, DD7
pkmingo & DH
FinsFans & DW, DS2
Jamaican Jammers & DW, DD5mo
ydrj & DH, DS16, DD14
Tigger1313 & DGD17 – up to 48
guarn3md, DS9 - up to 40
DW & DH, DD7 – up to 40
alenushka & DH, DD10
svcutler & DH, DD15, DD11
bdink921& DH, DS12 – up to 40
momtoleasawav & DH, DD15, DS13, DD9
disneycruisegal & DH
golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
goofy4tink & DH, DD17
WPoohgirl & DH, DD14, DS12 – up to 40
Donnaksmj & DH, DS9
Z’sDisneyMom, DD12
princessdaisy & DH, DD18, DS8

Both groups:
goofy4tink & DH, DD17
alenushka & DH, DD10
Deb T. & DH
Ness2289 & DD12
jeni37 & DH, DS14, DS10, DD6
lindafish & DH
caronjn & DW, DS11, DD7
pkmingo & DH
FinsFans & DW, DS2
Jamaican Jammers & DW, DD5mo
bdink921& DH, DS12 –up to 40
momtoleasawav & DH, DD15, DS13, DD9
golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
Donnaksmj & DH, DS9
Z’sDisneyMom, DD12
princessdaisy & DH, DD18, DS8

Not Confirmed yet:
allaboutdisney1967 & DH, DD13
Karen from VA & DBF, DD6
Downrivermama & DD12
kim5678 & DH, DD13
pershing & DS16, DS14, DS13
MissMousey & DH, DD14, DS11
mommybean & DH, DD14
riggins & DH, DD9, DD8
sianrob & DH, DD10

For anyone still unconfirmed, I need to know which group you want to be in ASAP so I can finalize the reorganization. My goal is that everyone is happy with the group they're in so everyone fully enjoys the FE Exchange once onboard.

Your choices are:
- Small Group - up to 15 participants
- Large Group - unlimited number of participants
- Both groups - as if we'd never split the original group

Thanks!