April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[Mom2BCCC]

Apparently I'm not as spoiled as other people! We're looking at a value studio this year.

That did sound bad! Believe me I consider myself very lucky. We've been able to take some great vacations just in 3 years of ownership. My comment was generated by the fact that my parents will be coming with us and it will be their first visit to WDW. I was hoping to "wow" them with a SV. I would go for the value 2BR but we are a party of 8 and I want the sleeper chair - I need to separate my kids as much as possible to avoid brotherly conflict.

Although I discovered yesterday that renting points has changed with that David guys new internet store. He charges 13 a point which is good for the owners, I'm sure, but honestly I never paid more than 10. And now, I noticed the only renters listing on the DVC/TRADE thread are those owners whose points are ending soon or just want to trade. Paying 13 will already kick my budget out the window,

My friends are finding the prices to rent to be a little high too. I would think the opposite considering the economy?


Say it ain't so! Another budget cruncher!

Is it like December 8th or 9th that Southwest releases April flights?

Picture me poised at my computer this year, ready to strike!

I'll be there too. I hope we'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[scootch]

[I did early first cruise as we were early eaters, but found that our 'cruising' timetable preferred the late seating. My kids tend to eat in the clubs anyway.

Speaking of that Ness, Scootch, or anyone else who may be looking for someone to go to Palo's with them, I would really like to go. Every other trip I've taken, I've known other people cruising and went to Palo with them. This is the first time, I'm on my own so to speak. I'm a big fan of Palo's.

Palo's sounds like a dream to me, but not sure I can get oldest DD to go to the clubs. She did not go for once our last cruise and is still quite clingy. She won't even go to the next isle at Walmart without me!!! Maybe we can hook our daughters up via email beforehand and convince them that we need a mom's dinner out.

We are definitely the early seating people. My husband teaches and has to take his lunch at 11am.... thus we eat dinner every night at 4pm.. yes, you read that correctly, 4pm... so waiting till 6 pm was a push for my kids! I can't eat a large meal late in the evening anyhow, would never sleep well.

My kids go to a private catholic school and there is no spring break ever in our calendar, so people take their kids out whenever. We have found the full week before Thanksgiving has worked well as we come back, they go to school 2 days, then are off for 6 for Thanksgiving break... plenty of time to get the homework done. So we should be safe for another fews years taking the girls out. The only reason we are going in April of 2011 is my oldest dd class goes to to camp, not a very clean camp... and it is not mandatory but if you do not go, you sit in school all day doing nothing..... thus... figured we will go on the Disney Dream and then she is really only going to miss 2 days of homework(as I we are leaving the eve of 4/13).... so just 2 days of school work to make up. My youngest dd will have 5 days, but she will only be in 2nd grade, so no biggie there.

 

[Ness2289]

Palo's sounds like a dream to me, but not sure I can get oldest DD to go to the clubs. She did not go for once our last cruise and is still quite clingy. She won't even go to the next isle at Walmart without me!!! Maybe we can hook our daughters up via email beforehand and convince them that we need a mom's dinner out.

We are definitely the early seating people. My husband teaches and has to take his lunch at 11am.... thus we eat dinner every night at 4pm.. yes, you read that correctly, 4pm... so waiting till 6 pm was a push for my kids! I can't eat a large meal late in the evening anyhow, would never sleep well.

I've got my fingers crossed that our DD's will hit it off and WANT to go hang out at the tween club together. My DD is pretty clingy too, but when she makes a friend, she wants to hang out with her. I have been hoping to find a couple or more folks to do the Palo Brunch with on the sea day.

I like the email idea... Since this is a surprise trip for my DD, maybe I could let her know on her 12th birthday in February and that would give them almost a couple of months to get to know each other by email.

 

[pershing]

My comment was generated by the fact that my parents will be coming with us and it will be their first visit to WDW. I was hoping to "wow" them with a SV. I would go for the value 2BR but we are a party of 8 and I want the sleeper chair - I need to separate my kids as much as possible to avoid brotherly conflict.

Well, we actually rented a standard AKV 2 BR in 2007. We were taking a blended vacation with my ex-husband, his fourth (yes, I said fourth) wife, her teenage daughter, my best friend and her son.

And my ex- was really impressed with Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the room. So, I know how you feel. Especially about keeping 3 boys separated! Oiy!

My friends are finding the prices to rent to be a little high too. I would think the opposite considering the economy?

You'd think! I may not be at AKV after all, 'cause I'm rebelling against this David guy and his $13/pt! I figured out I could stay at Boardwalk, or do AKV studio standard at $10 instead of paying him. He's also pretty equal in price to a Wilderness or Beach Club Studio at $10 too. So, I'm gonna roll the dice and see what happens.

Palo's sounds like a dream to me, but not sure I can get oldest DD to go to the clubs. She did not go for once our last cruise and is still quite clingy. She won't even go to the next isle at Walmart without me!!!

I'm the one with the DS's and they have never been shy, so I can't relate. I'm usually the one dragging them out of the clubs for family time.

I've got my fingers crossed that our DD's will hit it off and WANT to go hang out at the tween club together. My DD is pretty clingy too, but when she makes a friend, she wants to hang out with her. I have been hoping to find a couple or more folks to do the Palo Brunch with on the sea day.

I'm crossing my fingers.

....but does the 4 day cruise have a brunch? We did on the Podcast Cruise, but I thought that was specially arranged. ....It was delicious!

 

[scootch]

I've got my fingers crossed that our DD's will hit it off and WANT to go hang out at the tween club together. My DD is pretty clingy too, but when she makes a friend, she wants to hang out with her. I have been hoping to find a couple or more folks to do the Palo Brunch with on the sea day.

I like the email idea... Since this is a surprise trip for my DD, maybe I could let her know on her 12th birthday in February and that would give them almost a couple of months to get to know each other by email.

Sounds like a great idea to me, plus by the time we hit the Sea day(since we are doing B2B with a 3 night first) she should feel plenty comfortable on the ship and such! Wow, I might actually do something just for me. Now that would be a miracle! I went thru three years of infertility treatments to get my miracle girls and after finally gettting my Matti, have pretty much dedicated every moment with them. I even gave up my $60,000 a year job! No regrets though... but hey maybe it is time I could enjoy a little time for me!!

PS.... so you are not telling her till next February about the cruise??? Wow, you are an amazing woman, haha... I would die keeping it inside!! I should really try doing that sometime with a trip as they would be totally stunned. They spend countless hours with me obsessing!!

 

[golfnsuch]

I am soooo excited to find this thread!

We'll be joining you all for the April 17th sailing. Yeah! This is our 2nd Disney cruise. Our first was last year and interaction on the thread was light, no FE's, no nuthin!

Count us in for everything! It will be me, DH and DS's 11 & 7. We're totally aft in a category 6A, looks like the verandah will be a smidge deeper.

We just got back from VB, so we will be adding a few days there post-cruise, no parks for us anymore during Easter break, BTDT.

I have two very important questions for anyone in the know:
1) Can you still BYO Booze in carry-ons?
2) Can you still mail a box to your stateroom?

Thanks!

 

[Ness2289]

Welcome, Golfnsuch!!!! I've added you to the roster. Deb T. will add you to the FE list.

Disney Dream- April 17, 2011

1. Outahere, DW, DS(16)
2. Lildeb724 (Debbie), DH, DD(10) DS(7)
3. Verandah Man, DW, DD, DD’s BF (Bryan) (I think there's a wedding now...Delete?)
4. Mom 3 mouseketeers, DH, DS(10/11), DD(9), DS(7)
5. Castlegazer, DH, DS(9), DD(6)
6. Muhhhrrisssa (19), Mom, Dad
7. CSX2, DW, DD(15)
8. Curlybop (Amanda), DH (Mark), DD(8), DD(2)
9. Irishone21 (Chris), DH (Mike), DS(7), DD(3)
10. Rdevine10 (Robin), DH, DD(5), DD(8)
11. Scootch(Amy), DD-Mattisyn(11), DD-Kenzey(9)
12. Akjtmax, DH, DS, DD
13. Freddyfishsticks, DW, DD(12), DS(9)
14. MissMousey, DH, DD(14), DS(11)
15. Mom2Elliot, DH, Kids(13,9,3)
16. Deb T., DH(Jeff)
17. Ness2289, DD(12)
18. Jilljill, DH, DD(16)
19. Pershing (Sue), DS(16), DS(14), DS(13)
20. Tiger1313 (Cathy), DGD (17)
21. Cleopahd, DH
22. jel0511, Dh, DD(13), DS(10)
23. Disney1fan2002 (Marie), DH, DS(14), DD(12), and DS(11)
24. Mom2BCCC (Barbara) DH, DS(14), DS(12), DS(10), DD(5)
25. KerryDVC, DH, DD(7), DD(5), DS(3), DM, DF
26. Golfnsuch, DH, DS(11), DS(7)

 

[Deb T.]

Welcome, Golfnsuch!!!! I've added you to the roster. Deb T. will add you to the FE list.

Welcome aboard, golfnsuch! I've gotcha on the FE list!

Here's the updated list of Fish Extender Exchange participants so far:
Ness2289
Deb T.
Tigger1313
golfnsuch

That's a pretty short list, but we have a loooooong time to add participants. The deadline to sign up is 4-1-11. (At least now it's less than a year away! )

 

[pershing]

Yes gulfnsuch

I have two very important questions for anyone in the know:
1) Can you still BYO Booze in carry-ons?
2) Can you still mail a box to your stateroom?

Gee, I'm not sure. I usually pack some coconut rum in my suitcase, so I've never done the carry-on thing.

I always wanted to stop at the local supermarket and pick up some things, but the boys have always been too anxious to get to the boat.

We usually show up when the terminal opens.

 

[Deb T.]

I have two very important questions for anyone in the know:
1) Can you still BYO Booze in carry-ons?
2) Can you still mail a box to your stateroom?

It's my understanding that you can still bring alcohol onboard in carry-ons.

I think there's been some back-and-forth policies regarding mailing packages to your stateroom. I believe at one time they stopped it, but someone on my last cruise mailed a box and got it. It might be best to call DCL about a month before we sail to confirm.

 

[WPoohgirl]

Hi Everyone,

We just returned from our 3rd cruise over our spring break this year from the Wonder, 4 night, March 21st. We participated in the fish extender group and it was awesome.

For the very first time I booked the next cruise on-board! We are all signed up for April 17. I was so depressed at the thought of getting off the ship that I had too! I thought it may be too early to check the thread but I was so wrong!

We would love to join in the FE if it is OK. There is me (Wendy) and my DH, DD14, DS12. The inaugural sailing of the Dream is on my Birthday - it is just killing me!!! They should want me to go on that voyage too, shouldn't they!!! Dream on! Sorry for the bad pun! Anyway can't wait until next year.

I am fairly new to the boards so if I mess something up please forgive me, I am a longtime allears girl or as it used to be wdwdeb. I love love love DCL, it is just my favorite place to be and I am afraid to go on another cruise line because I just don't think we would be as happy.

 

[Ness2289]

Welcome, Wendy! We are glad to have you join us. I have added you to our roster, and Deb T. will add you to the FE list.

Disney Dream- April 17, 2011

1. Outahere, DW, DS(16)
2. Lildeb724 (Debbie), DH, DD(10) DS(7)
3. Verandah Man, DW, DD, DD’s BF (Bryan) (I think there's a wedding now...Delete?)
4. Mom 3 mouseketeers, DH, DS(10/11), DD(9), DS(7)
5. Castlegazer, DH, DS(9), DD(6)
6. Muhhhrrisssa (19), Mom, Dad
7. CSX2, DW, DD(15)
8. Curlybop (Amanda), DH (Mark), DD(8), DD(2)
9. Irishone21 (Chris), DH (Mike), DS(7), DD(3)
10. Rdevine10 (Robin), DH, DD(5), DD(8)
11. Scootch(Amy), DD-Mattisyn(11), DD-Kenzey(9)
12. Akjtmax, DH, DS, DD
13. Freddyfishsticks, DW, DD(12), DS(9)
14. MissMousey, DH, DD(14), DS(11)
15. Mom2Elliot, DH, Kids(13,9,3)
16. Deb T., DH(Jeff)
17. Ness2289, DD(12)
18. Jilljill, DH, DD(16)
19. Pershing (Sue), DS(16), DS(14), DS(13)
20. Tiger1313 (Cathy), DGD (17)
21. Cleopahd, DH
22. jel0511, Dh, DD(13), DS(10)
23. Disney1fan2002 (Marie), DH, DS(14), DD(12), and DS(11)
24. Mom2BCCC (Barbara) DH, DS(14), DS(12), DS(10), DD(5)
25. KerryDVC, DH, DD(7), DD(5), DS(3), DM, DF
26. Golfnsuch, DH, DS(11), DS(7)
27. WPoohgirl (Wendy), DH, DD(14), DS(12)

 

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone,

We just returned from our 3rd cruise over our spring break this year from the Wonder, 4 night, March 21st. We participated in the fish extender group and it was awesome.

For the very first time I booked the next cruise on-board! We are all signed up for April 17. I was so depressed at the thought of getting off the ship that I had too! I thought it may be too early to check the thread but I was so wrong!

We would love to join in the FE if it is OK. There is me (Wendy) and my DH, DD14, DS12. The inaugural sailing of the Dream is on my Birthday - it is just killing me!!! They should want me to go on that voyage too, shouldn't they!!! Dream on! Sorry for the bad pun! Anyway can't wait until next year.

I am fairly new to the boards so if I mess something up please forgive me, I am a longtime allears girl or as it used to be wdwdeb. I love love love DCL, it is just my favorite place to be and I am afraid to go on another cruise line because I just don't think we would be as happy.

Hi Wendy! Welcome aboard! I've got you down for the FE exchange!

Here's the latest update:
Ness2289 & DD12
Deb T. & DH
Tigger1313 & DGD17
Golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
WPoohgirl & DH, DD14, DS12

I'm adding gender & ages of the kids to the FE lists that I'm posting on this thread. When the list gets a little longer, I'll start sending the actual names and cabin numbers to participants through private messages.

Anyone else want to make the FE plunge?

 

[pershing]

Welcome aboard WPoohgirl!

The inaugural sailing of the Dream is on my Birthday - it is just killing me!!! They should want me to go on that voyage too, shouldn't they!!!

Well, that may be so and that cruise is just a little more booked up than our cruise. But our cruise prices are significantly lower, and Jan. is an iffy cruising month! We did it once as my bday is a week before yours and it was too cold to swim at Castaway Cay.

Just trying to make you feel better about your decision to cruise with us!

I am fairly new to the boards so if I mess something up please forgive me, I am a longtime allears girl or as it used to be wdwdeb.

I actually started with allears in 2003! But she kept referring us over to the disboards, so I just stayed after awhile.

She has great aspects like resort, DVC photos and descriptions. I still go back to her for things like that.

 

[golfnsuch]

Is anybody else concerned about the availability of amenties on the Dream v. the other ships given its larger capacity?

I saw Wendy posting on the CC expansion/cabana thread and it just occured to me that things like snagging a chair or umbrella on CC or scoring pool chairs on the "at sea" day might be much more difficult than they were on my Wonder cruise last year, just given the sheer # of peeps involved.

Thanks, E.

 

[jilljill]

Is anybody else concerned about the availability of amenties on the Dream v. the other ships given its larger capacity?

I saw Wendy posting on the CC expansion/cabana thread and it just occured to me that things like snagging a chair or umbrella on CC or scoring pool chairs on the "at sea" day might be much more difficult than they were on my Wonder cruise last year, just given the sheer # of peeps involved.

Thanks, E.

I'm not concerned on the ship since the entire ship is bigger and will have more public space. The Dream/Fantasy are longer and wider than the Magic/Wonder.
On CC, I'm sure there will be enough chairs to accomodate all guests on the ship.

 

[scootch]

Welcome Wendy!! Yes a very active thread there.

Well we hit the one year mark. In exactly 365 days from now we will be landing in MCO. Dh gave me this years income tax check and said to cash it for the Dream cruise... since interest is nearly nonexistent, I went ahead and paid off this cruise. Our change savings jar will go to saving for Atlantis. Might even hit it twice with the B2B.

 

[Deb T.]

Welcome Wendy!! Yes a very active thread there.

Well we hit the one year mark. In exactly 365 days from now we will be landing in MCO. Dh gave me this years income tax check and said to cash it for the Dream cruise... since interest is nearly nonexistent, I went ahead and paid off this cruise. Our change savings jar will go to saving for Atlantis. Might even hit it twice with the B2B.

Holy cow! Congratulations on paying off this cruise already! Definitely a fantastic feat!

 

[scootch]

Holy cow! Congratulations on paying off this cruise already! Definitely a fantastic feat!

My husband is one incredible guy. We got over 3 grand in income tax back and I had it set to go into savings and he said, "no, cash it, put it in an envelope and write Disney Dream on it." I told him I didn't even need 3 grand as I already paid the deposits and he said, "no, you and the girls go and do whatever you want and don't worry about it" He is not even going on this trip!! We do go to the beach every summer as a family and he is with the girls every day, he even plays baby dolls with them(shhhh...) Now we are not rich by any means, my husand teaches at the local high school! He just loves our daughters and wants them to experience life the way he was never able to.... and how I got so lucky, is beyond me! Losing our dear niece (who was like a daughter to us) to cancer a few years ago at the tender age of 21 also has made us all realize to live for today and enjoy every moment!

I am frugal though so the Disney fund(change and extra we have) will continue. I started that so long ago. Once when Kenzey was 3 years old we were in a grocery store. A lady from our church gave her a dollar. I kept asking her what she wanted, pointing out various things..... and she finally looks up at me and says, "mama, just put it in the disney fund" haha.... training them young

 

[pershing]

One year mark for us too. To fly down that is!

It seems almost in reach, doesn't it!

I'm paid off too, though from my end it's more like there's so many other places my tax refund could go....the list is endless. So if I don't put it toward the cruise now, then I won't have the final payment in January when the due date is. ESPECIALLY not in January when Christmas was the month before!

I'm also in a 10A Guarantee Catagory and I hear you're more apt to get an upgrade if you're paid off. I've never been upgraded and since this cruise is sold out for 4 people up to cat. 5B now, I figure if ever their was a time to be upgraded....

I'm working on the passports now. That's another chunk of change.

I'm debating on whether to get the travel card with the passports as its just a little more. It seems kinda useless for many instances.