April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[Z'sDisneyMom]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I don't believe we've ever booked a cruise, Disney or otherwise this far in advance. But at least we will have some new friends to count down with!

Ness2289... Is your DD excited about the "Edge"? Mine can't wait to check out the Dream's tween club.

Looking forward to the FE. We had a blast with it on our Wonder cruise last year.

I guess I will start thinking about our pre and post cruise activities now...

 

[Ness2289]

Ness2289... Is your DD excited about the "Edge"? Mine can't wait to check out the Dream's tween club.

My DD doesn't know about the cruise yet! I am hoping once she meets some girls her age at the DIS meet, she will be more excited about going to the tween club. I'm excited for her! She'll find out about the cruise on her birthday in late February. Scootch (Amy) and I were talking about having our daughters email each other then so they can get to know each other some before the cruise. That way, they'll be excited to go hang out! (Mine is a little shy. ) Do you think your daughter would want to do that as well?

 

[Z'sDisneyMom]

I am always impressed when people are able to keep Disney trips a surprise. I booked Bay Lake Tower for our trip last year after my DH and DD fell in love with it during a DVC tour. I decided not to tell them and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done

My DD always enjoys meeting new people during vacation. She would be happy to correspond with your and Amy's DDs

 

[scootch]

I didn't realize there was a Tween area. My oldest dd(who will be 11 at time of next cruise)would not go to the kids club at all, not even once. Her sister, I had to pull out of the clubs. They are so different. Will be interesting to see what a difference 17 months will make between cruises. I may have to get her to go with her sister first..... hmm... going to be interesting how it plays out.

 

[pershing]

I am always impressed when people are able to keep Disney trips a surprise.

Me, too! I don't know how they do it!

I'm such an obsessive planner that I have to practically ask my oldest, "Can I ask a Disney question?" To which, he rolls his eyes at me and says "Sure!" and then I'm like, "OK, should we stay at AKV before the cruise again or try someplace new.....blah, blah, blah"

I really drive my sons crazy sometimes. They don't want to help in the planning, they just want to enjoy what I've planned. I just can't relate to that. Planning is all wrapped up in anticipation for me with each trip~

I didn't realize there was a Tween area.

I think it's a brillant idea on Disney's part! They really are trying to cater more to older kids now. They had a gap before, and then they turned the stack into a teen area. Now that they have a tween area also, the teens will be glad as there is a big difference between 13 and 16. And the parents will glad also....because there is a big difference between 13 and 16~! lol

 

[Z'sDisneyMom]

I really drive my sons crazy sometimes. They don't want to help in the planning, they just want to enjoy what I've planned. I just can't relate to that. Planning is all wrapped up in anticipation for me with each trip~

I think it's a brillant idea on Disney's part! They really are trying to cater more to older kids now. They had a gap before, and then they turned the stack into a teen area. Now that they have a tween area also, the teens will be glad as there is a big difference between 13 and 16. And the parents will glad also....because there is a big difference between 13 and 16~! lol

Your sons are like my DH. My DD however, is into the details and all the planning like I am.

I totally agree with you on the tween club. And from the pics I see on DCL's site, it looks like it will be a nice space.

 

[ydrj]

We will be joining this cruise!

We are, me (Yvonne), DH, DS16 and DD14.
This will be our 7th Disney Cruise. Can't wait to check out the Dream.

Ness2289, please add us to the group list and Deb T., we definitely will be participating in the FE. We were on the EBPC in 2008 and had 125 cabins that participated so we can handle anything

 

[Deb T.]

We will be joining this cruise!

We are, me (Yvonne), DH, DS16 and DD14.
This will be our 7th Disney Cruise. Can't wait to check out the Dream.

Ness2289, please add us to the group list and Deb T., we definitely will be participating in the FE. We were on the EBPC in 2008 and had 125 cabins that participated so we can handle anything

Welcome Aboard Yvonne and crew!

Wow - 125 FE Cabins?!? I'll bet that was a ton of fun!

I have you down for our FE Exchange. So far, only 7 cabins, but since we're a little under a year away, I expect that number to grow quite a bit.

Here's the updated list:
Ness2289 & DD12
Deb T. & DH
Tigger1313 & DGD17
Golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
WPoohgirl & DH, DD14, DS12
Z’sDisneyMom & DH, DD12
ydrj & DH, DS16, DD14

 

[Ness2289]

Welcome, Yvonne!



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)
28. NYDisneyfamily, DH, DS(13), DS(8)
29. Z'sDisneyMom (Robin), DH, DD(12)
30. ydrj (Yvonne), DH, DS(16), DD(14)

 

[Quagmire]

We booked 2 weeks ago. It will be me, my wife and 14 year old daughter. We're all huge Disney fans.

 

[Ness2289]

Welcome, Quagmire!! We're glad to have you join us! I've added you to our roster. Would you like to join the FE exchange as well?

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)
28. NYDisneyfamily, DH, DS(13), DS(8)
29. Z'sDisneyMom (Robin), DH, DD(12)
30. ydrj (Yvonne), DH, DS(16), DD(14)
31. Quagmire, DW, DD(14)
32. JasonDVC, DW, DD(2) and DTBA(6mo)

 

[jilljill]

Welcome to the new cruisers.

 

[JasonDVC]

Looks like this is goig to be a fun group to cruise with!

We booked this cruise about a month ago and I just found this thread.

We will have 12 people cruising with us but my family includes me my DW, DD2 and DTBA6mo.

CAN NOT WAIT!!!

 

[Ness2289]

Looks like this is goig to be a fun group to cruise with!

We booked this cruise about a month ago and I just found this thread.

We will have 12 people cruising with us but my family includes me my DW, DD2 and DTBA6mo.

CAN NOT WAIT!!!

Welcome, JasonDVC! I've added you to the roster above. Would you like to join the FE group as well?

 

[golfnsuch]

What are the ages for the tween club? My 10 yro, who will be 11 when we sail has informed me he doesn't want to do the clubs/lab again.

I'm hopeful that if he has something new to try, like the tween area, we might be able to get to a Palo brunch.

I am also very stoked to see that there are a number of boys in our group who will be the same ages as both of mine. Hopefully, they'll hit it off with someone and have a buddy to hang around with at times.

Anyone else having just TOO much fun planning for this cruise? The lists are growing!!

 

[Ness2289]

What are the ages for the tween club? My 10 yro, who will be 11 when we sail has informed me he doesn't want to do the clubs/lab again.

I'm hopeful that if he has something new to try, like the tween area, we might be able to get to a Palo brunch.

I am also very stoked to see that there are a number of boys in our group who will be the same ages as both of mine. Hopefully, they'll hit it off with someone and have a buddy to hang around with at times.

Anyone else having just TOO much fun planning for this cruise? The lists are growing!!

The Edge tween club is for ages 11-13.

I love planning and having something to look forward to! I too am having a ball, and there is still so much to do!

 

[jilljill]

What are the ages for the tween club? My 10 yro, who will be 11 when we sail has informed me he doesn't want to do the clubs/lab again.

I'm hopeful that if he has something new to try, like the tween area, we might be able to get to a Palo brunch.

I am also very stoked to see that there are a number of boys in our group who will be the same ages as both of mine. Hopefully, they'll hit it off with someone and have a buddy to hang around with at times.

Anyone else having just TOO much fun planning for this cruise? The lists are growing!!

The Edge tween club is for ages 11-13.

I love planning and having something to look forward to! I too am having a ball, and there is still so much to do!

I wanna go for a couple of hours and been a tween.

From DCL's website:

Edge is a loft-style lounge exclusive to tweens—children 11 to 13 years of age—that is located on Deck 13, Forward Funnel on the Disney Dream. Operating hours vary occasionally, so while onboard, please check your Personal Navigator—the Disney Cruise Line daily newsletter detailing all there is to see and do—for specific times.

A cool tween hotspot to be sure, Edge features a vast array of hi-tech entertainment, including an illuminated dance floor and tables with notebook computers for playing games or for accessing a unique onboard social media application. Perhaps the lounge's most impressive component is a state-of-the-art video wall that stretches more than 18 feet long and nearly 5 feet tall. Comprised of 18 individual LCD screens, the video wall acts as a giant screen—its separate screens can even be divided in any combination to accommodate different-sized video feeds.

Edge's prime location affords impressive views of the pool decks below, with an interesting catch: tweens can see out, but Guests below can't see in. Even more exciting: 3 portholes in the club provide silhouetted views of AquaDuck riders as they zoom through the water coaster's tube as it winds through the Forward Funnel.

Be a Star
Thanks to 3 green screen rooms that are located at Edge, tweens are invited to become the stars of the show. Through the use state-of-the-art video technology, they can easily superimpose their image in both photo postcards and video karaoke, ensuring an unforgettable "immersive" experience unlike any other.

Disney Cruise Line is currently putting the finishing touches on Edge. Be sure to check back here soon to discover even more of the magic that's in store for you and your entire family during a one-of-a-kind Disney cruise vacation.

Disney Dream images are artist renderings; actual construction may vary.
Fun Facts & Tips
Edge's décor includes wallpaper that features a subtle, retro Mickey-head design.

During the cruise, tweens and teens can use an onboard intranet-based social media computer application to post videos and photos and leave messages.

 

[Z'sDisneyMom]

We are 30 strong already!

I am having a ball planning too.

And I confess, I have watched the Dream video on DCL's site at least 5 times in the last 3 days

 

[Quagmire]

Good afternoon.

Thanks for the welcome. Can you tell me what an FE group is?

 

[Deb T.]

Good afternoon.

Thanks for the welcome. Can you tell me what an FE group is?

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

Beside every cabin door is a large silver fish 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 one step further... by creating hanging pockets (much like cloth letter holders) to hang from the fish - 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 is just a plain old canvas bag on which I've added a tropical scene, the names of the Disney ships, and our names. I'd love to have a "real" FE like some of the creative DISers have sewn, but I've never taken the time to attempt to make one.

Then, each "Cruise Meets" thread (such as this 4-17-11 one) 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'd like to join in on the fun on our cruise, please let me know. You can either post your information here in this thread or send me a private message by clicking on my name in the upper left hand corner of this post and then clicking "send a private message to Deb T.". I will only post your DIS name and gender/ages of children on the public forum. However, I will send private messages with names and cabin numbers to all participants to keep everyone up-to-date. Since some people travel earlier in the week prior to cruising, we will close the list on 4-1-11 in order to give everyone time to purchase/prepare gifts and pack them. You'll also need to print the final list of participants and pack it with your gifts so you'll know where to deliver them once you're onboard the ship.

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!