April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[pershing]

Happy Memorial Day! Thank You to Those Who've Served.


aboard Kim!

Here's Our Monday Picture

...and there's been major movage! (kinda looks small from this side)

Congrats allaboutdisney! I have a nice renter checking for my pre-cruise BCV stay tomorrow morning. I'm crossing my fingers that the studios are not gone yet!

I got my best rental car deal at Alamo this time. Usually Budget's the best for me, but this year Alamo beat them by almost 40 dollars for 11 days. (that's using my USAA code on both though). I usually add a coupon after they come out for next year and then I still try to beat the reservation amount using priceline at the last moment. But honestly, I don't think I'm gonna get better this time.

golfnsuch Can I ask why you picked Cocoa Beach Sheraton? I've never looked into that one as Country Inn and Radisson are the most mentioned. Is it because you're spending more than one day there? or view?

 

[lindafish]

jeni37!
Would you like to join our Fish Extender Exchange? If so, Deb T. will add your family to the list.

Disney Dream- April 17, 2011

1. Outahere, DW, DS(16)
2. Lildeb724 (Debbie), DH, DD(10) DS(7)
3. Mom 3 mouseketeers, DH, DS(10/11), DD(9), DS(7)
4. Castlegazer, DH, DS(9), DD(6)
5. Muhhhrrisssa (19), Mom, Dad
6. CSX2, DW, DD(15)
7. Curlybop (Amanda), DH (Mark), DD(8), DD(2)0. Irishone21 (Chris), DH (Mike), DS(7), DD(3)
9. Rdevine10 (Robin), DH, DD(5), DD(8)
10. Scootch(Amy), DD-Mattisyn(11), DD-Kenzey(9)
11. Akjtmax, DH, DS, DD
12. Freddyfishsticks, DW, DD(12), DS(9)
13. MissMousey, DH, DD(14), DS(11)
14. Mom2Elliot, DH, Kids(13,9,3)
15. Deb T., DH(Jeff)
16. Ness2289, DD(12)
17. Jilljill, DH, DD(16)
18. Pershing (Sue), DS(16), DS(14), DS(13)
19. Tiger1313 (Cathy), DGD (17)
20. Cleopahd, DH
21. jel0511, Dh, DD(13), DS(10)
22. Disney1fan2002 (Marie), DH, DS(14), DD(12), and DS(11)
23. Mom2BCCC (Barbara) DH, DS(14), DS(12), DS(10), DD(5)
24. KerryDVC, DH, DD(7), DD(5), DS(3), DM, DF
25. Golfnsuch, DH, DS(11), DS(7)
26. WPoohgirl (Wendy), DH, DD(14), DS(12)
27. NYDisneyfamily, DH, DS(13), DS(8)
28. Z'sDisneyMom (Robin), DH, DD(12)
29. ydrj (Yvonne), DH, DS(16), DD(14)
30. Quagmire, DW, DD(14)
31. JasonDVC, DW, DD(2) and DTBA(6mo)
32. princessdaisy (Steph), DH, DS(8) and DD(18)
33. guarn3md (Debbie), DM (Judy), DF, DS (9), DSis(7)
34. allaboutdisney1967 (Donna), DH (Angelo), DD(13) (Gabby)
35. goofy4tink (Diane), DH, DD(17) (Kate)
36. dmdietz, DH, DD(11), DS(11), DS(11)
37. jeni37, DH, DS(14), DS(10), DD(6), DM, DF, DA, DU, DC(7), DC(10)

My husband and I are sailing april 17 on the dream with Jeni37's group,what is the fishwxtendr

 

[Deb T.]

My husband and I are sailing april 17 on the dream with Jeni37's group,what is the fishwxtendr

Welcome Aboard, lindafish! Congratulations on your first post on the DIS! This is a very addicting website!

I am the one organizing the Fish Extender exchange, and here is my best description of what it is and how it works:

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, and some are quite elaborate. Often, they are stickers, candy, glow sticks, lanyards, photo albums, frames, 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!

 

[Ness2289]

My husband and I are sailing april 17 on the dream with Jeni37's group,what is the fishwxtendr

Welcome!!

Are you and your husband in addition to the group or are you the mom and dad or the aunt and uncle? I can make a separate entry for you on the roster if you would like.

 

[golfnsuch]

Hi Sue, we've stayed at the Cocoa Beach Sheraton because we are Starwood members and can usually get enough points that our stays are free there and at the Dolphin & Swan when we go to the World. Sheraton also has the free parking special (but its actually at the Radisson's lot). The boys also like the access to the beach and the giant surf shop attached to the hotel.

Take care, E.

 

[guarn3md]

I have never been on a cruise before so I will have many questions leading up to this trip! We are considering driving and staying at a hotel that is near Port Canaveral. Can anyone suggest a hotel to stay at that we will be able to leave the car during the cruise? I have looked at a couple, but I am confused about how long they want you to stay. We only want to stay one night - Saturday before the cruise. Is that possible to do and still be able to leave the car? We want to head to Disney after the cruise... Final question (well, for this post), when the cruise itinerary says we leave at 7:30am on the last day - is that really the time we are suppose to be ready to walk off the ship?
Thank you!
Debbie

 

[Deb T.]

I have never been on a cruise before so I will have many questions leading up to this trip! We are considering driving and staying at a hotel that is near Port Canaveral. Can anyone suggest a hotel to stay at that we will be able to leave the car during the cruise? I have looked at a couple, but I am confused about how long they want you to stay. We only want to stay one night - Saturday before the cruise. Is that possible to do and still be able to leave the car? We want to head to Disney after the cruise... Final question (well, for this post), when the cruise itinerary says we leave at 7:30am on the last day - is that really the time we are suppose to be ready to walk off the ship?
Thank you!
Debbie

I can't answer the first question, but I can help with the one about debarkation. Everyone has to be off the ship by 9am so that DCL can get it ready for the next batch of cruisers who will be very eager to board in just a short three hours later. Currently on The Wonder and The Magic, everyone is assigned to a breakfast time based on your dinner time and restaurant the night before. As soon as you finish eating breakfast, you're supposed to leave the ship. No one is allowed back into their cabins, so you'll need to take all your belongings with you to breakfast. Also, everything except Shutters (the photo store) is closed that last morning. It truly is a sad, sad day, but as I said earlier, the next batch of cruisers will be arriving at the terminal shortly, ready to begin their Dream vacation, too.

 

[jeni37]

My husband and I are sailing april 17 on the dream with Jeni37's group,what is the fishwxtendr

Hi Mom!

Glad to see you on the message boards. The fish extender exchange sounds like lots of fun! I can't wait to start buying/making the goodies to give away.

 

[jilljill]

I have never been on a cruise before so I will have many questions leading up to this trip! We are considering driving and staying at a hotel that is near Port Canaveral. Can anyone suggest a hotel to stay at that we will be able to leave the car during the cruise? I have looked at a couple, but I am confused about how long they want you to stay. We only want to stay one night - Saturday before the cruise. Is that possible to do and still be able to leave the car? We want to head to Disney after the cruise... Final question (well, for this post), when the cruise itinerary says we leave at 7:30am on the last day - is that really the time we are suppose to be ready to walk off the ship?
Thank you!
Debbie

There are many threads on the main boards discussing hotels in the port area. Most will let you stay for just 1 night and park at their hotel for 'free' for the duration of your cruise and they offer shuttles to/from the port. Many people have gotten rooms in the port area for around $60/night thru Priceline and this has either included parking or they had to pay $20 for parking and the shuttle ride to/from the port.
For us we just find it much easier to park at the port, $15/day based on the length of your cruise - $60 for this sailing.

As someone else has said, everyone must be off the ship by 9:00 if the ship has cleared immigration on time. In reality the earliest you can be off is 7:30 and the latest 9:00.
You will be assigned a breakfast time, based on your dinner seating time, and you can go to the dining room at that time or you can have breakfast up on deck if that will be an option on the Dream.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[disneycruisegal]

Hello everyone. Just got back from 11 night Med cruise on the Magic and have planned this cruise with 10 other family members!

DEB T., can I sign up for the FE's? I found this site a little to late to properly get involved for my last cruise and I would love to join in for this cruise. It's just me, Lissa 42, and my DH Brian 53, stateroom 12522, deck 12. As I said I'm traveling with 3 other staterooms ( 10 people), but I'm not sure if they're into it or not. I'll talk to them. I'm really excited to do some research on FE gifts! For me, planning a vacation is almost as much fun as the vacation itself, and it lasts longer.

Thanks, Lissa

 

[Ness2289]

Hello everyone. Just got back from 11 night Med cruise on the Magic and have planned this cruise with 10 other family members!

DEB T., can I sign up for the FE's? I found this site a little to late to properly get involved for my last cruise and I would love to join in for this cruise. It's just me, Lissa 42, and my DH Brian 53, stateroom 12522, deck 12. As I said I'm traveling with 3 other staterooms ( 10 people), but I'm not sure if they're into it or not. I'll talk to them. I'm really excited to do some research on FE gifts! For me, planning a vacation is almost as much fun as the vacation itself, and it lasts longer.

Thanks, Lissa

Lissa!

I will add you to our roster! Deb T. will communicate with you soon!

 

[Ness2289]

Disney Dream- April 17, 2011

1. Outahere, DW, DS(16)
2. Lildeb724 (Debbie), DH, DD(10) DS(7)
3. Mom 3 mouseketeers, DH, DS(10/11), DD(9), DS(7)
4. Castlegazer, DH, DS(9), DD(6)
5. Muhhhrrisssa (19), Mom, Dad
6. CSX2, DW, DD(15)
7. Curlybop (Amanda), DH (Mark), DD(8), DD(2)0. Irishone21 (Chris), DH (Mike), DS(7), DD(3)
9. Rdevine10 (Robin), DH, DD(5), DD(8)
10. Scootch(Amy), DD-Mattisyn(11), DD-Kenzey(9)
11. Akjtmax, DH, DS, DD
12. Freddyfishsticks, DW, DD(12), DS(9)
13. MissMousey, DH, DD(14), DS(11)
14. Mom2Elliot, DH, Kids(13,9,3)
15. Deb T., DH(Jeff)
16. Ness2289, DD(12)
17. Jilljill, DH, DD(16)
18. Pershing (Sue), DS(16), DS(14), DS(13)
19. Tiger1313 (Cathy), DGD (17)
20. Cleopahd, DH
21. jel0511, Dh, DD(13), DS(10)
22. Disney1fan2002 (Marie), DH, DS(14), DD(12), and DS(11)
23. Mom2BCCC (Barbara) DH, DS(14), DS(12), DS(10), DD(5)
24. KerryDVC, DH, DD(7), DD(5), DS(3), DM, DF
25. Golfnsuch, DH, DS(11), DS(7)
26. WPoohgirl (Wendy), DH, DD(14), DS(12)
27. NYDisneyfamily, DH, DS(13), DS(8)
28. Z'sDisneyMom (Robin), DH, DD(12)
29. ydrj (Yvonne), DH, DS(16), DD(14)
30. Quagmire, DW, DD(14)
31. JasonDVC, DW, DD(2) and DTBA(6mo)
32. princessdaisy (Steph), DH, DS(8) and DD(18)
33. guarn3md (Debbie), DM (Judy), DF, DS (9), DSis(7)
34. allaboutdisney1967 (Donna), DH (Angelo), DD(13) (Gabby)
35. goofy4tink (Diane), DH, DD(17) (Kate)
36. dmdietz, DH, DD(11), DS(11), DS(11)
37. jeni37, DH, DS(14), DS(10), DD(6), DA, DU, DC(7), DC(10)
38. disneycruisegal (Lissa), DH (Brian)
39. lindafish (Linda), DH (Gale)

 

[jilljill]

Hello everyone. Just got back from 11 night Med cruise on the Magic and have planned this cruise with 10 other family members!

DEB T., can I sign up for the FE's? I found this site a little to late to properly get involved for my last cruise and I would love to join in for this cruise. It's just me, Lissa 42, and my DH Brian 53, stateroom 12522, deck 12. As I said I'm traveling with 3 other staterooms ( 10 people), but I'm not sure if they're into it or not. I'll talk to them. I'm really excited to do some research on FE gifts! For me, planning a vacation is almost as much fun as the vacation itself, and it lasts longer.

Thanks, Lissa

Welcome.
How was your Med cruise? We are doing the last Baltics cruise and on 6/22 DD & I are doing the 5 day Wonder cruise. Can't wait to be platinum for our Baltics cruise and this cruise.

 

[jel0511]

Hello everyone. Just got back from 11 night Med cruise on the Magic and have planned this cruise with 10 other family members!

DEB T., can I sign up for the FE's? I found this site a little to late to properly get involved for my last cruise and I would love to join in for this cruise. It's just me, Lissa 42, and my DH Brian 53, stateroom 12522, deck 12. As I said I'm traveling with 3 other staterooms ( 10 people), but I'm not sure if they're into it or not. I'll talk to them. I'm really excited to do some research on FE gifts! For me, planning a vacation is almost as much fun as the vacation itself, and it lasts longer.

Thanks, Lissa

I'm also interested in hearing about your med cruise. We're on the 10 night that leaves on 8/18. Any excursion reviews, ones your really liked.....

 

[Deb T.]

Hello everyone. Just got back from 11 night Med cruise on the Magic and have planned this cruise with 10 other family members!

DEB T., can I sign up for the FE's? I found this site a little to late to properly get involved for my last cruise and I would love to join in for this cruise. It's just me, Lissa 42, and my DH Brian 53, stateroom 12522, deck 12. As I said I'm traveling with 3 other staterooms ( 10 people), but I'm not sure if they're into it or not. I'll talk to them. I'm really excited to do some research on FE gifts! For me, planning a vacation is almost as much fun as the vacation itself, and it lasts longer.

Thanks, Lissa

Welcome Aboard Lissa! So glad you're joining our Meets thread and the FE Exchange!

FE PARTICIPANTS SO FAR:
Ness2289 & DD12
Deb T. & DH
Tigger1313 & DGD17
Golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
WPoohgirl & DH, DD14, DS12
Z’sDisneyMom & DH, DD12
ydrj & DH, DS16, DD14
princessdaisy & DH, DD18, DS8
goofy4tink & DH, DD17
jeni37 & DH, DS14, DS10, DD6
kim5678 & DH, DD13
lindafish & DH
disneycruisegal & DH

 

[lindafish]

Hi Mom!

Glad to see you on the message boards. The fish extender exchange sounds like lots of fun! I can't wait to start buying/making the goodies to give away.

It is kind of fun to post and read what people have to say and the pictures of the fish extenders helped me explain them to your Dad

 

[lindafish]

Does anyone have any good tips for a first time Disney cruiser? Anything would be appreciated Thank you

 

[Deb T.]

Does anyone have any good tips for a first time Disney cruiser? Anything would be appreciated Thank you

Ordinarily, I'm full of tips and suggestions. (Right, Ness2289?? ) But, since The Dream is a brand new ship, we don't yet know all the tricks of the trade yet. I'm really, really eager to read all the trip reports from the February inaugural sailing all the way up to our cruise!

One thing I can tell you is that it is nearly impossible to see and do everything on the cruise. There are so many fun activities offered each day, and many of them overlap.

Oh - and don't miss any of the evening shows!

Keep checking back on this thread, because as we learn things about the new ship, we'll definitely post them!

 

[jilljill]

Does anyone have any good tips for a first time Disney cruiser? Anything would be appreciated Thank you

Reading the FAQ sticky on the main boards is a help for general info. Not sure how much we will have to change once the Dream starts sailing. There's also links to Navigator's, the listing of daily happenings on the ship, are good to read over to get an idea of what activities there are on the ship while at sea and on port days.

Just remember you won't be able to do everything, but enjoy what you do and rebook another cruise onboard to take advantage of the onboard rebooking benefit - right not that's 10% the cruise fare and an onboard credit.
Any other questions just ask.

 

[lindafish]

Reading the FAQ sticky on the main boards is a help for general info. Not sure how much we will have to change once the Dream starts sailing. There's also links to Navigator's, the listing of daily happenings on the ship, are good to read over to get an idea of what activities there are on the ship while at sea and on port days.

Just remember you won't be able to do everything, but enjoy what you do and rebook another cruise onboard to take advantage of the onboard rebooking benefit - right not that's 10% the cruise fare and an onboard credit.
Any other questions just ask.

Thank you everyone I will definately keep checking and taking any advise I can get. We will be sailing with our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren,. also my sister and brother-in-law and their two children