April 25th It's going to be a Dream
- Thread starter Keira1387
- Start date
Hi DerbyDiva! We have a lot of first time cruisers on this trip (me included) so I'd love to hear any tips you learned from your last FE exchange!
Around our house, we've been trying out lots of gift ideas, and I finally have ours narrowed down. I think I went a bit overboard (oops - accidental pun!) on gifts but with our small group, it was easy to do. This is one of the crafts we are NOT using, but it was so easy to make that I thought I'd share. The design came from this blog, and she also has a ton of other crafty Disney ideas!
Richards04
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2013
- Messages
- 43
Wow! You're all so crafty 
I ordered our FE from EBay! It's going to double as an Easter surprise for our girls.
I ordered our FE from EBay! It's going to double as an Easter surprise for our girls.
Warning!! This response turned out so much longer then I ever expected, however I think there are some good tips!! 
**********************************************************
Oh boy June!!
There's so much to learn in general about the DCL cruise! The alumni on our last cruise gave me the advice not to try to do it all, which I think is impossible.
Here are a list of tips I learned and think others will also appreciate and find useful:
- there are many threads on the Disboards with tips and secrets (just search and be prepared to read a bunch!)
- bring your bathing suits in your carry-on to change into and get to vacationing when you arrive. It's one of the best times to swim bc the pools are not crowded when you arrive.
- if you've been there done that with the Bahamas, you can stay on the boat and get a less crowded pool area. I read several forums where parents get awesome pictures of their kids in the Mickey pool with no one else in the photo. Is it true?! I don't know but it would make a cool photo op.
- these are both great times to ride the Aquaduct before it gets too busy and the line is too long
- for those with young ones, you can request a diaper genie for your room
- there was talk that the fish extenders were being taken on other cruises and it was recommended to zip tie it onto the fish hook to prevent theft. (We did that last time but had a very difficult time removing it and a steward tried to help but no one had any sharp instruments. We were finally successful with nail clippers.)
- the last FE group had a person that kept the spreadsheet updated (there were probably 35 cabins total in that FE exchange) and on the boat she put a dry erase board on her door notifying you if anyone's cabin changed due to day-of upgrades and "pixy dust" (which I understand DCL will do some spontaneous upgrades).
- FE gifts range from small dollar store trinkets to a personalized Disney tote in our experience. It doesn't matter the cost, it's definitely about the thought and surprise factor.
- some people focused on Disney themed gifts, others gave something to represent their hometown or country (ie: a Puerto Rican family gave a small rum cake candy and native little keychain), and we even got stuff for the pirate night (a pirate onesie for our little girl and pirate ducky for bath time)
- the last group did a little meet 'n greet on the first day at a scheduled time at one of the lounges to for those who wanted to meet in person. We were late compared to most for booking the trip, but many of the FE group got close via the FB group prior to the cruise and made new friends. We missed due to a napping baby. Never wake a sleeping baby!
- everyone got really excited talking about their Bubba Keg cups. Since there's unlimited pop (soda) and juices bring a large insulated cup for refills bc the cups they supply are small.
- you can order milk and cookies for a night time (well anytime) treat from room service
- it's not on the menu but you can also order Mickey ice cream bars from room service
- for those early birds who are coffee drinkers they say to order a coffee kraft at night from room service and it will stay nice and hot for your morning if you're up before room service/breakfast is rolling
- do make time for the shows!! I loved The Golden Mickeys and Dream!!
- you can bring your own movie candy for the shows rather then paying a bunch at the concession
- I believe DCL is the only cruise line that allows you to bring your own alcohol. (Another reason why you should bring your own insulated cup) But any purchased from the duty free store is held until return to port.
- you can take 2 items per cabin to the concierge to have the characters sign. I saw posts where they sign pillowcases (I've seen personalized ones on Etsy) or a photo matte. We did the photo matte and put a picture of our daughter at Disney in it and also had a Happy Birthday Mickey book signed by the clubhouse gang for her bday since we did a Mickey/Minnie theme. The cast members aren't "supposed" to take food from guests (like boxes up leftovers, etc.) but it was recommended to hook them up for signing. Give a bag of candy or granola bars - things they don't get on the ship.
- not on the dinner menus is the cocktail shrimp that's delish and can be ordered at any of the restaurants. Same deal with the soufflé. I kept reading about a chocolate soufflé they have at Palo although our waiter said he couldn't do that but hooked me up with a Grand Mariner Soufflé (from Enchanted Garden) that in my opinion is the BEST dessert I've ever eaten!! Highly recommend asking!!
- definitely attend the sail away party, dance party, and the pirate party. There are a lot of people that dress up and bring pirate garb - it's a hoot!!
- we did the free Mixology class in the Skyline bar (not sure if that's the official name) and loved it!! Sign up at the concierge desk first thing when arriving! You take turns making drinks, then get to drink them. The bartenders were great and the atmosphere was fun!!
- there are also other tastings but I can't recall if there was a fee included (ie: wine tastings)
- Castaway Cay is ah-may-zing!! We went to the first drop-off but read people forget about the far one and its more secluded and quiet. There is a splash park there for the kids. My 1 1/2yr old at the time made sure we hung out there for awhile.
- Konk Kooler is the signature adult beverage on the island -- It's vacation, it's the Caribbean, and yummy!! Make sure you get one!!
- fun idea. Take post-it notes and tour the hallways leaving notes for cute/creative doors. We didn't do that, but might be fun on a longer cruise when there's more time. I couldn't believe how crazy some people went with their magnets but understand bc we received for several this last FE exchange.
- we used the Its a Small World nursery last cruise and they did a great job!! I'm a SAHM and we rarely leave our daughter with people other then family and were very apprehensive, but she did great and it was worth the small fee to have some alone adult time. It sounds like the kids love the older clubs as well. And sometimes the characters pop in to make special visits.
I learned quickly (and we are proof) that once you cruise with Disney you become addicted!! I'm going to say we met only 1 other family that was a first time cruiser last time. Everyone's gone 4,5,6, and up to 14 cruises! It's nuts!! But you'll soon learn why! Plus i was taken with even how many people go without kids! It's honestly one of my favorite vacations! The service is impeccable - it's Disney! The entertainment is unbelievable!! Castaway Cay is utterly beautiful and so clean and perfect!! There's just special that makes it so fun!! I hope I haven't bored or overwhelmed you! I'm excited and can't wait!! I excited for all the first time cruisers. Like the alumni told me, don't try to do it all, just have fun and soak it all up!! (I'm sure there will be a next time for you!) Let me know if you have any other questions!
PS- June I love the necklaces, you are a crafty one!! I'm excited to see what you give!
PSS- Attach a sticker/tag to your FE gift with your room number or family name that way people know who it's from and can thank you.
**********************************************************
Oh boy June!!
There's so much to learn in general about the DCL cruise! The alumni on our last cruise gave me the advice not to try to do it all, which I think is impossible.
Here are a list of tips I learned and think others will also appreciate and find useful:- there are many threads on the Disboards with tips and secrets (just search and be prepared to read a bunch!)
- bring your bathing suits in your carry-on to change into and get to vacationing when you arrive. It's one of the best times to swim bc the pools are not crowded when you arrive.
- if you've been there done that with the Bahamas, you can stay on the boat and get a less crowded pool area. I read several forums where parents get awesome pictures of their kids in the Mickey pool with no one else in the photo. Is it true?! I don't know but it would make a cool photo op.
- these are both great times to ride the Aquaduct before it gets too busy and the line is too long
- for those with young ones, you can request a diaper genie for your room
- there was talk that the fish extenders were being taken on other cruises and it was recommended to zip tie it onto the fish hook to prevent theft. (We did that last time but had a very difficult time removing it and a steward tried to help but no one had any sharp instruments. We were finally successful with nail clippers.)
- the last FE group had a person that kept the spreadsheet updated (there were probably 35 cabins total in that FE exchange) and on the boat she put a dry erase board on her door notifying you if anyone's cabin changed due to day-of upgrades and "pixy dust" (which I understand DCL will do some spontaneous upgrades).
- FE gifts range from small dollar store trinkets to a personalized Disney tote in our experience. It doesn't matter the cost, it's definitely about the thought and surprise factor.
- some people focused on Disney themed gifts, others gave something to represent their hometown or country (ie: a Puerto Rican family gave a small rum cake candy and native little keychain), and we even got stuff for the pirate night (a pirate onesie for our little girl and pirate ducky for bath time)
- the last group did a little meet 'n greet on the first day at a scheduled time at one of the lounges to for those who wanted to meet in person. We were late compared to most for booking the trip, but many of the FE group got close via the FB group prior to the cruise and made new friends. We missed due to a napping baby. Never wake a sleeping baby!
- everyone got really excited talking about their Bubba Keg cups. Since there's unlimited pop (soda) and juices bring a large insulated cup for refills bc the cups they supply are small.
- you can order milk and cookies for a night time (well anytime) treat from room service
- it's not on the menu but you can also order Mickey ice cream bars from room service
- for those early birds who are coffee drinkers they say to order a coffee kraft at night from room service and it will stay nice and hot for your morning if you're up before room service/breakfast is rolling
- do make time for the shows!! I loved The Golden Mickeys and Dream!!
- you can bring your own movie candy for the shows rather then paying a bunch at the concession
- I believe DCL is the only cruise line that allows you to bring your own alcohol. (Another reason why you should bring your own insulated cup)
But any purchased from the duty free store is held until return to port.- you can take 2 items per cabin to the concierge to have the characters sign. I saw posts where they sign pillowcases (I've seen personalized ones on Etsy) or a photo matte. We did the photo matte and put a picture of our daughter at Disney in it and also had a Happy Birthday Mickey book signed by the clubhouse gang for her bday since we did a Mickey/Minnie theme. The cast members aren't "supposed" to take food from guests (like boxes up leftovers, etc.) but it was recommended to hook them up for signing. Give a bag of candy or granola bars - things they don't get on the ship.
- not on the dinner menus is the cocktail shrimp that's delish and can be ordered at any of the restaurants. Same deal with the soufflé. I kept reading about a chocolate soufflé they have at Palo although our waiter said he couldn't do that but hooked me up with a Grand Mariner Soufflé (from Enchanted Garden) that in my opinion is the BEST dessert I've ever eaten!!
Highly recommend asking!!- definitely attend the sail away party, dance party, and the pirate party. There are a lot of people that dress up and bring pirate garb - it's a hoot!!
- we did the free Mixology class in the Skyline bar (not sure if that's the official name) and loved it!! Sign up at the concierge desk first thing when arriving! You take turns making drinks, then get to drink them. The bartenders were great and the atmosphere was fun!!
- there are also other tastings but I can't recall if there was a fee included (ie: wine tastings)
- Castaway Cay is ah-may-zing!! We went to the first drop-off but read people forget about the far one and its more secluded and quiet. There is a splash park there for the kids. My 1 1/2yr old at the time made sure we hung out there for awhile.
- Konk Kooler is the signature adult beverage on the island -- It's vacation, it's the Caribbean, and yummy!! Make sure you get one!!
- fun idea. Take post-it notes and tour the hallways leaving notes for cute/creative doors. We didn't do that, but might be fun on a longer cruise when there's more time. I couldn't believe how crazy some people went with their magnets but understand bc we received for several this last FE exchange.
- we used the Its a Small World nursery last cruise and they did a great job!! I'm a SAHM and we rarely leave our daughter with people other then family and were very apprehensive, but she did great and it was worth the small fee to have some alone adult time. It sounds like the kids love the older clubs as well. And sometimes the characters pop in to make special visits.
I learned quickly (and we are proof) that once you cruise with Disney you become addicted!! I'm going to say we met only 1 other family that was a first time cruiser last time. Everyone's gone 4,5,6, and up to 14 cruises! It's nuts!! But you'll soon learn why! Plus i was taken with even how many people go without kids! It's honestly one of my favorite vacations! The service is impeccable - it's Disney! The entertainment is unbelievable!! Castaway Cay is utterly beautiful and so clean and perfect!! There's just special that makes it so fun!! I hope I haven't bored or overwhelmed you! I'm excited and can't wait!! I excited for all the first time cruisers. Like the alumni told me, don't try to do it all, just have fun and soak it all up!! (I'm sure there will be a next time for you!)
Let me know if you have any other questions!PS- June I love the necklaces, you are a crafty one!! I'm excited to see what you give!
PSS- Attach a sticker/tag to your FE gift with your room number or family name that way people know who it's from and can thank you.
artemis908
EPCOTnaut
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2012
- Messages
- 733
Just FYI, Disney isn't the only cruise line that allows alcohol. Princess does as well (just gotta remember to bring your own corkscrew!)
Wow DerbyDiva, this is GRRRRRREAT information! The coffee and Mixology tips were my favorites, I think. Or the Post-its...or the Konk Koolers...haaaaa!
I didn't even consider the idea that someone's room number might change. That would have been a bummer if we didn't have a way to update that. I would be glad to keep track of any room changes, unless anyone else wants to.
I loved this post, and it is really getting me excited for our trip. Exactly 7 weeks from today...woo hoooooooo!
I didn't even consider the idea that someone's room number might change. That would have been a bummer if we didn't have a way to update that. I would be glad to keep track of any room changes, unless anyone else wants to.
I loved this post, and it is really getting me excited for our trip. Exactly 7 weeks from today...woo hoooooooo!
Richards04
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2013
- Messages
- 43
Great info, DerbyDiva!! As first time cruisers we are even more excited now
I'm reading all I can before we set sail!
How long does the mixology class last? We might look into signing up for that, $15 is a steal!
Does anyone know about the 5K offered at Castaway Cay? I've read there is an age minimum to sign up and I've also read sometimes they waive it...I have an 8 year old that wants to run! We are skipping her first 8K for this trip so I thought that would make it up to her
I'm reading all I can before we set sail!How long does the mixology class last? We might look into signing up for that, $15 is a steal!
Does anyone know about the 5K offered at Castaway Cay? I've read there is an age minimum to sign up and I've also read sometimes they waive it...I have an 8 year old that wants to run! We are skipping her first 8K for this trip so I thought that would make it up to her
Hi Richards04,
I don't remember exactly how long Mixology lasted, I want to say between an hour or hour and a half. Just enough time to make 4 drinks and 1 beer. It wasn't rushed and it was a blast! If you're considering it, I would recommend not hesitating and signing up.
I'm not sure about the 5k details - it seems like you could find a board dedicated to the 5K. Kudos to you and your 8 year old, that's awesome they're passionate about running!
I don't remember exactly how long Mixology lasted, I want to say between an hour or hour and a half. Just enough time to make 4 drinks and 1 beer. It wasn't rushed and it was a blast! If you're considering it, I would recommend not hesitating and signing up.
I'm not sure about the 5k details - it seems like you could find a board dedicated to the 5K. Kudos to you and your 8 year old, that's awesome they're passionate about running!
Yes AndreaP is my neighbor on the ship and at home~our hubby's booked a weekend getaway with some friends white water rafting so we decided to take the kiddo's on a DCL!!! Love all the tips btw!!! Can't wait for the cruise!!!
Also I need to know if you guys are ok with the FB page going private on April the 1st??? Let me know!!!
Also I need to know if you guys are ok with the FB page going private on April the 1st??? Let me know!!!
Hello my fellow cruisers!
I would like to be join your FE exchange for the April 25 Dream cruise. This is my family's second DCL cruise and second time participating in the FE exchange. It was a blast last time!! I also see where a FB page was created and I'd be interested if it were a private group. It sounds like that was the intentions, but it appears to still be open for now. When will it go private? Can't wait to get rocking on the gifts!
Thanks!
I was thinking the group would go private April the 1st...we also need a date to close the FE group..unless I missed it on here if it was discussed already!?!?!?
Hi Kerri A, sign-ups are open through 4/11/13 at the moment. The date's on the sign-up spreadsheet.
JNRstudios90
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2013
- Messages
- 6
Hello everyone,
This will be our 3rd Disney Cruise. I can't wait 45 days to go
My husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. We actually met while working at Walt Disney World in 1990.
Dreams do come true
This will be our 3rd Disney Cruise. I can't wait 45 days to go
My husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. We actually met while working at Walt Disney World in 1990.
Dreams do come true
HNW999
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2009
- Messages
- 85
http://s1282.beta.photobucket.com/user/HNW999/media/photo-9_zpscad19c3f.jpg.html?evt=email_share
DD gettin' crafty.
People have talked about using it to bring drinks back to the room, to the theaters and on castaway cay (drinks from the bar to the beach)
DD gettin' crafty.
People have talked about using it to bring drinks back to the room, to the theaters and on castaway cay (drinks from the bar to the beach)
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