April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 4

[MrsMork]

Thanks Deb for all the work for the Champagne Girls, I am so looking forward to my first time...

Speaking of champagne, we had a glass last night as we drug the formal wear out of the closet and the bags from 2008 PC Cruise....And, thankfully, it fit....This is good news as now I have a gown I can wear. The bad news is that I have found six formal/semiformal outfits that fit and I am not dragging all of them along....so it is time for a selection. What to take, what to take, what to take? I got carried away in the early cruising days and hit a few too many sales

I also drug out the old Hawaiian sundresses.....they fit too......now the cruise t-shirts are being displaced. As I said, maybe I could set up a shop on the pool deck and sell the extra?????? Why? To make room for more souvenir shirts?????

Note to self, no shopping on this cruise or while in port.

Very impressed that all still fits!!

I understand what Heather and Corinna are dealing with. I spent a lot of time putting together two lists of people's info that I'm missing and need for the CG. I posted it on FB. Then I put together another list combining the two and posted it over here. It is double the work when you have to work with both forums.....FB and DIS. BUT the most frustrating thing is when you don't get a response. I only heard from two people after posting all those lists of names. I don't know if I should delete the others that are signed up but not responding or just wing it and hope that they show up. My main problem is how much champagne to order. If they are all guzzlers I'll need more but if they're all honorary members then I'll need less.

Personally, I think it's rude and irresponsible to sign up for things and then leave the organizer hanging by not responding when they need more information. It's very frustrating. I think Heather and Corinna could agree.

Angie would agree as well. Although linking dining is not NEARLY as big a job as these ladies (and Val) have tackled, those same frustrations apply on a smaller scale. This has certainly been a learning experience for me. But soon this phase will be done and we will be CRUISING and drinking champagne with Deb!

 

[CarolAnnC]

That sounds like a good solution, but they show up anyway. I have had people show up that have never signed up at all, but they are with someone who did. I don't turn them away. Some people don't even wear pink because they didn't know. I don't turn them away either.

I will either have lots of people that don't show up or if I take them off the list and they do show up, then I'll have lots of people showing up that I wasn't ready for. I do color coded name tags for every person to wear. I guess I just have to count them and if they don't show up then I'll have leftovers.

You are very generous to allow the "walk ins". You may want to consider collecting a separate price category for those, maybe $15 ea? Still very reasonable IMHO.

 

[Fivepin]

That sounds like a good solution, but they show up anyway. I have had people show up that have never signed up at all, but they are with someone who did. I don't turn them away. Some people don't even wear pink because they didn't know. I don't turn them away either.

I will either have lots of people that don't show up or if I take them off the list and they do show up, then I'll have lots of people showing up that I wasn't ready for. I do color coded name tags for every person to wear. I guess I just have to count them and if they don't show up then I'll have leftovers.

More for us to drink!!

 

[padalyn]

I can not imagine taking on what Heather and Deb have taken on with their lists. I am doing the FE lists for the three inaugural NYC cruises and those lists are very manageable - but I also will not put someone on the list unless they provide more than just a Dis name. I also am not accepting information from the FB pages for those lists. My reasoning is that these FE exchanges have long been a Dis activity and that is where I am keeping the list located.

That being said - I have to agree with the post previously that more than just a name to sign up should be given- maybe an email address? These lists are a huge undertaking, the organization and time required are exponential with the size of the list.

I personally organize things a little differently, but that doesn't make my way better - just different. So, when I create a "short" version of a list I am always willing to share it. Once Heather finalizes this FE list, I will again make my "short" list version and offer it to others.

I will not be asking for a paper copy of your list Heather - save the tree! I use a single page with just the dis name and cabin number and if I am delivering for kids as well as adults a number in the last column. I cross off as I deliver and go on my laps around the decks. This cruise has no kid compliment, so no extra info - just Dis and cabin...easy peasy!

I have gotten a couple of questions about Michael - he is not on the Dis at all, the FE gift is actually from me, but I list his name as well. We have been traveling together for a couple of years now and are friends as well as cruisin' buddies. To that end - he doesn't expect any gifts, but if they do show up - he loves it! There are many on the boards here who know him, and he does receive some gifts. Do not feel obligated in any way. Just be sure to look for us on Pirate Night - I am Pearl...his first mate (LOL - too funny for those who know us!!!)...his name is The Captain and his parrot is Jack.

Now off to sleep for this very tired nightowl.

Cayla

 

[Fivepin]

Went in for my annual GYN exam and tests last Friday. Got a call last night that I have to come in today to take another mamogram because of something they found on the first. Also, have to go have an pelvic unltrasound tomorrow due to another find. So send me good wishes.

Val-

Hope everything went well. This happened to my best friend and myself last year believe it or not. It was my first mammogram to boot. I had gotten the pelvic ultrasound with the first because I do have fibroids. I got called back in because of something on the mammogram, so had to do a different type of mammogram and breast ultrasound. It was a scary feeling until you get those second results. But for both us, it was nothing. Prayers and pixie dust to you that it's the same way.

 

[kris24]

I am working on a bit more detailed version of the Fish Extender groupings as I am giving individual gifts rather than cabin gifts. There are a number of names that I am not sure if they are male or female. I will post a list of the corresponding DIS Names and then names in question. I would appreciate it you could let me know if they are male or female:

AlohaDisney
Brayden

Mousseaumob
Bryce
Sydney

CDNDisneydaddy
Taylor
Jordyn

KMitchel

Gee Gee

Disfam82

Angeli
Dodi
Kailyn

Kris24

Kristan
Dewayne

Gydell

Gydell

Drewmer

Merrill

Speedywil

Harrison
Hamilton
Hayden

Amyreneemt

Mason
Carter
Thatcher

The Goof Troop

Robbie

SerbianPrincess

Carson

For my group:
Kristan - F
Dewayne - M

39 more work days until my family gets on an airplane to LA.
Thanks to everyone who is going to make this cruise extra special.

Kristan

 

[SerbianPrincess]

I am working on a bit more detailed version of the Fish Extender groupings as I am giving individual gifts rather than cabin gifts. There are a number of names that I am not sure if they are male or female. I will post a list of the corresponding DIS Names and then names in question. I would appreciate it you could let me know if they are male or female:


SerbianPrincess

Carson

Carson is my sometimes sweet baby boy, thanks Corina for thinking of the kids, this is going to be a great trip for them with such a small number on board

 

[dolphingirl47]

Brayden is a boy, aged 5

Thanks, I have updated my records.

Gydell is a woman. She always travels with her husband Bill, adult daughter Betsy and grandson Brent.

She has contacted me by PM, but thanks anyway.

We are me: Ellen (mom), Bryce (DS 16), Sydney (DD 9)!

Thanks. I have updated my records.

For my group:
Kristan - F
Dewayne - M

39 more work days until my family gets on an airplane to LA.
Thanks to everyone who is going to make this cruise extra special.

Kristan

Thanks again.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am working on a list at the moment that contains all first names, is colour coded for male and female and contains the ages of all kids. I am about 98% there. I am awaiting two names and confirmation on about 10 names if they are male or female. Once I have this information, I will post links both here and on Facebook.

The names where I am still needing confirmation if they are male or female are:

Drewmer

Merrill

The Goof Troop

Robbie

I also have a mystery family with the DIS Name Smith2615. If anybody knows them, could you please point them in this direction?

I have created a separate spreadsheet for each group and on the bottom, I have added a breakdown of women, men boys and girls.

I will post the links once Heather has been able to make the final changes.

Corinna

 

[seaulater]

I understand what Heather and Corinna are dealing with. I spent a lot of time putting together two lists of people's info that I'm missing and need for the CG. I posted it on FB. Then I put together another list combining the two and posted it over here. It is double the work when you have to work with both forums.....FB and DIS. BUT the most frustrating thing is when you don't get a response. I only heard from two people after posting all those lists of names. I don't know if I should delete the others that are signed up but not responding or just wing it and hope that they show up. My main problem is how much champagne to order. If they are all guzzlers I'll need more but if they're all honorary members then I'll need less.

Personally, I think it's rude and irresponsible to sign up for things and then leave the organizer hanging by not responding when they need more information. It's very frustrating. I think Heather and Corinna could agree.

Totally agree. I sent PM's to everyone on scrapbooking. Out of 60 people, 20 have given no response. The other 40 were awesome. It is just really hard to plan when I am spending time putting together packets based on how many scrapbookers signed up. If the 20 that haven't responded have changed their mind, all they need to do is contact me. I am sure there are more that would want to participate. The other thing is, I am hauling all this stuff to the ship, and I only want to take what is being used. Don't want to bring back extra stuff. Paper and books are just so heavy.

Okay.....I have vented. Back to normal......

 

[amyreneemt]

I am working on a list at the moment that contains all first names, is colour coded for male and female and contains the ages of all kids. I am about 98% there. I am awaiting two names and confirmation on about 10 names if they are male or female. Once I have this information, I will post links both here and on Facebook.

The names where I am still needing confirmation if they are male or female are:

Drewmer

Merrill

The Goof Troop

Robbie



I also have a mystery family with the DIS Name Smith2615. If anybody knows them, could you please point them in this direction?

I have created a separate spreadsheet for each group and on the bottom, I have added a breakdown of women, men boys and girls.

I will post the links once Heather has been able to make the final changes.

Corinna

That's awesome, looking forward to using your list!!!!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I think people don't realize just how much work all of this takes even without having to chase everybody time and time again. I figured that I could spread some magic when I took on some of the tasks and activities. There have been moments when I have bitterly regretted doing so. First and foremost, this is our vacation. I do not expect any thanks, but I do expect that people let me know once they got a room assignment, if their plans change, etc. At the very least, I expect that they reply to my pleas for information without giving me attitude. I have still got one person who has not paid for the jewellery workshop and does not respond to PMs on here or messages on Facebook. If I had waited to order supplies until the last person has paid, we would not have them in time for the cruise. But this is leaving me out of pocket. It is little things like this that drive me crazy.

Corinna

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

Okay, so I have gotten some info back from the Hyatt regarding their Drums of the Pacific Luau (http://www.hyattregencymaui.com/drums-pacific-luau.html)

This event would be from 5pm-8pm with pick up at the port at 4pm and return by 9:30pm

For our group, they could provide the following:

VIP Seating

• Tables of 16-18 people in the very front of the venue closest to the stage (this is important because this is a much larger venue than Feast at Lele with 500-600 participants)
• Early entry to the venue; Queue in the shade (VIPs enter about 40 minutes prior to General Admission)
• First in line at the buffet which means warmer food (General Admission eats about 25 minutes after VIPs)
• Open Bar featuring beer, wine, mixed cocktails, mai tais, and fruit punch (VIPs have waiter service for drinks vice having to go to the bar)

Pricing

• Adults (13 and over) - $85 plus ~$25 for transportation = $110
• Children (6-12) - $50 plus ~$25 for transportation = $75
• Lil' Children (5 and under) - $30 plus ~$25 for transportation (unless lap child) = $55

This is much more than the TravelZoo offer (basically $50/adult with free kids under 6), but you are paying for the VIP component which all the reviews I've read say will "make or break" your enjoyment as to this luau. But, it is also a significant discount over their posted VIP rates of $130/$75/$30

Here is the menu:

Salads & Sides
garden salad with papaya seed dressing & la scala vinaigrette
lomi-lomi relish
pancit noodle salad
ahi poke
maui onion & cucumber namasu
fresh pounded poi
Tropical Fruits
hawaiian papaya
maui gold pineapple
fresh seedless watermelon
Local Grinds
huli-huli chicken
kalua pork
cilantro crusted mahi-mahi with lemon-ginger beurre blanc
fried rice
asian stir-fried vegetable
teriyaki sauce & pineapple salsa
house baked poi rolls & butter
Desserts
chocolate & macadamia nut mousse pie
coconut haupia
fresh baked pineapple upside down cake
warm bread pudding with vanilla sauce
freshly brewed starbuck coffee & tazo tea

I am happy to make arrangements for those who want to still participate. I am also happy to look at other places if folks have some alternate ideas.

Just let me know your thoughts - either here or via PM

 

[gdaneowner]

Okay, so I have gotten some info back from the Hyatt regarding their Drums of the Pacific Luau (http://www.hyattregencymaui.com/drums-pacific-luau.html)

This event would be from 5pm-8pm with pick up at the port at 4pm and return by 9:30pm

For our group, they could provide the following:

VIP Seating

• Tables of 16-18 people in the very front of the venue closest to the stage (this is important because this is a much larger venue than Feast at Lele with 500-600 participants)
• Early entry to the venue; Queue in the shade (VIPs enter about 40 minutes prior to General Admission)
• First in line at the buffet which means warmer food (General Admission eats about 25 minutes after VIPs)
• Open Bar featuring beer, wine, mixed cocktails, mai tais, and fruit punch (VIPs have waiter service for drinks vice having to go to the bar)

Pricing

• Adults (13 and over) - $85 plus ~$25 for transportation = $110
• Children (6-12) - $50 plus ~$25 for transportation = $75
• Lil' Children (5 and under) - $30 plus ~$25 for transportation (unless lap child) = $55

This is much more than the TravelZoo offer (basically $50/adult with free kids under 6), but you are paying for the VIP component which all the reviews I've read say will "make or break" your enjoyment as to this luau. But, it is also a significant discount over their posted VIP rates of $130/$75/$30

Here is the menu:

Salads & Sides
garden salad with papaya seed dressing & la scala vinaigrette
lomi-lomi relish
pancit noodle salad
ahi poke
maui onion & cucumber namasu
fresh pounded poi
Tropical Fruits
hawaiian papaya
maui gold pineapple
fresh seedless watermelon
Local Grinds
huli-huli chicken
kalua pork
cilantro crusted mahi-mahi with lemon-ginger beurre blanc
fried rice
asian stir-fried vegetable
teriyaki sauce & pineapple salsa
house baked poi rolls & butter
Desserts
chocolate & macadamia nut mousse pie
coconut haupia
fresh baked pineapple upside down cake
warm bread pudding with vanilla sauce
freshly brewed starbuck coffee & tazo tea

I am happy to make arrangements for those who want to still participate. I am also happy to look at other places if folks have some alternate ideas.

Just let me know your thoughts - either here or via PM

I would still be interested!.. I went and book the Disney one, after the first one was canceled, but only to make sure we go into a Luau one way or another. This is still significantly cheaper then the Disney one that is offered as an excursion. There are 4 of us, 2 adults, 2 under 5, one of which can be a lap child!..

 

[calypso726]

That is different. We're not doing it that way. I'm collecting cash at the door and putting it on my stateroom bill. Did you pick out your own champagne? I always do that. Maybe because you're in the champagne bar? No matter what, you're going to have an awesome time. I can't wait to see your pictures. Have fun!!!!!!

I know. i requested putting it on my stateroom bill and planned to collect at the door. I am not being given that option Maybe it is because they put us in the champagne bar. Not sure. I am just happy they are accommodating us Nope they said the champagne selection will be done by the on board beverage team. I agree! I think we will have a blast no matter what! I will definteily share pictures with your group here. Thank you again for everything!!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Honey - Full quiver cancelled about a year ago....guess she didn't remember to come back & cancel her sign-ups. She's the only one I know, off-hand, who has cancelled.




I was on the wbta & this was the option we were given as well. It included a private venue with free pouring of 4 different types of champagne/sparkling wine for one hour.







I agree that they should at least "complete" the signup as a sign of intention & also that when someone cancels they are too bummed to come back & check the thread...although in a perfect world, lol, they would!!

Seems like the problems in so many activities didn't stem from FB so much as the sign-ups starting over a year early & sooooo many people *dropping* & not coming back to do this. It lead to some having to keep signing up on different forms that not everyone saw and/or reconfirm things?? I plan a few of these myself on a few cruises & I know the FEs in particular were difficult in the past when groups had to be formed within the group....but.....looks like more people got included this way, so that makes it 'the more the merrier' so that part is good??

Thank you to planners for going that extra mile to hunt people down - that is going above & beyond in my book.
.

Bev, what about the people on a wait list because the event is full and closed. Then I have people that have cancelled the cruise taking up space. It's not fair to the wait list people. I think everyone should just be responsible for what they do. If they sign up and cancel, they should come back and take themselves off the list so that others can join in.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Very impressed that all still fits!!



Angie would agree as well. Although linking dining is not NEARLY as big a job as these ladies (and Val) have tackled, those same frustrations apply on a smaller scale. This has certainly been a learning experience for me. But soon this phase will be done and we will be CRUISING and drinking champagne with Deb!

YES Angie, this phase will be done soon and we will be CRUISING to the Aloha state with bubbly flowing. I love that image!!!!!

 

[dylan'smom]

Bev, what about the people on a wait list because the event is full and closed. Then I have people that have cancelled the cruise taking up space. It's not fair to the wait list people. I think everyone should just be responsible for what they do. If they sign up and cancel, they should come back and take themselves off the list so that others can join in.

It's a shame....I agree & think they should be responsible too, but not everyone does ever go back, as we know. Maybe they assume someone will know they are gone? But I didn't think to go back to the lists and check, myself. I feel bad that i didn't double check to see if they were signed up for anything & I just assumed they would delete themselves....what is that saying about assuming??

 

[EllaEnchanted]

You are very generous to allow the "walk ins". You may want to consider collecting a separate price category for those, maybe $15 ea? Still very reasonable IMHO.

Thanks Carol Ann for your support, but I want to avoid conflict at all costs. It's a pleasant occassion and it's all about having fun. If I start confronting people that didn't sign up and charge them more they will just lie and say that it's my mistake. They can be very insistent. It's just not worth it.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

More for us to drink!!

I like the way you think!