August 12, 2011 Disney Dream Meet Link Here

[3smithboys]

Hi everyone! Ok, I will go next...

My name is Lani and we also live in PA. We actually live about 20 minutes away from Gary, and we were in Montgomeryville this afternoon at the mall!

Nick and I have 3 boys... Matt will be 13 when we cruise, Jack and Ryan are identical twins and they will be 8. My mom, Dianne, will also be joining us on the cruise as well. Oh, I am 40 and Nick will be 40 in September.... I'm sure my mom doesn't want me to post her age! (but she looks very young!!!!)

My mom is flying in the day before the cruise, and the rest of us are driving down from Philly... we are staying at Country Inn and Suites for the night. We have not stayed there before, so I hope it is a good choice! We are planning on getting to the terminal early like we did when we went on the Dream in April. We got to the terminal around 10:30, but we were staying at the Hyatt at the airport...we got check-in #2. It was great. I am hoping Country Inn runs early shuttles too...I was told they did, and it works out just as well.

When we got on board, we went to eat at the buffet, Cabanas. We are going to make sure the kids have their bathing suits on (and I guess the adults too!) because I know they are going to want to hit the Aqua Duck! This will probably be a good time to do so before the line starts to get crazy....

I'm not sure how much time the kids will spend in the kids clubs. I guess we will have to see. They were not crazy about them on the Wonder, but they do look better on the Dream. Not sure what Matt will think about the Edge...last time he spent most of his time hanging out at the pool with Disboard friends he met when we got onboard.

We also really like the shows and game shows...The fireworks are fun too!!!
I also can't wait to try Palo. We have that booked for the 3rd night, I think. When we went on the Dream in April, we had a great waiter, so we requested him again for this cruise. Not sure if we will get him again, but we hope so!

Oooh this IS getting me excited!!!

Tag, your IT!

 

[jpink23]

Hi :]

My name is Jenn, I'm Gary's oldest daughter! I am so excited for the cruise. Currently I am working at Busch Gardens and everyone I work with is Disney crazy. They are killing me with anticipation.

Anyway, I don't remember too too much about our past cruises. The teen room was fun, but I am excited for new things on the ship. But the game nights are always my favorite. Dad and I won our medals on our first cruise when we were chosen for a trivia game. (We got pins for walking around the boat the one morning). And our second cruise, my sister Robin and I were chosen for a Pirate game one evening.

The shows are my favorite part though, being a theatre major and all. And I cannot wait to see Toy Story the Musical!

 

[lexandme]

Gary - What a great idea!!! I told Ian and Chelsea about your daughters and they are looking forward to meting them!

I'm Judy, 57, and a big Disney fan. We are from Pittsburgh but I'm very familiar with Philly! My brother lived in Devon/Berwyn for many years and currently lives downtown Philly. My sister-in-law teaches in Bryn Mawr. My best friend in college was from Pottstown/Collegeville. I spent a lot of fun weekends there.
We try to get to WDW every year and try to cruise every few years as well. I'm traveling with my son Ian who is 18 and his girlfriend Chelsea who is 17. This is our 3rd Disney cruise and Ian and Chelsea's high school graduation gift. We did the Wonder in 05 (vow renewal) and a Western Magic cruise in 08. We booked this cruise while on board in 08 (dummy date then moved it out last year). My husband was originally booked with us however he is unable to join us now. There is a slim chance things may change (hopefully!) and he will be on board but we won't know until the last minute.

The most incredible thing I have done on a DCL cruise was swim with dolphins in Cozumel. I also enjoyed the stingray swim/snorkel on CC. My DH recommends parasailing and renting jet skis at CC as well. I also love to sit in the big porthole windows and watch the wake the ship makes as it moves. During sailaway I always try to move as far forward as I can get to watch for dolphins playing off the bow of the ship.

I expect to spend a lot of time on my own this time. I know Ian and Chelsea will be off on their own. And that's ok - I'm kind of looking forward to doing whatever I want to do! Selfish!!! Last cruise Ian was 15 and nervous and afraid he wouldn't have anything to do because he didn't know anyone. He went to the teen club the first night, made many friends and we rarely saw him again. We had to beg him to at least eat Thanksgiving dinner with us.

We are staying at AKL a few days before the cruise so we are at the mercy of DCL transportation. I think we'll be at port around 1:00.

This is the first cruise we have done with a verandah room and I'm very excited. I'm thinking I may end up sleeping out there! We're usually inside stateroom but for some reason the price difference was very little. I know they were a lot more on the Magic and Wonder. I'm thinking the new categories and the virtual portholes in the inside rooms are a big draw.

The food! I can't eat enough creme brulee and fresh fruit. I love getting up early, going to the breakfast buffet and sitting in the sun with my plate of fruit. And mickey bars - yum.

Saw the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie yesterday (kind of dissapointed) and now I'm getting sad wishing the "Flying Dutchman" was still at CC!

Have a great day!!!

 

[zuperdaave]

Hi, I'm Dave, from south Florida. My DW is Chylynn (Momto2girls) and we have two daughters (age 6 and 2). We will be traveling with my mom and dad. This will be our 3rd Disney cruise. First was 4 night Wonder (in '06 I think), then we did a 7 night Eastern Caribbean on the Magic in '09.

I think the goal for us on this cruise is to just go with the flow and not plan too much. In fact, for the first time, we have not booked any shore excursions. We have found in the past that we try to cram too much in and don't end up enjoying our time with each other. So we're trying a new approach this time! To make a Seinfeld reference, I'm looking forward to a cruise about nothing!

 

[jlwatkins]

Great idea Gary!
Hi again everyone.

I'm Lindsey and I'm travelling with my husband Jason and son Luke - just the three of us. Luke is 10 and will be 11 in September. I celebrated my 40th a few months ago and Jason is 41.

We're from South Wales in the UK - we live about 20 miles outside the capital city of Cardiff.
We love being on holiday in the US and we love Disney.
This is our second cruise. We did the 5 night Bahamian on The Wonder last year and really caught the Disney cruise bug. We're staying at Bay Lake Towers before the cruise and then we're off to Vero Beach after it.
We enjoyed all the family events, shows etc on our last cruise. Luke won a pin in a Disney version of Who wants to be a millionaire. Really enjoyed the cinema too as the films are usually available on the cruise way before they are released to cinemas in the UK.
I also enjoyed using the Spa on The Wonder and I'm looking forward to trying the one out on The Dream.
We did the Atlantis Aqua Adventure last year and this year we're doing The Sea Lion Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island - I've read some great reviews about it. Apart from that we're going to just go with the flow.

Really looking forward to getting onboard and having a Bahamamama!

 

[bkoehl]

Hi all, I'm Becky and my DH is John. We live in a suburb of Cincinnati. We LOVE going to WDW but this is only our second cruise. I am also a big fan of the DisUnplugged Podcast (if anyone else listens.) We have a DS 9 and DD 6 who really enjoyed the kids clubs last year. We have been anxiously awaiting the Dream and all the new cool stuff to do. So far are not planning on any shore stuff, enough to do (and not do) without it. After the cruise we are staying a week at WDW at WL-a new resort for us. Can't wait until August!

 

[Momtotwogirls]

Love reading about everyone!

My hubby already answered the question today, so no need for me to repeat. I will add that one of my favorite things on our past cruise was getting a signed photograph matte by all of the characters. It is one of my favorite treasures and I am hoping to get a new picture of my girls to replace the current picture.

We love pirate night! We don't fully get dressed, but we do add a few accessories. This is the one night I will wear jeans into the dining room with a black t-shirt and not feel out of place. Pretty much anything goes on pirate night!

I just ordered some packing cubes and packing folders from ebags to help in keeping our luggage neat and organized. I wanted to purchase them on the last cruise, but never got around to it. I hope it is as great as people say they are!

I have been a little worried about our stateroom as there have been reports that evolution is keeping some people awake in the 5E Aft rooms. I have been checking room reports and finally someone posted that it is not a problem in our room. Thank goodness! I would hate to be stuck with my little ones on a cruiseship if they were not getting their sleep!

Updated Fish Extender List -6-17-11
Closing July 1st! Join in while you can!

Deck 2
Tracy (tdmathews), George, Taylor (DD12), and Hanna (DD11)
Cabin #2000

Rae (pittsburghgirl), Ray, Eleanor, Trevor (DS14), Melina (DD11)
Cabin #2021 and #2023

Deck 5
Dave (zuperdaave), Chylynn (Momtotwogirls), Rebecca (DD6) and Emily (DD3)
Cabin #5152

Ralph (zuperdaaves' parents), Laura
Cabin #5154

Judy (Lexandme) Ian (DS) 18 Chelsea (DS girlfriend) 17
Cabin #5156

Deck 6
Becky (bkoehl), DH John, Jack (DS9) and Rebecca (DD6)
Cabin #6098

Leslie (Dahly), Raymond (DS13)
Cabin #6502

Lori (Mom2CJ&Kitty), Chris, CJ (DS9), and Kitty (DD7)
Cabin #6538

Andrea (mominva), Jean, Ethan (DS11), Natalia (DD9)
Cabin #6540

Deck 7
Cara (CareBear05)
Cabin #7550

Deck 8
Gary (Gary Pinkos), DW Janet, Jenn (DD21), Stacey (DD17), Robin (DD16)
Cabins #8063 and #8065

Deck 9
Yvonne (ydrj), Doug, Ryan (DS16), Amanda (DD14)
Cabin #9547

We have the following groups to help with making/purchasing your FE gifts:

Children under 7 -3 girls

Children 7-12 -5 girls; 3 boys

Teens -5 girls; 4 boys

Adults- 21

 

[Gary Pinkos]

I am also a big fan of the DisUnplugged Podcast (if anyone else listens.) Can't wait until August!

I download all the podcasts, I go though times where I don't listen to them, but I usually try to catch up......valuable information just like on the disboards.

I can't wait till August as well.

 

[Gary Pinkos]

My name is Jenn, I'm Gary's oldest daughter! I am so excited for the cruise. Currently I am working at Busch Gardens and everyone I work with is Disney crazy. They are killing me with anticipation.

It won't be long!

Anyway, I don't remember too too much about our past cruises. The teen room was fun, but I am excited for new things on the ship. But the game nights are always my favorite. Dad and I won our medals on our first cruise when we were chosen for a trivia game. (We got pins for walking around the boat the one morning). And our second cruise, my sister Robin and I were chosen for a Pirate game one evening.

Don't remember ? You must get your memory fro me!

 

[lexandme]

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THE DADS!!!

I brought mats to be signed on my last cruise but DCL lost them. I bought another yesterday and hope I have better luck this time!

If anyone is looking for Disney ribbon for their FE I found some yesterday at WalMart. It's sold in 3 yard strips and hangs above the bolts of ribbon in their craft department. They have princess, Cars, Toy Story and Mickey silhouette. I also went to JoAnne Fabrics and could not find one piece of Disney fabric, ribbon or iron-on patches.

One of DH and my best friends sailed yesterday from Barcelona on the 11 day. I can't wait to hear their trip report. That would be my dream cruise but I can't get DH to agree to fly across the ocean!

I snagged tickets to Jimmy Buffet for this Thursday night - should really put me in an Island mood.

Chylynn - I was worried about our cabin being loud as well. I haven't read specific reports about 5156 so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[Gary Pinkos]

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THE DADS!!!

I brought mats to be signed on my last cruise but DCL lost them. I bought another yesterday and hope I have better luck this time!

Thanks for the Fathers Day Wishes!

Please elaborate on the "mats to be signed" statement. I would like to know more about this.

Thanks

 

[CareBear05]

Thanks for the Fathers Day Wishes!

Please elaborate on the "mats to be signed" statement. I would like to know more about this.

Thanks

You can bring large photo mats (ie 11x14) with some markers, leave them at Guest Services usually with some candy (as a thank you) and in a few days it will be returned to you with all of the characters signatures on it. There's no charge and it's a great souvenir. They usually have a form for you to sign in regards to which characters you prefer (whoever you can get, the fab five, princess', etc). I'm looking forward to this very much, though it's disheartening to hear that they may get lost on the way back!

 

[lexandme]

I'm looking forward to this very much, though it's disheartening to hear that they may get lost on the way back! [/QUOTE]

I lost a lot on that trip! Aside from the mats being misplaced by guest services, I lost a diamond stud earring, my gold cladagh ring, and DH accidentally left 125.00 in a drawer. An unexpected extra tip for housekeeping! I called DCL but nothing was ever found.

What kind of candy do you leave with the mats? I didn't do this. Maybe that's why they couldn't find them.

Gary - some people also leave pillowcases to be signed. I saw some that had been embroidered or printed with Disney characters as well as plain ones. That's another great souvenir.

 

[CareBear05]

I lost a lot on that trip! Aside from the mats being misplaced by guest services, I lost a diamond stud earring, my gold cladagh ring, and DH accidentally left 125.00 in a drawer. An unexpected extra tip for housekeeping! I called DCL but nothing was ever found.

What kind of candy do you leave with the mats? I didn't do this. Maybe that's why they couldn't find them.

Gary - some people also leave pillowcases to be signed. I saw some that had been embroidered or printed with Disney characters as well as plain ones. That's another great souvenir.

That is a whole heck of lost items!!! I think I'd have thrown in the towel at that point and just waited for the next thing to disappear.

People leave different types of candy like twizzlers, runts, etc (nothing chocolate because of it melting) just to say thanks to the "characters" for signing.

People leave all kinds of items, tote bags, vinylmations, pillow cases, photo mats, or anything else that can be signed essentially. There's a limit of items per stateroom but I believe that it depends on the # of people in your cabin.

 

[castle4us]

A couple of thoughts before I reintroduce myself. I have made door magnets for other cruises. I run them on photo paper and then use double stick tape to glue a magnet on the back. We get tons of magnets with advertising in the mail, so I just use those.

I don’t like the stiffness of an iron on either and I did try the new stretchy type of iron on. It was so much better, but seemed to fade faster in the wash than the other type of iron on. Course, I wore it around the house a lot after I made it so it got washed a lot! I have also made t-shirts with my cutting machine (for scrapbooking). I cut out a mickey head on butcher paper and then iron it on to the shirt. (It works like a stencil.) Then I use one of those sponge paint sticks to paint fabric glue on it. When it’s dry, you peel the butcher paper off like a sticker and you have your mickey head. I got a lot of compliments on it on our last cruise. I used gold glitter paint on a black t-shirt.

Anyway, my name is Michelle. I live in Minnesota. I haven’t been on much but hope to change that now. I just finished teaching on June 10th and had my oldest son’s graduation party on the 18th, so now I feel like I’m on summer vacation. It was a busy week last week!! I’ll be turning 49 a few days after our cruise. DH will be along for the ride as well as DS age 15. Oldest DS will be staying home to work and dog/house sit. He opted for a different vacation (to Mexico last Christmas with my mom) so won’t be joining us. He didn’t think he’d enjoy the cruise being he would be too old to be in the teen club. I think he’s regretting his decision as the cruise approaches…DS15 has loved the clubs on the last trips and hope he has just as much fun this time. We’ll fly into Orlando the day before the cruise and stay at Radisson in Cocoa Beach. Last time we stayed at Four Points and visited Kennedy Space Center. This will be our 4th cruise, one on Wonder and 2 on Magic.

Our last cruise was all about relaxing, I think I’m going to have a hard time doing that on the new ship though, with all to see. I wish I would have booked a 7 night! I have Remy booked but may need to try to switch that up once we get our dining rotation. We’ve done brunch, supper and tea at Palo’s, so thought we’d try this. We’re doing jet skis on Castaway Cay. I’m not sure if I should cancel my jet ski and just let DH and DS do a little bonding. I’m kind of a wuss when it comes to adventure yet I’m afraid I’ll miss something if I don’t go, ha! We’ve done several spa treatments on the Magic and did the couples Villa before, so this time will just book a couple massages. DH didn’t try Rainforest room before, so I’d like to do that with him.

We’re going to Universal for 2 days after the cruise. DH and DS have never been there, I’ve been once a few years ago. Then we’ll stay at Wilderness Lodge for a few days after Universal. We’ve never stayed there, I love trying out new resorts. The rest of my family prefers Animal Kingdom Lodge and we’ve stayed there often, but this time I put my foot down, as this may be our last trip to WDW as a family. At least that’s what DH thinks, but DS and I think differently but haven’t shared that with DH, ha! Of course, DH thought our first family trip in 1997 would be our only and we went each year for many years after that. DH isn’t “into” Disney (but yet went every year and enjoyed it), but has gotten a little better. On our last cruise he actually wore a t-shirt to pirate night that I made that was a skull and cross bones with mickey ears on it. That was a HUGE milestone in my life!!

Would love to do a meet with you all. It’s been fun reading the posts and sharing my excitement with someone other than DS who sometimes just tolerates all my obsessive planning and talking about the trip.

 

[castle4us]

Forgot to add this and for some reason I can't edit my own text ?We're in cabin 9570, our first time with a verandah and I'm very excited about that! We're midship, but I'm a little worried about sea sickness on deck 9. Our first cruise our cabin was on deck 5 and it was rocky at times (hope it was just due to the weather) and other two were on deck 2 (was great sailing).

 

[jlwatkins]

Hi Michelle and everyone!

Lucky you finishing up from school already.
We still have another 4 weeks and it's really busy!
We break up on July 21st and the fly out on the 27th - can't wait! We'll be in WDW for our wedding anniversary and have The California Grill booked.
We've also booked to do the new wild Africa trek at animal kingdom on the same day.

We haven't reserved Remy or Palo - looking forward to trying all the Dream restaurants.

Really enjoying reading everyone's posts.
The cruise is getting closer...

 

[Gary Pinkos]

Only 50 Days !

 

[lexandme]

49 Days today!!
Welcome back Michelle Your DH sounds like mine. He tolerates my rambling and I know he tunes me out, but when we get to WDW or on-board, he turns into a 10 year old and does enjoy himself. He complains "Disney again?" and I give him the option of planning a different vacation but he never does. So yeah, it's "Disney again"!

I went to WDW last year with a coworker and her sister. They called me last week to talk about possibly going again next spring. After several discussions we have decided on 1 day at WDW and the Dream on April 29 for 4 nights. I'm overwhelmed!!

Poohbear; We still need to plan that lunch. Is Station Square convenient for you? Time is closing in on us.........

 

[tinkerbelle77]

We would like to participate... It's myself, dh and 3dd's, krystina, 15, haylee, 12 and gabby, 1. We are in cabin, 2019

Fish Extender List updated 6/12/11

Dave (zuperdaave), Chylynn (Momtotwogirls), Rebecca (DD6) and Emily (DD3)
Cabin #5152

Lori (Mom2CJ&Kitty), Chris, CJ (DS9), and Kitty (DD7)
Cabin #6538

Tracy (tdmathews), George, Taylor (DD12), and Hanna (DD11)
Cabin #2000

Rae (pittsburghgirl), Ray, Eleanor, Trevor (14), Melina (11)
Cabin #2021 and #2023

Andrea (mominva), Jean, Ethan (DS11), Natalia (DD9)
Cabin #6540

Leslie (Dahly), Raymond (DS13)
Cabin #6502

Yvonne (ydrj), Doug, Ryan (DS16), Amanda (DD14)
Cabine #9547

Gary (Gary Pinkos), DW Janet, Jenn (DD21), Stacey (DD17), Robin (DD16)
Cabins #8063 and #8065

Please let me know if I have missed anyone! CareBear05??

Magnets-I just spent an hour personalizing our magnets for our doors. Glad to be able to mark that off my to do list!