August 12, 2011 Disney Dream Meet Link Here

[jlwatkins]

Another vote for Disney Dreamers!

Really excited. I'm also wishing the school term away and counting down the days until our trip to the US.
We're DVC members so we're making use of our points for an extended stay this summer.

We probably won't join in with FE this trip.

I think I'm also going to wait to book a spa treatment on board. Last time I pre booked and there were lots of special offers on embarkation.

 

[zuperdaave]

I was going to vote for "Diehard Disney Dreamers" but looks like several have voted for just "Disney Dreamers" so I'm fine with that too!

 

[mominva]

I have to tell you all this. I put a reminder in my phone and on my computer for on line registration last Friday. But it also happened to coincide with a belated mother's day celebration with my kids. We went to a hotel for the night and I brought along a book that I've been waiting to be released for a long time. I was very anxious to try to book a couple of excursions and Palo's, but somehow it slipped right out of my head. After the kids went to bed, I put my phone on silent and shut down my computer so I could enjoy my book. So no reminders! I didn't remember until we got up on Saturday morning, by which point Palo's was booked for tea and brunch, and all the cabanas were gone. I think the cabanas being gone is a good thing - much better for my budget - but I was disappointed that I missed Palo's!

Anyway, I've been checking a couple of times a day, and high tea at Palo's actually opened up this morning! We also booked the Ardastra Gardens & City Tour while in the Bahamas. I'm looking forward to that. This is our second disney cruise, but we just walked around the city a bit last time - probably not the best way to see the city.

I'm curious about the FE. I've seen a couple of people say they're concerned about the time it takes to deliver gifts. Is it really that bad? We just do it once, right? We're looking forward to participating, I was just wondering about the details.

Also, for those who haven't been able to book excursions yet, I've been checking a couple of times a day and very few are full. Palo's and Remy's still have reservations open for dinner for 1-2 people, also.

 

[tinkerbelle77]

Hi again to everyone! I know I havent been on this thread in a long time!!! We are still booked on this cruise and the one right before it! I will re-introduce myself and family!

It will be myself(Tina), DH(Tim), DD(Krystina,15), DD(Haylee, 12) and DD(Gabby 1)! We are staying at Animal Kingdom from 7/30 til we go on the 8/7 cruise! Can't wait!

We are interested in FE if its still open!

We were able to book the few excursions(we are platinum, so we booked a while ago and the cabana's were selling fast then, 1st cruise we have cabana #8 for both visits and this cruise we are in cabana #11) we wanted and get our times for Palo!! We are doing a cabana on CC, We really loved it in December and can't imagine CC without it!

 

[srose41679]

Hello everyone!

My husband and I are booked for this cruise. We had originally planned on taking the April 17th cruise to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary, but I started a BSN/RN program and wasn't able to travel in April. So we booked this cruise, and it's going to be our first cruise. We are so excited and I'm a major planner, so I've been reading the threads during my semester break to learn as much information as possible. My sister-in-law, niece (19), nephew (12) and niece's friend (19), will be in the stateroom next to us. We won't be able to book any excursions till May 29th since it is our 1st cruise. I'm not sure how often I will be able to post to this thread because I will get busy with my summer course, but I will do my to try and check in at least once a week.

 

[lexandme]

Hi again to everyone! I know I havent been on this thread in a long time!!! We are still booked on this cruise and the one right before it! I will re-introduce myself and family!

It will be myself(Tina), DH(Tim), DD(Krystina,15), DD(Haylee, 12) and DD(Gabby 1)! We are staying at Animal Kingdom from 7/30 til we go on the 8/7 cruise! Can't wait!

We are interested in FE if its still open!

We were able to book the few excursions(we are platinum, so we booked a while ago and the cabana's were selling fast then, 1st cruise we have cabana #8 for both visits and this cruise we are in cabana #11) we wanted and get our times for Palo!! We are doing a cabana on CC, We really loved it in December and can't imagine CC without it!

Ok! Cabana #11 We'll all be over. What time is good for you?

 

[Mom2CJ&Kitty]

Okay former Disney cruisers! I can finally book excursions tomorrow (5/29) but need your advice - we only want to do Castaway Rays on CC and would love a morning booking - should I wait up until midnight tonight to book or would I be okay waiting until morning?

 

[3smithboys]

Hi again Tina !

Lori, I'm not sure about waiting up or waiting until morning...the last time that we booked an excursion, it was just one Atlantis for Nick. I booked a room at CS for the rest of us and he met us there. We didn't have any problems getting that... I think I will talk to everyone about the CC stingray adventure. It sounds like fun, and they might like to do it... if they are not too scared!

We were able to get a Palo ressie for the 2nd night at 8pm. We've never been, and my mom said that she wanted to go.... so it looks like the 3 of us will be going to Palo for dinner! I am excited to finally be able to try it!

I can't believe that school will be over in a few weeks... I am so looking forward to this vacation, but I don't want the summer to end!!!

And welcome srose!!! So glad you joined us!!!

 

[jgperkin]

Hi all....we would like to do.the shallow. Water dolphin swim and the aquaaventure at atlantis. Should I book at midnight tonight? Is this one that fills up fast? We are first time cruisers. Im so clueless...

 

[Mom2CJ&Kitty]

Really glad I didn't stay up until midnight to book Castaway Rays! I booked in the morning and still got the 9 a.m. time that I wanted. So it's official!

For those of you taking Disney transportation to the cruise from a resort - what did you put down as your arrival time to the port when you pre-registered? I'm not sure what to put there - I think the resort buses don't get to the port until later than 1 or so...

 

[lexandme]

Really glad I didn't stay up until midnight to book Castaway Rays! I booked in the morning and still got the 9 a.m. time that I wanted. So it's official!

For those of you taking Disney transportation to the cruise from a resort - what did you put down as your arrival time to the port when you pre-registered? I'm not sure what to put there - I think the resort buses don't get to the port until later than 1 or so...

We're staying at AKL prior to sailing and are taking Disney transportation also. I put 1:00 to 1:30 on our pre-registration. Last time we left from AKL I believe we arrived around 12:30 or 1:00. I don't think there should be any problem if we don't answer correctly! They know we're coming!

 

[tinkerbelle77]

Ok! Cabana #11 We'll all be over. What time is good for you?

How about 11:30? you can swap wrist bands with my kids!

 

[lexandme]

Ok. I'm just gonna say it. This thread is too damn quiet!!!
Where is everyone? Are folks lurking and not commenting? Nothing to say?
We're getting close. Is everyone excited?

What kind of FE gifts have people thought of? I know mine have to be kind of small and light weight because we're flying in and only bringing carry on luggage!! I plan on doing laundry. We did this last cruise and it worked out fine. We packed carefully and brought just what we needed. And it was a 7 night!

We're doing two nights at WDW prior to the cruise. I bought park hopper passes and my DS and his girlfriend have their plans finalized. They will hit all 4 parks and they plan on hitting every roller coaster and thrill ride. I wish them luck! Chelsea has never been to Disney and I am so looking forward to watching her reaction.

Tinkerbelle77 - I look forward to meeting you. I want to hear all about your wedding. My DH and I renewed our vows in the Cadillac lounge a few years ago. We can swap stories around the pool.

Anyone make any new reservations? Did Palo brunch open up? Who's decided to check out Remy?

Hopefully we can get this thread moving

Judy

 

[Mom2CJ&Kitty]

Judy,

Thanks for posting! I am a total lurker. I am always checking out the boards as we are doing DW for 4 nights before the cruise and I am in full planning mode for that!

We are getting so excited after booking this vacay back in October, can't believe we are under 60 days out! My daughter (7 ys old) is here with me and she wants me to let everyone know that she plans to get a wrap put in her hair!

I still need to work on FE gifts - I need to organize the list with adults and ages of children so I can figure out the number of appropriate gifts to make/buy.

You are right that this board is too quiet! I promise to post more. Kitty (DD) wants me to put in one last smilie so here it is -

 

[Gary Pinkos]

I am getting very excited.

Out of our family of 5, my oldest (DD21) and myself are the most excitable when it comes to Disney. She is actually working at Busch Gardens in VA for the summer. I get texted by her every few days that just has a number.....but that number is how many days till our cruise.

This is her first year working at Busch.......she compares everything to Disney.

Three of us in our family did not have passports, and we just applied for them about 1 week ago.

I did book a excursion while in Nassau...... Nassau Forts and Junkanoo Discovery and while at Castaway Cay...... Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage.

Last two cruises, we just went to local market in Nassau, and beach in Castaway Cay.

I have a car rented from airport to DCL and I am taking Disney Cruise Line bus to Bay Lake Tower, where we will spend 6 more nights.

I just purchased 5 annual passes for the parks last night, I read ticket prices are going up tomorrow........so my "to do" list is almost complete for the two part Disney vacation. I just have to decide if I should purchase the dining plan, or tables in wonderland card for the second part of this vacation ......opinions are welcomed.

How many people will book another cruise or buy vacation club points while on this cruise? Are the discounts offered on the ship substantial?

COME ON........GET EXCITED.......WE ARE ALMOST THERE !

 

[lexandme]

Yaa Hoo! Yippee! We were all lurking

Gary - I would LOVE to join DVC but I'm having a really hard time convincing DH. I've been working on it for about 5 years now. Imagine what we could have saved...........
I always enjoyed going to Busch Gardens in Va. Then again I love Va. I'm a Civil War freak and love to tramp through the battle fields.

We booked this cruise while on board and we saved quite a bit. I think it was 20% at the time. I will probably book again this trip (a dummy date that we can push back if we need to). DH would like to do the New England cruise next summer. Being able to drive to the port is a big savings as well.

Anyone planning on decorating their door?

 

[CareBear05]

It's been awhile so I thought I'd drop in and say hello! We're getting so close!!

We added another night on pre-cruise about 2 weeks ago so now we'll be at OKW on 8/9 in 2 studios and then heading to BLT for 2 nights in a GV. A few in our group will be a short monorail ride away at the Poly as well. Our grand total ended up being 13 mouse lovers. 6 rooms are spread out on deck 7 with the 7th up on deck 8. Between hotels and the cruise we all lucked out ending up close together even when we all booked separately.

After much debate we all decided to use DCL transportation. We're all paying individually so the savings between a private limo vs the DCL bus was only about $20 a person. We said we'd all pay the extra $20 in order to not have to worry about luggage or missing the boat if something should happen on the way there!

I've honestly been considering joining the FE but worried it would be considered strange since I'm one adult in my room. What do you guys think? I've never done it before but everyone seems to love it! I think it'd be fun.

I booked 2 spa treatments and parasailing, though we'll see if I keep that or chicken out!! A few members have booked Palo so I may join them since I haven't done it yet. One couple has booked Remy, they're big foodies, but I'm definitely not brave enough for that.

A friend and I have decided that we want to try Alaska, so I'll book for Sept 2012 while onboard. It's a 10% discount, 10% deposit required, and a $200 OBC. Seemed like a good deal to me!

Can't believe we're less than 2 months out!!!

 

[jlwatkins]

We're really excited too!
(Also guilty of lurking!)
We are counting down the weeks until the end of term - July 21st. We both have lots on in work and this has to be the busiest and most stressful part of the school year for us.
We're in Florida for our longest ever stay this year thanks to our DVC. We're at BLT for a couple of weeks before cruise then off to Vero for a few days after followed by AKL. We're at Universal for the last couple of nights as we haven't done Harry Potter yet. Anyone done Vero? This will be our first time.
Last year we did our first ever cruise on points and really got the DCL bug.
We booked this cruise whilst on board last year and got a really good deal.

DH is talking about banking our points next year for the year after. I need to try and talk him into rebooking another cruise on board - I would also love to do the Alaska cruise. Wish me luck!

We're not doing the FE as we don't think we'd be organised enough or have enough space in our cases but we're certainly up for a get together!

 

[lexandme]

Good Morning!

After reading Carebear's post I have decided to call our TA and see about adding on another night at WDW. I'm not sure what that will do to the cost of the flight however.

Carebear - still interested in doing lunch? Perhaps we could meet at Station Square?

And Kitty --- I would love to get a wrap but my hair is much too short!

A good friend (we actually met on our 08 DCL Western trip) is on the Alaska cruise now. She wrote last night and said it is the most beautiful scenery she has ever seen, the shore excursions are incredible and they are loving it. I would love to do Disneyland and Hawaii and I'm hoping they add more of those in the future.

So all you DVC members - it's really a savings isn't it? I'm pushing DH again to consider joining. We received another flyer in the mail last week and he hid it from me!!!

jlwatkins - We definitely need to plan an on-board get together soon. Anyone have any ideas? Since we're such a small group we have quite a few options. Maybe we can invite whoever is booked in the Walt Disney suite to join us and we can meet in their cabin!

 

[CareBear05]

Good Morning!

After reading Carebear's post I have decided to call our TA and see about adding on another night at WDW. I'm not sure what that will do to the cost of the flight however.

Carebear - still interested in doing lunch? Perhaps we could meet at Station Square?

And Kitty --- I would love to get a wrap but my hair is much too short!

A good friend (we actually met on our 08 DCL Western trip) is on the Alaska cruise now. She wrote last night and said it is the most beautiful scenery she has ever seen, the shore excursions are incredible and they are loving it. I would love to do Disneyland and Hawaii and I'm hoping they add more of those in the future.

So all you DVC members - it's really a savings isn't it? I'm pushing DH again to consider joining. We received another flyer in the mail last week and he hid it from me!!!

jlwatkins - We definitely need to plan an on-board get together soon. Anyone have any ideas? Since we're such a small group we have quite a few options. Maybe we can invite whoever is booked in the Walt Disney suite to join us and we can meet in their cabin!

Yay for another pre-cruise night! Believe it or not, when I changed my flight the Tuesday flight was actually cheaper than the Wednesday I had originally booked so the cost difference was subtracted from the change fee and I ended up paying less than the standard fee of $75.

Still in for lunch!

I cannot wait for Alaska. Haven't even booked it and I've started researching already. The trip reports that have been posted just have me in awe!

Our family loves DVC. It's allowed a lot of trips over the years that we never could have done without it. I can't believe your hubby hid the brochure! He knows he's in trouble! I don't know much about it, but I've heard on here that they have pretty good deals for buying while onboard....

jlwatkins-- I have never been, but my parents and friends of theirs absolutely LOVE Vero. They'll be there the first week of September in a beach cottage. Check out restaurant.com, they have good deals for some of the local restaurants that are around the resort.