August 16 2009 4 night Wonder, Cruise-O-Maniac

[mandymouse]

Hey Lani

I will try and help you by answering some of you questions

Fish Extenders ~ I think a few of us have bought ours from Ebay, but I'm sure you would be able to find some kind of organiser from somewhere - I just wouldn't know where to suggest.

FE Gifts ~ we haven't set a price limit, but don't go to too much expense. I can appreciate that things are tight, what with jobs and the economy, so if all you (or any of us) can afford is one gift per cabin, then that is fine, but if you want to buy a gift for everyone on the list, then that is fine too A few suggestions would be : something from where you live, pirate goodies (for Pirate Night), or you could make something (if you're a crafty person - which I am not ), and no, they don't need to be Disney themed

Dining ~ If you wish to be waitlisted for early dining, then I would phone DCL and asked to be waitlisted, also once you get onboard you can go to Wavebands to request it there too (just check your Navigator once onboard for more info)

Also, have you requested the DCL dvd that you can get on-line on the DCL website ? It will show your kids all the kids clubs, as I'm sure they'd love them after seeing all the cool things they do there

Well, I hope that helps

 

[3smithboys]

Thanks for all of the helpful info Mandy!

I am going to order the DVD so the kids can see the kids club. I think that will help. Thanks for the suggestion.

Before I call and get waitlisted, I guess my question for all of you who have been on the cruise before is this - is second seating that terrible?

Also, is anyone going to Atlantis via the Comfort Suites while in Nassau? We are going to the Comfort Suites and since we are 5 people have an issue - we can only get a room for 4 people. I was wondering if there was anyone who was going who had less than 4 in a room and wanted to share the expense of a room so we could get an additional band. Right now we had to buy an excursion through DCL for my DH for a hefty price, and he has to meet us at Atlantis while I take the kids to the hotel!

Thanks!

Lani

 

[mvlimmex]

Hi Lani and welcometo you and your family.

I think that your kids will really enjoy the kid's clubs. I have a couple of kids in the club and 1 in the lab and they really like it! I am sure the DVD will be helpful!

I hope that you are about to take part in the fish extender exchange--it should be a lot of fun!!!!

We actually really like 2nd dining. It seems more relaxing to not have to rush to dinner after spending a day at Castaway or on an excursion. We just grab a snack or have something from room service to hold us over until we have dinner at around 8:15. Also on the last day when we disembark--we have 2nd seating breakfast at around 8:00 am instead of 1st seating at 6:30 am or so. That time is just way too early for my family

Vicki

 

[mandymouse]

Lani, we actually prefer late dining, but I have two teens, so early dining would be too early for us. It really depends if your kids are used to eating a bit later or not

We won't be getting off the ship at Nassau, as we like to take advantage of a quiet ship

Have a great day everyone

 

[3smithboys]

Thanks Mandy and Vicky!

I think that we will stick with the second dining. We just got back from the NJ shore, and Nick pointed out that most nights we didn't eat until that late anyway so I don't think it's going to be a problem. I'm sure if we get hungry we will be able to find a snack somewhere on the ship to hold us over until dinner! I like the idea of the later breakfast on the last day to be sure!!!

We are all set to go to join you for the fish extender exchange! We ordered one on ebay last night... (I told you I wasn't crafty!!!) But I can sure shop!!! How does this work? I want to make sure we do it right!

Lani

 

[Coach Rick]

I would like to add the Simard family welcome.

We prefer late seating. First, we normally eat late at home, and I just have a feeling around 10 or so I would be looking for more food, which I most certainly don't need! But the other advantage of course is to not have to rush around after a day on Nassau, or Castaway Cay.

Again, "Welcome ye maitee"

 

[mandymouse]

We are all set to go to join you for the fish extender exchange! We ordered one on ebay last night... (I told you I wasn't crafty!!!) But I can sure shop!!! How does this work? I want to make sure we do it right!

Lani

Yay !! That's great Lani, the FE exchange is so much fun

I've got most of my gifts now, and I've got them all bagged up, and I will be delivering mine during the day of Pirate Night (as I've got Pirate goodies for the boys). We have decided to deliver just once during the cruise. If there's anything else you need to know - then just ask

 

[3smithboys]

It sounds like I've got some shopping to do!!!

So how exactly does the FE exchange work? Do the gifts get wrapped? Are they tagged with the recipients’ names? Do we put which family they are from on them as well? I've never done this before and want to make sure to do it right!

From what I seem to understand it works kind of like a "Secret Santa," and we deliver little presents one time to each cabin during the cruise. We will be given the names, genders, and ages of each of the people in the cabins so we know who we are getting for.

Is this correct? Do I need to know anything else?

Thanks,

Lani

 

[mandymouse]

Here is the updated FE list:

DisneyWhirled-Karen, John, Colby(10), Kaylee(7)-----------Cabin#7010
Mvlimmex-Vicki, DH, Kids DD(11), DS(6), DD(5), DS(2)---Cabin#'s 2075-Kids & 2077
SSR Lover-Doug, Julianne, Jake(8), Jason(6)---------Cabin#2628
Mandy Mouse-Mandy, Paul, Kerry(18) Becky(16)-----Cabin#6606
Magchavez-Maggie, DH(Brian), William (7), Christine (6)---Cabin#2116
Keever-Rene, Laura, Jacob (13), Danick (11)---Cabin#2103

This is the current list Lani, we sent Karen (DisneyWhirled) a PM with our details, and she updates the list

I have put my gifts in individual party bags, and I'll pop a label on with the name of who the gift is for, and I'll probably put it from mandymouse and family (or something similar)

It sounds like you've got the gist of the exchange

 

[3smithboys]

Ok, thanks Mandy. As soon as I find out what cabin I am in, I can PM Karen.

I also forgot to thank Rick for his welcome this morning!!!

I think that's it for now.

Thanks again,

Lani

 

[DisneyWhirled]

Ok, thanks Mandy. As soon as I find out what cabin I am in, I can PM Karen.

Thanks again, Lani

Glad you are joining us, Lani and family!

I've updated the FE list. Just give me your cabin # when you have a chance!


Here is the updated FE list:

DisneyWhirled-Karen, John, Colby(10), Kaylee(7)-----------Cabin#7010
Mvlimmex-Vicki, DH, Kids DD(11), DS(6), DD(5), DS(2)---Cabin#'s 2075-Kids & 2077
SSR Lover-Doug, Julianne, Jake(8), Jason(6)---------Cabin#2628
Mandy Mouse-Mandy, Paul, Kerry(18) Becky(16)-----Cabin#6606
Magchavez-Maggie, DH(Brian), William (7), Christine (6)---Cabin#2116
Keever-Rene, Laura, Jacob (13), Danick (11)---Cabin#2103
3smithboys-Lani, DH, Matt (11), Jack (6), Ryan (6)---Cabin#??

 

[mvlimmex]

Lani,
Yeah! I am glad that you and your family will be joining us for the FE game. It should be a lot of fun!!!:

I have just a few more things to get for the FE game. It's fun buying little items for the game and passing them out on the ship. This summer seems to be flying by fast and it is hard to believe that 6 weeks from today that we will be in Nassau:

Have a good night everyone!

Vicki

 

[Keever]

Welcome Lani and family!

I'm glad you are part of the Fish Extender exchange. It has been fun to think of potential items to share with our new friends.

My son Danick is rather hesitant to go to the kids club, but has agreed to go the first night. One guide I read said that this is a must as many friendships are forged in the first hours of the cruise, and attending on the first night makes it easier to return to the club at later times.

Perhaps we could arrange to let Colby, Matt, Vicki's DD and Danick meet a bit early and we can take them to the first kid's club meeting as a small band of friends?

They have much in common already - their parents are crazy for all things Disney.

Keever

 

[3smithboys]

Hi Keever and thanks for the welcome!

I think setting up a meeting for the kids ahead of time and having them go together to the club is a great idea! I think that will help them feel more comfortable right from the start.

I noticed that some of us have children of similar ages for the younger club - maybe we can get the younger kids together too?

I just called to see if I have my cabin assignment yet for the FE exchange, but I was told that I just have a room guarantee as of right now - so all I know is that I will be on Deck 8. I should know 15 days before we sail....ugh. I'll keep checking on line.

Now I just have to start shopping for FE exchange items....where to begin...hmmm....

Lani

 

[DisneyWhirled]

Perhaps we could arrange to let Colby, Matt, Vicki's DD and Danick meet a bit early and we can take them to the first kid's club meeting as a small band of friends?

They have much in common already - their parents are crazy for all things Disney.

Keever

Yes!!! Great idea!! Colby is also hesitant....we keep telling him that he will have a blast, but I think it would help to meet some friends before hand....and...Lani, that sounds great for getting the younger ones together, too!!

Let's plan it!!!

 

[mvlimmex]

Welcome Lani and family!

I'm glad you are part of the Fish Extender exchange. It has been fun to think of potential items to share with our new friends.

My son Danick is rather hesitant to go to the kids club, but has agreed to go the first night. One guide I read said that this is a must as many friendships are forged in the first hours of the cruise, and attending on the first night makes it easier to return to the club at later times.

Perhaps we could arrange to let Colby, Matt, Vicki's DD and Danick meet a bit early and we can take them to the first kid's club meeting as a small band of friends?

They have much in common already - their parents are crazy for all things Disney.

Keever

Hi,

I think it sounds like a great idea too. Adriane really likes the lab and enjoys hanging out there. She's a little shy, but would enjoy making some new friends that first night on the ship.

Lani- I think it also would be a great idea for the younger kids too. My son Zach (6) and daughter Stephanie (5) will be in the 5-7 age group and would enjoy making some new friends that first night, since they will probably be a little nervous to start with.

Vicki

 

[mandymouse]

Hey everyone, I hope you're having a good day

Hubby has printed off and lamenated the door signs that Karen designed, they look great

I can't believe that 6 weeks today it will be our day at sea, and hubby & I would've had Brunch in Palo today

 

[SSR Lover]

Welcome to all our new cruisers! I also think it would be nice for the kids to meet up with each other. I have 6 and 8 year old boys, so they will be in different clubs and might like having some pals to hang out with. Enjoy the rest of your week!!

 

[mandymouse]

Karen ~ thanks for taking the time to read my pre-trip report, and for leaving your message If anyone else would like to have a look, just use the link in my signature

I forgot to mention that it was my daughter's Prom last week, if you'd like to see some pics, then take a look here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2220101

Have a lovely weekend everyone

 

[Keever]

I see from the postings there are a few 10-12 year olds. ( My list includes Anthony, Nick, Tink Lovers DD,sdwjones DD Jessica Colby , Kipsy's child Adriane and Matt. and Danick

Let me know if I've left anyone out.

When and where is a good place to meet?

I can make nametags.