August 19, 2007 Disney Wonder

[disney4dana]

OK, so I'm clarifying. I'm just making sure I'm covered on the FE gifts and meet exchange. I'd hate to get it wrong! Here is my understanding:

FE gifts are for kids--adult gifts optional. Right now we have 29 kids signed up. Each kid gets a separate item (if it was rubber balls and there were 3 kids in the room, 3 rubber balls would go in the FE).

Meet exchange is where we will meet at 3pm in the Promenade Lounge (I think I have my location right, but I will double-check). Kids will bring something as an exchange with the other kids. Magnets/postcards/small stuff that somehow represents their hometown. So if my hometown was, say, Paris, I might bring some Eiffel Tower key chains.

How'm I doing so far?

mk

Yes please help us--
I thought that a few people voted for FE gifts only. And a few didn't want to participate in the FE so they were going to give at the meet. I am not sure I ever posted my vote though. So what is the overall consensus?

Here I thought I had completed my FE purchases today!

Dana

 

[MickeyBeast]

I had thought that actually everything was pretty optional for whoever wanted to participate. If at the meet (Promenade Lounge 3pm) you wanted to give "tokens" from where you lived that was up to you.

There would be a list pm'd to those who wanted to particpate in the FE gifts. These gifts would be secretly dropped off into the FE...yes the number of gifts would be based on the number of kids in the room. I thought we said kids only...

Green Bracelets are being ordered for those that said they wanted them to identify ourselves as DISers. They would be paid for and handed out at the meet.

I think that covers everything as I remember it.

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Here is what I understood from our conversations - If you were "in" on the FE's, you could decide to deliver your gifts to the FE's or you could give your gifts out at the DISmeet. Either way, you have to PM me your room number so that even if you gave out at the DISmeet, you would still receive gifts in your FE from those gifting that way. I attempted to copy and paste some of the conversation from previous posts to clarify this (hope the copy/paste works) :

What we did on the Magic 2 years ago was ask folks to bring a post-card or keychain from the town they live in.....so that the kids would exchange and get a collection from places that would remind them of the folks they meet. It went over well. We actually did the exchange at the first meeting at the Promenade Lounge...but we could do the fish extenders as well....it just seems that some folks are having problems finding them. It's not really very space demanding to pack 30-40 postcards.....or a dozen or so keychains...they work better for the older kids. My 8 year old DGS doesn't need a keychain...nor does my 5 year old DGD.

As far as when to gift, just so I understand, we can give out at the Dismeet or we can deliver to the room via fish extender. I know it's probably impossible, but whoever is going to deliver at the Dismeet should have an item for their child as well, just in case they are the only ones gifting at the meet. I don't want anyone to feel left out.

IMHO it seems like with everybody is wanting to do a little of both for the FE. the kids will be happy with gifts on arrival and surprises at the door. A win win situation. so let each family decide where they want to gift.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Thanks! I just wanted to make sure we were set on the whole thing. I don't want to create an uncomfortable situation! I just want to meet everyone and have a good time.

Taking DS6 to the Texas store today to find some good Texas-themed swap items. Wish me luck! LOL

mk

 

[acman]

I haven't got my documents yet And I was just wondering about the tags for the luggage. And I'm going to send my FE gifts ahead via Fedx
The best money I've spent so far was on 250 cruise tips It's a e-book with tips from past DLC's from Passport it cost 5 bucks and has shipping info and many other neat ideas. Shower cutain rod and cheap curtain to to put up in the hallway to allow the women to dress out side the small bathroom without throwing me out. Hooks and hangers, shoe organizers for tolietiers ect. Many more it's worth the 5 bucks and you get it instantly.One of my favorite ones is SHHH My DD12 "Disneyfreak" didn't want me to tell BUT If your going to see the things in the CC underwater do it 1st thing because the water gets so stirred up that it make it hard to see and enjoy as the day wears on. I'd never of thought of that. Well I'm counting the days We get to WDW on the Aug 15th for a few days at the Poly.
PS I'm making the kids deliever the gifts that's their part in this and They'll enjoy playing Santa and roaming all over the ship..
If there are any braclets left unclaimed I'll buy them there is no reason for you who are doing all the work be burdened with any extra expense Later Mike

 

[MickeyBeast]

Great ideas....documents usually come about 2 weeks out from what I remember though it could be 3. Another tip is buy some suction cups with hooks to hang bathing suits and such on in the shower. Helps out a lot. The over the door organizer I heard from on this board. With 2 teenage girls and a wife this will probably be a good investment.

 

[StewieL]

Hello all,

Thanks to Donald and Daisy....getting all the old communications together. We have decided to do all the "gifting" in the FE's.....and my DGS and DGD are excited about that as well...

I think that if folks want to bring stuff to the Promenade Lounge, that will be just great.

No documents yet...but lots of stuff to put into the FE's....we have let Donald and Daisy know what we have...

Started packing.....a little early, but I tend to run out of time lots.

BTW...got 2 great posters made and now have to figure out how to download and print them.

Stewart

 

[benseven]

Hi, Everybody -
I can't get over that we are less than one month from cruising, and admit I'm jealous of all of you that are going to WDW before the cruise. We won't be there til next August. Here I was thinking I'm all ready, and have last-minute questions. If they're not answerable for you, just send me directions of where to post. Thanks.
1. Is there any benefit to using one CC over another for the shipboard account? Amex, Disney CC?
2. Do we need water shoes for around the pool?
3. Can someone explain to me the big deal about water (bottled)?
4. Does everyone have their passports? We applied back in May, but nothing yet, and our original documents are attached!
5. Can someone who has the passporter book share with me/us the tips about sighting dolphins?

If there are unclaimed bracelets, I will take an extra - the idea about replacing a lost one for DS is great!

Looking forward to meeting everyone, and being able to say hello when we run into each other on the ship.

 

[dvcmember]

I have been out of touch for a while. I am looking forward to the cruise. We would love 4 wristbands if any are still available. See you all on board Barb

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

1. Is there any benefit to using one CC over another for the shipboard account? Amex, Disney CC?

We use whatever account gives us points/mileage etc. Up to now, we have been using our Disney CC so that we can get Disney Reward Points to use at WDW and DCL. Although, I would have my Disney CC with me onboard in case I feel the need to book another cruise for next year...this way I could take advantage of the 0% interest and the Disney Reward Points.

2. Do we need water shoes for around the pool?

We use some type of footwear (water shoes, flipflops) so that we can walk from our stateroom to the pool. My kids do not wear watershoes in the pool anymore.

3. Can someone explain to me the big deal about water (bottled)?

I would like to know that answer too. I guess if you drink alot of water, buying bottled water onboard could get pretty expensive. We have never really found a need for the water on the 4 day cruise...maybe you would need them more for the excursions on the 7 day?

4. Does everyone have their passports? We applied back in May, but nothing yet, and our original documents are attached!

I am so mad about this! We applied 4/24, but said we were sailing on 8/19 - pretty foolish, I know...no passports or original documents yet either. Now my neighbor, who is travelling with us, told a little while lie about when she was cruising (said 8/2) when she applied in MAY and has just received her passports etc. this week. I may have to make a phonecall soon to see where mine are.

5. Can someone who has the passporter book share with me/us the tips about sighting dolphins?

I will look in my passporter to see what is says and will get back to you tomorrow.


I am also looking forward to meeting everyone.

 

[disney4dana]

Thanks to the overwhelming help everyone has done for the group whether it is helping organize us as a group , the fish extender gifts , or helping out with the extra wristbands.

Here is what I have so far for the bands:

Acman-4 (offered more)
benseven-4(offered more)
Dale-n-chip-3(offered more)
Disney4dana-8(upped original order)
Dizzyworld-4(offered more)
Donald&Daisy Duck-4
Dramaqueen92-3
Dvcmember-4 (offered more)
exempt5-5
fluffy bunny-6
hetherp-3
jenanderson-6 (upped original order)
jen76b-5(upped original order)
julielouhoo-6(upped original order)
mickeybeast-4(offered more)
My4PhillyGirls-5
StewieL-8


For a grand total of 84 bands spoken for and offers to help out with the other 16. Any others wishing to help out can let me know. Some people have been away from the board and may want some.
If I missed someone let me know.

 

[Dizzyworld]

To benseven...here are my thoughts to most of your questions.

1. Is there any benefit to using one CC over another for the shipboard account? Amex, Disney CC?
-- Use whatever will give you benefits. Amex no longer does anything with Disney like a few years ago. So far there is no card that gives you extra perks besides a ship board credit except Disney Visa.

2. Do we need water shoes for around the pool?
--I'd take flip-flops or something since the deck can get hot.

3. Can someone explain to me the big deal about water (bottled)?
--Some people like the taste better than tap. I like bottled water for the hotel room in WDW and the ships. There is something about the smell that gets in the way of taste especially in WDW. Although I will drink water at table service restaurants that isn't bottled.

4. Does everyone have their passports? We applied back in May, but nothing yet, and our original documents are attached!
--We do not have passports. ou will probably get them before you go.

 

[disney4dana]

It was the OCD in me...i had the cruise passporter early and applied for our passports in December. DH thougth I was crazy to stand in line for 2 hours that close to Christmas. But we got our passports first week in February. I have read a lot on other threads about people not getting it and having to call their congressmen. I have even heard of congressmen having a special aide set aside for passport issues. Try calling your congressman. Don't mean to panic you. You could also get another copy of your documents.

Dana

 

[disneyfreak103]

hey every one i am getting very excited the cruise is less than 1 month away it is getting really close is any one els excited?

 

[disneyfreak103]

Hey i have a few questions,
Are things really expensive like on the boat?
Do they sell stuff at cast away key?

 

[MickeyBeast]

Yes, I think we are all getting excited..... If you have ever been to a Disney Park then things on the ship are priced about the same as in a resort. Of course your food and non-alcholic beverages are all included. So when you want that special snack there is always room service for free. (Don't forget to tip the waiter). Yes they do sell things on Castaway Cay.

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Yes, they sell items on Castaway Cay - shirts, pins, hats, towels, mugs, all sorts of cute Disney Castaway Cay items and beach items too...pails, shovels, etc. Some of the items can only be purchased at Castaway Cay. The stuff is Disney expensive just like MickeyBeast said. We usually buy a few items there and then some on the ship. Everyone here is very excited about the cruise!!!

 

[julielouhoo]

I don't want to have a wrist band go missing either. I'll up my order to 6 and I'd be happy to chip in to help cover the extras. You are so kind to organize this for us, I definitely don't want you to lose $$$ for doing it!

Also, if I wasn't such a computer dunce, I would be able to put a little sign up saying, I'll be at the Poly before the cruise too! Meet you for some Kona coffee ~ I hear it's the best!! By Day 3, it'll have to be at the bar!! My friend told me that the pool bar serves a drink called Sand in your pants. It's pina colada layered with strawberry daquiri. Sounds perfect to me!!

Thanks again! Terri

 

[julielouhoo]

Yuck!! I applied in January and they told me 6-8 weeks. My husband told me to pay the extra $60 and have it expedited, which I didn't do and was a wreck until it finally came 2 days before my last cruise! In order to get it at all, I went on the website and called the number and asked them to expedite it and I'd pay the additional $$ and I gave them my cc#. Still didn't get a passport, but at least, since I called, I could go into my local passport agency and they could see that the request was made and they expedited it right then.

I applied for my kids passports in April, expedited them and had them in 2 days. Go figure! I really think it's hit or miss. Definitely don't assume because they know your sailing date that you will have them on time. My friend just had to postpone a trip to Paris because, after 10 weeks, they gave her an appointment at the local agency for the day after her plane left.

Hope this helps someone!! Terri

 

[jenanderson]

Also, if I wasn't such a computer dunce, I would be able to put a little sign up saying, I'll be at the Poly before the cruise too! Meet you for some Kona coffee ~ I hear it's the best!! By Day 3, it'll have to be at the bar!! My friend told me that the pool bar serves a drink called Sand in your pants. It's pina colada layered with strawberry daquiri. Sounds perfect to me!!

Terri - When are you showing up at the Poly? We will be there starting on the 9th. Do you have kids going on the cruise? I am totally open to drinks at the bar while the kids are swimming!

Sounds like there will be a few people at the Poly before the cruise! Fun!

Jen

PS - I have to get back on track. I bought the Harry Potter book on Saturday and spent all day Saturday and Sunday reading it! I finished it and now will focus on the trip again!