Christmas cruise 2010

[MicraPIP]

Sorry it's been so long!!! New Job, Family... so busy!!

My girls are getting so Excited!!

Yes we are still interested in the FE... I just have to go back and look for the note I posted that had a list of at lease some of those participating...

The only thing we've booked it Palo so far... I know I'm going to book the scuba diving on Cozumel, for at least me

Again...

DD1(12)
DD2(5)

Lee & Steve

Talk to you soon!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Sorry it's been so long!!! New Job, Family... so busy!!

My girls are getting so Excited!!

Yes we are still interested in the FE... I just have to go back and look for the note I posted that had a list of at lease some of those participating...

The only thing we've booked it Palo so far... I know I'm going to book the scuba diving on Cozumel, for at least me

Again...

DD1(12)
DD2(5)

Lee & Steve

Talk to you soon!!

OOh I'm so glad you are back - I was hitting a bit of a wall in terms of the FE exchange as I wasn't sure who else other than Mindy and I are participating, so I was struggling with what gifts to bring - and I have less than 5 weeks until I travel now!!

I wasn't sure what info everyone needed to know, as I haven't done one before myself - so having you back is great!!

My FE arrived yesterday from a kind lady on EBAY and its beautiful!!! Can't wait for this now its all so exciting!!

Speak to you again soon hopefully

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Right, I have been right back through the whole thread and have tried (although possibly not succeeded!!) in getting an updated list of who is participating in the FE exchange.

I would be so grateful if everyone listed below could confirm that they are still participating, and if anyone else would like to join in, could they post as well - Its just that I only have 5 weeks until I travel and have to get all my gifts organised before then, between preparing for the vacation, christmas, working and looking after two children - so I have very little time now left!!

So.... (I think!!!) the people participating are:

amystevekai&bump - Amy, Steve, DS6 Kai & DS3 Lucas - room 6616 'The Davis Family' - UK
ratherbewithmickey - Mindy, Don & DS21 Casey - room 8046'The Conrad Family' - USA
micrapip - Lee, Steve, DD12 Alice & DD5 Mia - room 8040 'The Ford Family' - Canada
ladypirate - Sarah, Eric,DD7 Maggie & DD5 Olivia - room 8026 'The Deer Family' -
Mikash - Shelley & Jamie - room 6578 'The Mika Family' - Canada
sdbbcampbell -??, ??, DS16 ?? & DD15 ?? - room ???
If I have missed anyone I really apologise - I got a bit confused halfway through with different people cancelling etc - so if you could post to confirm you are definitely taking part that would be great.

I am SOOOOOOO excited now!!!

 

[mikash]

Yes we would still like to do it. Because there is a small number of people doing it are we doing each family more then once??????????? Thank You Amy for including us and doing this for all of us.

Shelley & Jamie

 

[sdbbcampbell]

Well....I am in however not sure what a FE is. Fill me in and put me down for it. We are so excited to be celebrating our holiday on the Wonder YEAH!!!!

We have DD 15 and DS 16, anyone else have teens? Can't wait!!!!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Yes we would still like to do it. Because there is a small number of people doing it are we doing each family more then once??????????? Thank You Amy for including us and doing this for all of us.

Shelley & Jamie

Hi Shelley - so sorry I didn't have Jamie's name and then I saw another of your posts signed off as Mika - so thought that was his name - all corrected now though!!

Originally Mindy and I thought that it might only be us and possibly one other family, so we intended to do a couple of deliveries to each family (just enough so that at least everyone got a little something everyday) - but now that there are more of us, I think if everyone does one 'package' - whatever that looks like (I am new to this too so don't really know either!!!) - to each family then in theory we would all get a delivery each day. I don't know if everyone else is happy with that??

I know other posters have said it gets quite time consuming, and I know that luggage space is difficult - so I don't want to make the whole thing too onerous fo anyone - we need to have fun and I don't want it to become a chore for anyone!!

Well....I am in however not sure what a FE is. Fill me in and put me down for it. We are so excited to be celebrating our holiday on the Wonder YEAH!!!!

We have DD 15 and DS 16, anyone else have teens? Can't wait!!!!!

Hi - Great that you could join us!! If you don't mind posting your names and room number I can update the FE list - thank you!

Basically, and I am by no means an expert!! - There is a fish sign outside each stateroom with your room number on and you are able to hang a 'Fish Extender' from it. A lot of people make their own (although I am not very good at things like that so I bought mine off of Ebay!!! - its beautiful!!.) It is basically a piece of material with pockets in it (usually with the names of the family members on it) and people from the FE exchange drop little presents off at various times on the cruise - so you might come back to your stateroom and find a nice little gift!! I am not very good at posting links, but I am sure if you do a search fo Fish Extenders there will be many pictures of what they look like

As I say, I haven't experienced it yet myself, but it seems to me to be a fantastic little extra piece of the 'magic' to share between our DIS friends!!

OOh - one more thing, if everyone doesn't mind - would they post what country they are from please? (The reason I ask, is because I have an idea for my FE gifts, but if anyone is also from the UK like me- then I will need to think of a different gift for them - that probably makes no sense - but hopefully will become clearer when I deliver the gifts!!!)

 

[mikash]

Hi Shelley - so sorry I didn't have Jamie's name and then I saw another of your posts signed off as Mika - so thought that was his name - all corrected now though!!

Originally Mindy and I thought that it might only be us and possibly one other family, so we intended to do a couple of deliveries to each family (just enough so that at least everyone got a little something everyday) - but now that there are more of us, I think if everyone does one 'package' - whatever that looks like (I am new to this too so don't really know either!!!) - to each family then in theory we would all get a delivery each day. I don't know if everyone else is happy with that??

I know other posters have said it gets quite time consuming, and I know that luggage space is difficult - so I don't want to make the whole thing too onerous fo anyone - we need to have fun and I don't want it to become a chore for anyone!!



Hi - Great that you could join us!! If you don't mind posting your names and room number I can update the FE list - thank you!

Basically, and I am by no means an expert!! - There is a fish sign outside each stateroom with your room number on and you are able to hang a 'Fish Extender' from it. A lot of people make their own (although I am not very good at things like that so I bought mine off of Ebay!!! - its beautiful!!.) It is basically a piece of material with pockets in it (usually with the names of the family members on it) and people from the FE exchange drop little presents off at various times on the cruise - so you might come back to your stateroom and find a nice little gift!! I am not very good at posting links, but I am sure if you do a search fo Fish Extenders there will be many pictures of what they look like

As I say, I haven't experienced it yet myself, but it seems to me to be a fantastic little extra piece of the 'magic' to share between our DIS friends!!

OOh - one more thing, if everyone doesn't mind - would they post what country they are from please? (The reason I ask, is because I have an idea for my FE gifts, but if anyone is also from the UK like me- then I will need to think of a different gift for them - that probably makes no sense - but hopefully will become clearer when I deliver the gifts!!!)

Hi, The Mika's are from Canada

 

[MicraPIP]

Micrapip...

Steve, Lee, DD1(12) DD2(5) are from Canada as well

Just Call us the Fords...

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi, The Mika's are from Canada

Micrapip...

Steve, Lee, DD1(12) DD2(5) are from Canada as well

Just Call us the Fords...

Thank you both for replying.

I have spoken to Mindy (ratherbewithmickey), and we both thought it would be good at this stage to have a deadline in terms of collating names/room numbers for the exchange. Just because it is getting so close now and it is a lot to organise on top of packing and Christmas shopping etc.

So.... We thought (if its ok with everyone else - I seem to be taking charge of this, and I didn't mean to - so feel free if someone with more experience in FE's etc wants to take charge!!), anyway, we thought that perhaps we set a deadline of Sunday 21st November - two weeks from today. That way we will know what we are making/buying numbers wise.

Hope thats ok?? and if there is anything else you think we should be doing that I haven't thought of then please say so - as I say, I don't really have a clue what I am doing!!

 

[ladypirate]

Amy - i think your deadline is a great idea. I will touch base with my s-in-law and see if she is doing the FE for everyone or just for our girls and let you know but we are in (Deer's Cabin 8026). I will post more later, work has been way WAY to buzy...

Sarah

 

[ladypirate]

Amy - my sis-in-law is opting out of the FE for the group. They are coming from the UK and is keeping her luggage down as much as possible, but we are still in -

Deer's cabin 8026
Sarah, Eric, Maggie (age almost 8) and Olivia (age 5)

so it looks like the group is around 7 cabins?

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi everyone

Just to let you know that the FE list on the previous page should now be up to date - although I am still waiting confirmation from the Campbells as to whether they are wanting to participate - if not, then it looks like it will just be the 5 cabins.

This sunday will be the deadline we suggested and I really want to stick to that as I just haven't got enough days left to plan/make/buy anything else after that time!!

I didn't know whether you wanted a timetable of which days to drop off gifts?? (just thought that as there are so few of us then perhaps we can plan it so that people are delivering on different days, meaning we would all receive a delivery (almost!) once a day, rather than all coming on one day and then nothing for the rest of the trip - what do you think??)

As I say this is my first time participating in an exchange so not really sure how it all should work - so I am very open to suggestions!!

 

[RatherBeWithMickey]

Hi everyone

Just to let you know that the FE list on the previous page should now be up to date - although I am still waiting confirmation from the Campbells as to whether they are wanting to participate - if not, then it looks like it will just be the 5 cabins.

This sunday will be the deadline we suggested and I really want to stick to that as I just haven't got enough days left to plan/make/buy anything else after that time!!

I didn't know whether you wanted a timetable of which days to drop off gifts?? (just thought that as there are so few of us then perhaps we can plan it so that people are delivering on different days, meaning we would all receive a delivery (almost!) once a day, rather than all coming on one day and then nothing for the rest of the trip - what do you think??)

As I say this is my first time participating in an exchange so not really sure how it all should work - so I am very open to suggestions!!

Hi all!

I'm open to however the group would like to do things. I have my stuff for the kids split into three. I was planning a delivery the first day, one on Christmas, and one on Pirate Night (the 27th). The first one and the pirate one are kind of themed to the day, so I'd like to keep that as is, but am willing to move the Christmas delivery to another day. For the adults, I think I have one delivery (although I could probably split it into two smaller ones). I'll wait and see what the rest of the group would like to do, and take it from there.

We're getting close - got my cruise docs today!!

Mindy

 

[mikash]

Hi all!

I'm open to however the group would like to do things. I have my stuff for the kids split into three. I was planning a delivery the first day, one on Christmas, and one on Pirate Night (the 27th). The first one and the pirate one are kind of themed to the day, so I'd like to keep that as is, but am willing to move the Christmas delivery to another day. For the adults, I think I have one delivery (although I could probably split it into two smaller ones). I'll wait and see what the rest of the group would like to do, and take it from there.

We're getting close - got my cruise docs today!!

Mindy

Hi everyone

Just to let you know that the FE list on the previous page should now be up to date - although I am still waiting confirmation from the Campbells as to whether they are wanting to participate - if not, then it looks like it will just be the 5 cabins.

This sunday will be the deadline we suggested and I really want to stick to that as I just haven't got enough days left to plan/make/buy anything else after that time!!

I didn't know whether you wanted a timetable of which days to drop off gifts?? (just thought that as there are so few of us then perhaps we can plan it so that people are delivering on different days, meaning we would all receive a delivery (almost!) once a day, rather than all coming on one day and then nothing for the rest of the trip - what do you think??)

As I say this is my first time participating in an exchange so not really sure how it all should work - so I am very open to suggestions!!

Hi Everyone, 34 days till we sail but who is counting. LOL I can give mine out when ever. I can do one family a day if that works out. I am open to anything. I think this is going to be a great time and hope to be able to meet some of you while on the cruise. You have our cabin number so please feel free to drop by anytime. Have a great weekend everyone.

Shelley & Jamie Mika

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thanks for replying Mindy and Shelley,

I too don't really mind which day I deliver - although my gifts need to be received before our Christmas Dinner!! (Will that be on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?)

If we say there are 6 days to deliver on - I guess 23rd (arrival day) Christmas Eve (Key West day), Christmas Day (At Sea), 26th (Grand Cayman), 27th (Mexico/Pirate Night) & 28th (At Sea) would be the best days - leaving out Castaway Cay day, as I imagine we will all be off of the ship that day and we will be packing for the return to the real world too I guess - boo hoo hoo !!!

I see Mindy has something planned for Arrival day and Pirate day (plus a Christmas one), I have 2 deliveries planned and was hoping to deliver both by Christmas Day. If Shelley doesn't mind - then perhaps you could do a drop later in the week to spread it out a little - does that sound ok??

It could look at bit like this then:

Thu 23rd Dec - The Conrad & Davis Families deliver
Fri 24th Dec - The Deer Family delivers???
Sat 25th Dec - The Conrad & Davis Families deliver
Sun 26th Dec - The Ford Family delivers???
Mon 27th Dec - The Conrad Family delivers
Tue 28th Dec - The Mika family delivers???

Does this work for everyone - It doesn't really matter I guess, I was just worried that we would all be delivering at once and that the fish extenders would be too full - but having not done this before I don't know if I am just over analysing this whole thing!! - How would I cope with one of those huge swaps with 50-60 rooms - I can't even manage 5!!!!

Let me know your thoughts - I won't be offended it this isn't what you want to do!!

 

[ladypirate]

Amy - I like that idea and i like my designated day as my gift is sorta for a whole cabin gift, as well as little things as well that can be used at any time... yes, you all figure that out...! gotta go get creating and will be keeping an eye out on the thread for our final numbers on Monday, but 5 is VERY manageable.

I tried to post a picture of what our FE looked like from our last cruise. We just put the kids names on ours, but for this cruise, i'm doing whole cabin "gifts" since it's Christmas. I plan to address these to the cabin name and will probably wrap them.

Sarah

 

[MicraPIP]

Getting excited!! got our cruise documents and luggage tags this week!!!

It now feels real... it's just around the corner!!

Now to get the FE gifts done...

Talk to you all soon!!

 

[mikash]

thanks for replying Mindy and Shelley,

I too don't really mind which day I deliver - although my gifts need to be received before our Christmas Dinner!! (Will that be on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?)

If we say there are 6 days to deliver on - I guess 23rd (arrival day) Christmas Eve (Key West day), Christmas Day (At Sea), 26th (Grand Cayman), 27th (Mexico/Pirate Night) & 28th (At Sea) would be the best days - leaving out Castaway Cay day, as I imagine we will all be off of the ship that day and we will be packing for the return to the real world too I guess - boo hoo hoo !!!

I see Mindy has something planned for Arrival day and Pirate day (plus a Christmas one), I have 2 deliveries planned and was hoping to deliver both by Christmas Day. If Shelley doesn't mind - then perhaps you could do a drop later in the week to spread it out a little - does that sound ok??

It could look at bit like this then:

Thu 23rd Dec - The Conrad & Davis Families deliver
Fri 24th Dec - The Deer Family delivers???
Sat 25th Dec - The Conrad & Davis Families deliver
Sun 26th Dec - The Ford Family delivers???
Mon 27th Dec - The Conrad Family delivers
Tue 28th Dec - The Mika family delivers???

Does this work for everyone - It doesn't really matter I guess, I was just worried that we would all be delivering at once and that the fish extenders would be too full - but having not done this before I don't know if I am just over analysing this whole thing!! - How would I cope with one of those huge swaps with 50-60 rooms - I can't even manage 5!!!!

Let me know your thoughts - I won't be offended it this isn't what you want to do!!

This all sounds great. You have done a wonderful job getting this ready for all of us. I am good with the 28th. But was wondering if I could do the children on the 24th and the adults on the 28th.

Thanks Shelley

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Amy - I like that idea and i like my designated day as my gift is sorta for a whole cabin gift, as well as little things as well that can be used at any time... yes, you all figure that out...! gotta go get creating and will be keeping an eye out on the thread for our final numbers on Monday, but 5 is VERY manageable.

I tried to post a picture of what our FE looked like from our last cruise. We just put the kids names on ours, but for this cruise, i'm doing whole cabin "gifts" since it's Christmas. I plan to address these to the cabin name and will probably wrap them.

Sarah

I'm glad you are happy with your day Sarah - I hope you didn't mind me going ahead and doing that, I was just trying to get it all sorted in my own head and I thought a list would make it easier (I am very into lists!!!)

I am hoping to wrap my gifts too, I have packed them in my case already, but will have to wrap them (if I get the time!!) at WDW as I know that customs don't like us bringing wrapped stuff across and I'd hate them to tear it all off again!!!

Getting excited!! got our cruise documents and luggage tags this week!!!

It now feels real... it's just around the corner!!

Now to get the FE gifts done...

Talk to you all soon!!

Yes we've got ours too - i was a bit worried as we are in the UK and leaving early - but I can breathe a sigh of relief now - yeah!!

This all sounds great. You have done a wonderful job getting this ready for all of us. I am good with the 28th. But was wondering if I could do the children on the 24th and the adults on the 28th.

Thanks Shelley

That will be now problem - I will post a final list below shortly - I haven't heard back from the Campbells so I assume they will no longer be participating.

Nearly time now - I am so excited!!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

So here is the final fish extender list:

Thu 23rd Dec - The Conrad & Davis Families deliver (ratherbewithmickey & amystevekai&bump)
Fri 24th Dec - The Deer & Mika Families deliver (ladypirate & mikash)
Sat 25th Dec - The Conrad & Davis Families deliver (ratherbewithmickey & amystevekai&bump)
Sun 26th Dec - The Ford Family delivers (micrapip)
Mon 27th Dec - The Conrad Family delivers (ratherbewithmickey)
Tue 28th Dec - The Mika family delivers(mikash)

amystevekai&bump - Amy, Steve, DS6 Kai & DS3 Lucas - room 6616 'The Davis Faimly' - UK
ratherbewithmickey - Mindy, Don & DS21 Casey - room 8046'The Conrad Family' - USA
micrapip - Lee, Steve, DD12 Alice & DD5 Mia - room 8040 'The Ford Family' - Canada
ladypirate - Sarah, Eric,DD7 Maggie & DD5 Olivia - room 8026 'The Deer Family'
Mikash - Shelley & Jamie - room 6578 'The Mika Family' - Canada


I hope this is accurate now - any final changes let me know and I will amend it.Christmas cruise here we come!!!