Christmas/Holiday 2011 on the Wonder: 8 night Mexican Riviera 12/18/2011

[Brooklyn]

Secret Mickey Assignments will be emailed this week!!!

 

[jptowns]

Thanks for the information I have been looking for something like this !!! So excited !! I hope Santa can find us

FYI on Christmas Tree ideas for your stateroom:

In the arts/crafts section of Target (Michael's probably has these as well), I found a foam "Easy to Make Tree Kit". It folds in half flat (so very easy to pack), is about 15-16 inches tall, and comes with ornament and snowflake stickers to trim the tree with. Plus it's only $5.00! My kids are excited about decorating the tree for our stateroom.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Another idea (a bit more expensive), but SUPER cute, and easy to pack in a suitcase if you are flying, is this:

http://www.disneystore.com/disney-s...tree&Dr=pPublished:1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial

But, I noticed up until the end of today, they are giving 20% off and free shipping with an order of $75 or more! So, if you have any other Disney items to order, you could get 20% off this tree and free shipping, possibly.

-kathy

Kathy, that's really cute!! I got this one at Disneyland (also available online) a couple weeks ago:

http://www.disneystore.com/disney-s...tree&Dr=pPublished:1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial

And it has built in fiber optic lights that are battery operated. So cute!

As for the FE- you should definitely join in the second group! It'll be fun and even if it's a smaller group you'll still have lots of little treats to look forward to.

Glad to see you back!
Christine

 

[LovesToRun]

Kathy, that's really cute!! I got this one at Disneyland (also available online) a couple weeks ago:

http://www.disneystore.com/disney-s...tree&Dr=pPublished:1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial

And it has built in fiber optic lights that are battery operated. So cute!

As for the FE- you should definitely join in the second group! It'll be fun and even if it's a smaller group you'll still have lots of little treats to look forward to.

Glad to see you back!
Christine

Thanks, Christine!!

That tree is super cute! I saw that tree, actually, and almost got it! But, the only reason I got the other one is because I felt it would travel better since we have to fly. But, I had such a hard time deciding!!!

Ok, you guys all have convinced me. I am going to join the 2nd FE group. We just had so much fun with the FE's on our last cruise, so I'm really happy to be part of this group. I also was wondering if my inlaws could join the 2nd group, too? They'll be in a different cabin, and it's just the two of them. Please let me know. I'm going to make their FE for them (they've never done an FE exchange (this will be their 3rd cruise), and I'll help them with the FE gifts as well. Anyway, so let me know if they can join, too (they won't be posting here at all, though), or since they don't post here, if that means they can't be part of the group, we'd understand. Just let me know so I know whether or not to make them an FE.

I have a question, though, about the FE gifts. I was catching up on all the posts in this group, and I am not quite clear if there are certain guidelines people are following or not? I had read a couple posts a while back saying people are spending between $3-$5 per cabin, as well as getting separate gifts for each child in each cabin (making sure they are gender specific).... are these the guidelines everyone is following?

The FE group I was part of on our cruise last week had no guidelines, and everyone just gave whatever they were able to give (some gave just tiny little things, and other gave nicer items, and some gave gifts to the kids as well as adults, and others just gave one gift per cabin), but as a result, we got such a huge fun variety of so many things... it just made it so much fun!

But, I want to make sure that we follow any guidelines that are part of this group, if there are any. Or, maybe I just read the posts wrong a while back, and there aren't any guidelines.

Anyway, I'd love any clarificatrion as to if there are guidelines or if people are just giving what they can give no matter the cost or amount of gifts given per cabin.

Thanks so much!!! I'm getting SO excited for this cruise!

Take care,
Kathy

ps. The cruise we went on last week, one thing our cruise meet did prior to our cruise, is each day someone posted a "question of the day" that was related to the cruise or Disney of some sort for everyone to answer. It was so much fun, got everyone even more excited about the upcoming cruise, and it allowed us all to get to know each other better on the boards, plus, it helped keep the board really active all the way up until we all left for the cruise. Maybe this group could start something like that? What do you all think?

 

[Brooklyn]

Here are scans of the Navigators for the Halloween Cruise on the Wonder.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&...NTg3Ny00ODU1LTlmNDgtYThmOGZmNzQ0NTUy&hl=en_US

 

[Brooklyn]

Glad you are joinging the 2nd FE group! I agree with that the deadline for this FE is the EARLIEST we have ever seen. I have been on groups that have not even set a deadline. I realize the holidays are a busier time I feel bad for those who joining in now. As it gets closer more from group 1 may join group 2.

As far as I know there are no guidelines for the FE. There was mention of gifts per child etc but I don't think that was set in stone. I am not going a gift per child. I also do items for the "family". How ever they divide them up is up to them. I would not even attempt to get gifts per child. Kids are so very different. I have VERY girly girls. I know other girls are not. My first thought would be to buy every little girl something very girly but some girls may not like that.

Thanks, Christine!!

That tree is super cute! I saw that tree, actually, and almost got it! But, the only reason I got the other one is because I felt it would travel better since we have to fly. But, I had such a hard time deciding!!!

Ok, you guys all have convinced me. I am going to join the 2nd FE group. We just had so much fun with the FE's on our last cruise, so I'm really happy to be part of this group. I also was wondering if my inlaws could join the 2nd group, too? They'll be in a different cabin, and it's just the two of them. Please let me know. I'm going to make their FE for them (they've never done an FE exchange (this will be their 3rd cruise), and I'll help them with the FE gifts as well. Anyway, so let me know if they can join, too (they won't be posting here at all, though), or since they don't post here, if that means they can't be part of the group, we'd understand. Just let me know so I know whether or not to make them an FE.

I have a question, though, about the FE gifts. I was catching up on all the posts in this group, and I am not quite clear if there are certain guidelines people are following or not? I had read a couple posts a while back saying people are spending between $3-$5 per cabin, as well as getting separate gifts for each child in each cabin (making sure they are gender specific).... are these the guidelines everyone is following?

The FE group I was part of on our cruise last week had no guidelines, and everyone just gave whatever they were able to give (some gave just tiny little things, and other gave nicer items, and some gave gifts to the kids as well as adults, and others just gave one gift per cabin), but as a result, we got such a huge fun variety of so many things... it just made it so much fun!

But, I want to make sure that we follow any guidelines that are part of this group, if there are any. Or, maybe I just read the posts wrong a while back, and there aren't any guidelines.

Anyway, I'd love any clarificatrion as to if there are guidelines or if people are just giving what they can give no matter the cost or amount of gifts given per cabin.

Thanks so much!!! I'm getting SO excited for this cruise!

Take care,
Kathy

ps. The cruise we went on last week, one thing our cruise meet did prior to our cruise, is each day someone posted a "question of the day" that was related to the cruise or Disney of some sort for everyone to answer. It was so much fun, got everyone even more excited about the upcoming cruise, and it allowed us all to get to know each other better on the boards, plus, it helped keep the board really active all the way up until we all left for the cruise. Maybe this group could start something like that? What do you all think?

 

[LovesToRun]

Glad you are joinging the 2nd FE group! I agree with that the deadline for this FE is the EARLIEST we have ever seen. I have been on groups that have not even set a deadline. I realize the holidays are a busier time I feel bad for those who joining in now. As it gets closer more from group 1 may join group 2.

As far as I know there are no guidelines for the FE. There was mention of gifts per child etc but I don't think that was set in stone. I am not going a gift per child. I also do items for the "family". How ever they divide them up is up to them. I would not even attempt to get gifts per child. Kids are so very different. I have VERY girly girls. I know other girls are not. My first thought would be to buy every little girl something very girly but some girls may not like that.

Thanks so much for the clarification! I'm relieved to read this, actually, because I was thinking trying to get individual gifts for boys and girls would be hard! I only have boys, and so I always have such a hard time finding girl's gifts because like you said, I know some girls who are more tomboyish, and other girls who are very girly, and since I'm not around little girls much, I always have such a hard time to know if I should go the "princess route" or if I should go the "Sponge Bob" route.

Anyway, the way you described it is exactly our our group did it last week on the 7-day Eastern... and I, like you, just did one gift per cabin, but in the gift, was something both kids and adults could enjoy. Most people went that route, actually.... and a lot of people only gave more kid stuff, which was great because that just made it so much fun for our kids!!

Well, I'm excited, and it's ok this group will be small... we had 28 cabins on our last cruise, which was REALLLLLLY fun, and we ended up with SO much stuff at the end of our cruise, but since we have to fly, I had to get creative in my FE gifts because I had to bring something that didn't take up too much space since I had to bring 28 of them! With all the baggage check fees (we take Alaska Airlines), to check a whole separate bag of just FE stuff would cost $20.00 one way. I ended up carrying on all our FE stuff, though, so that worked well.... and in that case, I had to make sure it was something that could make it through security!

I'm super excited about being part of this group, and like I said, if it's OK that my inlaws be part of it, I know they will be excited, too.

If someone can please let me know, though, if it's OK that my inlaws join, that'd be great. I'm going to do all their FE stuff for them (they live in a small country town in Oregon, so it's hard for them to get out and get anything... so I'm just going to do all their FE stuff for them).

Take care!!
Kathy

 

[designertravels]

Hi All -

For those looking for a holiday FE, Michaels has the perfect holder. They are only $2.99! I cannot find it online but...they are a Christmas decorated felt drawstring bag measuring 28" x 18". They had four designs. At my local store they were in a bin outside the store. Very easy to miss.

Kathy-there are not any "rules" for the exchange. I'm sure like your last one, a variety of budgets and items.

Chat soon, Jill

 

[Brooklyn]

Thanks so much for the clarification! I'm relieved to read this, actually, because I was thinking trying to get individual gifts for boys and girls would be hard! I only have boys, and so I always have such a hard time finding girl's gifts because like you said, I know some girls who are more tomboyish, and other girls who are very girly, and since I'm not around little girls much, I always have such a hard time to know if I should go the "princess route" or if I should go the "Sponge Bob" route.

Anyway, the way you described it is exactly our our group did it last week on the 7-day Eastern... and I, like you, just did one gift per cabin, but in the gift, was something both kids and adults could enjoy. Most people went that route, actually.... and a lot of people only gave more kid stuff, which was great because that just made it so much fun for our kids!!

Well, I'm excited, and it's ok this group will be small... we had 28 cabins on our last cruise, which was REALLLLLLY fun, and we ended up with SO much stuff at the end of our cruise, but since we have to fly, I had to get creative in my FE gifts because I had to bring something that didn't take up too much space since I had to bring 28 of them! With all the baggage check fees (we take Alaska Airlines), to check a whole separate bag of just FE stuff would cost $20.00 one way. I ended up carrying on all our FE stuff, though, so that worked well.... and in that case, I had to make sure it was something that could make it through security!

I'm super excited about being part of this group, and like I said, if it's OK that my inlaws be part of it, I know they will be excited, too.

If someone can please let me know, though, if it's OK that my inlaws join, that'd be great. I'm going to do all their FE stuff for them (they live in a small country town in Oregon, so it's hard for them to get out and get anything... so I'm just going to do all their FE stuff for them).

Take care!!
Kathy

Please include your inlaws!!! We have friends who are not on the boards who are participating!

 

[chernabogfamily]

Definitely your in-laws should join. You can keep them abreast of all DIS Board info.

I know we are also not following any guidelines for the FE. I have one of those "not-so girly" girls and a very cerebrally minded son (no sports, video games, etc). So, we just do a more universal type FE gift for everyone. We also don't follow any set $ rule. We choose to give a gift that we would also enjoy receiving and can be fun to have on board.

Don't stress and make it more work or money spent on yourself. This is your vacation and the FE should just be a totally fun little extra (just like getting Dopey chocolates on your pillow)!

 

[LovesToRun]

Thanks everyone for giving clarification on the FE gifts for this group. The way you all have described it is exactly how the FE group ran on our cruise last week, and it was great... So, glad to see it is the same for this group (at least the 2nd FE group).

And, thank you for letting in inlaws be part. I know they'll just love it!!

So, who do I PM with our info for the FE group #2 (cabin number, etc)? And, is the list of people/cabins already signed up already out? If so, I'd love a copy of it so I can get an idea of how many cabins are already in the 2nd group.

And, so I'm still a bit confused on the 2 groups... so is the deal that if you want to give to both groups you can, but you only have to give FE's to the group you are part of? If that is the case, then will both groups get a list of cabins in each group, or only if you request the list of the other group will you get that?

Thanks.... sorry for so many questions!!! I'm still fairly new to the whole FE thing since our cruise last week was the first time I ever have done an FE exchange.

Take care,
Kathy

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Kathy, it's totally fine to have family/other cabins participate who aren't on the DIS. I've had other cabins traveling with us on several cruises participate in the FE but not have a dis name.

I'm sorry there seems to be some upset about closing the FE date early. That certainly wasnt my intention. Some other posters suggested it, and at the time most who responded were in favor. I've participated in the FE in all 6 of our previous DCL cruises and have always had a closing date of 30 days out- even on the 3 night. I personalize all the gifts so there's no way at least for me that I could do what I do, and have the date be any later. Usually I ship a box to the port, but since we can drive (!!) I just have a little carryon bag that I fill with the gifts. It's handy because then I repack what we get back in it. This time though my cabin gift is a little bigger so I'm going to have to figure that out! Thank goodness for no baggage fees, hee hee!!

I do think people should give what's fun for them. I like giving to the family and to the kids but honestly I enjoy the whole planning/making/packaging part. So it's fun for me and fun is the point!!
Christine

 

[hitormiss]

Here are scans of the Navigators for the Halloween Cruise on the Wonder.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&...NTg3Ny00ODU1LTlmNDgtYThmOGZmNzQ0NTUy&hl=en_US

Thanks so much for posting the Navigators from your cruise! They're fantastic!

 

[Brooklyn]

All Secret Mickey assignments have been emailed out!! I am so excited!! It is going to be so much fun!!

Remember:
4-5 Gifts
Total Value around $25-$30
Deliver to your SM throughout the cruise.
Do not let them know who you are until your last gift.

 

[Dchachos]

Shhhh I got my Secret Mickey information today .

I am so excited because 30 days from today our boat sets sail!!!!!!

I know we have tossed this around; are we going to have a group meet in embarkation day?

I would love to organize it but my problem is I am a newbie so I have no idea where and when would be a good time.


I have seen other groups meet on the first day and at one of the bars or restaurants and many of them meet after the life boat drill.

What do you all think? I also think it should be open to everyone not just FE, or SM participants anyone one the board who wants to come say hello.

Oh and just in case you missed it 30 days until we set sail.
I don't know if I should be excited or frantic. Better get working on my FE gifts and packing.

 

[Brooklyn]

What I have been working on...still a LONG list to go but it is a start!

 

[jalismoore]

Started working on my FE's, been feeling under the weather, but have to keep on track since there are so many of us...I joined on to the Second Fe just didnt want anyone left out...I'm not the crafty person just hope everything comes out ok..My hubby thinks I went overboard..I say nooooo..Thats just me..lol..but..any how...Can't wait til we have the meet and greet..If I can help in anyway..host a meeting etc(I was told I have a lil extra verandah space?) ..Let me know..im not use to just standing by...Im here...If anyone needs anything special from Disneyland/California Adventure/Downtown Disney let me know, we are there this weekend..and since I know where your cabins are I know your good for the IOU

Alis......

 

[SanDeeKath]

All Secret Mickey assignments have been emailed out!! I am so excited!! It is going to be so much fun!!

Remember:
4-5 Gifts
Total Value around $25-$30
Deliver to your SM throughout the cruise.
Do not let them know who you are until your last gift.

OOOOOHHH! I didn't know you give multiple gifts during the week! GREAT idea. I love it!! So glad we signed up. Thanks for organizing this! I am happy to host the reveal party. PM'd you info. Katherine

 

[designertravels]

What I have been working on...still a LONG list to go but it is a start!

Oh my gosh! I'm drooling, those are so cute! I hope you mean a long list for your family, that looks intensive Did you buy the ribbon off of etsy? How about the bottle caps? I just sent my MIL my clothing designs and fabric for our sail away outfits. It will be cutting it close

Jill

 

[designertravels]

A good place to meet is Promenade Lounge on deck 3 immediately after the second seating. Or After the safety drill on deck 9 to the right of stage. I just do not know how cold it will be.

Also - if you are interested...wear a red ribbon, bracelet on your wrist to identify yourself in the terminal, meet up. We did this on the last cruise. Most people forgot, but I sure did get a lot of introductions wearing my ribbon.

Any thoughts? Jill