DCL Party Planning Thread (combined threads)

[DVCLaurie05]

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post here - I have to tell you - at first, when we were selected, my husband said - "what are we going to get for doing this" - so, after reading the boards, I saw the 'original' list and was VERY excited! And like the others, told my guests about the OBCs - so, there are some disappointed guesets there.

I am not going as crazy as everyone here - I am seeing some great ideas out there, but unlike my usual parties - I am scaling down a bit. My son turned 8 in July and we did a pirate party - SO - I have decorations from that, so I will use those.

Food and all - I am going super simple. Chips/Dips, Veggies, pretzel platter, some desserts.. nothing fancy - did it say anyplace on the site that we had to go BIG? I didn't get too much info from that HP site at all!

Anyway, we are excited to have friends over and party a bit - but, feeling that there should be more offered for hosts and guests!

I am enjoying the posts and ideas... you guys have me rethinking my 'simple'..

Anyone 'double-dipping' in August? We cruise 8/24-8/28.

Laurie

 

[barney4liz]

I am not going as crazy as everyone here - I am seeing some great ideas out there, but unlike my usual parties - I am scaling down a bit. My son turned 8 in July and we did a pirate party - SO - I have decorations from that, so I will use those.

Food and all - I am going super simple. Chips/Dips, Veggies, pretzel platter, some desserts.. nothing fancy - did it say anyplace on the site that we had to go BIG? I didn't get too much info from that HP site at all!

I think your plan sounds just right!

We are keeping the live part of our party simple but nice -- some girlfriends, good food, drinks. I have a smallish house.

The driving force behind HP is viral marketing -- creating positive online buzz about the product, generating hits to the DCL website, etc. I've invited tons of folks that I know cannot possibly come to my house, but they will visit the party site and create HP accounts, enter the sweepstakes, browse the DCL website, get positive exposure to the product.

That said, it IS important to have some fun DCL goodies to offer to the live partygoers. I am looking forward to seeing what actually is in the box! I am hoping that it will exceed our expectations -- sort of like your first DCL cruise.

 

[hyandui]

Laurie, My oldest daughter Carolyn and I put in and was accepted as hosts, one of the things we are doing is to tell all the guest to come in shorts and their wildest Vacation shirt and also bring a desert to share with others, we are supplying a meat & cheese trays (2) and punch, a local restaurant across from my shop donated a room and if someone wants to buy a drink he will make the island drinks. We bought 3 poster boards(the 3 way folded ones) and we are posting pictures starting with the flight down and onto the ship and many of the ports. You can order just about anything you need from Oriental Trading Company (cheap). We did get a little upset when the package was cut down but common sense kicked in, we are doing it beacuse we will have a good time and if Disney see's fit we will use whatever they send us and be happy. My wife Sherry and my daughter, son in law and myself are booked on the October 8th Eastern Cruise and already have 1 family who is now going to cruise with us. Hope this gives you a few idea's.

 

[LCTsMom]

we have had lots of trouble getting our invites and responses back from the houseparty website so we finally said heck with it and called our friends and invited them. so i guess houseparty wont have record of how many guests we have.

Kind of sad since they're basing this whole thing on their online site, isn't it? Oh well... not much we can do on our end. I've deleted and reinvited all of my guests whose replies came back declined (and who wanted to confirm). All I can do now is wait for them to try again.

 

[carole88]

We're having a party too in Las Vegas. I have told my friends that this is basically a marketing ploy, but any excuse for a party is good for me! Luckily we never told them what was originally described in the party package. We'll make the best of what is sent.

Still haven't decided what kind of food to have but we are definately going to have tropical drinks! We are also going to set up one of those automatic picture frames to show all of our cruise pictures. I think that I will also set up our new soft serve ice cream maker to have our own "Scoops".

I wish it were a little warmer. It would have been great to have the party outside.

Hope everyone's party is a huge success and everyone has lots of fun!

 

[InstImpres]

My DD is planning to lead a "sail away party". Before I reinvent the wheel, did anyone put together the music already? TIA

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Laurie, My oldest daughter Carolyn and I put in and was accepted as hosts, one of the things we are doing is to tell all the guest to come in shorts and their wildest Vacation shirt and also bring a desert to share with others, we are supplying a meat & cheese trays (2) and punch, a local restaurant across from my shop donated a room and if someone wants to buy a drink he will make the island drinks. We bought 3 poster boards(the 3 way folded ones) and we are posting pictures starting with the flight down and onto the ship and many of the ports. You can order just about anything you need from Oriental Trading Company (cheap). We did get a little upset when the package was cut down but common sense kicked in, we are doing it beacuse we will have a good time and if Disney see's fit we will use whatever they send us and be happy. My wife Sherry and my daughter, son in law and myself are booked on the October 8th Eastern Cruise and already have 1 family who is now going to cruise with us. Hope this gives you a few idea's.

WOW - a room donated, that's great - then you don't have to have everyone in your house! I have about 30 people coming... I LOVE the idea of wearing the shorts/shirts - I did ask anyone that has cruised before to bring their pics to share!

I am thinking punch might be good too! That's a great idea!! I would order from Oriental Trading, but it would probably cost me more to ship than the amount I would spend on supplies.. I have to dig out the stuff from the pirate party too - I have an inflatable pirate and everything.. You have to see some of the parties I've had in the past - I usually go ALL out for the kids birthday parties and all - but, I can't seem to "get into this" ... My 'crew' is going to be disappointed in me! LOL I actually have a castle that my friend made for me out of foam board, it is HUGE - maybe I can use that? Probably not - it won't go w/Pirates.. we have lots of Mickey stuff too, and pics of the cruise around the house anyway - so I am good w/decorations.

Laurie

 

[DVCLaurie05]

My DD is planning to lead a "sail away party". Before I reinvent the wheel, did anyone put together the music already? TIA

Weren't we originally getting a CD from DCL or no? I am confused as to what was on the original list and what is on the current list. The package does ship tomorrow - I did write that down!! Wonder where it is shipping from?!?!?

 

[InstImpres]

Weren't we originally getting a CD from DCL or no? I am confused as to what was on the original list and what is on the current list. The package does ship tomorrow - I did write that down!! Wonder where it is shipping from?!?!?

We are supposed to be getting a CD but it is island music and I was looking for the sailaway party. Here's the current content from HouseParty's site:
Exclusive host gifts, balloons, posters, cocktail napkins, pirate garb, island music CD, a never-been-seen Disney Cruise Line DVD, children's activity sheets, party prizes, recipe cards, party favor bags and more

 

[DVCLaurie05]

We are supposed to be getting a CD but it is island music and I was looking for the sailaway party. Here's the current content from HouseParty's site:
Exclusive host gifts, balloons, posters, cocktail napkins, pirate garb, island music CD, a never-been-seen Disney Cruise Line DVD, children's activity sheets, party prizes, recipe cards, party favor bags and more

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH... gotcha - music from the sailaway party! LOL It's taking me a LONG time to wake up today! LOL

 

["Got Disney"]

We are supposed to be getting a CD but it is island music and I was looking for the sailaway party. Here's the current content from HouseParty's site:
Exclusive host gifts, balloons, posters, cocktail napkins, pirate garb, island music CD, a never-been-seen Disney Cruise Line DVD, children's activity sheets, party prizes, recipe cards, party favor bags and more

they canceled the DVD...have they brought it back? I know they had the CD still but not the DVD

Thats why I have also been making my own....

 

[InstImpres]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";22594706]they canceled the DVD...have they brought it back? I know they had the CD still but not the DVD

Thats why I have also been making my own....[/QUOTE]


That is what is listed on the "party central page" right now so I am guessing we will get it.

 

["Got Disney"]

That is what is listed on the "party central page" right now so I am guessing we will get it.

that was part of the old list that they never removed that was the original they posted....here is the new list I just went and got. The kids DVD is still there but not the never been seen before DVD...unless it is in the DCL planning kit I will e-mail them and ask!...okay just called and left a message and also e-maled.
will let you know as soon as I find out!


What is in my party package?

For the host
• (1) Iron-on Decal " Official Disney Cruise Director"
• $50 on-board credit for your next Disney Cruise Line sailing
• 1 custom Disney Cruise Line House Party character sketch
• Welcome Letter & Frequently Asked Questions

For the party
• (9) Where will your dreams take you brochure – a quick read on Disney Cruise Line
• (3) Posters- Studio Sea, Serenity Bay, Oceaneer Lab -use these to designate the different areas of the party
• (1) Package of party points - award these to the winners to help determine who gets the prizes
• (1) island music CD
• (16) balloons
• (36) Disney Cruise Line cocktail napkins
• (1) Disney Cruise Kids only DVD– the kids will love this. 20 minutes of slapstick fun

Party Prizes
• (1) character plush
• (2) sheets of 8 tattoos
• (2) Disney Cruise Line posters
• (4) Peter Pan masks
• (1) Photo Album

For the guests
• (10) Activity Sheets (Cinderella II, Ratatouille, Return to Neverland)
• (4) Mickey ear bandanas
• (4) Pirate eye patches
• (20) Recipe cards
• (6) Disney Cruise Line Vacation Planning Kit
• (10) Disney Cruise Line Party Favor bags
• (6) Family Fun Magazine

 

[SILLYANDI]

I just got an e-mail from Tech Support saying the problems with guest manager have been resolved. Hopefully now we can use that feature for RSVP's & everything. I tested it and it is letting me update people's status. I haven't had anyone RSVP through House Party to check that function though.

 

[SILLYANDI]

Robin, I was just looking around and saw your HP link. You have some great pics on your House Party Site! I love the one of the family on the banana boat (and if you don't mind me saying-I think you're lying about your age. I can only hope that I look so young at 50!)

 

["Got Disney"]

Robin, I was just looking around and saw your HP link. You have some great pics on your House Party Site! I love the one of the family on the banana boat (and if you don't mind me saying-I think you're lying about your age. I can only hope that I look so young at 50!)

Ahhhhh thanks you know what they say "the new 50 is 40" so there for, you could say I am still only 40 at least thats what I tell myself

That Banana boat is fun. We were sailing with my DH's best friend. That was his last cruise due to a year later he died from kidney Cancer. But he was lucky . They have millions of dollars ...yes millions...and his insurance would not cover him so he had to put out thousands a month to live. It gave him an extra 12 years

He was a rare individual...a great person...cant say I can say that about his drunken terrible mother wife.

 

[DVCLaurie05]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";22596557]Ahhhhh thanks you know what they say "the new 50 is 40" so there for, you could say I am still only 40 at least thats what I tell myself

That Banana boat is fun. We were sailing with my DH's best friend. That was his last cruise due to a year later he died from kidney Cancer. But he was lucky . They have millions of dollars ...yes millions...and his insurance would not cover him so he had to put out thousands a month to live. It gave him an extra 12 years

He was a rare individual...a great person...cant say I can say that about his drunken terrible mother wife. [/QUOTE]


Sorry to hear about your friend, that is a terrible thing w/insurance!! UGH!!

Now, the Banana boat - NOT that fun! LOL I was petrified!!!! Being we had a large group, they had to split us up - Women on one and Men on the other.. needless to say, the women went first! UGH!!!!!!! I screamed the entire time... then, wouldn't you know it - my husband went on the second ride w/my son, who was probably 9 at the time - and the boat tipped... they were all bobbing along the Magic - it was a project getting them all back on that thing to come back.. I KNEW something was wrong - they were gone a LONG time! I laugh now - but, was really scared then!! I am NOT really into the whole 'ocean' thing! LOL

 

[miatamel]

I just thought I'd post this in case anyone had the same questions. I had asked if there were party game suggestions in the kit (since there were party game favors for "suggested games") since I couldn't find any party game suggestions on site.

Also asked if they knew the color scheme of the napkins. I didn't want to decorate in tropical colors--pastels--if napkins were in DCL colors--primaries. I actually want to decorate around red, white, black and NOT tropical so hope they are. Anyway,here's what I got back:

Hi Melanie,

There will definitely be a list of suggested party activities included in your party package.

Regarding the napkins, we are still waiting to hear back from Disney Cruise Line and will let you know as soon as we receive word so that you can continue planning.

Thanks so much for your interest in Disney Cruise Line House Party, we wish you and your friends/family the best at your wonderful event!

 

[SILLYANDI]

I just thought I'd post this in case anyone had the same questions. I had asked if there were party game suggestions in the kit (since there were party game favors for "suggested games") since I couldn't find any party game suggestions on site.

Also asked if they knew the color scheme of the napkins. I didn't want to decorate in tropical colors--pastels--if napkins were in DCL colors--primaries. I actually want to decorate around red, white, black and NOT tropical so hope they are. Anyway,here's what I got back:

Hi Melanie,

There will definitely be a list of suggested party activities included in your party package.

Regarding the napkins, we are still waiting to hear back from Disney Cruise Line and will let you know as soon as we receive word so that you can continue planning.

Thanks so much for your interest in Disney Cruise Line House Party, we wish you and your friends/family the best at your wonderful event!

I'm thinking HP will never do anything for Disney again. With all of us freaky Disney fans asking so many questions
I imagine no one has asked them the color of the napkins for the Hillshire Farms party or how many cups will be included with the Lipstick Jungle party. I think they are messing with the wrong crowd!

 

["Got Disney"]

heres my e-mail back also....by the way I also sent him(David) a link to this sight so he can see what we may be wanting to know.

Hi Robin,

This item is still included in the party package, and the reason you are not seeing it is because its description was changed in the FAQ....it is now listed as "Disney Cruise kids only CD".

It was indeed produced just for this event and is never-before-seen.

Confusing...the DVD says this on the list...Disney Cruise Kids only DVD– the kids will love this. 20 minutes of slapstick fun
Kids slap stick DVD

I have e-mailed him back again to see it there will be an Adult DVD to show to the Adults that are interested in seeing more...not a never seen before Slapstick kids DVD.