DCL Party Planning Thread (combined threads)

["Got Disney"]

"Enthusiastic" was a nice way to put it!
It was nice of him to reply but not what I would have hoped for... at this point all I can hope for is that SOMETHING comes before the party Fri night. I appreciate that it's free, but I can say I was much more enthusiastic about DCL before this whole thing. They had better advertising from me before this mess then they will now. I have been known to bring up DCL in EVERY conversation and trying to talk all our friends and family into going with us. At this point I don't feel much like telling anyone about it. Just my 2 cents...

I giggled at that when i saw it. Wonder if other people are pestering him the way we are...

I will not find it hard to boast about DCL to my friends but it will be hard to do that at the party as I look around at what they are sending. I to have spent wayyyyyy to much for this. Guess that part is my fault however, if they sent us the original stuff than I would have been way more pumped to shout it out to the World.

I am sitting here downloading music videos for my party from you tube...great videos and music. It is going to take 10 hrs before all my 93 videos are burned that's party dedication. It took me hrs to find them also, although that was fun listening and watching all of them.

I have a little over 5 hrs of videos......will also play the Disney video they are sending us. I will use it as one of my games and tell my friends that I am in the video to play Waldo and try to find me and the one that finds me first gets a prize, when they cant find me I will just say"O yea I'm not in that video , just wanted you to watch it, than I will throw them all a small prize and move on.

I started from my cruise stuff as posted before, than into music from groups like .. STYXS, Beatles, Monkeys, Tommy James and the shandels,The guess who, The Turtles, Donovan, The Doors, Queen, Zeppelin, Joplin, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Santana, KC and the Sunshine Band and so on...

Also threw some funny cartoon dirty jokes in between the music and some other stuff. Will play on my sound system and can listen and also enjoy the videos.

My party will go from 6-11. People start arriving at 6 and we set sail at 6:30. I will announce there names as they come in the door, hand them an umbrella drink and put there pirate name on a name tag( I am Captain RRRRR cause my name is Robin, friends name is Deb the pirate Wench, names like that.

We will first sit down for about 20 minutes of cruise videos...not any of mine but ones off You Tube (the ones I showed on another post)

As we come to the video that has the ship countdown that has the horn The video shows all the streamers flying so all my guests will have poppers and pull them when we get to the horn.

than onto the other fun videos of the life jackets than the ship leaving port and so on.

Food, booze, booze, and booze, games and good friends will take care of the rest O did I mention BOOZE

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Wow. This has been fun. I have put about 8 hours in finishing up my scrapbook from my Oct '07 Cruise. Overall I am happy with the package. I may have my cousins in Orlando buy more of the Goofy ear bandanas so I can have some for eveyone. I have at least 16 kids coming. I hit the Semi Annual Sale at the Disney Store this weekend.

I plan on doing the limbo, a treasure hunt and pin the patch on the pirate

The Party just keeps getting bigger. My Mom has a friend who owns an ice business so we will have an ice sculpture of a pirate ship.

I plan on having Live music and playing the CD during the breaks. I plan on having 2 bouncy tents out back. We live in FL so it should be 75 degrees and sunny this weekend.

I plan to have Jerk Chicken, Mango Salsa, sandwiches and other snacks.

Disney if your are reading this - send characters to Casa de Adelson - in St. Pete FL (SUNDAY). I think that is the only thing we are missing.

Count down - 4 more days!

DH and I joked about an ice sculpture but decided against it. Please post pictures so that we can all see. Thanks and enjoy your party!

 

[CastawayJP]

Just recieved our package today. I'm sorry that some of you were really DISappointed in what was inside... We thought that most of the stuff was really cool. Maybe our standards are lower. The stuff works out really well for us since we are having our party coinside with our daughters 1st birthday. I especially love the pirate Mickey ears bandanas.

 

[Im_A_Princess]

After having gone through our "Party Box" I must agree with most people here who felt the box was just thrown together with no real theme.
It is supposed to be DCL. A cruise theme.
The napkins I am afraid to use - as someone mentioned they are not wrapped, thrown in the box and who knows where they have been.
There are no gifts to give to each of the guests in the 10 bags other than the advertising materials. They could have given us 10 of SOMETHING to put in the bags besides cruise solicitation materials. What happened to beanies or something?
Good thing I have some of the H20 products to add.
While the stuffed big Mickey Plush is nice he is not Pirate Mickey. What gives?
There is no DCL Theme to the package.
I feel really disappointed in DCL right now.

I am glad that I have a bunch of DCL CA Club items that I accumulated so that I can put SOMETHING in my people's bags.

WAS this really a Disney Cruise Line Event?
I am beginning to wonder. The box was not sent from DCL or Disney even. The materials in the box are not up to Disney "standards".
What is going on??????? You get more for going to DVC event than they gave us for doing the work for this party, the money we are putting in to the party and they give away more to passerbys at the DVD desk on the ship than they gave us to give our guests...their POTENTIAL future DCL cruisers.

BUT our party will still be fun. We have a fondue pot LOL

 

[Mi3stooges]

Just opened my party box. It was okay. The napkins gross me out so we will use those as coasters!!!! I got a Minne plush and Tink photo album, which is OK.
I love the pirate bandana's, but I think mine are Goofy??, the ears hang low!! The rest of the stuff is alright.

I didn't get the OBC or the iron on

We will sail away anyway!!!!!!!

 

[Eric Julie and Hailey]

My kids CD does not work any suggestions on how to get a new one??????????????

We just e-mailed the HP folks. Our DVD skips, stutters and is all digitally.

We're trying to make the best of the lousy package, too. But, they sent OLD tattoos with the "coming on DVD" imprints? OLD Peter Pan masks, with the same thing? Cardboard cut-outs? This is really insulting.

For us, the goodie bags will have to be the "doggie bags" because if we can't give everyone the same stuff, then no one is getting anything other than leftovers. How else can we make this fair?

We'll put out the brochures and 6(?!) family fun magazines for the 30+ people we're having. But, beyond that, we're not sure how to divide the pirate stuff. Prizes, I guess. But, how do we deal with the crying kids who don't win a prize? Jeez, DCL, would 10 eye-patches really have been such a push?

OK, one more complaint: I already booked my next cruise. But, the OBC is only good for "new bookings". Gee, thanks for nothing DCL.

Frankly, I think this is a marketing bust for DCL. As much as I love the cruise, I'm sure I (and other hosts) will spend part of my party moaning about the silly packages. They should have done 600 great packages rather than 1100 mediocre packages. It would have created a much more positive buzz. Disney is supposed to be about the quality and details. But, certainly not this time.

A few positive comments: (1) I thought the HP folks were very responsive and friendly with their correspondence. We're a tough crowd, and they seem to be excellent at PR. (2) The Mickey plush is very nice. We'll probably hold onto that for ourselves given we can't use the credit. (3) I also think the litho is nice. That's the Disney "touch" which we've come to expect.

 

[Tigger1221]

So I have e-mailed and called House Party. Yesterday at 2 they said they would get back to me but still haven't. I am not to happy with their communication. Hopefully I will eventually get a package.

 

[Mi3stooges]

.......

For us, the goodie bags will have to be the "doggie bags" because if we can't give everyone the same stuff, then no one is getting anything other than leftovers. How else can we make this fair?

QUOTE]



Yes ditto on the litho..very nice!!

 

[Im_A_Princess]

The litho is nice. That shows the Disney Magic and attention to detail.
Trying to be positive here...
We have way more than 4 kids. I have no idea what to do with the 4 sets of ears/pirate eye patches. I don't want crying kids
What to do

I am NOT feeling the love Disney...
I thought the Party was supposed to be a big deal and an honor to host. Now I have to scramble for a Party gift for my guests. Even a key chain for each bag would have been nice...
Didn't they say they were sending beanies and stuff?
Anyone have the letter they sent and that was posted on the site here when they asked DCL what was in the box?

 

[hyandui]

Hello Cruiser's, Here is an idea that might shame an OBC out of DCL, Lets all put the MAGIC and WONDER we have for Disney and put on the best parties anyone has seen in a long time, then take all the photo's you can squeez out of your digital camera's and fill this site with the people having a good time despite the fact it's on our dime. And if that doesn't work then we write to Universal and see if they need party hosts.

 

[BCVOwner2002]

I was just about to shut down for the night and checked DCHP Party Central and noticed that my party is one of the featured parties! How cool is that??

 

[miatamel]

my party seems to be falling apart at the seams. My BF of 20+ years called this morning to tell me she's been called out of town for work and won't be able to make it. (She and her DH and 2 kids--that's 4 down, there). She's the friend I count on for parties--when I see her, I relax and know things are gonna be fine. You know the kind--the person people gravitate towards and can make the dullest thing seem fun because she's so loud, friendly and gregarious. I know she'll take up the slack with guests while I'm cooking or whatever. So that's a HUGE blow. Then, the one guy I was counting on for DH hinted today that he won't show, either. DH is the strong, silent type and doesn't have many "buddies" so that's a blow, too, as that was someone for him to hang with. I think this guy thought this was a strange reason for a party plus we just had this bunch of same folks over just a month ago for Christmas party and I'm guessing he's the kind that says that was plenty of partying until next year! So, now I'm afraid either I'm just gonna have a couple of my regulars and it's gonna be a big ole bore and stupid (I don't have much self confidence, can you tell?) or some of these acquaintances I emailed an invite to will show up (I mentioned goodie bags on the blog and invite!) out of curiosity (We're kind of different and have a different kind of house than the muckety-mucks around here) and they are going to be bored and think the party is stupid PLUS there's the little goodie bag problem. Those I KNOW are stupid. I'm torn between going to buy stuff but I really don't want to do that in case 1) no one much shows up anyway and that stuff will be wasted $$ and 2) I've spent alot already--seafood, red meat, chicken and alcohol for a maybe crowd ain't cheap and I just don't feel like I should keep pumping money into this party considering.....and especially with the "R" word being thrown about so much.
Earlier in the week I had thought about sending out more email invites because I thought of some more people, but once the box came I nixed that pretty quick. I think this is going to be my last party of ANY kind for awhile.
Only thing that would redeem this experience for me would be if I or one of my guests won one of the cruises!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

my party seems to be falling apart at the seams. My BF of 20+ years called this morning to tell me she's been called out of town for work and won't be able to make it. (She and her DH and 2 kids--that's 4 down, there). She's the friend I count on for parties--when I see her, I relax and know things are gonna be fine. You know the kind--the person people gravitate towards and can make the dullest thing seem fun because she's so loud, friendly and gregarious. I know she'll take up the slack with guests while I'm cooking or whatever. So that's a HUGE blow. Then, the one guy I was counting on for DH hinted today that he won't show, either. DH is the strong, silent type and doesn't have many "buddies" so that's a blow, too, as that was someone for him to hang with. I think this guy thought this was a strange reason for a party plus we just had this bunch of same folks over just a month ago for Christmas party and I'm guessing he's the kind that says that was plenty of partying until next year! So, now I'm afraid either I'm just gonna have a couple of my regulars and it's gonna be a big ole bore and stupid (I don't have much self confidence, can you tell?) or some of these acquaintances I emailed an invite to will show up (I mentioned goodie bags on the blog and invite!) out of curiosity (We're kind of different and have a different kind of house than the muckety-mucks around here) and they are going to be bored and think the party is stupid PLUS there's the little goodie bag problem. Those I KNOW are stupid. I'm torn between going to buy stuff but I really don't want to do that in case 1) no one much shows up anyway and that stuff will be wasted $$ and 2) I've spent alot already--seafood, red meat, chicken and alcohol for a maybe crowd ain't cheap and I just don't feel like I should keep pumping money into this party considering.....and especially with the "R" word being thrown about so much.
Earlier in the week I had thought about sending out more email invites because I thought of some more people, but once the box came I nixed that pretty quick. I think this is going to be my last party of ANY kind for awhile.
Only thing that would redeem this experience for me would be if I or one of my guests won one of the cruises!

Don't let this get you down. Your party will be what you make of it and I'm sure it will be great! Annmarie

 

[hyandui]

If this link works when you click on it, the results will make you feel good.
http://joe-ks.com/archives_may2005/Elastic_Baby.htm

 

["Got Disney"]

my party seems to be falling apart at the seams. My BF of 20+ years called this morning to tell me she's been called out of town for work and won't be able to make it. (She and her DH and 2 kids--that's 4 down, there). She's the friend I count on for parties--when I see her, I relax and know things are gonna be fine. You know the kind--the person people gravitate towards and can make the dullest thing seem fun because she's so loud, friendly and gregarious. I know she'll take up the slack with guests while I'm cooking or whatever. So that's a HUGE blow. Then, the one guy I was counting on for DH hinted today that he won't show, either. DH is the strong, silent type and doesn't have many "buddies" so that's a blow, too, as that was someone for him to hang with. I think this guy thought this was a strange reason for a party plus we just had this bunch of same folks over just a month ago for Christmas party and I'm guessing he's the kind that says that was plenty of partying until next year! So, now I'm afraid either I'm just gonna have a couple of my regulars and it's gonna be a big ole bore and stupid (I don't have much self confidence, can you tell?) or some of these acquaintances I emailed an invite to will show up (I mentioned goodie bags on the blog and invite!) out of curiosity (We're kind of different and have a different kind of house than the muckety-mucks around here) and they are going to be bored and think the party is stupid PLUS there's the little goodie bag problem. Those I KNOW are stupid. I'm torn between going to buy stuff but I really don't want to do that in case 1) no one much shows up anyway and that stuff will be wasted $$ and 2) I've spent alot already--seafood, red meat, chicken and alcohol for a maybe crowd ain't cheap and I just don't feel like I should keep pumping money into this party considering.....and especially with the "R" word being thrown about so much.
Earlier in the week I had thought about sending out more email invites because I thought of some more people, but once the box came I nixed that pretty quick. I think this is going to be my last party of ANY kind for awhile.
Only thing that would redeem this experience for me would be if I or one of my guests won one of the cruises!

for the Adults All ya need is food..booze...food booze and PS or XBOX for the kids
Kids are resiliant when around other kids. They can have one toy and figure out 50 ways to use it.

As for your friend that you were planning on having, dont worry the other people are coming because of you...not her!!

If this link works when you click on it, the results will make you feel good.
http://joe-ks.com/archives_may2005/Elastic_Baby.htm

the only problem is the kid held on to the rope...

 

[CarrianneB]

I was just about to shut down for the night and checked DCHP Party Central and noticed that my party is one of the featured parties! How cool is that??

Very cool!

 

[CarrianneB]

my party seems to be falling apart at the seams. My BF of 20+ years called this morning to tell me she's been called out of town for work and won't be able to make it. (She and her DH and 2 kids--that's 4 down, there). She's the friend I count on for parties--when I see her, I relax and know things are gonna be fine. You know the kind--the person people gravitate towards and can make the dullest thing seem fun because she's so loud, friendly and gregarious. I know she'll take up the slack with guests while I'm cooking or whatever. So that's a HUGE blow. Then, the one guy I was counting on for DH hinted today that he won't show, either. DH is the strong, silent type and doesn't have many "buddies" so that's a blow, too, as that was someone for him to hang with. I think this guy thought this was a strange reason for a party plus we just had this bunch of same folks over just a month ago for Christmas party and I'm guessing he's the kind that says that was plenty of partying until next year! So, now I'm afraid either I'm just gonna have a couple of my regulars and it's gonna be a big ole bore and stupid (I don't have much self confidence, can you tell?) or some of these acquaintances I emailed an invite to will show up (I mentioned goodie bags on the blog and invite!) out of curiosity (We're kind of different and have a different kind of house than the muckety-mucks around here) and they are going to be bored and think the party is stupid PLUS there's the little goodie bag problem. Those I KNOW are stupid. I'm torn between going to buy stuff but I really don't want to do that in case 1) no one much shows up anyway and that stuff will be wasted $$ and 2) I've spent alot already--seafood, red meat, chicken and alcohol for a maybe crowd ain't cheap and I just don't feel like I should keep pumping money into this party considering.....and especially with the "R" word being thrown about so much.
Earlier in the week I had thought about sending out more email invites because I thought of some more people, but once the box came I nixed that pretty quick. I think this is going to be my last party of ANY kind for awhile.
Only thing that would redeem this experience for me would be if I or one of my guests won one of the cruises!

I'm sure that it will be fine. Most people are not coming for the goodie bags, but for the social aspect. With food, beverages, and a relaxed atmosphere I'm sure everyone will have a great time!

 

[Mi3stooges]

If this link works when you click on it, the results will make you feel good.
http://joe-ks.com/archives_may2005/Elastic_Baby.htm

I love it!!!! I minimized the window and just keep hearing that addictive laugh!!!!

 

[Mi3stooges]

BTW...I also didn't get the party points in the party pack, am I missing anything??? Were they that nice?? Just curious!

 

[barney4liz]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";22742383]What I don't get is that when you read the party sight everyone on there talks about how AWESOME the package is and that Disney managed to do it again They seem to think that WOW what a great package....sooooo

Whats wrong with us or are the other people just not getting it [/QUOTE]

Remember how quickly the blog about the packages was removed when it started going negative?

If you guys haven't already -- take a look at the blog and the pics of the package contents for the Lipstick Jungle party. 10 of everything, plus 4 "prize" items, all very thematic and cute.

I think whoever planned the DCL package just wasn't thinking in terms of keeping everything thematic and making sure there were at least 10 of every gift bag item, which is what you would expect after looking at the past HP parties.

There ARE some very nice high-value items in the DCL package -- I think the plush is very pretty, the photo album is pretty, and I think the goofy ear bandanas are adorable. LOVE the litho. But I agree that it would have been much better for party purposes to put more items with lower dollar value.

I don't have to worry about kids fighting over the stuff because I didn't invite any. I am expecting a bit fewer than 10 ladies. I'm going to put ears or eye patch in each bag with the marketing stuff, color sheet to send home, and probably a rum mini or some other small thing, and tie the bags with a pirate bandana (of which we have many!). I'll have each guest draw a number or something to choose a bag, so whether you get ears or eyepatch is random.

The photo album will be a bingo prize, and I'll pick up some small Tortuga rum cakes for prizes.

The plush Minnie and the Peter Pan junk, I mean gifts, will go home with my co-hostess who has a 4 y.o. DD.

The OBC -- can't use it on my already-booked future cruise, nor can my co-hostess.

I do think if enough of us contact DCL after this is over with a link to our party website with lots of pics, a reminder that we have gone on X Disney cruises and have X future cruises booked -- maybe they will reconsider how the OBC can be used.