Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[TNShellBelle]

Hello,

I am a newbie! I have read through some of this thread but 127 pages is hard to get through.

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.

We would like to join in the fun!

How much $$ do you think it will be to join the FE? Since money is tight I need to plan on this.

We would like 2 adult and 1 child wristbands. That sounds like fun!! Can I paypal you??

We live 15 minutes from Disneyland. My SIL works at Club 33 my Step-Dad is a Train Engineer at Disneyland, and my DH used to work at Disneyland in his 20's, so we are big Disney fans.

Welcome Jill and family! Awesome that you don't have to pay for airline for the cruise. We usually travel to Fl from the east coat and sometimes drive which is nice. What is Club 33??? And your step dad is a train engineer at Disneyland? What is that? Is that a cm? Asking because my brother is a cm at Disney World and our little girl loves that he is "Prince Charming" at Disney.

 

[szubieta]

7 WEEKS PEOPLE!!!


Welcome Jill and family!

Welcome Jill and family! Awesome that you don't have to pay for airline for the cruise. We usually travel to Fl from the east coat and sometimes drive which is nice. What is Club 33??? And your step dad is a train engineer at Disneyland? What is that? Is that a cm? Asking because my brother is a cm at Disney World and our little girl loves that he is "Prince Charming" at Disney.

It's an exclusive restaurant/club in DL that most of us commoners can't get into. My fosterson at Fullerton, his roommate used to work there. The food is the best, even better than Blue Bayou, from what I've heard.

How Cool!! Not too many people can claim that their brother is Prince Charming!

 

[LiserAnn]

Jill...big welcome to you and your family!

Double Trouble (and anyone else asking), I saw your post on the MR trip report (the super good one, lol) and I didn't want to hijack her thread but when we sailed DCL MR in 2005 we stayed at the DT. We were traveling with 4 families (!!!) so there were 16 of us. There were a ton of cruisers waiting for the shuttle and we soon realized it wasn't going to work because it would take FOREVER, plus they weren't leaving until 10 or 10:30 and we wanted to be at the port by 9ish. Sooo....we took a cab. It was cheap, like 10 bucks or so (6 years ago now, so add for inflation).

Also, you asked about check-in. We're traveling with Kaylee (fourmcds) and her husband is going to stay back at the DT with the four kids while my hubby drives her and me with our luggage to the port early and he'll drive back to the DT. The boys and kids will come over at their leisure either by cab or shuttle. She and I will check in and do that "stuff". That way they don't need to worry about luggage, or the crazy-rushing mommy disease that comes over me. (Poor Kaylee will have to deal with that.) The big thing is, if you're not going to go back and rejoin them, just make sure they have whatever they need to get into the port.

It will be here before we know it!!!

 

[mommafox]

Liserann, you are not the only one that suffers from the rushing-mommy disease. LOL. My kids can't stand still for a second so I try to prepare for the line stress we may come under at any moment. iPhones fully charged for kid games? Check. Coloring books and crayons? Check. Bathing suits in carry on in case we want to hit the pool and our luggage is late? Check. Snacks for ansy kids? Check. Patience? Oh wait, I forgot that again. Damn. It's hard to tell between stress and excitement when traveling with kids, ha ha.

 

[bitocas]

Hello,

I am a newbie! I have read through some of this thread but 127 pages is hard to get through.

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.

We would like to join in the fun!

How much $$ do you think it will be to join the FE? Since money is tight I need to plan on this.

We would like 2 adult and 1 child wristbands. That sounds like fun!! Can I paypal you??

We live 15 minutes from Disneyland. My SIL works at Club 33 my Step-Dad is a Train Engineer at Disneyland, and my DH used to work at Disneyland in his 20's, so we are big Disney fans.

jill
how 95 $ that´s what i;m going to pay only for the park at airport in portugal.i´m so jealous.

 

[bitocas]

We are also booked for the Pirate Boat Sail & Snorkel Adventure through DCL on day 4.

we have this booked for the 8:45H also.

 

[padalyn]

jill
how 95 $ that´s what i;m going to pay only for the park at airport in portugal.i´m so jealous.

well - it is a little unfair saying the cruise cost 95.00 ONLY....as DVC we can use points (time share points) to "pay" for the cruise, there is a 95.00 processing fee for anytime we use points outside of the 'regular' resorts. Those are the biggies in FL(wilderness, beach club, boardwalk,old key west, saratoga, bay lake towers - I may be missing one), Hilton Head, Vero Beach, Gr. Calif, & Aulaini

So her cruise was already paid for...when she purchased DVC. I occosionally do a cruise on points, we can also do swaps with RCI, we used to be able to Interval International (no more contract with them) and Holland America (again - no more contract with them), Adventures By Disney and many other hotels as well...

If any one is interested in more information - please PM me...I will gladly explain it all!! It is without doubt the BEST purchases I have ever made!!!

Cayla

 

[lymommy]

Is there an evening one also?

We are booked on the one that leaves early in the am.

US too... yeah!

 

[loving _life]

7 WEEKS PEOPLE!!!

!

 

[True Romance]

True Romance (Kristi) or anyone else who can enlighten us,

As FE newbies, we're still trying to get our arms around it . Can anyone give us some kind of rough idea of budget/$ for the FE gifts ? My DW has lots of great ideas for gifts, but we have no idea if we're even in the ballpark . I know there don't seem to be any real definitive guidelines, but if maybe a few people in this group that have done it before could narrow it down even just a little bit for us (like maybe a range of things they've seen?), we would sincerely appreciate it.

Regarding the frequency and scheduling, I will defer to the experts on this one, although I tend to agree with an earlier post that it would be nice if the kids got something each day rather than risk the disappointment of going to bed (or waking up to) an empty FE .

Hey Double Trouble and anyone else who has questions regarding the FE's. I PM'd you Double this same info, but thought I would repost here for anyone else interested.

Okay this is my first time doing an FE, so all the information I have is from reading the boards extensively. It seems like anything goes for the gifts. Most people just give small little trinkets--dollar store, Oriental Trading Company, Target dollar section, etc. Some people make little goody bags with candy (since we are there at Easter you could go with that theme), some people are super crafty and make cool gifts and give one per cabin. You can do them however you want, anything goes. Some people give one gift per cabin, some give one for the adults to share and individual for the kids, some give every person individual gifts. I have heard of people giving cute magnets, magnet calendars, personalized pens, silly bandz, trinkets from their hometown, personalized cd's, picture frames, cup cozy's, just about anything you can think of. I don't think the FE's should break the bank. I would spend no more than a $1 or 2 per person.

If we're going to keep up with you guys, pretty soon I'm going to find myself camping out at the port the night before to be first in line! It's going to look like a "Black Friday" sale. I guess the good side is I won't need to pay for a hotel anymore!

I am a crazy travel planner. My husband does not like it one bit. I also think reading these boards makes me more neurotic. Hmmm, I never even thought about just sleeping in front of the port.

Hello,

I am a newbie! I have read through some of this thread but 127 pages is hard to get through.

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.

We would like to join in the fun!

How much $$ do you think it will be to join the FE? Since money is tight I need to plan on this.

We would like 2 adult and 1 child wristbands. That sounds like fun!! Can I paypal you??

We live 15 minutes from Disneyland. My SIL works at Club 33 my Step-Dad is a Train Engineer at Disneyland, and my DH used to work at Disneyland in his 20's, so we are big Disney fans.

Welcome Jill and family. I got you down for FE and the wrist bands, you are set. I will get more information from you soon. I have always wanted to go to Club 33. I had a chance once, but it did not work out.
I worked at DL and participated in their College Program in 1997. I worked on Splash Mt. and did guest control for the shows and parades. Loved it.

jill
how 95 $ that´s what i;m going to pay only for the park at airport in portugal.i´m so jealous.

How about the $300 I am spending to board my dog for 12 nights. Yikes, I think Brennan cost just a tad bit more than that for the cruise. That is where my dolphin excursion money is going to, THE DOG!

 

[LiserAnn]

How about the $300 I am spending to board my dog for 12 nights. Yikes, I think Brennan cost just a tad bit more than that for the cruise. That is where my dolphin excursion money is going to, THE DOG!

Same here *sigh*.... Hey, here's an excursion, jump in the pool w/the dog and do a "swim with the dogs" excursion. Eh, not quite the same is it.

 

[padalyn]

Okay this is my first time doing an FE, so all the information I have is from reading the boards extensively. It seems like anything goes for the gifts. Most people just give small little trinkets--dollar store, Oriental Trading Company, Target dollar section, etc. Some people make little goody bags with candy (since we are there at Easter you could go with that theme), some people are super crafty and make cool gifts and give one per cabin. You can do them however you want, anything goes. Some people give one gift per cabin, some give one for the adults to share and individual for the kids, some give every person individual gifts. I have heard of people giving cute magnets, magnet calendars, personalized pens, silly bandz, trinkets from their hometown, personalized cd's, picture frames, cup cozy's, just about anything you can think of. I don't think the FE's should break the bank. I would spend no more than a $1 or 2 per person.

How about the $300 I am spending to board my dog for 12 nights. Yikes, I think Brennan cost just a tad bit more than that for the cruise. That is where my dolphin excursion money is going to, THE DOG!

Kristi - you have the right of it with the FE gifts...
I explained her 95.00 cruise below...she paid more, trust me...she used time share exchange to do it...so factor in the cost of the time share purchase please...I think the dog will like being at doggie hotel rather than hungry

 

[Double Trouble]

Same here *sigh*.... Hey, here's an excursion, jump in the pool w/the dog and do a "swim with the dogs" excursion. Eh, not quite the same is it.

How about the $300 I am spending to board my dog for 12 nights. Yikes, I think Brennan cost just a tad bit more than that for the cruise. That is where my dolphin excursion money is going to, THE DOG!

If this group is half as funny in person as they are on this thread, it's going to be one "crazy" cruise !!

 

[Double Trouble]

Jill...big welcome to you and your family!

Double Trouble (and anyone else asking), I saw your post on the MR trip report (the super good one, lol) and I didn't want to hijack her thread but when we sailed DCL MR in 2005 we stayed at the DT. We were traveling with 4 families (!!!) so there were 16 of us. There were a ton of cruisers waiting for the shuttle and we soon realized it wasn't going to work because it would take FOREVER, plus they weren't leaving until 10 or 10:30 and we wanted to be at the port by 9ish. Sooo....we took a cab. It was cheap, like 10 bucks or so (6 years ago now, so add for inflation).

Also, you asked about check-in. We're traveling with Kaylee (fourmcds) and her husband is going to stay back at the DT with the four kids while my hubby drives her and me with our luggage to the port early and he'll drive back to the DT. The boys and kids will come over at their leisure either by cab or shuttle. She and I will check in and do that "stuff". That way they don't need to worry about luggage, or the crazy-rushing mommy disease that comes over me. (Poor Kaylee will have to deal with that.) The big thing is, if you're not going to go back and rejoin them, just make sure they have whatever they need to get into the port.

It will be here before we know it!!!

Lisa, Thanks for the info. The only question I didn't get answered (and hope you could help on) is...

What time does the baggage drop-off open? We were thinking about taking the whole family over early, drop off the luggage, park in the lot for $1/hour while we all check in, then drive back to the hotel until shuttle time. What do you think?

FYI, from the port website it appears we are leaving from Berth 93 (on the left) and returning to Berth 91/92 (straight ahead). We also have a Crystal ship departing the same day and a Princess ship when we return.

 

[jweiss]

I'm not entirely new to DCL, but it's been a few years since we've cruised. What is the rush in getting to the ports so early? Am I missing something? Other than the chance of getting an upgrade, what would be the reason to get there at nine or ten? (I should have asked this last week, before purchasing out plane tickets, cuz I bet I AM missing something, and an going to have to change the plane tickets!!!)

~Jennifer

 

[fourmcds]

Jill...big welcome to you and your family!

Double Trouble (and anyone else asking), I saw your post on the MR trip report (the super good one, lol) and I didn't want to hijack her thread but when we sailed DCL MR in 2005 we stayed at the DT. We were traveling with 4 families (!!!) so there were 16 of us. There were a ton of cruisers waiting for the shuttle and we soon realized it wasn't going to work because it would take FOREVER, plus they weren't leaving until 10 or 10:30 and we wanted to be at the port by 9ish. Sooo....we took a cab. It was cheap, like 10 bucks or so (6 years ago now, so add for inflation).

Also, you asked about check-in. We're traveling with Kaylee (fourmcds) and her husband is going to stay back at the DT with the four kids while my hubby drives her and me with our luggage to the port early and he'll drive back to the DT. The boys and kids will come over at their leisure either by cab or shuttle. She and I will check in and do that "stuff". That way they don't need to worry about luggage, or the crazy-rushing mommy disease that comes over me. (Poor Kaylee will have to deal with that.) The big thing is, if you're not going to go back and rejoin them, just make sure they have whatever they need to get into the port.

It will be here before we know it!!!

Lisa Darling....I think it really has been too long since we have cruised together ....do you not remember me freaking out when our limo couldn't leave the hyatt on time?! I think our dh's will both be relieved to hang at the hotel a bit extra without the kiddos (I still laugh over both their faces when they got the port for the PC!) My thoughts were that we could take all the checked luggage and a few carry ons and they could come later with the rest and all their documents. I don't remember there being a rule that you all need to be together to check in, do you?

Liserann, you are not the only one that suffers from the rushing-mommy disease. LOL. My kids can't stand still for a second so I try to prepare for the line stress we may come under at any moment. iPhones fully charged for kid games? Check. Coloring books and crayons? Check. Bathing suits in carry on in case we want to hit the pool and our luggage is late? Check. Snacks for ansy kids? Check. Patience? Oh wait, I forgot that again. Damn. It's hard to tell between stress and excitement when traveling with kids, ha ha.

Ipods, DSs and cell phones have become life savers for traveling in our family!

 

[LiserAnn]

What time does the baggage drop-off open? We were thinking about taking the whole family over early, drop off the luggage, park in the lot for $1/hour while we all check in, then drive back to the hotel until shuttle time. What do you think?

I'm not sure. Back in 2005 we were at the port before opening time and I know they took our bags. There were a ton of porters there. I wonder if any of the more recent MR returnees can answer that one. Good question!!!

 

[LiserAnn]

I'm not entirely new to DCL, but it's been a few years since we've cruised. What is the rush in getting to the ports so early? Am I missing something? Other than the chance of getting an upgrade, what would be the reason to get there at nine or ten? (I should have asked this last week, before purchasing out plane tickets, cuz I bet I AM missing something, and an going to have to change the plane tickets!!!)

I want to get there early because I want to be one of the early boarders. We'd like to have lunch no later than noonish and then the kids will go swimming while the grownups have a lovely adult beverage. We like to start our vacation as early as possible, lol! Folks, don't forget to pack swimsuits in your carry-ons!

 

[LiserAnn]

Lisa Darling....I think it really has been too long since we have cruised together ....do you not remember me freaking out when our limo couldn't leave the hyatt on time?! I think our dh's will both be relieved to hang at the hotel a bit extra without the kiddos (I still laugh over both their faces when they got the port for the PC!) My thoughts were that we could take all the checked luggage and a few carry ons and they could come later with the rest and all their documents. I don't remember there being a rule that you all need to be together to check in, do you?

Right-o...freakout session all the way around. Who invited that woman anyway, lol! 17 bags of luggage, really?!?!

Nope, you don't have to be all together as long as each person has their "credentials". Oh and yes, the priceless facial expressions. Can we replicate that again?

 

[fourmcds]

I want to get there early because I want to be one of the early boarders. We'd like to have lunch no later than noonish and then the kids will go swimming while the grownups have a lovely adult beverage. We like to start our vacation as early as possible, lol! Folks, don't forget to pack swimsuits in your carry-ons!

DODs....cannot wait to have that first fabulous drink on the pool deck while watching the kids splash around!!!!

Right-o...freakout session all the way around. Who invited that woman anyway, lol! 17 bags of luggage, really?!?!

Nope, you don't have to be all together as long as each person has their "credentials". Oh and yes, the priceless facial expressions. Can we replicate that again?

I think it was Nan...but she will deny it I don't know if we can repeat that, but I am sure they might try!