Disney Dream April 19, 2012 - 3 Nights

[tostygirl]

OK, so had to share with all you as my family can't take me anymore. So I had off Friday and Monday with the kids to go through summer clothes, see what was still needed and then do some FL shopping for all of us. What a blast!!! Saturaday was my daughters day (DD5). She was so cute. That night we had dinner with another couple that is going to Orlando with us. She brought all her bags in, laid out her loot, and proceeded to have a fashion show for us. Not to be outdone Monday was my son's day (not sure about any other 8 year old boys out there buy mine has to pick out and try on everything before leaving the store...to many things in the past were a "mom choice" and DS was like fine, only to get home and never have it worn). So we get home last night and he proceeds to lay everything out and do a show not once but twice...once to try everything on again and then to say, this is what I am wearing the first day, this is what I am wearing the second day....

Additonal cute story to our shopping weekend. We were checking out at JCPenny and for whatever reason the registers were moving sooooo slow. So the checkout girl (looks maybe 18) starts some small talk. So we discuss that we are getting summer clothes early as we are going to Orlando. More delays so I bring up the cruise. OMG...she lite up like a Christmas tree and couldn't stop talking. Her mom took her on a Disney cruise when she was 9 and it was the BEST memory of her childhood. Totally what I needed to hear as you start to realize you have already spent a ton and putting together the vaca budget realize there is still tons more to be spent.

I soooo can't wait to head to the airport Saturday. This has been almost a year in the planning (I think I put more effort into this than I did for my wedding!! All that is left is to pack which isn't even going to be a major task as I am a major list person and have the most detailed packing list ever. That and I have been gradually stacking everything next to the suitcases.

Sunday - Thursday Orlando here we come....Thursday - Sunday Disney Dream is going to be a dream ending to a dream vaca!!!

Can't wait to meet all of you.

 

[tostygirl]

Hello everyone.

Since some will be travelling ahead of the cruise and may not have access to email/Internet - I wanted to ask early on whether/or-not you are interested to have an in-person meet on the FIRST day of the cruise at the Sailaway Party (happens at about 4:15pm)? Shall we meet on Deck12 near the Aquaduck entrance? I was looking at the deck plan and it seems there's not much shade on Deck12 though. Deck11 may be too crowded.

Another alternative is to meet on Deck 5 (Atrium) at 3pm. We'll just take a group photo and introduce the kids to each other It shouldn't take more than 30mins if everybody's on time.

If you are interested, please PM me with your suggested alternate time/place.

We are totally for this. Any of the above work for us. I will continue to check back and see when/where it is going to be. My only comment is could it be before the sailaway party? Maybe it is my niavity of being a first time Disney cruiser but am thinking we will want to be at the sailaway party.

Will have to review back to the begining of these posts to refresh myself on who everyone is. Can't wait to meet you all!!

 

[1stdcl2012]

We are totally for this. Any of the above work for us. I will continue to check back and see when/where it is going to be. My only comment is could it be before the sailaway party? Maybe it is my niavity of being a first time Disney cruiser but am thinking we will want to be at the sailaway party.

Will have to review back to the begining of these posts to refresh myself on who everyone is. Can't wait to meet you all!!

Hello again - this is also our family's first time DCL trip, so I'm totally clueless except for what I've read on DIS or other websites.

The reason I suggested the meeting at around 4pm-ish on Deck 12 is so we can "wait" for the Sail Away Party together. The party is on Deck11 by the pool, so if we meet somewhere closeby - we'd be in the middle of the revelry!

However, I've heard some families want to have their own party at their balconies (tradition) - so this plan may not work for everyone. So I suggested the Atrium (Deck3 ?) at 3pm which still leaves enough time to attend the party. But we could be running with the herd going up to Deck 11.

A later time may be too close to the dining/show schedules. We have late dining though.

Anyway, if you have alternate suggestions as to time/place to meet...we'll make it work so the most families can join

 

[1stdcl2012]

OK, so had to share with all you as my family can't take me anymore. So I had off Friday and Monday with the kids to go through summer clothes, see what was still needed and then do some FL shopping for all of us. What a blast!!! Saturaday was my daughters day (DD5). She was so cute. That night we had dinner with another couple that is going to Orlando with us. She brought all her bags in, laid out her loot, and proceeded to have a fashion show for us. Not to be outdone Monday was my son's day (not sure about any other 8 year old boys out there buy mine has to pick out and try on everything before leaving the store...to many things in the past were a "mom choice" and DS was like fine, only to get home and never have it worn). So we get home last night and he proceeds to lay everything out and do a show not once but twice...once to try everything on again and then to say, this is what I am wearing the first day, this is what I am wearing the second day....

Additonal cute story to our shopping weekend. We were checking out at JCPenny and for whatever reason the registers were moving sooooo slow. So the checkout girl (looks maybe 18) starts some small talk. So we discuss that we are getting summer clothes early as we are going to Orlando. More delays so I bring up the cruise. OMG...she lite up like a Christmas tree and couldn't stop talking. Her mom took her on a Disney cruise when she was 9 and it was the BEST memory of her childhood. Totally what I needed to hear as you start to realize you have already spent a ton and putting together the vaca budget realize there is still tons more to be spent.

I soooo can't wait to head to the airport Saturday. This has been almost a year in the planning (I think I put more effort into this than I did for my wedding!! All that is left is to pack which isn't even going to be a major task as I am a major list person and have the most detailed packing list ever. That and I have been gradually stacking everything next to the suitcases.

Sunday - Thursday Orlando here we come....Thursday - Sunday Disney Dream is going to be a dream ending to a dream vaca!!!

Can't wait to meet all of you.

I love your stories - the preparation fun is also part of the nice memories of the trip!

Wow, you're starting your vaca on Saturday - super nice! I'll be packing on Saturday and I'm dreading that part. DH suggested we don't pack and just buy stuff on the ship. Hah - right, that would work when it's just me and him. With DS8, DS7, DD17months - I need to make major decisions on what to actually leave behind

Also excited to meet you - will your kids go to the Kids Club?

 

[1stdcl2012]

hey everyone.....getting closer!

I'm going to put the finishing touches on my FE tonight. It has been a good learning experience for my DD6. How it is fun to give as well as receive.

We leave 1 week from today to spend a couple days roaming around Orlando prior to the cruise. Not sure what we will be up to....possibly Seaworld or Aquatica.

I plan on booking my next cruise on board! Terrible when you haven't even started one cruise and your mind is already on the next!!!

Wow - good progress on your FE, you're done! I'm so excited to see it.

Well, I haven't finished ours - hopefully, real soon. I tried to recruit DS8 and DS7 for the FE, but they were more interested in the FE gifts. It's too much fun and just adds to the excitement!

We also plan to rebook onboard, but for a departure from Los Angeles or somewhere on the West Coast. Hope there will be more West Coast itineraries than what they currently posted online.

Enjoy your Orlando land vaca.

 

[1stdcl2012]

I've never booked through DU. Can you explain to me what kind of discount you get for mentioning them as your travel agent?

When we book on the cruise it will be our 5th cruise. Can't wait till were Gold Castaway members! My DH is aiming for Platinum. He really knows the way to a girls heart!

Hi tinafish. You don't get a discount from DU (or any travel agent) - the cruise prices are same and set by DCL. However, you get onboard credit from DU depending on price of cruise booked. DU puts the credit to spend on your cruise. This is in addition to onboard credits you get from DCL or Disney Visa (or whatever Disney promo). I also booked via DU, the first one is a transfer, which has less onboard credit. The second one (for MIL 3 months later) is a real booking which got full onboard credit.

Congrats on your soon-to-be Gold Yes Platinum is the best, I've heard. You get some perks similar to Concierge plus more.

 

[1stdcl2012]

Yes, there are a few versions and you will certainly explore the ship. The way the game is set up is you start out way in the front on one floor, then go way to the back on the next, then back to the front and so on. You will also get a bit of exercise with the stairs!

Last trip I thing my DD did it about a dozen times and I'm sure her and my DH will do it a dozen more this time!

Sounds like hard work but I'm so intrigued...It's good the game changes each time you do it. Otherwise, I don't know how I can agree when the kids say "Let's do it again!".

 

[mdurette]

I've never booked through DU. Can you explain to me what kind of discount you get for mentioning them as your travel agent?

When we book on the cruise it will be our 5th cruise. Can't wait till were Gold Castaway members! My DH is aiming for Platinum. He really knows the way to a girls heart!

Yeah know.....I NEVER use travel agencies, but this one earned my business last year. I booked with them soley because they offered an additional $100 onboard credit over an above the $25 Disney gave. Long story short - they had a typo in my reservation....I never received billing, Disney cancelled my cruise and the cruise was booked solid and I couldn't get on it. They worked and worked looking for a cancellation...nothing. Vacation was in the toilet. But, then I noticed another 3 day sailing I could work out my my schedule - but it was for a much higher level cabin and more expensive due to school vacation week. I told them I would accept but would not pay the difference over an above my original ressie. Well....that wasn't needed because they paid for the ENTIRE cruise with the exception of a $400 deposit I had previously made! Seriously...this was a $3,500 cruise! So...they earned all my future business. In today's world...it is hard to find a company that really stands behind their customer service. I was floored. To me...they were just some internet company.

I booked this cruise with them and when Disney lowered their prices a bit - I received an email letting me know and was told the difference was already on my credit card. Not bad.

So..to answer your question. When booking onboard all you need to do is tell Disney you are working with DU and you still get the credit and discount from Disney plus the additional credit from DU. I would be happy to PM the name of the particular agent I work with to anyone that wants.

 

[tinafish]

Yeah know.....I NEVER use travel agencies, but this one earned my business last year. I booked with them soley because they offered an additional $100 onboard credit over an above the $25 Disney gave. Long story short - they had a typo in my reservation....I never received billing, Disney cancelled my cruise and the cruise was booked solid and I couldn't get on it. They worked and worked looking for a cancellation...nothing. Vacation was in the toilet. But, then I noticed another 3 day sailing I could work out my my schedule - but it was for a much higher level cabin and more expensive due to school vacation week. I told them I would accept but would not pay the difference over an above my original ressie. Well....that wasn't needed because they paid for the ENTIRE cruise with the exception of a $400 deposit I had previously made! Seriously...this was a $3,500 cruise! So...they earned all my future business. In today's world...it is hard to find a company that really stands behind their customer service. I was floored. To me...they are just some internet company.

I booked this cruise with them and when Disney lowered their prices a bit - I received an email letting me know and was told the difference was already on my credit card. Not bad.

So..to answer your question. When booking onboard all you need to do is tell Disney you are working with DU and you still get the credit and discount from Disney plus the additional credit from DU. I would be happy to PM the name of the particular agent I work with to anyone that wants.

Can you please PM me the contact information. I would love to deal with the same agent as you. Seems they really went above and beyond!

 

[dmmdd]

Hi All!

Somehow I missed receiving the final FE list. Can someone please email it to me at missy at whitelily-weddings.com? It wouldn't let me post my email normally as I haven't posted enough

So much to do, so little time! Can't wait though!

Thanks! Missy

 

[teach819]

I hope this works

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkZtg1KUmbs5dEE2V1hpWG1MRlh2TmRsUEMtX2EwNnc

Let me know if those involved in the FE can access it. I've never shared a document online before so I really hope it worked.

And I haven't heard from mdurette yet so that one is still blank.

Missy, I added your email to the google share document. You should be able to click on the link above and see the list. If not, let me know and I'll email you the original copy.

 

[teach819]

I'm still working on sewing up three FEs and putting together FE gifts. Thank goodness I have spring break right now. I imagine I'll be sewing all day Thursday and putting the rest of the gifts together on Friday. That leaves Saturday for packing as we are heading towards southern Georgia after church on Sunday and then onto Orlando Monday morning. It's getting so close!

I'm also interested in a meetup!

 

[tostygirl]

Hello again - this is also our family's first time DCL trip, so I'm totally clueless except for what I've read on DIS or other websites.

The reason I suggested the meeting at around 4pm-ish on Deck 12 is so we can "wait" for the Sail Away Party together. The party is on Deck11 by the pool, so if we meet somewhere closeby - we'd be in the middle of the revelry!

However, I've heard some families want to have their own party at their balconies (tradition) - so this plan may not work for everyone. So I suggested the Atrium (Deck3 ?) at 3pm which still leaves enough time to attend the party. But we could be running with the herd going up to Deck 11.

A later time may be too close to the dining/show schedules. We have late dining though.

Anyway, if you have alternate suggestions as to time/place to meet...we'll make it work so the most families can join

Deck 12 at 4pm sounds good to me. Let's see what the others say.

 

[tostygirl]

I love your stories - the preparation fun is also part of the nice memories of the trip!

Wow, you're starting your vaca on Saturday - super nice! I'll be packing on Saturday and I'm dreading that part. DH suggested we don't pack and just buy stuff on the ship. Hah - right, that would work when it's just me and him. With DS8, DS7, DD17months - I need to make major decisions on what to actually leave behind

Also excited to meet you - will your kids go to the Kids Club?

Your DH sounds like mine "why are you putting so much effort into this...if we forget anything we will just buy it"....can you tell he isn't the one that pays the bills either

Our plan is that the kids will love the Kids Club and want to spend time there. Freinds of ours just got back from a Disney Cruise. They said the rooms come with two phones that can be taken anywhere on the ship. They left one with their sons and had one so they could stay in contact at all times. Our plan is to have our DD5 need to have us check her in and out. For our DS8 we told him he could check himself in and out and have a phone to keep in touch with us. We will see how that goes. Sometimes he loves freedom and other times he wants to stay with mom and dad. As of now he said he thinks he isn't going to spend much time in the Kids Club and my DD (Miss Social) says she is going there ALL the time. Hoping they like it some as DH and I want some adult time as well. The rainforest room in the spa looks amazing. Plus the bars look great...can't remember the last time my DH and I went out for casual drinks together.

See you soon!!!

 

[pershing]

Hi guys!

I'm knee deep in packing and almost done. My computer crashed a couple of weeks ago and this is the first time I could use my sons laptop. He always keeps it password locked and is never around.

Teach- I sent a permission request for the google doc as I lost that to. I shoulda printed it earlier but thought I had all the time in the world.
My FE and FE stuff is packed and ready to go. I did that awhile ago and am so glad!

We are leaving late tonight for Hartford Airport-like around 10 or 11pm. First, we've got to pick up my middle DS at his school off of rt 195 and then hit Mass Pike. We should get to the off-site airport parking lot around 3:30 am park and shuttle in-we're looking at 4:30/5:00 am and our flight leaves at 6:25.

I got late number B boarding passes for Southwest this morning. That leaves me to believe there are alot of people who paid for A boarding passes. Our flight is completely booked up so I don't want any missteps.

Gosh I'm so exhausted already! I know I'll be sleeping on the plane!

Oh that reminds me to leave a note for the kitty and guinea pig carer!

 

[1stdcl2012]

Sue, hope everything goes smoothly. Soon, you'll be relaxing somewhere sunny and warm!

 

[1stdcl2012]

Date: Embarkation Day

Time: After safety drill, about 4:10pm

Location: Deck 12 midship STARBOARD (right) side
This location is above the stage (by the pool) where the Sail Away Party entertainment will be, with a good panoramic view of Port Canaveral so we can wave to everybody on the shore!

 

[teach819]

Sue - I attached your email to the share doc so you should be able to open it.

Meet up time and place sounds good to me! See you guys soon! I'm almost finished sewing my first FE! Now need to get on the other two for my parents and brother.

 

[SFD998]

We are leaving tomorrow as well. Even though we live in CT we prefer JetBlue so we will be heading to JFK for a 6 a.m. flight. JetBlue's CT flight times are limited so NY it is. Looking forward to some time in the parks before we set sail. Everyone have a safe trip.

 

[teach819]

FEs are finished as of late late late last night! Finally finished packing today and we'll be heading south in an hour or so. Can't wait to see you guys and have a relaxing vacation!