Disney Dream - April 3, 2011 - 4 nights

[mjvans]

Hi everyone. I just finished reading through old threads trying to catch back up. We had a great time at the Orange Bowl, the experience for my dd who danced in half time was FANTASTIC. So much to do after we got back though. As others have said Orlando was freezing that last week in Dec. We did Universal in 28 degrees. Luckily Miami was a lot warmer.

We are starting to plan for this trip. Decided on the Sting Rays in Nassau (actually on the 3 day after this) instead of Atlantis or the Dolphins. Just too much money. We will stay on the boat for this cruise for Nassau day (I might do the rainforest room, or the spa if they are running specials). Staring on our FE gifts. And still working on details such as hotel and transportation.

Anyone planning on doing the Castaway 5k? I am totally planning on it. Would love some company.

Friends of ours are trying to join us on the 3 night on April 7th, with no luck. Looks like there are no 4 person rooms left. Probably going to be very crowded cruises!

Hey Michele
I will do the 5k with you!! I am running a half marathon the week after we get back so cant get lazy on this vacation! This will be a great incentive to keep running!
Michelle

 

[jetskigrl]

Hi All,
Wow, since coming back from our 2-night teaser cruise, all I can think about is our Dream trip in 2 months, 1 week and 1 day (not that I am counting or anything), LOL. Unfortunately we have two science projects (for kids), one audit (at work) and my taxes to get done before then, LOL. I'm so ready to put all that behind us and go check out the Dream, LOL. My 2 nights on the Wonder just left me wanting more

Question for all you magnet makers... What brand of magnet paper are you using? I used the Avery brand and my magnets did not stick to the door very well (some corners would pull back, etc.). The Pirate Mickey ears that we used over the door number seems like the ears were too heavy..and would sag. Luckily my DH had a bunch of tiny magnet (used as the backs to some blinking magnets he brought) and we put those on top of the magnet paper to hold them down.

I made some others that I just printed on photo paper, laminated and then use the magnet tape on the back and they held a little better, but would still slide down the door if it was bumped too hard.

So what works the best for you? The kids loved making the magnets but I would like to redo ours so they will hold better.
Thanks!

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Hi jetskigrl!


The excitement is building! I hope that the science projects go well. We did one a month ago...they are a pain...but necessary...(I used to teach.) But anyhow...the tax thing...my husband just came in and said, "Only a few more documents to receive and we will be ready to start the Turbo Tax." So that's a step in the right direction!


My crew here is still recouping from that bug! I tried to send my youngest to school today...He made it an hour! My husband and I are still run down...it's been the worst! My oldest is still staying away from all of us...he still has one more day of exams...so we are keeping our fingers crossed that he doesn't get this mess!


As far as the magnets...to be honest...we have always had a hard time with keeping the magnets in place. The way that the door shuts is kind of jolting... I have used the Avery sheets and liked them...I have also used all different kinds of other sheets. I do know that if the magnets are at all bent or curved...they have a harder time staying on, too. So I guess that if you can find some other magnet pieces that have a stronger pull...that would be best. Were the magnets larger or smaller in size? I tend to remember the larger magnets having a better time of staying put...and the smaller ones moving...just a thought???


Sorry I am not much help...I do know that my refrigerator holds them better than the cabin doors on the ship...


I hope that everyone is having a great week!


Crystal

 

[jetskigrl]

Hi jetskigrl!


The excitement is building! I hope that the science projects go well. We did one a month ago...they are a pain...but necessary...(I used to teach.) But anyhow...the tax thing...my husband just came in and said, "Only a few more documents to receive and we will be ready to start the Turbo Tax." So that's a step in the right direction!


My crew here is still recouping from that bug! I tried to send my youngest to school today...He made it an hour! My husband and I are still run down...it's been the worst! My oldest is still staying away from all of us...he still has one more day of exams...so we are keeping our fingers crossed that he doesn't get this mess!


As far as the magnets...to be honest...we have always had a hard time with keeping the magnets in place. The way that the door shuts is kind of jolting... I have used the Avery sheets and liked them...I have also used all different kinds of other sheets. I do know that if the magnets are at all bent or curved...they have a harder time staying on, too. So I guess that if you can find some other magnet pieces that have a stronger pull...that would be best. Were the magnets larger or smaller in size? I tend to remember the larger magnets having a better time of staying put...and the smaller ones moving...just a thought???


Sorry I am not much help...I do know that my refrigerator holds them better than the cabin doors on the ship...


I hope that everyone is having a great week!


Crystal

Thanks Crystal. DH suggested that I put additional magnets on the back of the magnet paper and then run the whole thing through the laminator. Um, sounds like I may just end up breaking my laminator if I do that, LOL. But I do think I will laminate them anyway and then maybe add additional magnets after that in the corners or something.

I hope you are all feeling better soon and that your oldest doesn't get it!!!

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Instead of laminating it you could use contact paper over the top. Laminating it might make it less magnetic on the back

 

[Michele325]

Michelle, not exactly sure what your plans are but if you need WDW hotel for before or after I booked the Swan for $194 + tax and fees with AAA discount. The moderates were coming in at around 195 with tax but with the Swan you get the BW area, inside corridors and queen beds. We live in GA so we'll be driving down. Not purchasing tickets as we were just at the CR in May and stayed at RPR for the Universal part of DDs band trip. Soooooo much planning to do!

Thanks, we actually needed a room for the wed before. We are staying at Disney starting Thurs, but we got a great airfare wed night. We get in late, so I want to stay at the MCO Hyatt. Still looking for a way to get a better rate, but I booked it just to know we have it.

Hey Michele
I will do the 5k with you!! I am running a half marathon the week after we get back so cant get lazy on this vacation! This will be a great incentive to keep running!
Michelle

Michelle, that would be great! I really want to do it this time, and knowing I will meet someone to do it *might* just get me to do it. I do have to work it out with DH though. I am about a year behind you in training though. I want to do the princess half in 2012. I am just getting back up to 3 miles right now. I am really slow, we I know we couldn't run it together

 

[Michele325]

Forgot, we laminated our signs, then used the sticky backed magnets for business cards on the back. Worked well.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

I am *almost* done making my Fish Extender I only have to add some ribbon and it will be ready. I am so excited. I will post pictures when I am done. Once the fish extender is done it's on to the gifts I have been looking at some of the posts about all the awesome FE gifts and I am completely amazed at how elaborate some of them are!

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

All,

Apparently all of Jordak's photobucket account images have been removed. Here are the ones that I had saved to my computer. They are for the Mango Rum Run.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Is it just me or do there seem to be a LOT of posts complaining about the Dream? Is it because Disney promoted it as some amazing magical "dream" ship and over stated what they could do, or is it just people who are going in expecting real fairies to pop out and say hello?

The one post that worried me the most was the one about how the onboard assault was dismissed and she was discouraged from pursuing the matter. I am hoping it is all just due to new cast members and a new ship... doesn't stop me from getting bit worried and kicking my neurosis into high gear.. lol

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

I have been reading those posts, too. For some reason folks who cruise DCL, and usually DCL only, believe that DCL is the top cruiseline...has no faults...cream of the crop...type of attitude about the entire experience. IMO...on these boards DCL is really overrated in the way that most talk about it. So this sets-up an atmosphere where expectations are way high.


Kind of like when we first went to Disney for the first week in December. We were totally expecting low crowds, walk on rides, no lines...Well...we were in for a huge surprise! From these boards...that was totally the best time to go. Which in reality...it is a good time...the attendance at the parks is lower than at other times. But, that doesn't mean that no one is there! And this is Disney...and we came to find that no matter when you go...you will find lines...you will find crowds...you will need to have a touring plan. The end.


So with the start of this new ship...and inflated expectations...the negative comments tend to start. While I believe that the comments about the adult pool area are totally valid...and I also believe that Disney screwed up the kid pool areas and decking by not making them big enough... I could have figured this out prior to cruising by looking at the deck plans.


Now as far as guest services...this will be crowded...unless they add more crew members to that area to take care of everyone's needs in line. From cruising on a larger cruise ship...I can attest that at certain times the guest services line does get long...you just have to go at off times...if you need guest services...DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST EVENING TO CHECK ON OR SETTLE YOUR ON BOARD ACCOUNT...it will be crazy mad!


As far as embarking and debarking...again this is another inflated item here on the boards... Most believe DCL does this so great. Well they do, but at times customs can cause delays...and now with the increase in passengers...that will cause delays. For my first cruise on a larger ship...embarking was a nightmare - due to customs. The second time on that ship...it was a breeze...go figure?


As far as service in the dining rooms...this can be hit or miss. On my first DCL cruise, we had horrible service. The poor drink kid couldn't get it right. However; we don't cruise for the food or that part...so no biggie. Our second and third DCL cruises...great service! And on the larger ships that I have been on...great service! Here on the DIS...DCL is believed to have the ultimate service in everything...again...an inflated idea...no one can be perfect all of the time...and other cruiselines...can do it right, too.


Lastly, as far as the poor woman who was accused of taking some t-shirts...that is just plain horrible on DCL's part. I really don't know what I would have done in that situation. I would say that most of the family involved was probably in shock over the entire ordeal...and had a hard time figuring out how to handle the entire situation. I mean...you are at sea...they are making you think you are under Bahamian law... I don't know...it was just plain wrong.


Sorry for the rant. I am really passionate about this subject because there are so many posters here on the DIS that really do see DCL as the supreme cruise-line. It could be...but others have other opinions. After cruising with RCI...I now like two different cruise-lines. Both for different reasons...both with faults...both, however; offer an awesome vacation! So no worries for our cruise...


HAKUNA MATATA!


Crystal

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

I think it is also more fun to complain than compliment, so I am trying to take a lot of it with a grain of salt.

It is odd how heated it all gets on the boards (did you read the gates post that is now locked?). I honestly worry more about how other GUESTS will act than how DCL CM will. The posts about people getting crazy over purses and t-shirts and running back to their staterooms to list stuff on eBay?!?!? I mean is a cruise a vacatuon or a business oportunity?

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

I read part of it. I guess that some went on this MV just for the sole purpose of getting items to sell on ebay. They are probably the ones that line-up for exclusives and limited edition pins and stuff at the parks. It is sad, but there is a market for it. Most items that have been listed...have sold. Quite interesting. I just think that Disney needs to up the number of items made...make limited edition items have higher edition numbers...then this would be a non-issue. Well, especially for a special cruise...everyone who wanted say a special pin...should have been able to purchase one...or pre-order one...or something.


Our cruise should be way less dramatic! Hopefully the kinks will be worked out, too!


How's your FE going? Post pics when you are finished!


Crystal

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

My FE is almost done. I just have a few little touches to add to it.

 

[mozposse]

Bracing for the huge ice & snow storm here in the Midwest.
On the upside - booked a spa treatment for the day at sea and the stingray feeding & parasailing for Castaway Cay! Now to just get the FE started and the gifts worked out.

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Bracing for the huge ice & snow storm here in the Midwest.
On the upside - booked a spa treatment for the day at sea and the stingray feeding & parasailing for Castaway Cay! Now to just get the FE started and the gifts worked out.

I hope that you all mainly get snow...that ice stuff is terrible! Hang in there...keep thinking about sailing away on the Dream in a few months!


Sounds like a bunch of people are working on FE's and their gifts! I still have a few things to do...with some finishing touches! I also need to print out some good images of the deck plans for the ship. Does anyone have any good ones of these? I like to figure out my FE route prior to cruising. It helps to know if cabins are in the front, middle or aft of the ship...and also which deck. Sometimes it is easier to do the aft cabins all at once...and then move forward. It's going to all depend on where each cabin is located.


Anyhow...I hope that all of you who are in the route of that monstrous snow/ice storm stay safe!


Crystal

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Ok, just for you all, my FE odyssey.

I started with 4 bags and some patches

I removed the bag straps and sewed the bags together

Then I added the patches

Next I painted our names on it and added some more touches.

I am not completely done yet, but pretty close, and all for about $15

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

EcbLovesMickey - That is so awesome looking! And very creative! I love the Disney Cuties! Not sure if you have thought about this...but you could put mickey antennae heads on the ends of your dow rod. I ordered some off of ebay...just the plain black ones. I believe for my mom's I ordered some powder blue ones. Anyhow, just a thought!


Great job, though...I would have never thought to attach the totes in that way...very clever!


Happy Tuesday to All!
Crystal

 

[Michele325]

So cute! I like the dowel ends idea for ours. I haven't pulled ours out yet but I know it can use a few more touches. I made it out of mickey fabric, but didn't put our names on it or anything. Now that I think about out, I had a few of those mickey antennae heads that we never used, but I bet I finally threw them away.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

The Mickey Antenna idea is great, but I am done spending money on it... lol, so I will have to come up with another idea from all my stuff I have lying around here It is amazing how quickly it all adds up.