Disney Dream - April 3, 2011 - 4 nights

[jetskigrl]

DD usually is dressed in something that she can play soccer in (you never know when you may be called upon to get in on a game ). To my dismay this weekend she discovered Abercrombie ($$$- yikes)- she found some cute things there, so I did not dwell on the price this time (she is going to grow out of it in a couple of months- makes me crazy).

Tonight I am working on my checklists!

Question about pre-paying tips- do the CM's not care how they get their $$? I always thought they would prefer cash? It would be ones less thing for me to remember to take/hassle with.

Jennifer

I don't think they care how they get the money

What I do is pay the standard amount ($12 per person, per day) in advance. On the second to last day, the tip envelopes will show up with a receipt that you put inside saying how much you paid them. Then if the service was really good, I add extra cash to the envelope. I did that with both servers and the room steward on our 2-night cruise. But we barely spoke with the head server, so he got the regular tip.

I'm sure people do pay all in cash but on our last cruise, there was a huge line at Guest Services that last night that I'm assuming was to pay tips using the on-board account.

 

[swimminggirl16]

ahhh its almost here!!! i cant wait!!! im gettin kinda nervious tho cause im flying and ive never flown but i will be okay! i cant wait to get there!!!!!!

 

[NatesMom2]

Guess I'm kinda late, but we'll be on this cruise too! Our first Disney Cruise and actually the first for my hubby, son (who will be celebrating his 7th birthday onboard), my sis and neice. I've cruised one other time but not with Disney. We are super excited and can't wait.

Would love any tips that anyone can provide. Also a question about dressing for dinner. Will there, or will there not be one night that you have to dress up for dinner?

Also, are we too late to take part in the fish extenders? Is that something that's done in advance or will there be ppl that join in late?

Thanks!! Guess we'll be seeing everyone soon!

 

[swimminggirl16]

just curious how old is your neice?

Guess I'm kinda late, but we'll be on this cruise too! Our first Disney Cruise and actually the first for my hubby, son (who will be celebrating his 7th birthday onboard), my sis and neice. I've cruised one other time but not with Disney. We are super excited and can't wait.

Would love any tips that anyone can provide. Also a question about dressing for dinner. Will there, or will there not be one night that you have to dress up for dinner?

Also, are we too late to take part in the fish extenders? Is that something that's done in advance or will there be ppl that join in late?

Thanks!! Guess we'll be seeing everyone soon!

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Guess I'm kinda late, but we'll be on this cruise too! Our first Disney Cruise and actually the first for my hubby, son (who will be celebrating his 7th birthday onboard), my sis and neice. I've cruised one other time but not with Disney. We are super excited and can't wait.

Would love any tips that anyone can provide. Also a question about dressing for dinner. Will there, or will there not be one night that you have to dress up for dinner?

Also, are we too late to take part in the fish extenders? Is that something that's done in advance or will there be ppl that join in late?

Thanks!! Guess we'll be seeing everyone soon!

Welcome to our crew!


In a few days we should be posting our last minute details regarding any DIS activities. As far as the Fish Extenders...our sign-up ended a few weeks ago...however...there might be a few who would want to exchange gifts with you. Let's see if anyone responds...I know that I can squeeze in a few more gifts...


Dressing up for dinner...someone help me here. We only pack for cruise casual...I know that there is no formal or semi-formal nights on the four night...anyone...please chime in!


Please, if you have any questions...just ask! We have some experienced cruisers and some that have done a bunch of research...so we might have some answers for you! We have a great group of DISers on this sailing. Some of us have been in contact since November of 09. So we really can't wait to meet each other!



Again, welcome to the April 3rd sailing!


Crystal

 

[jetskigrl]

Guess I'm kinda late, but we'll be on this cruise too! Our first Disney Cruise and actually the first for my hubby, son (who will be celebrating his 7th birthday onboard), my sis and neice. I've cruised one other time but not with Disney. We are super excited and can't wait.

Would love any tips that anyone can provide. Also a question about dressing for dinner. Will there, or will there not be one night that you have to dress up for dinner?

Also, are we too late to take part in the fish extenders? Is that something that's done in advance or will there be ppl that join in late?

Thanks!! Guess we'll be seeing everyone soon!

Welcome to the group!!! From what I have read (people posting their navigators from recent cruises), the first night is cruise casual, the second night is optional dress-up, the third night is pirate attire or cruise casual and the last night is cruise casual again.

So you can get away with cruise casual the whole time
I want to try and get a nice picture on the optional dress up night, so we will be dressed up then.

My DS is 7 also (we have a few 7 year olds in our group so they should have fun together)

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Ok...I printed out my packing list yesterday and started to shop for all the essential stuff. FE gifts got packed today...so check that box. Now all I have to do is make sure that everything on the packing list makes it into a suitcase!


Soon we should be able to see the 10 day forecast for Cocoa Beach and Nassau...so hopefully that will be sunny skies and warm weather!


That stomach bug is yucky! It went through our house about a month and a half ago! I hope that everyone gets it out of their system now...we don't want anyone sick heading to the Dream Cruise!


Clothing issues...I guess I have it easy. My boys don't even want to try on what I buy...They just say...yeah mom...it fits...and drop it on the floor. Maybe one day they will care???


So an evening at Pink on the first night is what is being discussed. Maybe Dan and I can make our way over there after the 8:30 (or whatever time) show. That would be fun to just sit back and relax and have a drink!


DISmeet - I am thinking that meeting on deck 4 (left side aft) near the Skyline Lounge is the best place to meet at 9AM on Nassau Day 2. Can I get an okay from some of you...or a nay??? Just let me know. If some want to go up to the top decks for the docking at 9:30...that would work. And then those that want to go on the Rum Run can either leave from the DISmeet or just meet outside on the dock at 10AM. Sound like a plan???


It probably will just be me and my husband going into Nassau, however; my kids might show up. My boys don't mind shopping for booze. Heck...they went with us to Margaritaville in Jamaica where shots were being poured into people's mouths. I have a very diverse outlook on things...just put it this way...we go from Contemporary Christian music to rock n roll to rap to country. We also socially drink with our neighbors on a regular basis in the summer...so they know what's up. (Sorry for the spillage of family stuff!) Anyhow...the Mango Rum Run should be a lot of fun!


At the Port: The plan is to congregate in the middle section of the chairs. You will see what I am talking about once you enter the port. If you face and look at the seating...just go to the middle. Some of us will have Mango Rum Run bags...others will have green luggage tags...some will have special DISigns on their totes...some luggage tags might have a DISign on them. If all else fails...just ask...


Okay...does anything else need to be settled or planned out? Please just let me know! We are so looking forward to this vacation!


Crystal

 

[Kanga+2Roos]

All of us Michiganders are really appreciating our soon to be tropical weather thanks to the Winter Storm that is rolling thru right now! I am so ready for the 80's! Looks like we'll be snowbound/icebound tomorrow--perfect for packing!

So, this is the moment I had this week:
First--woohoo, next week we leave for vacation!
Followed by--OMG, next week we leave for vacation!
It seems like it has been so far away & now here we are into crunch time! Time to get packing!

Crystal--I'm putting my vote in for deck 4, I think it looks like a nice area to hang out & more secluded than the other public areas. I think the plan for the dismeet & Rum Run sounds perfect!

I see we have a bit of company at Residence Inn Saturday night--we'll be there too around mid-afternoon. We'll be taking the shuttle over to the port in the morning too.

My biggest shopping issue right now is finding sandals/flip flops for DS9--seems like he's tried on every pair available in MI at this time of year & nothing is working since he's in a half size. We have a Crocs outlet right by us but they chose this time of year to close for remodeling, the very day I pulled up to buy some--oh yeah, they're reopening April 7th!

Everyone take care & stay safe & healthy! Can't wait to meet everyone!

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

SNOW!


Boy, you guys up in Michigan have really had a snowy winter...and now spring! A vacation to sunny Florida is just what you need! Just have to pack...and get there...and board a ship...but it's all coming...very, very soon!


Happy Wednesday to All!
Crystal

 

[disneytraceyl]

Can't wait to meet everyone. We will be doing a back to back from the 3 night before this cruise. Deck 4 sounds good for the dismeet. Not sure exactly how long we will be in the cruise terminal from the back to back. If we see people we will say hi.
We leave Michigan on Sunday. Can't wait. Tired of snow and cold. 2 weeks of relaxation....

 

[gavin'smom]

More snow in Boston this week - just a light dusting expected: 2-4 inches. I'll be happy to get away from the cold weather.

We are interested in joining the DISmeet at 9 am on Nassau Day 2. Sounds like fun!

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[jawdropper]

Sorry guys and gals, it's in the 80's here in SC...hope it's even warmer in the Bahamas!

It looks like showtimes and dining times are changing. Only 2 shows opposite a 5:45 and 8:15 dinner with a matinee show on some days.

 

[jetskigrl]

Ok...I printed out my packing list yesterday and started to shop for all the essential stuff. FE gifts got packed today...so check that box. Now all I have to do is make sure that everything on the packing list makes it into a suitcase!


Soon we should be able to see the 10 day forecast for Cocoa Beach and Nassau...so hopefully that will be sunny skies and warm weather!


That stomach bug is yucky! It went through our house about a month and a half ago! I hope that everyone gets it out of their system now...we don't want anyone sick heading to the Dream Cruise!


Clothing issues...I guess I have it easy. My boys don't even want to try on what I buy...They just say...yeah mom...it fits...and drop it on the floor. Maybe one day they will care???


So an evening at Pink on the first night is what is being discussed. Maybe Dan and I can make our way over there after the 8:30 (or whatever time) show. That would be fun to just sit back and relax and have a drink!


DISmeet - I am thinking that meeting on deck 4 (left side aft) near the Skyline Lounge is the best place to meet at 9AM on Nassau Day 2. Can I get an okay from some of you...or a nay??? Just let me know. If some want to go up to the top decks for the docking at 9:30...that would work. And then those that want to go on the Rum Run can either leave from the DISmeet or just meet outside on the dock at 10AM. Sound like a plan???


It probably will just be me and my husband going into Nassau, however; my kids might show up. My boys don't mind shopping for booze. Heck...they went with us to Margaritaville in Jamaica where shots were being poured into people's mouths. I have a very diverse outlook on things...just put it this way...we go from Contemporary Christian music to rock n roll to rap to country. We also socially drink with our neighbors on a regular basis in the summer...so they know what's up. (Sorry for the spillage of family stuff!) Anyhow...the Mango Rum Run should be a lot of fun!


At the Port: The plan is to congregate in the middle section of the chairs. You will see what I am talking about once you enter the port. If you face and look at the seating...just go to the middle. Some of us will have Mango Rum Run bags...others will have green luggage tags...some will have special DISigns on their totes...some luggage tags might have a DISign on them. If all else fails...just ask...


Okay...does anything else need to be settled or planned out? Please just let me know! We are so looking forward to this vacation!


Crystal

That all sounds great Crystal!! I'm fine with Deck 4 to meet at 9:00 and then I'm sure my group would love to go up at 9:30 to watch the docking from the top of the ship.

I talked to DD about it last night and she is going to just play it by ear about coming with us on the Rum Run. If other kids decide to go, she will join up. If not, she will be happy to hang out on the ship with her grandma (she is pretty easy going, LOL).

I'm still trying to work out the packing situation. I realized last night that we have pirate outfits for the kids for pirate night. That means that I can eliminate two dinner outfits for the kids (1 on each cruise). Yeah...more luggage space saved, LOL. Do a lot of people dress up that night? I hope so, otherwise I won't be able to get them to wear their outfits, LOL.

OK, I think I already asked this but I don't remember if I saw any ideas...what is everyone going to mix their Mango Rum with?

 

[54disneyfun]

Good Evening Everyone Sounds like we all has "vacation disease" LOL

One week from tomorrow, we will have been on the road going south for 3 hours!! I've never been so excited to drive with DH, 3 kids ,and 2 dogs

 

[54disneyfun]

so spent all day and part of the night with comcast...9am-1207am So, computer, phone, and tv all up and running Still not able to stay on this board and just write then post Have to bring my computer guy DH lol

I still have to get DD15 some outfits but everyone else is bought for...I hope!! DH might need a jacket for Palo I found him a very nice dress shirt with on it. I have to drop that to the with his work clothes. BTW, I tried that Downey spray...it works wonders!! I've also packed some 3 n 1 purex laundry sheets, LOVE THEM for TRAVEL

 

[54disneyfun]

I don't think Mi got the memo about SPRING being here already I'm only able to laugh since we will be in the sun shortly Snow, ice, wind, all things old man winter! Walkin On Sunshine is what I'm singing and thinking better be in Michigan by the time we get back

DH and I will be at Pink after dinner the 1st night, we also have the second dinner seating I'm looking forward to meeting you all my fellow
We check in between 1100-1130 on Sunday, we plan on being there before that Have a great week everyone...keep thinking warm thoughts and about how the sand will feel between your toes!!!

11 days till we sail on our Dreams!!!

 

[jetskigrl]

I don't think Mi got the memo about SPRING being here already I'm only able to laugh since we will be in the sun shortly Snow, ice, wind, all things old man winter! Walkin On Sunshine is what I'm singing and thinking better be in Michigan by the time we get back

DH and I will be at Pink after dinner the 1st night, we also have the second dinner seating I'm looking forward to meeting you all my fellow
We check in between 1100-1130 on Sunday, we plan on being there before that Have a great week everyone...keep thinking warm thoughts and about how the sand will feel between your toes!!!

11 days till we sail on our Dreams!!!

I'm planning on coming by Pink after dinner the first night too. We also have second seating but I will probably have to pull DS out of the kids club (he loves the Dine and Play) and get him and his sister tucked into bed before I will make it there. I'll have to see if I can talk my Mom into joining us. I am comfortable with my DD watching DS as long as they are tucked in bed watching a movie and DD has the wave phone right there with her. But my Mom (being an over-protective grandma, LOL) may not be comfortable with leaving them so she may choose to stay with the kids in the room.

 

[rcraw45425]

Wow, 10 days form now we'll be at BWI! Today was our 20th anniversary, funny DH can't remember the actual date (yep, I waited till mid afternoon to remind him so he felt crappy ) but he can remember where we ate dinner the day after our wedding!
This man is driving me crazy! I bought him three new RL Polo's last week, white, gray and navy. Did not buy talls because the regular's looked SO BIG! This is the man that refuses to shop for clothers (bring it home and I'll try it). Well, you guessed it, he finally tried them on and they were too short. I finally go them returned (our mall is the pits now), went up to talls and actually went up one size as well as the others looked tight to me. Well, he tried these on yesterday, a little baggy, but he kept the gray, refused to wear the white (another trip) and actually liked the short sleeved button down I got in place of the Navy. I'll be back at the mall on Friday Impossible to stop DD15 from buying swim suits, I think she's up to four new ones now. Laundry, laundry, laundry, where does it end? I have three bottles off Downy spray and two packs of Purex sheets packed, and about five little Shout wipe packets as well (only place I can find them is in the travel stuff at Target. A shipment from Aveda is due to come tomorrow, some sun protective hair products, What else am I forgetting????

 

[NatesMom2]

just curious how old is your neice?

Neice is 12

 

[jetskigrl]

Wow, 10 days form now we'll be at BWI! Today was our 20th anniversary, funny DH can't remember the actual date (yep, I waited till mid afternoon to remind him so he felt crappy ) but he can remember where we ate dinner the day after our wedding!
This man is driving me crazy! I bought him three new RL Polo's last week, white, gray and navy. Did not buy talls because the regular's looked SO BIG! This is the man that refuses to shop for clothers (bring it home and I'll try it). Well, you guessed it, he finally tried them on and they were too short. I finally go them returned (our mall is the pits now), went up to talls and actually went up one size as well as the others looked tight to me. Well, he tried these on yesterday, a little baggy, but he kept the gray, refused to wear the white (another trip) and actually liked the short sleeved button down I got in place of the Navy. I'll be back at the mall on Friday Impossible to stop DD15 from buying swim suits, I think she's up to four new ones now. Laundry, laundry, laundry, where does it end? I have three bottles off Downy spray and two packs of Purex sheets packed, and about five little Shout wipe packets as well (only place I can find them is in the travel stuff at Target. A shipment from Aveda is due to come tomorrow, some sun protective hair products, What else am I forgetting????

Happy Anniversary!!!

I'm still doing the shop and return thing here too. We just got our shipment of bathing suits for DD (she is hard to find suits for) from Land's End and hopefully they fit or I will be dragging her all over the mall this weekend to get a couple of new bathing suits, LOL.

I have the Downey Spray, Shout wipes and Purex sheets also But I thought I read that having items pressed on the ship is not very expensive at all. I may send a few items to be pressed as soon as we board and then I won't have to worry about it.

I guess this weekend will be the big test...when I finally start putting things into actual suitcases. I have no idea how I am going to get through next week in the evenings (helping kids with homework, etc) when all I am thinking about is "what else do I need to pack...what else am I missing..."

Neice is 12

My DD is 12 also (turning 13 later in April)