Disney Fantasy April 16, 2016 7-Day Caribbean Cruise Meet

[Janet C]

Hello all. This is the cruise meet for the April 16, 2016 7-Day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Fantasy. Welcome aboard!

I am trying to find fish extender groups for this cruise....are there any yet?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Sorry can't help with the FE (looking for it myself)

If and when a FE group gets started, we would love to join!

I am trying to find fish extender groups for this cruise....are there any yet?

There appears to be no Fish Extender group here on DISboards for your cruise. There may be other FE groups on other sites, but they are not DISboards connected.

If anyone is interested in how to set up a group, here's a little write up I did:

SETTING UP A FE GROUP
There really are no “rules” as to how a FE program runs. Basically someone maintains the list of those who wish to participate. The group can decide on what information is necessary to produce FE gifts. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/ favorite character/ favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know in order to create the gifts. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE group. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

The easiest, most private way to handle the information necessary to prepare the list (many people prefer not to put sensitive information on a public forum), is to use the “Conversation” feature here. There needs to be at least two people to start a conversation. Only the starter of the conversation (usually the organizer) can add additional people into the conversation (as long as they do NOT select “Allow anyone in the conversation to invite others” at the bottom of the reply window). Then when new people express a desire to join, usually by just saying “we want to join the FE”, the organizer can add them by clicking on the “Invite more” button in the “Conversation Participants” window (lower right of conversation page). Only those people participating in the conversation can see what’s posted there, and respond there. I will also note, to participate in conversations, everyone needs to have at least 10 posts. For those who wish to use this option for private conversations that don’t have 10 posts yet, head over to the Test Board to post and up your post count. http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/

Up to 20 people can participate in any given conversation.

At some point the list will “close”. Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will post the list, either directly on the Cruise Meet thread, OR via private conversation, or, possibility, via e-mails. This is to confirm everyone on the list is still participating. It’s important to make a statement about “anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped” at this time. A little harsh, yes, but often there are people who will post on the cruise meet thread as soon as they reserve the cruise and say “I want to participate”, and are never heard from again.

Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a “pixie dust” list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others may or may not add to their “final” list. Be sure the “pixie dust” list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others, but are expected to provide gifts for the other FE participants anyway.

The other “biggie” is no other social media sites are allowed to be linked or search directions posted as to how to find that other site here on DISboards. Please read this: http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

As it seems there are a few here on your cruise meet thread who would be interested in doing this, who’s going to step up and volunteer to maintain the list?

Hope that helps.

 

[Keith Connolly]

Wow! Congratulations! This is also our 25th Anniversary cruise, so I'm especially excited for you. How wonderful to have your family along and to be able to do a vow renewal. We don't plan to do anything like that, but will be spending lots of time at Palo and Remy, and having drinks and quiet time on the verandah. Our DS 14 will be kept very busy in the clubs, so I'm sure we'll have some good quality anniversary time. Enjoy! Hope we run into you on the cruise![/QUOTE

 

[Keith Connolly]

That's awesome me and my wife will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary on the cruise also. We are first time cruisers and really look forward to being on a Disney cruise and the Star Wars Day is a great bonus too!

 

[disnygirl55]

That's awesome me and my wife will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary on the cruise also. We are first time cruisers and really look forward to being on a Disney cruise and the Star Wars Day is a great bonus too!

That's great, Keith! Congrats on 20 years. We sailed DCL for our 20th also - we were enjoying dinner at Remy that night, and my husband looked at me and said, "I wouldn't mind doing this for every anniversary!" SOLD!

Seriously though, we like to pull out the big guns and spoil ourselves when we cruise, so it's not an every year kind of thing that we can take a DCL cruise, but it is very relaxing and romantic, and I hope you enjoy yourselves as much as we did. We're looking forward to a repeat!!

 

[disnygirl55]

One of our fellow cruisers has created a web page that has an "at a glance" itinerary and roll call, links to past navigators from other Star Wars day at sea cruises, and so much more. It is fantastic, and she put a lot of work into it to help us all out. Here is a link, if anyone is interested and doesn't know about it: https://sites.google.com/site/disneyfantasyapril162016/home

Such fun!

 

[Erin first timer]

Thanks for the link to the website--it's great for this first-timer! I'm unable to get on the FB page though--the link isn't working for me. Anyone else have this problem?

Quick question: How formal is formal night? What do you ladies wear? Long dresses? And what about the guys? TIA!

 

[disnygirl55]

Thanks for the link to the website--it's great for this first-timer! I'm unable to get on the FB page though--the link isn't working for me. Anyone else have this problem?

Quick question: How formal is formal night? What do you ladies wear? Long dresses? And what about the guys? TIA!

I have worn either a cocktail dress, nicer sun dress, or formal gown for formal night. Just depends on what I decide to pack. You will see everything on formal night, even people who aren't up to being "formal" and go to the main dining room in their shorts and t-shirts. You will see some people very casual, and some people in ball gowns and tuxedos. Most people will probably be in fancy cocktail and guys wearing slacks, button down shirts and ties. It's a nice opportunity to dress up without feeling weird, and to have formal photos taken with your family. One cruise, our DIS Boards Meet group had a "Princess Pub Crawl" and all the ladies dressed up very formally and many of us wore little tiaras, and then went to one of the bars following dinner and a formal photo. It was a hoot!

In regards to your FB question, we are not allowed to discuss alternative social media sites on the DIS boards. So I am sorry, but I cannot help you with that one. Make sure to sign up for the other fun activities our group is doing on the webpage, though!

 

[Vicki Duplantis]

This is our first Cruise with Disney and so excited to see the look on the face of our kids as we aren't telling them about it. PLEASE tell me what I need to do, pack, what is all this stuff about the FE? Do you exchange gifts everyday?

 

[disnygirl55]

This is our first Cruise with Disney and so excited to see the look on the face of our kids as we aren't telling them about it. PLEASE tell me what I need to do, pack, what is all this stuff about the FE? Do you exchange gifts everyday?

Hi Vicki! Fish Extender gift groups are all a little different. The ones we have going on for this group are all very easygoing - no expectations that you give a certain number of gifts, or on a certain day like I've seen others. Many people give one "family" gift per cruise, others give a family gift plus an additional gift just for the kids (most fish extenders you buy online have several pockets which people have embroidered or labeled with each family member's name), and some choose to give multiple gifts over the course of the cruise. Each group is limited to 15 staterooms, and I know that the final group is still being finalized and waiting new cruisers. If you would like to participate, you'll need to sign up pretty quickly. I don't remember right now if the end date for signups is 30 days or 45 days prior to the cruise, but the details are at the website that was created. So you're looking at 14 gifts at a minimum. Some people give very simple type gifts (think Oriental Trading or candy items unique to their hometown), and some people go "all out" and give elaborate homemade gifts that are personalized, and some people give things that can only be found in their part of the country. So go into it with no expectations and with the spirit of brightening someone's day with a little token of friendship.

I don't know if you've cruised with any other cruise line in the past, but it is the most relaxing, wonderful time - and Disney does everything possible to make it an excellent vacation for the whole family. The kids will have so much to do, and depending on their ages, you may not see them the majority of the day. It's always fun to get everyone together at dinner time in the main dining room and talk about the fun things you did that day. Pack clothes such as sundresses and shorts for everyone. It will be getting hot during the day that time of year. Swimsuits and cover ups, water shoes are handy for Castaway Cay so you can protect your feet from rocks. There are two adult restaurants on board, and if you're doing that, you'll need more "cocktail" dress for women and collared button down shirt and slacks for men, a jacket if dining at Remy (no, he doesn't have to keep it on all during dinner), and dress shoes. There is a formal and semi-formal evening dinner, and a lot of families dress up for that, but not everyone. You'll still see some people in shorts and t-shirts in the main dining room that night. Flip flops or easy to wear sandals are great for walking around the ship - the decks can get hot in the sun, so you might not want bare feet.

On the top of the cruise section of the DisBoards is a trip report section. A lot of people do full reports of their experiences, and you'll see lots of photos that will pretty much answer a lot of questions about the experience of a Disney Cruise Line trip, and also show what people wear around the ship. There will also be a pirate night and star wars night, so you can bring costumes for either or both, but not required or expected. Disney will give you bandannas for pirate night and leave them in your room prior to dinner, so everyone will have head scarves or some type of decoration to wear. I've worn my bandanna and a black t-shirt and hoop earrings and felt plenty "pirate" - and you'll also see people in full pirate costume like you would see at Halloween. It's all lots of fun and a good time.

What other specific questions do you have? This is my family's sixth cruise, and we love it so much. I'm happy to help anyone who is new - so fire away with your questions!!

 

[Vicki Duplantis]

Hi Vicki! Fish Extender gift groups are all a little different. The ones we have going on for this group are all very easygoing - no expectations that you give a certain number of gifts, or on a certain day like I've seen others. Many people give one "family" gift per cruise, others give a family gift plus an additional gift just for the kids (most fish extenders you buy online have several pockets which people have embroidered or labeled with each family member's name), and some choose to give multiple gifts over the course of the cruise. Each group is limited to 15 staterooms, and I know that the final group is still being finalized and waiting new cruisers. If you would like to participate, you'll need to sign up pretty quickly. I don't remember right now if the end date for signups is 30 days or 45 days prior to the cruise, but the details are at the website that was created. So you're looking at 14 gifts at a minimum. Some people give very simple type gifts (think Oriental Trading or candy items unique to their hometown), and some people go "all out" and give elaborate homemade gifts that are personalized, and some people give things that can only be found in their part of the country. So go into it with no expectations and with the spirit of brightening someone's day with a little token of friendship.

I don't know if you've cruised with any other cruise line in the past, but it is the most relaxing, wonderful time - and Disney does everything possible to make it an excellent vacation for the whole family. The kids will have so much to do, and depending on their ages, you may not see them the majority of the day. It's always fun to get everyone together at dinner time in the main dining room and talk about the fun things you did that day. Pack clothes such as sundresses and shorts for everyone. It will be getting hot during the day that time of year. Swimsuits and cover ups, water shoes are handy for Castaway Cay so you can protect your feet from rocks. There are two adult restaurants on board, and if you're doing that, you'll need more "cocktail" dress for women and collared button down shirt and slacks for men, a jacket if dining at Remy (no, he doesn't have to keep it on all during dinner), and dress shoes. There is a formal and semi-formal evening dinner, and a lot of families dress up for that, but not everyone. You'll still see some people in shorts and t-shirts in the main dining room that night. Flip flops or easy to wear sandals are great for walking around the ship - the decks can get hot in the sun, so you might not want bare feet.

On the top of the cruise section of the DisBoards is a trip report section. A lot of people do full reports of their experiences, and you'll see lots of photos that will pretty much answer a lot of questions about the experience of a Disney Cruise Line trip, and also show what people wear around the ship. There will also be a pirate night and star wars night, so you can bring costumes for either or both, but not required or expected. Disney will give you bandannas for pirate night and leave them in your room prior to dinner, so everyone will have head scarves or some type of decoration to wear. I've worn my bandanna and a black t-shirt and hoop earrings and felt plenty "pirate" - and you'll also see people in full pirate costume like you would see at Halloween. It's all lots of fun and a good time.

What other specific questions do you have? This is my family's sixth cruise, and we love it so much. I'm happy to help anyone who is new - so fire away with your questions!!

 

[Vicki Duplantis]

Thank you disnygirl55 for your help. Am I just I still cannot find the place to sign up for the FE group and since we are getting so close to the cruise, I am scared that we won't be able to participate. I just really don't want to disappoint my kids (DS 3 and 1).

 

[seashell82]

Vicki- follow this link to sign up for a fish extender group. https://sites.google.com/site/disneyfantasyapril162016/home

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Vicki- follow this link to sign up for a fish extender group. ******

Be aware links to other social media sites are not allowed on DISboards (including that site):
http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

 

[seashell82]

Be aware links to other social media sites are not allowed on DISboards (including that site):
http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

Gotcha, thought this was okay since someone else posted it first.

 

[disnygirl55]

Be aware links to other social media sites are not allowed on DISboards (including that site):

Gotcha, thought this was okay since someone else posted it first.

My understanding is that a custom created webpage is not a social media site - it is a page that someone in our group set up to share information. There is no chat feature that I've ever seen - it just lists the itinerary, shore excursions, menus, star wars cruise happenings from past cruises and helpful things like lists and sign ups (which are "fill in the blank" to register). Perhaps this is not allowed, but it needs to be made more clear. People list the web address for Scott's DCL Blog site all the time, and I've never seen a mention that it was illegal. More guidance from a moderator, please! No one is deliberately trying to break the rules, but sheesh!, it's getting nerve-wracking on the DIS boards to try and figure out what can be shared with our fellow cruisers and what cannot.

Are you on our cruise, Shmoo? It would be awesome to meet you in person - you are full of some of the best information about DCL. I love reading your posts!! Maybe you're a moderator? But I didn't think so, and your tag doesn't say. But you certainly know enough about DCL to be a part of running the boards - everyone have a good Tuesday - we're down to the mid-40's now!!

 

[ALDSMD]

Kristidem, if you need more information for your son about the Edge, I will be happy to give you more insight. Most important, he really needs to be there the first night when they do the icebreaker activities. He'll meet friends and be much more likely to enjoy his time there. What other help or tips would you like? I'm always so excited to help out a first-time cruiser!

- Leslie

I have a daughter, but would still love your opinion on which club you think would be better for a 12 year old. She has the option of Lab or Edge. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ALDSMD]

Hi there! We will be sailing with our DD 12. She is always looking to make friends to hang out with on the cruise (it will be our 6th Disney cruise!). Are your DD's open to new friends on board? And by the way, we are not Star Wars fans either. We were booked before they made it a Star Wars theme. Thanks! Holly

Glad to hear we won't be the only non Star Wars fans. Lol. If you are interested send me a private message and I will give you my DD12's phone number so they can text before the cruise. She is talking to 2 other girls already that she can share with your daughter, too. Thanks. Counting the days.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My understanding is that a custom created webpage is not a social media site - it is a page that someone in our group set up to share information. There is no chat feature that I've ever seen - it just lists the itinerary, shore excursions, menus, star wars cruise happenings from past cruises and helpful things like lists and sign ups (which are "fill in the blank" to register). Perhaps this is not allowed, but it needs to be made more clear. People list the web address for Scott's DCL Blog site all the time, and I've never seen a mention that it was illegal. More guidance from a moderator, please! No one is deliberately trying to break the rules, but sheesh!, it's getting nerve-wracking on the DIS boards to try and figure out what can be shared with our fellow cruisers and what cannot.

The exact policy is here:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/

It does specify: "including Facebook and Google Docs", so that seems fairly clear.

While we all use Scott's blog, it's also not actually DIsboards connected, so his policies are different than the ones here.

 

[disnygirl55]

I have a daughter, but would still love your opinion on which club you think would be better for a 12 year old. She has the option of Lab or Edge. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I think those in-between ages are great, because they have so many activities for the kids to choose from. For that age, it seems like the boys vs. girls games, etc. are lots of fun for the tween set. There are more mature activities like scavenger hunts, trips to get ice cream, sports activities, etc. It's not necessarily all video games in the Edge, although those always seemed to be available. In the Lab, there seemed to be a lot more "creative" types of activities, like science, crafts, drawing - although those are usually also offered in Edge, just maybe not as heavily rotated. The Lab activities bored my DS by the time he was of "Edge" age, but that's not the case for all kids, of course. My advice might be to visit both the Lab and Edge on the first afternoon during open house. They are also very different spaces. Edge is pretty cool for the kids, since it is in the funnel and seems more "private club" - and the Lab is on deck 5 and is larger and connected to the Oceaneer's Club, so there will be more kids and younger kids running around. Your daughter will have a chance to check both places out, chat with the counselors about activities, and will probably have a stronger feeling about one over the other. But the fact is, she can roam between the two depending on the activities in the navigator, so she's in a great position to maximize her fun!