Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean December 14 2013

[disneydiva16]

Tiffany~I love your boarding day outfits!!! How cute. Did you make the design on the shoes? Very nice pics

 

[casilliman]

Thank you for such a warm welcome Michelle! I wanted to also extend my sincerest wishes for hope and strength for you and your family through your recent losses and the challenges of your loved one who is battling cancer. Lianne spoke so well about interaction with others during these times in our lives. I am a nurse, but also have felt the loss of so many in a short time. It's a devistating change that no one really can understand or help you through. My father passed away in June of 2005, after which my mother, who always did a HUGE Christmas for the family, decided she didnt want to shop, wrap, put up a tree, bake, none of it. Instead, she said, lets go on a Disney vacation, and we were off to the park and the cruise for our first Land / Sea package. I am hooked now, and find myself spending many late nights trying to figure out how to get back there

I have been studying, still learning all the abbreviations, and looking for ideas for the fish extenders, and matching family t shirts. LOVED Tiffany's family pictures too, esp her little girl's formal dress. It looked so "Cinderella" but grown up! Not sure what I will do for this coming cruise but I do them for every vacation we take. I'll see if I can post a picture of the sweatshirts we did for the first vacation that we still use.

I look forward to getting to know everyone here too!

 

[lianne_0325]

I just wanted to say a quick welcome to our new members! It is always so exciting to see new arrivals. I am very excited to have another person graduating that same date. I really <3 that we will have our own Etsy creator. I enjoy purchasing personalized outfits and other goodies for the kids for the trips.

I <3 this idea. Pictures would be great with the cap and gown on! Plus you guys would definitely know who we were if we were sporting our graduation attire right? I wonder how crazy everyone would be looking at us I imagine that my kids would probably want to be announced separately. It is ironic that your family wants you to walk I was having a conversation during one of my classes about this very topic. Our classmates have family members who feel it is important for the kids to view you walking. My thoughts were having the time with the family and creating memories would be more valuable than sitting through a presentation that they'll find boring for several hours. I walked with my associates and bachelors so I feel I've got it covered.

As far as the champagne ladies get together, you can count me in. The whole pink thing sounds like lots of fun. Although I'm not usually a champagne drinker. But when in Rome..

Welcome to our fun little bunch Christi Glad to have you joining us! I think that is an awesome idea for you an Lianne to wear your caps to board the ship. Then you can have your embarkation picture taken with it on and that can be your graduation photo!!!

It will be fun getting to chat with you over the next year and a half

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I just wanted to say a quick welcome to our new members! It is always so exciting to see new arrivals. I am very excited to have another person graduating that same date. I really <3 that we will have our own Etsy creator. I enjoy purchasing personalized outfits and other goodies for the kids for the trips.

I <3 this idea. Pictures would be great with the cap and gown on! Plus you guys would definitely know who we were if we were sporting our graduation attire right? I wonder how crazy everyone would be looking at us I imagine that my kids would probably want to be announced separately. It is ironic that your family wants you to walk I was having a conversation during one of my classes about this very topic. Our classmates have family members who feel it is important for the kids to view you walking. My thoughts were having the time with the family and creating memories would be more valuable than sitting through a presentation that they'll find boring for several hours. I walked with my associates and bachelors so I feel I've got it covered.

As far as the champagne ladies get together, you can count me in. The whole pink thing sounds like lots of fun. Although I'm not usually a champagne drinker. But when in Rome..

I will note that you are joining....I don't do champagne either so I will just drink something I like!!

Greetings to everyone!
I am Christi, (the one you are asking about Michelle I am new to the DISboards, although I have read different articles and advice from here over the years. My husband and I have decided to take the Dec 14 2013 cruise and I was thrilled to find this board of cruisers!!

I read most of this thread last night, and followed the links to join the group on FB and the website (super nice btw Michelle) but was too tired to make it to page 19 of the thread at 2am, so I am posting my first note this morning.


The family members accompanying us are still deciding on whether or not they will be joining the cruise but so far it is myself and my husband (both age 45), our three adult children (DDs will be 28 and 24 and DS will be 26 holy cow !!) we have permanant custody of our two nephews, both mild special needs, ages 14 and 16 when we cruise. Also joining will be a dear friend and her husband and child, age 2, my sister and her husband, and hopefully some of my husband's family (possibly 6 more)

This will be my 5th DCL cruise, we have sailed with Disney for two Land / Sea packages, a 7 day Western Caribbean, and last year my DH and I went to Alaska in July. For this one we are still in the raw planning stage, but all your input and ideas have me pumped to get moving on the plans!!

Lianne, I was inspired when I read your posts too, about how you chose to walk the gangway to the ship instead of graduation. I too have made the same choice !! I am in college now and ( God willing) when I finish it will be the week of the cruise, and the college's graduation is scheduled Sat Dec 14 at 11am. Given the choices I'd MUCH rather walk on the ship than across a stage !! (althouh my family disagrees). Perhaps we can wear caps and gowns and board the ship together !?!

I look forward to getting to know all of you, participate in the Fish Extenders ( I was very curious about those stateroom thingies I have seen in the past, now it all makes sense !!) and all the other great things that sailing with friends can bring !!

Thanks ....I try to make the webpage nice...glad you like it! I will add you to the webpage....I just got home from work..yes 2am. I will also approve you for the FB page. well I better get that done if I want to make it to bed anytime soon. But that is ok...made some good money tonight, trying to pay off my WDW Sept trip for this year....only $800 more to go!!!

 

[2Pirates&1Princess]

Hello everyone and welcome to all the new cruisers!!!!! I am Norma. I am also traveling with Robin and Michelle. I know I havent been posting much, but I wanted everyone to know I am still here

Tiffany it is so nice to be cruising with you. Whenever Robin orders something from you she usually orders my things too. I have loved everything you have made for us so far. Thank you so much

Michelle, know that I am thinking of you and am here whenever you need me (((hugs)))!!!

This cruise cant come fast enough! It will be nice when we all finally get to meet. I think I told you Michelle that I want to do the Champagne Girls night too. I dont drink champagne, but I will have a different drink and wear the tiara and boa...sounds fun!

Well. I am off to take my dog to the vet. Talk with everyone again soon!!!

 

[casilliman]

Good morning all!
This board could be my new addiction !!
I am currently on summer break from school and had a hip replacement 3 months ago, it's a 'revision' to replace my original hardware so the healing time is longer than the first. Needless to say, I'm still sort of limited in my activity and have way too much free time on my hands. Planning and dreaming of this trip is the only "Carrot" i have to focus on right now so you all are now offically stuck with me

I have some questions and a few ideas ....

1. The champage meeting: Do we bring our own crowns and boas? how about our own champagne ? I go to the Biltmore in NC on occasion, my husband and I have season passes. They offer a lovely pink champagne if anyone would like to try that.

2. The menfolk meeting: I read somewhere along the lines someone mentioned a meet for the men/ husbands of the group at the cigar bar. Mine thought that was a great idea, he's all about making cruise friends too.

3. Lianne and graduation: I totally want to wear caps at least !! I looked up Mickey Ear graduation caps but they seem to come only in youth sizes, soooo... I plan to get some fabric paint and "Mikey-fy" my own cap. Perhaps make a Disney themed stole to wear . It matters not to me if we stand out in the crowd, I'm good with that. I used to say "it doesnt matter how crazy I look, I dont know any of these people and they don't know me" ... getting to know you all now I can't say that LOL !!
My family wants me to walk because I have never worn a cap and gown. I am due to attend and graduate nursing school so there will be a pinning ceremony the Thursday night before vacation. I think that is more than enough stage time for me

4. Fish extenders: I have some ideas so far but I have no idea how many things to do! Will we be broken down in smaller groups?

5. Christmas in Disney: has anyone been in the park on Christmas Day? I am considering a post cruise visit to the parks but it will be the week of Christmas. We have gone during Christmas season on the ship and the park and WOW it's beautiful but I can't imagine what it would be like to be there on Christmas Day. Packed ? Empty ? Weird being away from home ? Expensive ?

6. Boarding outfits: the first cruise we took we looked like a pack of misfits! I was totally inspired by all these families all decked out in matching outfits. We have the sweatshirts but I want something different for this cruise. Our last family vacation I did park T shirts but they were lime green and halloween themed. I know I read some of you are planning outfits, Michelle and Tiffany I think. Are you doing them for embarkation or another day? Perhaps you might want to share a hint so ya'll dont show up like Lucy and Ethel in matching dresses !! No need to keep secrets unless you just want to surprise us all

7. Our own ETSY person ?? what ??!?! I just found that website thanks to previous posts and started picking outfits from there. Also found 'our' cruise logo. How absolutely cool to have an ETSY person. Can you give me the name??

Well, I think I've got to go find something else to do, otherwise I will fritter my day away Disney Dreaming Have a great day ladies !!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Michelle, know that I am thinking of you and am here whenever you need me (((hugs)))!!!

This cruise cant come fast enough! It will be nice when we all finally get to meet. I think I told you Michelle that I want to do the Champagne Girls night too. I dont drink champagne, but I will have a different drink and wear the tiara and boa...sounds fun!

Well. I am off to take my dog to the vet. Talk with everyone again soon!!!

Thanks Norma!!! And of course I added you to the Pink Champagne cause you know Robin and I will make you do whatever we have schemed up.... Wouldn't be the same without the 3 of us!!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Good morning all!
This board could be my new addiction !!
I am currently on summer break from school and had a hip replacement 3 months ago, it's a 'revision' to replace my original hardware so the healing time is longer than the first. Needless to say, I'm still sort of limited in my activity and have way too much free time on my hands. Planning and dreaming of this trip is the only "Carrot" i have to focus on right now so you all are now offically stuck with me

I have some questions and a few ideas ....

1. The champage meeting: Do we bring our own crowns and boas? how about our own champagne ? I go to the Biltmore in NC on occasion, my husband and I have season passes. They offer a lovely pink champagne if anyone would like to try that.
yes bring your own boa and crown and pink shirt. Maybe people would like to try it. I don't drink champagne so I will ask the bartender to make up a different drink.
2. The menfolk meeting: I read somewhere along the lines someone mentioned a meet for the men/ husbands of the group at the cigar bar. Mine thought that was a great idea, he's all about making cruise friends too.
that might be good for the men that might want to. My DH would rather get together watching Sunday/Monday night football. We don't care for smoking so he won't sit around that.
3. Lianne and graduation: I totally want to wear caps at least !! I looked up Mickey Ear graduation caps but they seem to come only in youth sizes, soooo... I plan to get some fabric paint and "Mikey-fy" my own cap. Perhaps make a Disney themed stole to wear . It matters not to me if we stand out in the crowd, I'm good with that. I used to say "it doesnt matter how crazy I look, I dont know any of these people and they don't know me" ... getting to know you all now I can't say that LOL !!
My family wants me to walk because I have never worn a cap and gown. I am due to attend and graduate nursing school so there will be a pinning ceremony the Thursday night before vacation. I think that is more than enough stage time for me

4. Fish extenders: I have some ideas so far but I have no idea how many things to do! Will we be broken down in smaller groups?
It will be up to everyone. On our last cruise we had 42 staterooms with over 100 people total.We never split into any groups. We will wait till maybe June to see where we stand at that point.
5. Christmas in Disney: has anyone been in the park on Christmas Day? I am considering a post cruise visit to the parks but it will be the week of Christmas. We have gone during Christmas season on the ship and the park and WOW it's beautiful but I can't imagine what it would be like to be there on Christmas Day. Packed ? Empty ? Weird being away from home ? Expensive ?
I can't imagine to much different then the week we will be cruising. We have gone on my bday Dec 6th and it was all decked out for Xmas because of the MVMCP. We are doing that before the cruise!!

6. Boarding outfits: the first cruise we took we looked like a pack of misfits! I was totally inspired by all these families all decked out in matching outfits. We have the sweatshirts but I want something different for this cruise. Our last family vacation I did park T shirts but they were lime green and halloween themed. I know I read some of you are planning outfits, Michelle and Tiffany I think. Are you doing them for embarkation or another day? Perhaps you might want to share a hint so ya'll dont show up like Lucy and Ethel in matching dresses !! No need to keep secrets unless you just want to surprise us all
Robin, Norma and I won't be giving our boarding day outfits away. I think they are pretty creative and we don't want any look alikes...I doubt anyone will look like us though as long as I can keep my excited mouth shut and it is a surprise. Kinda wanna stand out and if we share it runs the risk someone will use our idea before our cruise or on our cruise. We also will have one other day where we make an outfit. Also our girls usually match for pirate nights and we coordinate our color scheme for formal and semi formal night as we don't wanna clash for pictures.
7. Our own ETSY person ?? what ??!?! I just found that website thanks to previous posts and started picking outfits from there. Also found 'our' cruise logo. How absolutely cool to have an ETSY person. Can you give me the name??
Found our cruise logo where?? On our FB or webpage??
Well, I think I've got to go find something else to do, otherwise I will fritter my day away Disney Dreaming Have a great day ladies !!

nothing wrong with Disney day dreaming.

On a positive note, again made great tips last night, hoping to have the remaining $600 I owe for my WDW Sept vacay paid off by Sunday!! I will be soo excited!!!

 

[disneydiva16]

Good morning all!
This board could be my new addiction !!
I have some questions and a few ideas ....

1. The champage meeting: Do we bring our own crowns and boas? how about our own champagne ? I go to the Biltmore in NC on occasion, my husband and I have season passes. They offer a lovely pink champagne if anyone would like to try that.

I would love to try this pink champagne. I love champagne!!! I guess as we see how many more girls would like to do this and figure out how to plan it out. I will bring my own boa and tiara. I wish someone would join our thread that has already planned one of these then they cuold take over. LOL

 

[aymekae]

Wow, can't believe almost a month has passed since I last visited here! I think looking at the countdown for this particular cruise is depressing because it's SO far away... I prefer to focus on my upcoming vacations instead (135 days till Aulani baby!!)

So last time I think I mentioned that I was trying to convince DH to let me keep this cruise after all. Soon afterwards, he had a last minute paper due for a history class, and all but begged for my help, promising I can have BOTH my cruises in 2013 (but none in 2014)! So for about 5 hours of torture, I got my cruise. Not too shabby! (Then again, a few days later he threatened to "take it away" if I spent anything at a Pampered Chef party. I didn't, but now I am feeling distinctly like he has a warped sense of value!)

I hesitated in signing up for the Pink Champagne Party. I can be shy, esp. if my extroverted DH won't be there to cover for my social ineptitude. But I will be brave and join! Just nobody eat me or anything, because that would ruin my courage for life.

 

[casilliman]

Congratulations on a profitable shift Michelle! What kind of restaurant do you work at if you dont mind me asking? I worked in restaurants serving and bartending. I supported myself and my children on gratuities for many years, it's a very hard job... I think everyone should do for at least a week just to know what it's really like! Thank you for all the helpful answers too, you do a wonderful job keeping this board going. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts! BTW, what do you and Norma prefer for 'refreshments' in place of champagne? I can think of several pink drinks that could make the party fun too.

I am still learning how to work this website, I dont know yet how to copy/ paste the conversation parts so bear with me.

Robin, I have never planned one of these get togethers, but I have worked as an event planner for a couple years, and my DD just graduated with a degree in hospitality. I feel quite confident that we could organize this shindig if no one else wants to, or no new person joins the group with experience.

The menfolk meeting, if the menfolk are interested, could very well take place anywhere. I just saw it mentioned in another post as a Cigar Party. My husband will smoke one but usually only once a year on vacation. He (and our son) would be just as happy hanging in whatever lounge has football on. Our son played grammer, high school and college too. I kinda like watching the game too

Ayme, I am so glad you will be coming to the pink champange party, we will build up your courage, just come and hang out with us ( no biting and definately no karoke I promise!!) Congratulations on getting your hubby to see things your way! I laughed when I read your post about his sense of value! I love your name, too, my eldest shares your name with a different spelling (Amie, like the song). She is about your age and will be on the cruise with us.

I love that ya'll are planning to keep the outfits secret, I am terrible at it !! I have some good ideas so far, and I'm glad to know that others are planning more outfits too for other events. I found some really cute tye dye shirts on ETSY we might do for castaway cay. My plan is to make this year's Christmas gifts for next year's cruise.

I found the cruise logo earlier in the thread in someones post. I tried to put it here but The board wont let me post the link. Says I have to wait until I have more posts. *sigh* can I send it to you in a private message ??

 

[disneydiva16]

Robin, I have never planned one of these get togethers, but I have worked as an event planner for a couple years, and my DD just graduated with a degree in hospitality. I feel quite confident that we could organize this shindig if no one else wants to, or no new person joins the group with experience.

All in favor of Christi planning the champagne meet raise your hand

You could always let me know what you need help with and I will be there I so hate planning parties! They stress me out...but I love attending them

 

[disneydiva16]

I hesitated in signing up for the Pink Champagne Party. I can be shy, esp. if my extroverted DH won't be there to cover for my social ineptitude. But I will be brave and join! Just nobody eat me or anything, because that would ruin my courage for life.

We will have soooo much fun! You will fit right in, dont you worry After a few cocktails you will feel right at home with all of us....then we'll starting singing the karaoke

 

[2Pirates&1Princess]

BTW, what do you and Norma prefer for 'refreshments' in place of champagne? I can think of several pink drinks that could make the party fun too.

I will try most anything. Just not super crazy for champagne. I can always bring a bottle of champagne for people to try. There has got to be a way that disney can provide us with a tasting of some sort.

Ayme, I am glad that you will be joining us for the tasting. I am so jealous that you get to go to Hawaii. Someday someday

 

[2Pirates&1Princess]

All in favor of Christi planning the champagne meet raise your hand

I am raising both hands!!!! lol

 

[ShinyDaisy]

to Tiffany and Christi

That's so cool, Tiffany! (gradysmommy) Your pictures are great; love your formal night

Michelle, yes FE and yes for the pink social thumbsup2just like you figured)

Thanks, Christi
This'll be fun. Though, I don't drink.. I think hanging out and celebrating birthdays, graduations, Christmas and all the holidays will be a great time!

 

[lianne_0325]

Christi in regards to your Etsy question, I was referring to Tiffany selling items on Etsy. It says her store is gradysmommy.

It is funny to see several comments about not really drinking champagne. I am not one that enjoys it and that was why I was holding off on signing up. It is a bit of a relief to see I won't be the only one searching for another type of cocktail.

It sounds like Christi has the perfect background to plan this activity so I'm all for her handling the details.

Anyways I'm going to go now, hopefully I didn't miss anything I wanted to comment on. I have a ten page paper due this afternoon that I haven't even started on!

 

[casilliman]

Ahhh, thank you for the clarification Lianne, now I understand the ETSY connection. Good luck on your paper!

It seems like we need to change the name of the party !! How about we just call it The Pink BOA Happy Hour or the Still A Princess Tea-aira Party or something instead ?? How do you all feel about the day and time? Embarkation day perhaps? We usually board as early as possible, then wander around aimlessly after lunch and before the drill routine. I checked the navigator for that cruise, and there are several lounges open that day at noon. (sadly not the Ohh La La one. which would be the perfect setting for us!)
One of the days at sea would be just fine too, but I do look forward to meeting everyone, and I would venture to guess if we continue to spend time here chatting and planning, it would be a great way to start our vacation together with a small celebration and toast to all the hard work that went in to getting on the ship!

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas.

BTW I look forward to "earning my ears" so I can have a creative signature like the rest of you sassy ladies
so for now,
"Christi"

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Ahhh, thank you for the clarification Lianne, now I understand the ETSY connection. Good luck on your paper!

It seems like we need to change the name of the party !! How about we just call it The Pink BOA Happy Hour or the Still A Princess Tea-aira Party or something instead ?? How do you all feel about the day and time? Embarkation day perhaps? We usually board as early as possible, then wander around aimlessly after lunch and before the drill routine. I checked the navigator for that cruise, and there are several lounges open that day at noon. (sadly not the Ohh La La one. which would be the perfect setting for us!)
One of the days at sea would be just fine too, but I do look forward to meeting everyone, and I would venture to guess if we continue to spend time here chatting and planning, it would be a great way to start our vacation together with a small celebration and toast to all the hard work that went in to getting on the ship!

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas.

BTW I look forward to "earning my ears" so I can have a creative signature like the rest of you sassy ladies
so for now,
"Christi"

Hey Christi.....I think you are wll on your way to "earning your ears" here.
As for the ladies get together....I don't care where or what we call it. But embarkation day is a whirlwind for me. Plus we will have a meet for everyone that day at 3pm before drill so all our families can meet!! We too board ASAP, hit lunch, book tasting or whatever I have to onboard, then I send my DH and DD's to the pool and I unpack and organize my room a bit. I am a bit anal and like all my stuff in it's rightful place so I don't hear "Where is this and that"? then the drill, then sailaway party, then dinner, and show....yeah my 1st day flies!!! I would prefer for myself a sea day....something that didn't interfer with dinner and shows. Maybe a 2oclock or after showtime....maybe 9pm....the kids can go to bed or clubs and we can find a nice spot for drinks and chat!!!! Just a thought!

 

[casilliman]

Thanks Michelle, I did not realize there was already plans for a gathering embarkation day at 3. Very glad we all get to meet that day too! I have a feeling the 'meeting and greeting' among the board members here will start in the waiting area at the terminal though! My husband and I met a couple while waiting to board the ship and we did all kinds of things together throughout the cruise.

We do the unpacking routine as you do too, but it doesnt take me long, as my DH is more fanatical about hanging clothes and assigning drawer space than me. I usually hang out on the veranda while he does his 'thing'. Another day it is.
As for the girls party, I think afternoon would be better than later at night, some (like me) may not have dining assignments and the like. As we get closer we can make more concrete plans, so for now lets just refer to it as the Pink Party, and plan to have a choice of champagne, virgin and 'not so virgin' cocktails and buckets of fun

Christi