Do you post on the cruise meets thread for your upcoming cruise?

[DareTooDream]

I must say that we had a wonderful group of DIS'rs on the July 2nd cruise Jim is our official list person but I think there were 117 of us? I think everyone made it to the meet on Saturday. We had another meet on the 4th. We'd gather in Rockin' Bar D and various places. It was great seeing people around and hearing about what they'd done that day or were planning for the next day! Some of us did excursions together. As GetOutThere said....do as much or as little as you want! We had an awesome trip

 

[clten]

Part of the orignial question was asking about those who don't post to cruise meet threads and why. Only a couple of people who don't post chimed in so I'll add my comments. I'm going to preface this by saying that I am not meaning to offend anyone.

Maybe I got the wrong impression of the cruise meet threads because my last two cruises were two big ones -- the 10 Day Christmas 2004 sailing and the May Repo Cruise -- and had huge contingents of DISboarders on them. But my first impression of the meet threads was that there was too much fluff. By time I got around to looking at the May Repo thread it was many, many pages long (somewhere between 75 and 100 if I remember correctly). I did try to see what was planned and who was keeping the list of everyone, etc. but it was way too much to have to dig through! I didn't care who was going grocery shopping and what they were buying. I gave up.

I've read through this whole thread and I understand that so far before a cruise there isn't a lot of cruise stuff to talk about. I also understand that some of the chatting is to get to know each other but when it gets to the "what I said to the neighbor this morning" stage and other inside jokes, I personally don't think they should be on the cruise meet thread, you should IM, PM or e-mail amongst yourselves if you are that comfortable with each other. I don't have the patience to flip through that type of stuff.

But I want to add on other comment. Having been on cruises with a large amount of DIS Boarders, I have to agree with some of the other comments that the meet threads seem clique-ish even if it is unintentional and I have to expand it to say it seems to carry over onto the ship. (This is the part that I don't mean to offend anyone.) I was not "marked" as a DIS Boarder and it seemed like the May repo cruise, the DIS Boarders only wanted to mix and mingle amongst themselves. (I'm sure it was a case of there being so many to meet that you felt you were mixing and mingling with everyone.) I had some idea of what was going on - having made it through some part of the cruise meet thread. But I was talking to other non-DISboarders and I did hear some comments about the groups trying to run the whole ship (one of the groups being the DISBoarders). And to be honest, I kind of saw that as well.

I want to go on my vacation open to meeting everyone on the ship. From what I've seen, I'm a bit leary of joining the cruise meet threads for my next cruises in Nov 2006 because I don't want to fall into a clique (even though everyone would be very nice, I'm sure). My sister and I usually cruise together (we're both single and it's good bonding time). But we've also sailed as part of large groups (friends and family) and for me, the cruise experience is different. I find if I'm in a large group, that's all the people I tend to interact with, whether or not we are doing all the activities together or not. If it is just my sister and I, we meet new people at every activity we do (each Bingo session, each shore excursion, etc). So as to why I might not join a meet thread, I want to go on the ship fresh but it might be nice to meet you even if I don't have a fish extender outside my cabin or a green mickey head on my lanyard (or whatever the identifying marks were/will be.)

You guys have suggested that "lurkers" just jump in with a question. (First I don't think I'm a lurker, I only post if I think I can add something to the conversation.) I've sailed with Disney many times with the first in Fall of 1998 so I've been with them from the beginning and don't have a lot of questions. So there really isn't a lot of reason for me to jump in with a question.

I'd like to close by saying I hope I didn't offend anyone. I think most people on the boards are nice otherwise I wouldn't spend any time here. Just wanted to give another perspective to why people aren't on the cruise meet threads.

 

[logan1_2000]

"All right rabbit, you've convinced me, I'll look for Rocky in the City"-- in the one when Rocky and Mugsy the bankrobbers kidnap Bugs and Bugs impersonates a stereotypical old time NY Irish policeman. So for this thread, I'll say: " All right DISers, you've convinced me, I'll try the cruise meet thread a bit."

 

[JSCTRico4]

I don't post. No special reason why..... I like the sharing of info on the boards..... yes, you are all a little nuts.... but, who isn't...... I'm sure we will run in to so many disers onboard, and I will wish that I knew who went with what screan name..... I stumbled across this board while googling something when researching the excursions. I have since shared it with EVERYONE I know who is interested in cruising Disney. I have learned SOOOO much. Oh, heck, maybe I will hop on over there in the month before we leave..... I just have this page on my toolbar already!

 

[jennat]

Boy, Mileage may vary...is what comes to my mind.

I understand that you were posting your opinion to the original question asked and you have every right to feel the way you do. Please, also, read my post without being offended. Just two different opinions. It is always so interesting to see other people's takes on something.

One thing you said intrigued me "I don't want to fall into a clique (even though everyone would be very nice, I'm sure)" Why not? If everyone is nice, seems to be a great group to "fall into". What is a clique? It makes me think of all the mother's at the elementary school standing around talking. Mothers who have been in the school a while know a lot of people and stand around together. They probably seem cliquish to a first time mom, if that makes any sense. The way I see it is these are people finding common interests and having a good time together. It is not exclusive of anyone. It just is what it is. They are not trying to leave someone out (quite the opposite), they are just not thinking of you (in general, the person that didn't take the time to get to know them or be involved). This is the sentence not to take offense to. Just think about it in your life. You have your vacation, try to have fun and always be kind, but you are not on the look out for people you have never met who might be thinking you are exclusive (like say you go out with a group of friends). The people in these "cliques" have put a lot into the relationship so they will get more out of it. Just like in real life, friendship is work and takes time and nurturing....if some people don't want to take the time to read all the fluff they will have a different experience (now say you go out with a friend and a couple of her friends...they don't try to leave you out, they just know each other better).

I, conversely, do want to hear about my groups say on a day to day basis. I hate waiting for people to post and I enjoy chatting. I laugh out loud so much writing with these people. How great is that? Isn't that what life is all about....laughing, loving and living. I feel so lucky to have this as part of my cruising experience.

That being said, I completely respect and recognize your perception, opinion and experience. Obviously, you are not the only person that feels that way, I am sure. SO...maybe you (whoever feels this way) could post a cruise meet and in the title put something like "the no fluff Sept 25th board" or something. Reading this back it sounds trite but I mean it as a real suggestion. Or maybe you don't feel like anything is missing and you were just responding to this post. It's just (as I'm sure you get), some of us love it so much we can't understand why someone wouldn't do it.

I hope I handled your feelings with the respect they deserve. Like I said before, mileage may vary. Maybe someday we will meet over coffee on the beautiful Magic. I would like that.

 

[jennat]

Sorry for the BOOK above. One more thing, if you don't want to back read all the pages (who does), ask for a recap. I'm sure someone will gladly get you up to speed, without the sacrifice of hours of time .

 

[WDWLVR]

Jen, you make some very good points. Especially about the recaps. When we have a new person join the thread we always try to give them the basics. Where to find the group web page, who is doing buttons, who is doing shirts, who are the experts in scuba, that kind of stuff.

Something very funny happened on the our 10 day cruise. I walked over to a couple in the Walt Disney theatre thinking it was one of our group. It wasn't but it turns out the person did read the DIS. He made the comment something along the line that us DIS'ers booked up the best excursion and he couldn't get in. He stated he read the thread but never posted. Well those of us who were on the thread every day shared the info that bookings were happening at the 90 day mark not the 60 day mark as it had been before. When one person started booking on the Sunday they opened many of the rest of us did too. Yes we got the Pirate excursion that then sold out and when we sailed I would say about 70% of the people on the excursion were DIS'ers. I'm glad we had so many DIS'ers on that excursion. I got a nasty bug bite while on it. Luckily I was able to find one of the couples from our group (he's a doctor, she was a nurse) and was reassured all would be fine.

So without the cruise meets board I might not have know about that great excrusion, I wouldn't have had a doctor so readily available, and I wouldn't have made the great friends I did.

To those who don't want to post on your cruise meets thread for whatever reason - that is fine. But for those of you on the fence about whether or not you should I say go for it. You just never know what fun you are in for!

 

[westjones]

One of the big reasons I have started posting on the Meets board is so I can find others kids my twins ages for them to meet (online) before the cruise. This has helped them look forward to the cruise and they make friends with their online pals very fast. My kids area already asking if there are any online kids to meet for next March's cruise, but we are going on a 4 night, and the shorter cruises don't always seem to be all that active. So far there are only 2 of us that have posted on the cruise meets for our cruise. I am hoping for some 12 yo girls for my girls to hang out with.

DJ

 

[chip&dale&fun]

I must say that we had a wonderful group of DIS'rs on the July 2nd cruise Jim is our official list person but I think there were 117 of us? I think everyone made it to the meet on Saturday. We had another meet on the 4th. We'd gather in Rockin' Bar D and various places. It was great seeing people around and hearing about what they'd done that day or were planning for the next day! Some of us did excursions together. As GetOutThere said....do as much or as little as you want! We had an awesome trip

What a great group you had...and trip...Cannot wait until it is our turn...

 

[chip&dale&fun]

I'd like to close by saying I hope I didn't offend anyone. I think most people on the boards are nice otherwise I wouldn't spend any time here. Just wanted to give another perspective to why people aren't on the cruise meet threads.

Clten (I hope that name is correct) - You made some very good points in response to the question, and I certainly do not see how you would ever offend anyone by these honest responses.....

I can't wait for my cruise - and the two threads are very - very different. I'm sure I will enjoy both. Hope you are on one of them, whether we meet as Disboarders or just tablemates.....

 

[musicgirl]

Yes, the last cruise and the up coming one!!

I love the interaction and it helps to pass the time. The anticipation is a killer when you start over 600 days out!!! Somehow it is difficult to share the happiness of those doing the doc dance!!! I am truly happy for them and I sure do know how it feels to see the UPS truck pull up to my house!!!!!

We also ended up linking dinner ressies with Mom2Belle&PeterPan!! Hi Barbara!!! When we FINALLY met at dinner, it was like running into old friends!!! Our server could not believe we had only "met" on the cruise because we got along so well!!!

Now, our thread is not as long as some of them, but I look everyday for new additions.

I don't mind all the personal info included. I think it helps to get to know one another. On our thread I had recently posted that we had 660 odd days left when it should have been around 330 days left. Someone jokingly pointed it out, but it was in fun and I think he knew I would see it that way.

Part of the fun of our vacation was getting to know tons of people, but it was even more fun to hook up with people from the boards.

 

[Tammy1]

Hi, I'm on the cruise with Rotary,TeaforWendy, Donaldsgal, Jennat, and Getoutthere and I just have to add that the first day I learned of these boards I posted.
Now not always when you post you'll see a response, but it doesn't mean that no one cares who you are. A lot of times you post just to pass the time prior to your cruise. As stated previous we have a recap for all newcomers so they don't have to read all the (fluff) prior posts if they don't want to. The very first time they post it's like a HUGE Welcome echo from all of us. I also am only months old to the posting thing...

We enjoy posting because it begins to help each of us see different personalities of these people who are going to be sharing time with you on your vacation. How much time as mentioned before is up to you. However, if I had to fly back to Germany tomorrow I would love to be able to get off the plane and see a few friendly faces. Even if we didn't do any more than say (HELLO)
Also, all the informative links that these groups are able to give you because they've already "Been there done that" is just AWESOME!!
We all know that everyone's different but by being on a DCL instead of any other cruise line gives us all a common link to a thread that some of us aren't thinking about. Why do all of us pay the extra $$, why sail with DCL, I'll tell you why... we all share a love for Disney and that makes it worth it.
I can't tell you how much I have learned from these boards, I also saved $1600.00 due to these people that I haven't even met yet. They were there with me everyday on my long 4 day wait in finding out the answer. I won't say I don't know them because I feel I do. Doesn't mean we're sharing rooms or dinning times it just means I know when I step on board "The Magic" in September all kind of Magic can happen.

Just never give up and don't let one experience stop you from trying it again.. .


Hope you have a wonderful cruise experience

 

[Laurabearz]

I particapate in the August 19th 2006 Double dip thread, but I definately feel like an outsider since a lot of them are from another cruise that was interupted (I beleive) tight bunch.

I started a thread for the September 29th 2005 3 day Wonder cruise and a couple of people have posted on it... but not daily Yet we have managed to get upto page 5!!! WOOO HOOO

Still... it is nice to know a few people who will be cruising with us. My guess is, there are not a lot of DISers going on this cruise, so I am lucky the 5 or 6 families that found the thread did... ya know?? I plan a hard core rally of our group in the coming weeks... and planning a DIS meet on board for all of us.

Now... for sure, without a doubt, if there is another Repo cruise we WILL be going on it and I will definatly post on the thread, but again, I will prolly feel like an outsider if the cruise if filled with folks from the first repo cruise.....

But all is good.... no worries mate. I dont mind lurking.

 

[Laurabearz]

I would like to add.... for a while on the cruise meet thread Barry (I think)was encouraging everyone to do the funky date code in the heading so it would be easy to look up if someone was cruising with you... but that required a lot of hand holding and was dropped for the most part.

I did like that system.....

 

[brerrabbit70]

Okay, here's my 2 cents.

We went on our first 3day cruise 2 years ago. I had posted and was talking to a wonderful family that had kids the same age as mine. It was great, but.......we decided to change our date. Florida resident rates came out for the week after our original date and cut our cruise cost in half!!!!
It was very difficult telling my then 8yr old DD that she would not be meeting the other little girl on board.
We have now reserved the Magic for 10-6-06, but again will be looking out for Fl. resident deals. So, while I would love to post, I just don't want to get everyone's hopes up again.

 

[HookdonWDW]

 

[PoohJen]

I have to say I enjoyed my cruise meets thread but was reluctant to get too involved - "this was my family's cruise" and I wasn't looking to plan activities with new friends.

But I have to say, it was so much fun to get together with our new DIS friends during the cruise! We had a sail away party, dinner and a couple of cabin parties, and met up at different activities. It was fun to keep running into people we "knew". It was particularly neat to have these "old friends" come up to me in the terminal to introduce themselves!!

I loved how the boards helped pass the time til the cruise. Still, my next cruise isn't until August 06, and while I've introduced myself on the thread, it's just been too much to keep up with (it's a large group/thread). I'm sure I will try to get to know them all as we get closer to the sail date!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Like some of the others here, I can't recall exactly how I happened upon this palce, but I'm glad that I did. There are a lot of very nice people here who will answer your questions.
When we went on our first cruise back in Jan, it hdn't been that long that I had started posting here, so I wasn't real familar with the Dis meets, so unfortunately, I missed out on that cruise.
We'll be cruising again this coming Jan. and I have been posting as much as possible on our meet thread. I hope that I am able to meet some people while on board, but if I don't get to then it's not going to ruin my vacation.
One thing that I have noticed, and I am simply stating my opinion is this, as a younger married couple with no childre and not having cruised many times, and not visited WDW many times, I do feel as though we don't "fit in" as well as others! Again, that is just my honest opinion!

 

[geffric]

On our last cruise, I had joined in on the thread and all of us chatted and waited for a whole year to pass to plan and worry about excursions etc. It was fun to get to know some of the other people. We attended the sail away party but never saw most of the DIS people again. My kids were older than most but it was fun. On the other hand, we had talked with one couple , without children, that were very nice and ran into them a few times. i was fun to chat with them. in fact I ended up joining them for Palo brunch.


For this cruise, Spring break 2006.. Come join our march 25 th thread!! I am hoping that we can join tables with another family with teenagers from the DIS.

 

[whome?]

I'm posting on our 1/14/06 Magic Western thread even though my cruise isn't a 'sure thing' yet. We haven't done a lot of chatting, but about 15 families have 'checked in' and a couple are trying to arrange sharing cabins for solo travelers. Some of the families are traveling with groups and I suspect, won't be wanting to meet up.

I think once we hit the 60 day mark things will really pick up.....I know once I'm a GO, I'll want to be chatting about excursions and maybe seeing about a group Palo brunch or something.