Dream - 6/20/12 - 4 nt - Great Start to the Summer of 2012!!! FE #217 DIS Meet #216

[SueTGGR]

6 years ago on the Wonder we took pillow cases for each Grandchild in a Ziplock bag, along with their name and room numbers to the desk and they had all the charcaters sign it and they put it in the kids room on their pillows the last night of the cruise.

It was a great souvenir that didn't cost much. Just a Pillow case, Sharpie Marker & Zip- lock bag. Hope they still do this as I'm all set!

We did this on our last cruise in Jan 2010. This time our son (turned 12 this last week), since he says he is "almost a teenager and too old for that kind of stuff" so we won't be doing it. But then he still sleeps with the one from our last cruise! Maybe I will do it and tell him it is for me

 

[sewsweet]

Welcome!!! Yes, you are in the correct place for the June 20th 4-day cruise on the Dream

Jan should be along shortly and get you squared away with FE sign up.

So what excursions/activities did you get a chance to sign up for?

Thanks for the welcome! I'm glad I joined!

I have already sent Jan a PM to join up and have LOTS of ideas for the gifts. I just have to narrow it down to exactly what I'm doing.

We just signed up for only a few excursion. The cost of some of them nearly knock me off my chair!

We have the garden and city tour in Nassau and the glass bottom boat tour in Castaway Cay. Since it's my first cruise, I didn't want to overwhelm myself with anything big.

I'm with you Sue; is a bit odd we all got 11-1130 check-in times. Oh well, guess we're the most eager group Last time we did the 11:00 check-in, got Jazzy signed up for the Oceaneers, and were having lunch in Enchanted Garden by 12:05. I hope it goes that quickly this time

I know my group is VERY eager! We can't wait!!!!

 

[Mamaw8]

In 2006 when we sailed on the Wonder we had early dinner seating at 5:30pm and the thing we missed out on was "the leaving of the port". Has anyone else had this happen? Is there a way to wave goodbye on deck and not miss the early dinner seating?

We are treating our Kids & Grands for this cruise and so far our only requirment is that they all join us for family dinner each night. I'm sure everyone will know who we are as seating for 17 at dinner will be noticable.

The Grands were here over Easter and we all worked together on the "Pikie Treats" which they really got into. Each Grand had a diffrent idea of what they wanted to put in the treat bags, so that was good.

Can't wait!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

WOOHOO-getting so much closer

I think it's awesome that we all (so far?) have gotten 11:00-11:30 port arrival time! I'm pretty sure we'll just have DH drop off the car in the morning and then come back to the hotel and we all leave together from there.

I was thinking about the different autographed items they will do and I really like the idea of the picture mat and then take a picture from the cruise inside of if and hang up after you're home. I might do a white one so all the colors show up. So you basically buy everything, put it in a bag and drop off at "customer service" and then it's returned to your stateroom later on in the week? I've also read people drop off treats for doing this. Do you guys? A bag of candy or chips?

We are working on our FE gifts now and finishing them up. My DH is custom making something I came up with so hopefully he can get those done little by little as we get closer. Can't wait!

Heather

 

[JanDave]

Wow, time is going fast - or at least I think so!

For FE participants, here's a link to the FE list:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtGXEvV6fwSZdENVQzhBN0g1ZmQ1RmFWMXliOVNTcFE#gid=0

It's not complete, as we need info from Mamaw8 regarding her group and also from sewsweet.

If all of Mamaw8's and all of sewsweet's families participate, we'll have 14 participating staterooms. Do we split the group in half or keep it as one group - 13 staterooms to plan for? Please let me know! Cut off is May 1 for anyone who is thinking of joining the FE group.

Jan

 

[JanDave]

FE List update:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtGXEvV6fwSZdENVQzhBN0g1ZmQ1RmFWMXliOVNTcFE#gid=0

Jan

 

[Mamaw8]

We have the following rooms:
9076 Mamaw8 & Papaw8- no permenate sleepover kids

9070 Daddy(Tim),Mommy(Dez),Caileeage 2(peanut allergy) female,Kyren 5male, Kaleb 9 male

9072 Auntie Tracy-No kids

9080 Daddy(Devon), Mommy(Kristen), Cameron 7 male, Makyla 5 female

9068 Daddy (Jeff) Peanut allergy,Mommy (Melissa), Elijah (Eli) 10 male(Peanut allergy),Casey 7 female (also tree nuts)

We will have FE and items from each room.

So that's all folks!

 

[Mamaw8]

Oh I forgot my vote is to keep it all together but we'll go with whatever the group thinks.

PS If anyone had a Party City in their home area they super marked down allot of stuff yesterday...lot's of goodie for FE! Happy Shopping

 

[NickyDa]

In 2006 when we sailed on the Wonder we had early dinner seating at 5:30pm and the thing we missed out on was "the leaving of the port". Has anyone else had this happen? Is there a way to wave goodbye on deck and not miss the early dinner seating?

We are treating our Kids & Grands for this cruise and so far our only requirment is that they all join us for family dinner each night. I'm sure everyone will know who we are as seating for 17 at dinner will be noticable.

The Grands were here over Easter and we all worked together on the "Pikie Treats" which they really got into. Each Grand had a diffrent idea of what they wanted to put in the treat bags, so that was good.

Can't wait!

We had the 530 seating last time and feel like our day was cut so short because we always needed to stop and get ready for dinner. Sorry no suggestions for getting to wave goodbye on the deck.

This will be the first time we get a chance to take part in the departure festivities. It was raining last time so our safety drill and departure were pushed back almost an hour. We sat down to dinner in the Royal Palace, were served our appetizers, and the ship started to pull away At least we were by a port hole and a little bit of a view

I also noticed you are in Melbourne!! We are just up the road in south Titusville

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Wow, time is going fast - or at least I think so!

For FE participants, here's a link to the FE list:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtGXEvV6fwSZdENVQzhBN0g1ZmQ1RmFWMXliOVNTcFE#gid=0

It's not complete, as we need info from Mamaw8 regarding her group and also from sewsweet.

If all of Mamaw8's and all of sewsweet's families participate, we'll have 14 participating staterooms. Do we split the group in half or keep it as one group - 13 staterooms to plan for? Please let me know! Cut off is May 1 for anyone who is thinking of joining the FE group.

Jan

We are okay keeping it at the 13/14 if needed. We could still get others to join our thread before 5/1 and it might end up being split at that point. I know you have this under control Jan - thanks for all your help!

Have a great day everyone,
Heather

 

[SueTGGR]

It looks like the High Tea @ Palo is being taken away. Make sure you go before it is gone. Read on:
http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/sho...eliminate-Palo-High-Tea&p=1723395#post1723395

 

[JanDave]

Sue, as many DCL cruises that I've been on, I have never done high tea. We talk about it, think about it and don't reserve.

Jan

 

[JanDave]

We have 12 FE staterooms!!! We won't split the group unless we get several more add on staterooms.

Here's the link to the updated list:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtGXEvV6fwSZdENVQzhBN0g1ZmQ1RmFWMXliOVNTcFE#gid=0

Please let me know of any additions/corrections.

At this time in 9 weeks, 3 days, we will have just watched us leaving port, waving to those along the waterfront, and heading to our stateroom getting ready for early dining.

Jan

 

[sewsweet]

We have 12 FE staterooms!!! We won't split the group unless we get several more add on staterooms.

Here's the link to the updated list:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtGXEvV6fwSZdENVQzhBN0g1ZmQ1RmFWMXliOVNTcFE#gid=0

Please let me know of any additions/corrections.

At this time in 9 weeks, 3 days, we will have just watched us leaving port, waving to those along the waterfront, and heading to our stateroom getting ready for early dining.

Jan

Well I have my last two join us now too. They saw me working on my gifts and they wanted to take part. I will PM you the details. That is IT from me!

Stephanie

 

[JanDave]

Another post with the most current FE info:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtGXEvV6fwSZdENVQzhBN0g1ZmQ1RmFWMXliOVNTcFE#gid=0

We have 14 participating cabins. What fun!

As others have suggested to me, if we get more than 14 participating cabins, we will divide the group into two. OK?

Jan

 

[sewsweet]

We are getting really, really excited now!
I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

We are traveling with teenagers and the one almost had a heart attack when I told her that there would be no internet on the ship. She said "what about in the teen club?" I said that I didn't know but I would check.

Does anyone know? I know it is a cost when you use your own computer or cell phone, but what about the Disney computers in the clubs?

Also, given our track record with vacations, what does the cruiseline do if it rains at either Castaway Cay or the Bahamas? What about the ship? Are the pools and outside areas open on the ship?

What currency do they accept in the Bahamas? U.S.?

I know I will have more. With this being our first cruise, I'm a little OCD in planning.

thanks!
Stephanie

 

[JanDave]

We are getting really, really excited now!
I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

We are traveling with teenagers and the one almost had a heart attack when I told her that there would be no internet on the ship. She said "what about in the teen club?" I said that I didn't know but I would check.

Does anyone know? I know it is a cost when you use your own computer or cell phone, but what about the Disney computers in the clubs?


In November 2010, we were on the Wonder and docked at Nassau. We walked into a bar near the water and I was able to use the internet - 15 minutes free!

Here's info about the Vibe from DCL's website.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/dream/youth-clubs/vibe/

Perhaps Nicky can add info about computers on the Dream. I know the Wonder and Magic have banks of computers in the Promenade Lounge available for a fee - by packages of minutes or for length of cruise.



Also, given our track record with vacations, what does the cruiseline do if it rains at either Castaway Cay or the Bahamas? What about the ship? Are the pools and outside areas open on the ship?

As long as the ship can dock, we will be at port rain or shine.

The pools and designated restaurants are open on the ship while at port.

The ship's gift shops are open only when at sea, not when docked.



What currency do they accept in the Bahamas? U.S.?

I use US dollars in the Bahamas when I need to use cash; otherwise I use a credit card for purchases.

Jan

 

[JanDave]

Stephanie,

Just found info about cyber cafes in Nassau. This article also talks about currency. I just checked a currency converter website - $1.00 US = $1.00 Bahamian

Here's the link:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=3


Jan

 

[NickyDa]

We are getting really, really excited now!
I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

We are traveling with teenagers and the one almost had a heart attack when I told her that there would be no internet on the ship. She said "what about in the teen club?" I said that I didn't know but I would check.

Does anyone know? I know it is a cost when you use your own computer or cell phone, but what about the Disney computers in the clubs?


In November 2010, we were on the Wonder and docked at Nassau. We walked into a bar near the water and I was able to use the internet - 15 minutes free!



Here's info about the Vibe from DCL's website.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/dream/youth-clubs/vibe/

Perhaps Nicky can add info about computers on the Dream. I know the Wonder and Magic have banks of computers in the Promenade Lounge available for a fee - by packages of minutes or for length of cruise.



Also, given our track record with vacations, what does the cruiseline do if it rains at either Castaway Cay or the Bahamas? What about the ship? Are the pools and outside areas open on the ship?

As long as the ship can dock, we will be at port rain or shine.

The pools and designated restaurants are open on the ship while at port.

The ship's gift shops are open only when at sea, not when docked.



What currency do they accept in the Bahamas? U.S.?

I use US dollars in the Bahamas when I need to use cash; otherwise I use a credit card for purchases.

Jan

Yes, I asked our son and he only remembers being able to play pre-loaded video games in Vibe. Sorry not FREE internet access. It is a tough time for teenagers I was worried about being disconnected from the world (and work) without internet, but you find so much to do on the boat, you kinda forget about it There is internet on the boat, but you will pay $0.75 per minute or buy packages in increments from 50 - 75 - 100 -250 minutes. Not worth it in my opinion You already paid for fun and relaxation so do what's already included in the price.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mamaw8]

What page is the listing of the FE participants on? I want to start putting the things together and was wondering if there was a listing with rooms, kids ect.
I know OCD but my kids will be in town for Father's day so don't want to leave everything for the last minute.