DVC Firsts - BCV, MNSSHP, '09 Members Cruise, Kidani

[podsnel]

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! (Sure you've NEVER heard that before! ) So sorry you are dealing with SINUSES (a dirty word, in my house!) get well soon, your TR is so much fun!

Ellen

 

[Crystal_27]

I have had a sinus headache for the past two days. I'm getting to go to my doctor now.

Living in Atlanta, I know exactly how tough allergies can be (and they seem to be getting worse every single year). Feel better.

 

[BigDogHU75]

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! (Sure you've NEVER heard that before! ) So sorry you are dealing with SINUSES (a dirty word, in my house!) get well soon, your TR is so much fun!

Ellen

I have heard Marsha, Marsha, Marsha, many, many times and never tire of it. (Yeah right!) Thank you for the get well wishes.

Living in Atlanta, I know exactly how tough allergies can be (and they seem to be getting worse every single year). Feel better.

This year my sinuses have really been bad. They do seem to get worse every year.

 

[BigDogHU75]

There will be an update tonight! Stay tuned for pictures and tells of Castaway Cay and Pirate Night.

 

[dopeygirl76]

I read your Feb TR with fam and when I came across this one I was so excited!! We leave in 26 days for our first stay at BCV and are going to TRY to get in for the Members Cruise 2010. I was worried about the stateroom sizes especially the bathrooms as DH is a big guy. But after reading your report I feel SO much better. Also is getting the early seating difficult? - my girls are 2 and 5 and late dinner would put a real kink in the plans!

Thanks for sharing - I am going to TRY to do a TR for our trip to BCV - I haven't tried putting pics in yet!!!

 

[BigDogHU75]

I read your Feb TR with fam and when I came across this one I was so excited!! We leave in 26 days for our first stay at BCV and are going to TRY to get in for the Members Cruise 2010. I was worried about the stateroom sizes especially the bathrooms as DH is a big guy. But after reading your report I feel SO much better. Also is getting the early seating difficult? - my girls are 2 and 5 and late dinner would put a real kink in the plans!

Thanks for sharing - I am going to TRY to do a TR for our trip to BCV - I haven't tried putting pics in yet!!!

I am gald you were able to find this one. Thank you for joining me on both trip reports. Please do write a trip report for BCV. I would have enjoyed staying there a little longer to experience the resort more fully.

As you can see, my DH is a big guy and the stateroom was fine with him. The shower was also doable for his 6'5" frame. We were thankful for the detachable shower head.

Early seating was easy to get. I think DCL tends to seat families with small children in early seating.

to you on call-in day. I will be calling in too. If you want, join us in this thread 2010 S.S. Members Cruise - 5 days until call-in

 

[BoosGram]

I am gald you were able to find this one. Thank you for joining me on both trip reports. Please do write a trip report for BCV. I would have enjoyed staying there a little longer to experience the resort more fully.

As you can see, my DH is a big guy and the stateroom was fine with him. The shower was also doable for his 6'5" frame. We were thankful for the detachable shower head.

Early seating was easy to get. I think DCL tends to seat families with small children in early seating.

to you on call-in day. I will be calling in too. If you want, join us in this thread 2010 S.S. Members Cruise - 5 days until call-in

Marsha, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get the 2010 member's cruise. I loved Lisa's idea of the 2011 member's cruise being on the Dream. Wouldn't that just be the best?!? I know I'm ready!

 

[BigDogHU75]

Marsha, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get the 2010 member's cruise. I loved Lisa's idea of the 2011 member's cruise being on the Dream. Wouldn't that just be the best?!? I know I'm ready!

Thank you. I too like Lisa's idea. I am not sure DH would be up for it. We are planning a cruise with our friends in 2011. But, I would love to do a reunion's cruise.

 

[BigDogHU75]

After a restful night sleep, we woke up and got dressed. We were not yet docked at Castaway Cay.

Our plan was to head to the Walt Disney Theatre to see Drawn To Vacation. When we arrived in our room yesterday, there were tickets to this “show” in our stateroom. We would be the first half of this ship to experience this. Now, being the naïve family that we were, we did not know what to expect. We thought it would be an actual show. The title should have given it away. We headed to the show and arrived right before it began. We were welcomed by DVC and I guess RCI reps, took our seat, and the show began. The show lasted about 1 hour though it seemed longer with DS who was not a happy camper. Note to self: feed the boy first! He liked seeing some of the clips showed, especially the one detailing the new plan for a Cars attraction at Disneyland. They also showed Deevy’s “trip to Africa” which was really some highlights of Kidani. He also liked some of the singing. However, it was not enough to hold his attention for an hour. I missed the incentives they were offering. We were given RCI pins when the show was over. Three vacations were given away but you did not need to be present to win. I wish the show was shorter and they had told us of the incentives in the beginning. Then, we could have disembarked for a day at Castaway Cay.

After the show, we went back to the room. We were docked at Castaway Cay by this time. We perused the navigator and the day’s activities to find out when lunch on Castaway Cay would begin.

We were forewarned that construction was taking place on the island in preparation for the new ships.

While waiting for lunch time to draw near, I decided to deliver some of my FE gifts.

My FE gift to my fellow cruise mates who participated in the FE exchange included at least one postcard with a recipe on it (either for Maryland Crab Soup or Crab Cakes), soap in the shape of a crab, a pencil detailing some facts about MD, Goetz caramel candy which is manufactured in where else but MD, and some saltwater taffy. My theme if you have not figured it out by now was a bringing a little bit of MD to you. After delivering some of my gifts, we changed into our beach attire. It was at this time that I had discovered that I had left the all important sunscreen at home. I did have the stick sunscreen that I applied liberally to DS and to DH (or so I thought). Now, we were ready to head to Castaway Cay.

 

[BigDogHU75]

It was a beautiful day.

Since we were so hungry, we hopped on the tram right away and headed to Cookies BBQ.

The food at Cookies was very good.

While we were eating, it started to rain but, it soon passed. By the time we were done eating, the shower was over. The Castaway Cay signature drink was a Konk Cooler. Because it was raining, they offered a 2 for 1 drink special. So, we headed to the family beach. The water was a little choppy but DS loved it just the same. DH & I grabbed a couple of chairs and put them in the water and just sat. Some waves did splash us in the face a couple of times but we did not care. WE were enjoying the warmth and the water. DS was enjoying picking up the seashells and throwing them back in the water. He also liked sitting in our laps and getting splashed by the waves.

After spending some time of the beach, we headed back to the boat. Before making our way to the tram we did purchase two Konk Koolers and they were still 2 for 1. Once we arrived at the ship crew members were there with towels to make sure we were dry. What a nice touch.

When we arrived back to the room, there were some gifts waiting for us.

The book included scenes that were cut from movies like Snow White.

Here is our view from our porthole:

I gave DS a bath and put him down for a nap. He was out in no time. DH & I rested and then prepared for the night’s dinner. We would be dining at Animator’s Palate and it was Pirate Night.

 

[djstweety]

Marsha, your trip report is wonderful.

We were also on the cruise with you, I saw you a few times. And I enjoyed my FE gifts a lot.

Good luck on your booking of the 2010 SSMC cruise, we will not be calling in this time. Maybe we will be able to book 2011.

 

[757hokie]

Marsha, just wanted to let you know that I'm following along too! Great trip report...can't wait to hear how you all enjoyed AKV, my family's home resort! Out of curiosity, where in MD do you live? I grew up in Rockville. Hope you're feeling better and I hope young Jack Sparrow had fun on Halloween!

 

[BigDogHU75]

Marsha, your trip report is wonderful.

We were also on the cruise with you, I saw you a few times. And I enjoyed my FE gifts a lot.

Good luck on your booking of the 2010 SSMC cruise, we will not be calling in this time. Maybe we will be able to book 2011.

Hi Dianne. Thank you for reading along. I wish I was able to talk with you and a lot of the people from our thread. Thanks for the well wishes for call-in day. Hopefully, a '10 reunion cruise can happen for all of us.

Marsha, just wanted to let you know that I'm following along too! Great trip report...can't wait to hear how you all enjoyed AKV, my family's home resort! Out of curiosity, where in MD do you live? I grew up in Rockville. Hope you're feeling better and I hope young Jack Sparrow had fun on Halloween!

Thank you for following along and letting me know that you are. I am always curious if there are readers out there not posting because I know I do that a lot.
I live in Southern MD near Patuxent River Naval Base. I am a transplant here originally from NJ.

 

[toniosmom]

I have never cruised DCL and am intrigued by the FE gifts. Can someone please explain what that's all about? Sounds like fun!
Thanks!

 

[BoosGram]

I have never cruised DCL and am intrigued by the FE gifts. Can someone please explain what that's all about? Sounds like fun!
Thanks!

Outside each cabin about 5' or so off the ground is a metallic fish that is used by the crew members to leave messages for you (usually in an envelope). And then one day a DISser got the idea to hang a little banner w/pockets for people to leave notes and such, and since it hangs from the fish, it's called a fish extender. Since then the idea has flourished, and many cruise groups start collecting names of people who will be cruising together and they all exchange gifts via the FE. The gifts vary in range from candy to handmade things like bookmarks or magnets to things that relate to the state they're from. We've even gotten a CD w/DL music. It's amazing how creative some folks are.

 

[toniosmom]

Outside each cabin about 5' or so off the ground is a metallic fish that is used by the crew members to leave messages for you (usually in an envelope). And then one day a DISser got the idea to hang a little banner w/pockets for people to leave notes and such, and since it hangs from the fish, it's called a fish extender. Since then the idea has flourished, and many cruise groups start collecting names of people who will be cruising together and they all exchange gifts via the FE. The gifts vary in range from candy to handmade things like bookmarks or magnets to things that relate to the state they're from. We've even gotten a CD w/DL music. It's amazing how creative some folks are.

Wow...that sounds so awesome! Thanks -- I have not yet sailed DCL but hope to do so on the Dream in 2011. I am definitely going to participate -- my son would LOVE it. Can you buy a fish extender or do I have to drag out the crappy old sewing machine and make one?

 

[BoosGram]

Wow...that sounds so awesome! Thanks -- I have not yet sailed DCL but hope to do so on the Dream in 2011. I am definitely going to participate -- my son would LOVE it. Can you buy a fish extender or do I have to drag out the crappy old sewing machine and make one?

You can go either way; there is no set standard for these things. Just remember not to make or get it too wide because I think the panel where it will hang is only around 8" wide or so. I got mine on eBay but a lot of people get very creative w/theirs. I have to say we really enjoyed coming back to our cabin and finding treasures in our FE. As a reader, I love the bookmarks, whereas my DGDs love the duckies we got. And someone from Maryland gave us some great gifts . It was a lot of fun.

 

[figment41]

Hello I am just joining your TR. IT ihas been great. We have DD who is just starting to have those melt downs so we understand them. I t looks like yo had a wonderful time. I can not wait to read more.

MY DH and I are considering the members cruise and was wondering if you thought the extra money for the memberscruise was worth it over a regular disney cruise. We just joined DVC so we do not know what to expect. Also how long were you on hold last year to sign up??
TIA

 

[Crystal_27]

My FE gift to my fellow cruise mates who participated in the FE exchange included at least one postcard with a recipe on it (either for Maryland Crab Soup or Crab Cakes), soap in the shape of a crab, a pencil detailing some facts about MD, Goetz caramel candy which is manufactured in where else but MD, and some saltwater taffy. My theme if you have not figured it out by now was a bringing a little bit of MD to you.

What a great FE idea!! Very creative!!

On our cruise, we had almost 40 cabins participating in our FE exchange so it was quite the group (but DD loved that every time we passed our room we had lots of goodies).

Sounds like you guys had a wonderful Castaway Cay day (and it sounds like even the rain was an added bonus since they were offering free drinks - LOLOLOL).

 

[BigDogHU75]

I have never cruised DCL and am intrigued by the FE gifts. Can someone please explain what that's all about? Sounds like fun!
Thanks!

For more info, you can also visit the following links:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

Outside each cabin about 5' or so off the ground is a metallic fish that is used by the crew members to leave messages for you (usually in an envelope). And then one day a DISser got the idea to hang a little banner w/pockets for people to leave notes and such, and since it hangs from the fish, it's called a fish extender. Since then the idea has flourished, and many cruise groups start collecting names of people who will be cruising together and they all exchange gifts via the FE. The gifts vary in range from candy to handmade things like bookmarks or magnets to things that relate to the state they're from. We've even gotten a CD w/DL music. It's amazing how creative some folks are.

Thank you for the explanation Joanne. I did not know how it began.

Wow...that sounds so awesome! Thanks -- I have not yet sailed DCL but hope to do so on the Dream in 2011. I am definitely going to participate -- my son would LOVE it. Can you buy a fish extender or do I have to drag out the crappy old sewing machine and make one?

I too purchased mine off of ebay since I don't sew at all.

You can go either way; there is no set standard for these things. Just remember not to make or get it too wide because I think the panel where it will hang is only around 8" wide or so. I got mine on eBay but a lot of people get very creative w/theirs. I have to say we really enjoyed coming back to our cabin and finding treasures in our FE. As a reader, I love the bookmarks, whereas my DGDs love the duckies we got. And someone from Maryland gave us some great gifts . It was a lot of fun.

I wonder who?

Hello I am just joining your TR. IT ihas been great. We have DD who is just starting to have those melt downs so we understand them. I t looks like yo had a wonderful time. I can not wait to read more.

MY DH and I are considering the members cruise and was wondering if you thought the extra money for the memberscruise was worth it over a regular disney cruise. We just joined DVC so we do not know what to expect. Also how long were you on hold last year to sign up??
TIA

From dialing in to receiving my reservation number took almost two hours for me. I had no complaints about spending the extra money. Gratuity was included. Of course, if you want you can add more at the end of the cruise. I enjoyed the gifts that we received. Overall, it was worth it to me.

For the others who were also on the cruise, please feel free to answer this question.

If you do decide to call-in or have anymore questions, please join us on this thread: SS Members Cruise Call-in thread
I will be calling in again.

What a great FE idea!! Very creative!!
Thank you.

On our cruise, we had almost 40 cabins participating in our FE exchange so it was quite the group (but DD loved that every time we passed our room we had lots of goodies).
We had about 35 cabins and every time I came back to the room the FE was full.
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful Castaway Cay day (and it sounds like even the rain was an added bonus since they were offering free drinks - LOLOLOL).

We had a wonderful time at Castaway Cay. Even the rain couldn't stop us.