EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[dthogue]

I'm taking dd to see Big Time Rush at Hersheypark this summer...reminds me to buy my ear plugs now....

That sounds like fun - what a good Mom you are - enjoy the concert!!

 

[dthogue]

OK, thanks for the info on the FE! I need to go back and look for all the various things to sign up for and get our activities squared away.

Speaking of activity...who plans on doing some kind of exercise while on the ship? DH and I were just laughing about a memory from our honeymoon resort....I'd never been on a vacation like that, and I looked up and saw a huge glass window lined with treadmills and the like and I said, "Who would want to exercise while on vacation?"

But, 14 full days of meals on the ship is too much gluttony, even for me. So, exercise it is. I reviewed that section of the DCL website but it was pretty brief. Does anyone know what the cost is for using the gym (just alone, no trainer) or taking the classes?

My plan is to get to the gym or jog the track each morning. We will also avoid the steps and walk as much as possible. I would love to take a class or two since we will have so much time on the ship.

As for eating, my plan is to "sample" and share and not eat the whole order of chicken strips or hamburger - we'll see how that goes

There's no charge to use the gym. It's actually relaxing. The girls bring their soccer ball and we go up on top and play soccer and basketball. We also try to avoid using the elevator and use the stairs when we can. I'm not into running but my little on (Autumn) is so she'll go to deck 4 and run it 3 times for a mile. She was surprised how much longer it took her to run a mile on board as compared to at the beach. If you go in the morning there aren't as many people. Same thing with the gym. I always seem to be hungrier and eat more when I exercise so that's a win - win for me!

The girls are counting the days till we sail. (208 if you've lost count) Last week Summer had 212 written on her hand. It's going to be a long 7 months.

Guess you told your girls about the cruise - I'm sure they were excited
I love the countdown written on your DD's hand - maybe I should try that too! PM me if your girls would like to email with my DD (13) to get to know each other before the cruise.

 

[skoi]

Anyone who's cruised the Wonder recently-- do you have any suggestions for servers? We usually as for the same server/ head server when we cruise. We have a few we keep in touch with, but they're all on the Fantasy.

Our one cruise on the Wonder our server was really bad, and it didn't leave a good impression (but not bad enough that we're never sailing the Wonder again).

 

[bugsgrandma]

Anyone who's cruised the Wonder recently-- do you have any suggestions for servers? We usually as for the same server/ head server when we cruise. We have a few we keep in touch with, but they're all on the Fantasy.

Our one cruise on the Wonder our server was really bad, and it didn't leave a good impression (but not bad enough that we're never sailing the Wonder again).

Can you give me some ideas for the servers you had that are on the Fantasy now? We are going on the Fantasy and hopefully can find some good servers there.

I have never been on the Wonder, so sorry, I can't help on servers there. I have only travelled on the Magic before.

 

[skoi]

Can you give me some ideas for the servers you had that are on the Fantasy now? We are going on the Fantasy and hopefully can find some good servers there.

I have never been on the Wonder, so sorry, I can't help on servers there. I have only travelled on the Magic before.

There are two excellent servers we know on the Fantasy-- Igor S from Serbia (he's our usual guy) and Simoune from the Philippines. Igor is very funny and laid back, and Simoune is very efficient, and knows the menu so well. He would always bring us what he was sure we'd like if we didn't order it-- and his choices were always better.

Also- there's a head server (I hear he's there, and then I hear he's not) named Zan G from Macedonia. His wife works at Palo. He was our server years ago and we've followed him as he worked his way up until we missed him on vacation one year, and we ended up with Igor. Love them both, so it'll be a hard choice this September...

 

[skoi]

I sent everyone on my list a pm to double check on names.

If you didn't get one and told me you wanted to go-- I apologize. I must have missed your name on the board or lost your pm.

Also-- if anyone new is interested you're more than welcome.

Haven't looked into a private guide at Cartagena though I've read this is the way to go. I have read a few reviews of guides on trip advisor but haven't really pursued it yet. Anyone know what they're doing in that port?

 

[dededisney]

Anyone who's cruised the Wonder recently-- do you have any suggestions for servers? We usually as for the same server/ head server when we cruise. We have a few we keep in touch with, but they're all on the Fantasy.

Our one cruise on the Wonder our server was really bad, and it didn't leave a good impression (but not bad enough that we're never sailing the Wonder again).

I would like to know this as well. I am still holding out hope that Terry Couch is still a server and Witt Tuncharoen is still a head server on board the Wonder. If anybody can confirm this, I would appreciate it.

 

[BethC1952]

Witt was our assistant server many years ago. We loved him!

Beth

 

[bugsgrandma]

There are two excellent servers we know on the Fantasy-- Igor S from Serbia (he's our usual guy) and Simoune from the Philippines. Igor is very funny and laid back, and Simoune is very efficient, and knows the menu so well. He would always bring us what he was sure we'd like if we didn't order it-- and his choices were always better.

Also- there's a head server (I hear he's there, and then I hear he's not) named Zan G from Macedonia. His wife works at Palo. He was our server years ago and we've followed him as he worked his way up until we missed him on vacation one year, and we ended up with Igor. Love them both, so it'll be a hard choice this September...

Thanks so much for the info. I don't remember either of these from the cruises we have been on so far. May try to request them on our cruise if that can be done. We are traveling with 10 in the party and may have trouble getting specific servers if they have more requests.

 

[dthogue]

I sent everyone on my list a pm to double check on names.

If you didn't get one and told me you wanted to go-- I apologize. I must have missed your name on the board or lost your pm.

Also-- if anyone new is interested you're more than welcome.

Haven't looked into a private guide at Cartagena though I've read this is the way to go. I have read a few reviews of guides on trip advisor but haven't really pursued it yet. Anyone know what they're doing in that port?

Hi Julie,

sent you a Pm - we are interested in the Ruins tour! Thanks,

 

[dededisney]

Witt was our assistant server many years ago. We loved him!

Beth

Wow, can't believe he went from Asst server, to server, then to Head server in just a couple of years. That was the 1st time we felt the Head server really earned his tip (and we even gave him more than was suggested). On our past cruises, we maybe saw the head server on the last night. But Witt was always around and would find us even at BBB and make sure we had everything we needed.

 

[elderfam]

Hi guys...

Do we have a facebook group?

Thanks!
Cynthia

 

[elderfam]

Hi guys...

Do we have a facebook group?

Thanks!
Cynthia

Found it!

 

[dededisney]

So, just wanted to see if any of the California residents were entering the contest I posted the link for...I hope you are! DH just won 4 passes to the Carsland media preview day on June 14! We'll be going down now 2 times in June...we are so excited to see what they have planned that day. Play at different times of the day as well...they pick the winners at random times. Have fun! Now I have to keep entering the DCL game to hopefully keep up the winning streak

 

[LindaBabe]

Just back from Hawaii. As you see by my signature, I am definitely "IN" on this cruise - as a solo, since it's ski season. I NEED some sunny sea days!

Yep, that's about it . Some people deliver small things more than once to every cabin on their list (like port-specific magnets or postcards delivered on the days we're in each port), while others deliver once (esp. for bigger gifts like tote bags, jewelry items, etc). On our last cruise (WBTA), my DD made fabric bottle covers, and I made little decorated tins full of personalized m&m's (in addition to candy for a candy swap). We made bags for each child with age-appropriate things, but the covers/candy tins were per cabin, not per person. Regardless of what you decide, it is sooo much fun just to find goodies in your FE every day. My DH is like a big kid, and he enjoys it just as much as any child does! We both like walking the ship to make the deliveries, if only to see everyone's door decorations and FEs (a good excuse for exercise, too ).

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make them SMALL, LIGHTweight, FLAT, or consumable! We got tons of wonderful stuff on the Hawaii cruise - really creative, clever things, but there were a few where one had to wonder WHAT the givers were thinking. Trust me on this one - if your gift is bulky or heavy, however clever or well made, it *will not* be going home with the recipients. Along with other lovely things, the surprise hit was an amazingly useful collapsible but sturdy box tray for carrying drinks from the drink station.

Anyone who's cruised the Wonder recently-- do you have any suggestions for servers? We usually as for the same server/ head server when we cruise. We have a few we keep in touch with, but they're all on the Fantasy.

Our one cruise on the Wonder our server was really bad, and it didn't leave a good impression (but not bad enough that we're never sailing the Wonder again).

We really enjoyed our servers this time - Chakapong (server), Wiera (assistant) and the always fabulous Harry (head). They were good and they were fun. I also Like Dee from China from the pc last year.

 

[skoi]

We really enjoyed our servers this time - Chakapong (server), Wiera (assistant) and the always fabulous Harry (head). They were good and they were fun. I also Like Dee from China from the pc last year.

Thanks. We sailed the Wonder once-- a four night out of PC in 2010. Our server and head server were horrible. I mean- just flat out horrible. The asst server was new (so was the server, but he was rude, and didn't even stay for breakfast the last day- saying he was too tired and going to take a nap and left the assistant server to handle all the tables herself.) The head server apologized for how horrible the service had been the last night, and said he hoped they'd get better, but they were horrible and he knew it.

Now we're in contact with a few servers/head servers off the ship. When I told Igor (mentioned above-- a great server and he was a "fill in" because our first choice Zan was on vacation) he was horrified. "No way-- he said that? Did he lift a tray and help them? Clear a dish?" The answer was "No, he didn't." He was outraged. And as head server Zan is always picking up the slack for his crews we were surprised this guy didn't. Doesn't think twice about serving, refilling an empty drink, bringing an extra dessert he thinks you'll like, or clearing a table.

After our really bad experience on the Wonder (wrong entrees several times and the server being snippy about it), being the last ones in the dining room because the food isn't served I was really surprised dh agreed to the cruise. He said he'd never cruise the Wonder again, but he's a good husband who knows my dream is the PC on Disney.

Now if I can just convince my sister and brother-in-law to come...

 

[LindaBabe]

. . . Now we're in contact with a few servers/head servers off the ship. When I told Igor (mentioned above-- a great server and he was a "fill in" because our first choice Zan was on vacation) he was horrified. "No way-- he said that? Did he lift a tray and help them? Clear a dish?" The answer was "No, he didn't." He was outraged. And as head server Zan is always picking up the slack for his crews we were surprised this guy didn't. Doesn't think twice about serving, refilling an empty drink, bringing an extra dessert he thinks you'll like, or clearing a table.
. . .

That's exactly what I like about Harry! He always says "Never fear, Harry's here!" and what he does is lend a hand, where ever needed, including clearing plates and pouring water.

 

[skoi]

That's exactly what I like about Harry! He always says "Never fear, Harry's here!" and what he does is lend a hand, where ever needed, including clearing plates and pouring water.

Making me think I really want to request him on this trip. A good head server will assure everything runs smoothly-- even if you have a server/asst server who's not up to the job.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Still unpacking, so I haven't had time to read the pages I've missed. Forgive me if this has been asked before.

Anyone flying out of Ft. Lauderdale? My TA has recommended a shuttle service, but they want more than one person in their vans - looking to share with someone. It appears to be significantly less expensive than Disney transfers, which I don't even know if they go to FLL. http://www.ridesas.com/html/rates.html

Also, if you are flying into LA the day before, where are you staying? I know the group at the Double tree had a good experience last year, and that's what I'm currently thinking. (For one night, it's not really worth the double car fare for me to go to DL)

Happy Day, ALL!

 

[JessicasMom]

Hey Everyone!

I'm sure most of you already know this, but DL rates are going up on 5/20. For a one-day pass (no hopper), the difference will only be $7 pp (adult), but the multi-day or hopper passers will obviously see a larger increase. I'm thinking about buying online today....hmmm....what to do, what to do. If I can't go, I don't want to get stuck with passes I can't use...decisions, decisions.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make them SMALL, LIGHTweight, FLAT, or consumable! We got tons of wonderful stuff on the Hawaii cruise - really creative, clever things, but there were a few where one had to wonder WHAT the givers were thinking. Trust me on this one - if your gift is bulky or heavy, however clever or well made, it *will not* be going home with the recipients. Along with other lovely things, the surprise hit was an amazingly useful collapsible but sturdy box tray for carrying drinks from the drink station.

YES! I'm amazed at some of the ideas people have on the FE threads, but smaller is definitely better! Funny, I've thought about the beverage carrier (from McD's or any other) for ourselves, but never as a gift. Hmmmm.