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

[dthogue]

On the recent Hawaii, they had the kids meet on the sports deck on the first sea day.

That is a great idea!

Great idea! We missed our cruise meet on our Mexican Riviera cruise because it coincided with the lifeboat drill, which as first-timers we felt compelled to attend.

Well that wasn't a good time to schedule a meet - I thought the lifeboat drill was mandatory for everyone

 

[WVURunner]

Looks like the IGT rate is gone again. I was trying to talk more of my family into booking it today. Glad we cancelled our existing reservation and rebooked the IGT rate last night!

 

[Travelbee]

Yes, we were on the May 15, 2010 Mediterranean cruise and yes, Hunter (12 yo, 7th grade) is homeshooled. You have an terrific memory! I reognized your name immediately and we are looking forward to seeing you again.

We did not take the 2011 Panama cruise but we did have an amazing 22 day vacation! We spent 10 days in a beautiful villa at Atlantis in the Bahamas, 7 days on a Western Carribean cruise, then 5 additional days in a gorgeous villa in Orlando. It was an extraordinary trip but nothing beats the Mediterranean cruise and we still talk about it all the time.

Definitely looking forward to seeing a familiar face! I remembered how I wish Allison is homeschooled too so we can vacation off-season. We have very fond memories of the med cruise too. Too bad those rates ($999 pp for Cat 12 - with KSF) will never come around again. I'm convinced that DCL missed the loophole when they allowed those specials to be combined. And wow - 22-day vacation! The med was our longest (19 days) and our bosses nearly had a heart attack when we put in for that long.

adnil530 and Schepp both have daughters that are 11. We will for sure be in on the FE too, I just haven't had time to send a pm yet. I'm thinking I still have plenty of time. I'm last minute on everything.

Maybe we can get the kids to email each other maybe a month prior to the cruise?

We were also on that sailing! I had yet to discover the disboards but a member in our group was and kept us informed of everything. I am hoping this cruise will be just a wonderful. We always mention the Mediterranean cruise.

Awesome! We can have a mini-reuinion and reminisce about that awesome trip.

On the recent Hawaii, they had the kids meet on the sports deck on the first sea day.

Love that idea!

 

[DVCinderella]

We're planning on visiting Peggy's Cove Village and Lighthouse and the Fairview Cemetery (Titanic Victims) while we're in Halifax and doing the St. John River Cruise in St. John. DH won't do anything but Disney excursions. He has a friend who missed his ship while on a private excursion in Hawaii, and he doesn't want to try that experience for himself! I'm planning on writing a trip report or at least posting pictures when I get back.

We're booked on the Peggy's Cove/Fairview tour too. I would love to hear about that. The Titanic story is so touching, so I couldn't pass this opportunity up (although it does seem a little strange to be doing this on a cruise). Looking forward to your trip report! Please let us know when it is posted.

 

[Moby]

Looks like the IGT rate is gone again. I was trying to talk more of my family into booking it today. Glad we cancelled our existing reservation and rebooked the IGT rate last night!

It is still listed under "Special Offers" so maybe it'll resurface as it did recently.

 

[So Cal Crew]

Maybe we can get the kids to email each other maybe a month prior to the cruise?

We're near the Mall. Maybe we can get Cherry on Top or Cold Stone one day this summer.

 

[abbyar]

FE oh FE, how I love you. But PLEASE, people! BE REALISTIC. Think Small, lightweight and/ or flat or consumable! I continue to be astounded at the size and shape of things people think we will have space and weight allowance to lug home.

I like small too, but please no candy. Once the kids see it it's impossible to get away, and I'm sure they'll be eating enough ice cream and cookies without FEcandy.

As for the M&G, given the number of IGTs and the likelihood cabins will be reassigned we should do at least one general meet so we can note any changes for the FE.

 

[So Cal Crew]

I like small too, but please no candy. Once the kids see it it's impossible to get away, and I'm sure they'll be eating enough ice cream and cookies without FEcandy.

As for the M&G, given the number of IGTs and the likelihood cabins will be reassigned we should do at least one general meet so we can note any changes for the FE.

Now let's not get crazy with the no candy. I was ok when people were giving requests about sizes and weight but I love my candy. The trick is to eat it before the kids see it! : What they don't miss won't hurt them. You can give us whatever you want for an FE Gift. I've never gotten anything that I wanted to return. (I hope people say the same about our gifts) I like to see what other people think is a good gift. What I can't get over is the amount of time, creativity and skills that some people have when they make their gifts. I'll think about it for the next 6 months, then spend another month thinking about buying what I need and where to get it from, then spend an extra $40 to have it shipped over night because our cruise leaves on Sunday and if I don't get it by Friday it will be too late and then I'll spend the first few days of the cruise putting it together so I can deliver it the first week and everyone won't know I just finished them the day before. (Hey, at least I won't wait till we get to Puerto Vallarta and run into town to pick something up from Wal-mart) Yes, welcome to my world! My girlfriend is picky about what she gets and feels bad if she doesn't like something so she doesn't join any more. That's ok too! What ever works for you. I love the pixie dust!

We can hang a sign on our door with the updated cabin #'s if anyone wants us to.

 

[yucaipagal]

Now let's not get crazy with the no candy. I was ok when people were giving requests about sizes and weight but I love my candy. The trick is to eat it before the kids see it! : What they don't miss won't hurt them. You can give us whatever you want for an FE Gift. I've never gotten anything that I wanted to return. (I hope people say the same about our gifts) I like to see what other people think is a good gift. What I can't get over is the amount of time, creativity and skills that some people have when they make their gifts.

I agree I have also been very impressed with the not only the time, creativity and skill that people put in, but the thought too (it takes a lot of thought to find the right thing to buy, trust me I know as I love to shop) I was always taught to not put requirements on a gift, so that is a philosophy that I have lived by for my, well lets not say how many, years. So please feel free to run with any ideas that you may have for the FE gift exchange when it comes to our cabin. I just appreciate your involvement in the FE so that we can add that extra special component to make our cruise so much fun. I love that Disney allows this and there is nothing like this on any other cruise line. My kids eyes light up every day when checking the FE and I have enjoyed everything from pirate temp tattoos/candies to beach bags embroidered with our family name filled with beach goodies and everything imaginable in between. So let's have fun with this FE and a blast on this cruise I can't wait for it to get closer....I love the holiday season

 

[LindaBabe]

I agree I have also been very impressed with the not only the time, creativity and skill that people put in, but the thought too (it takes a lot of thought to find the right thing to buy, trust me I know as I love to shop) I was always taught to not put requirements on a gift, so that is a philosophy that I have lived by for my, well lets not say how many, years. So please feel free to run with any ideas that you may have for the FE gift exchange when it comes to our cabin. I just appreciate your involvement in the FE so that we can add that extra special component to make our cruise so much fun. I love that Disney allows this and there is nothing like this on any other cruise line. My kids eyes light up every day when checking the FE and I have enjoyed everything from pirate temp tattoos/candies to beach bags embroidered with our family name filled with beach goodies and everything imaginable in between. So let's have fun with this FE and a blast on this cruise I can't wait for it to get closer....I love the holiday season

My GOODNEss ! I'm SO sorry I ever mentioned it!I was trying to be helpful, by making practical suggestions. Clearly that was a mistake of epic proportions.

 

[JessicasMom]

Gosh, I miss a couple of days and there are 5 pages to read! Suddenly, we're a chatty bunch .

There is always the option of having separate FE and candy swaps...cabins can join one or the other or both (or neither). Just an idea to break down the "goodies" people from the "not us, please" people .

 

[dthogue]

HEY FE Participants - if you haven't check the online spreadsheet lately, you might too - we are up to 22 cabins participating - woo hoo

I am so excited - have my ladies and men's gifts - have made part of the gifts for the kiddos, have to wait til closer to the cruise to fininsh them! I can't wait!!!!!

 

[abbyar]

Yay! Of course I can't find the email with the link, but we picked out what we'll do this week, now I just have to order the supplies. Exciting!

 

[yucaipagal]

I'm so excited our FE group is getting bigger! I have to stop my obsession of craft searching online and focus on the ones that I have decided on already I have ordered some of the supplies and figure I will begin over the summer. I always set aside at least one day a week as big project craft day during the summer for my kids and my niece and nephews, would it be wrong to get an assembly line going one day during this time, when my sister's kids won't be coming on the trip

I am trying something brand new to me for the kids, so if I blow it at least I will know early enough to hit the Oriental Trading website Okay, I admit I have been checking it out anyway. hehe

 

[schepp]

adnil530 and Schepp both have daughters that are 11. We will for sure be in on the FE too, I just haven't had time to send a pm yet. I'm thinking I still have plenty of time. I'm last minute on everything.

Our daughter Cailey will have her 12th birthday on the cruise. She will be in the 7th grade and would like to email other kids on the cruise. She did that on the B2B with did on the Magic last month and the kids had fun. Anyone interested can PM and the kids can get started.

 

[rach7]

Hi all,

We have just booked on to this cruise after lots of investigating - it's a bit of a major operation from Australia! We are a family of four - me, DH, DD (11), DS (6). I've managed to read through most of your posts - you have all been busy!

We would love to particpate in the FE exchange, and can you please add my name to the Panama Canal certificate list?

Would also love if both my kids could meet some other kids of similar ages via email before we sail - we did this on our Baltic cruise and it made the world of difference to my kid's enjoyment of the holiday. schepp - I'll PM you, as my daughter will be about 6 weeks off turning 12 when we sail. Anyone else interested pls PM me.

Thanks,
Rach

 

[4everluvDisney]

I am seriously thinking of booking this cruise. Is anyone looking to share transfers from the port at Miami to Fort Lauderdale airport??? There will be my husband and myself.

 

[LindaBabe]

GOod Morning, Happy Cruisers!

I am seriously thinking of booking this cruise. Is anyone looking to share transfers from the port at Miami to Fort Lauderdale airport??? There will be my husband and myself.

Yes, I'm trying to put together a group shuttle - please pm your information. It may be that Disney will also run a bus - several people have mentioned their TA put them on a 'list'.

Rainy here, so it will be an indoor day. Scrapbooking is on MY agenda, don't know about DH.

What's happening in your 'neck of the woods'?

Welcome aboard, Rach and family!

 

[Travelbee]

We're near the Mall. Maybe we can get Cherry on Top or Cold Stone one day this summer.

Sounds great! We live about a mile from the mall so we're really close too.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

Thank you to Moby for directing me to this thread. Sailing with DH, DD7 and DD4. This is our first cruise.

I was looking at the excursion for Paradise Village in Puerto Vallarta on the DCL website, which friends of ours have done in the past and highly recommend. It lists the excursion with one hour total travel time (30 min each way), and four hours of fun time. On the MR itinerary the port time is listed as 7:30am-5:30pm. The EBPC itinerary lists the port time as 10:30am-3:30pm. Guessing it's shortened since we have to make the PC by daybreak to get through, as it's one of the shortest days of the year?