Hi all! It's been forever since I've been on the boards! I've been gone for about three weeks and am finally feeling like I'm getting back into a routine. (I tend to "unplug" when I'm with the kiddos or traveling.) :good vibes
We started the summer out camping at the lake, then off to our whirlwind tour with my son's orchestra (Joplin, Mempis and Nashville), and then DD and I spent a week in the Keys with some friends. I have to tell you, that made us SOOOOO excited for the cruise! I forgot how beautiful the water is and the diving was great!
I tried to catch up on the tread, but sorry if I forgot anyone.
First of all, a big

to those that have recently joined us! We are going to have sooooo much fun!
One more week and I'll be home from OSU for the summer!!!!
Heres hoping everyone has a spectacular Memorial Day weekend!!
-Matt
I'm glad you are back home Matt. I hope that you are enjoying college!
After many hours of discussion, my DH & I have decided to switch to this cruise from the Eastern the following week. Our DD will be starting high school in the fall. She is a pretty good field hockey player & would miss the first 3 & most important days of field hockey practice for the high school team. Instead of jeopardizing her chances, we decided to move our cruise up a week. Since I haven't had time to read the whole thread yet, can someone give me a brief summary? I promise I'll catch up this weekend!
Debbie
Glad to have you! I understand about high school sports. The kids need every advantage they can get in this competitive world. What year is she?
Hi there -- kind of late to the party, but not too late! We just booked the 8/4 cruise and have spent all weekend talking about it. I will be going with my 3 DD 15, 13, and 9. The 15 year old will be turning 16 on the last day -- 8/11. I know that we need to get on the ball with shore excursions, can I get some recommendations? So far the requests have been for snorkeling and for swimming with the dolphins.
BTW - sorry for the newbie question - but what is a FE??
So excited!!!
Glad to have you as well!
I'm not sure if anyone answered you or not about what an FE is.

If no one has, I'll do my best. An FE is a gift exchange or secret santa kind of thing that families do on a
Disney cruise. FE stands for fish extender which is where you hang your bag or pockets from to collect the gifts. Some families purchase little things, some make their gifts. You can give one per cabin or per person or whatever you would like. You can deliver one day or everyday. It's totally up to you! We'd love it if you would join! It will be fun!
I started this thread last year but have not kept up with it very well.....sorry

I changed to VGT rooms last week so now I get to nervously wait for my room assignments. We are also staying the night before at the new Art of Animation hotel. I am on the fence about joining the FE group. This is my first cruise ever and I'm wondering if the FE stuff might overwhelm me....
Good luck with the VGT!
Oh you should join the FE! Just keep it simple and have fun! You don't have to go crazy with it. Hang a canvas bag, just do one gift per cabin....... We'd love to have you!
This will be our 7th Disney Cruise and we will be celebrating our 13th Anniversary on August 4th during the Sail Away Party!... We just got back from 7 beautiful days on Disney Fantasy. I am new to Disney Discussion Board.....just signed up today cant believe it has taken me almost 7 cruises. Looking forward to coneecting with fellow cruisers.
Welcome to the cruise and to the boards! What an amazing way to celebrate your 13th anniversary! Congrats!
Hello Everyone.. I have today off so I am at home just doing

and counting the days until our fabulous cruise. Hubby is geting really excited as well as I. DD acts like she isn't, but we know better. We still have a little more shopping to do and we should have it all taken care of. Does anyone else have alot of shopping left to do? We already booked parasailing on CC, DD really wanted this, so I think I am going to it. I must say though I have been

of heights, I am trying to work through some of it. We will just have to see.
I think we are pretty good as far as shopping goes. I really just need to get going on the FE gifts, but am looking forward to it. I wanted to get all of my big house projects done before I started on these. (Kind of a treat to myself for getting my projects done.) I have found that I am beginning to pack much lighter for trips as I usually bring half of the stuff home unworn, so we will be keeping shopping to just a few special things.
Oh, I hope you decide on the parasailing! It will be amazing!
Just checking in...
I cannot believe that we are under the two month mark. Time is flying. DD just got back from Oregon. She spent a week with her grandparents. Three more day of school, but summer school starts next week. The best part of working summers is the the four day work week.
Take care and talk to you soon.
Less then two months? That just doesn't seem real! I am sooooo excited!


Have a fun summer!