Fantasy - July 14, 2012

[GarakDS9]

Tell her I am sorry but she is 9 again. Thanks for the information.

Since this group is getting bigger I am wondering if we want to set up a meet and greet. I have only been to one other one before so I have no idea what that entails.

We did our first ever Dis meet on the Wonder in Feb. It was nice because it helped to put faces to the names. It allowed families an opportunity to update staterooms on the FE if upgraded at port or in our case GTY. Also the meet broke down into mini meets for the kids, Edge/Vibe/etc. Many in our meet group liked trivia and we would meet and team up for the event.

Didn't seem like a lot of planning was needed. We agreed to meet at 3pm at Promenade Lounge. There really isn't an equivalent on the new ships so we need to find a replacement. At the meet a 2nd optional mini-meet was organized at a wine tasting.

 

[mmouseforpres]

Fe list

Linkandclover :*Debby ( dw), *Kevin (dh), *Ryan (ds 15), Jared (ds 12), *Room 2010

Disneyfanintn: dh, *dw, ds 14, *room 5546

SA53: Kereen (dw), *David *(dh), *Griffin *(ds 15), *Katie (dd 12 ), *room 10658

Ashley2499 : dh, *dw, *room ?

GarakDS9 : Lori-Ann (dw), *Glen (dh), *Alan (ds *14), *room?

Mmouseforpres : dh, *dw, *dd 17, *ds 14, dd 12, *room ?

Captjackandcrew : Janice (dw), *Hal (dh), *Taylor ( dd *17), Morgan (dd *14), *room 2526

Noahsmom: *Kelli *(dw), *Bill *(dh), *Noah *(ds 14), * room 10664

DisneySunflower : dh, dw, dd15, dd 11, ds 7 room 6000

Meemous: *Julie (adult), Rayleigh (dd 11), Angel (dd 12) room 7040

* * * * * * * * * * *Lorrie ( adult), Ana (dd 16), Chris (ds 14) room 8080

Flcruiser: Stefanie *(dw), Ashlyn (dd 12), *Brianna *(dd 9) room 5174

* * * * * * * * * * *Greg ( dh), Blake ( ds 14) *room 5176

You can update with our names. Christina (dw), Rick (dh), Lindsey (dd 17), Mason (ds 14), Ashley (dd 12)

 

[bzss7x]

If any of you have reserved a family cabana on CC and are thinking of letting it go, I'd love a heads up. I tried to get one but the platinums/concierges took them all! You know who you are!

I've been checking daily, but none have hit the open market.

I'd be willing to trade 2 Pirate night BBB reservations. (Hope the kids don't mind).

 

[Burymom]

We'd like to be added to the FE list if possible. Holly(dw), Keith(dh), Allison (dd turning 13 on cruise!), and Claire (dd age 9). Room 9674 . I think we were listed somewhere way back, as having 2 boys? Oh well. They're girls

 

[ashly2499]

79 days people! Whoo's ready?

So DH & I have both been on Disney cruises before, but it had our check-in as April 30! I finally got around to calling about it today- we are checking in tonight when DH gets home! Woohoo!


I'm so ready.

 

[linkandclover]

We'd like to be added to the FE list if possible. Holly(dw), Keith(dh), Allison (dd turning 13 on cruise!), and Claire (dd age 9). Room 9674 . I think we were listed somewhere way back, as having 2 boys? Oh well. They're girls

You have been added to the FE list. Welcome aboard

 

[GarakDS9]

79 days people! Whoo's ready?

I'm so ready.

I was ready when I walked off the Wonder!

 

[ashly2499]

Port Adventures Booked... Check!

We are doing these:

St. Maarten
Historical Philipsburg by Bicycle
"Explore St. Maarten's Dutch capital, Philipsburg, by bicycle on an active adventure. Enjoy a unique perspective of life in the world's smallest island shared by 2 sovereign nations."

St. Thomas
The Legendary Kon Tiki Sightseeing and Beach Cruise
"The most popular tour in the Caribbean is back! Enjoy a narrated harbor cruise with glass bottom viewing and a one-hour beach stop for swimming, music, dancing and fun."


I'm SOOOO excited!!!! Have you guys decided on Port Adventures yet?

Also, I was very relieved to see that it let you pick your arrival time! I thought this was going to be randomly assigned and I was worried we would get a late time. We snagged a 11:00 arrival time- we like to get the party started as early as possible!!!! I love exploring the ship that first day before it fills up.

On the last cruise DH and I were on, we did a ship tour right when we boarded. It started out with a big group, and by the end it was just us (we passed a buffet and lost like 99% of the tour! ha!) This is our 1st 7 day cruise, so we are going to have to pace ourselves with everything.

I'm a teacher and we only have 19 school days left. Now I'm REALLY starting to get into vacation mode. I can't wait to start on FE gifts.

 

[Burymom]

I see where people are saying they've gotten "boarding" times. Other discussion boards,etc... I've read that it's given as something like port arrival time? I don't know what to expect on the online check in so I was hoping to get the scoop on what I'll be signing up for...port arrival or boarding? Since I have to wait til April 30, would you recommend I 1st do "boarding" time selection and THEN select excursions? We want to do Sting Ray adventure at CC. May be booked up anyway?

 

[linkandclover]

I see where people are saying they've gotten "boarding" times. Other discussion boards,etc... I've read that it's given as something like port arrival time? I don't know what to expect on the online check in so I was hoping to get the scoop on what I'll be signing up for...port arrival or boarding? Since I have to wait til April 30, would you recommend I 1st do "boarding" time selection and THEN select excursions? We want to do Sting Ray adventure at CC. May be booked up anyway?

The only feedback I can give is that if you have booked transportation to the port through Disney than you do not have to worry about boarding times. We did the stingray at CC and both of my boys really enjoyed it even though they complained about it before hand. Also keep in mind that if you do not get an excursion before we leave they sometimes become available while we are at sea.

 

[linkandclover]

Port Adventures Booked... Check!

We are doing these:

St. Maarten
Historical Philipsburg by Bicycle
"Explore St. Maarten's Dutch capital, Philipsburg, by bicycle on an active adventure. Enjoy a unique perspective of life in the world's smallest island shared by 2 sovereign nations."

St. Thomas
The Legendary Kon Tiki Sightseeing and Beach Cruise
"The most popular tour in the Caribbean is back! Enjoy a narrated harbor cruise with glass bottom viewing and a one-hour beach stop for swimming, music, dancing and fun."


I'm SOOOO excited!!!! Have you guys decided on Port Adventures yet?

Also, I was very relieved to see that it let you pick your arrival/check-in time! I thought this was going to be randomly assigned and I was worried we would get a late time. We snagged a 11:00 boarding- we like to get the party started as early as possible!!!! I love exploring the ship that first day before it fills up.

On the last cruise DH and I were on, we did a ship tour right when we boarded. It started out with a big group, and by the end it was just us (we passed a buffet and lost like 99% of the tour! ha!) This is our 1st 7 day cruise, so we are going to have to pace ourselves with everything.

I'm a teacher and we only have 19 school days left. Now I'm REALLY starting to get into vacation mode. I can't wait to start on FE gifts.

The only excursion I have booked in the jet skis at cc. My plan is to take a cab to downtown St. Thomas for a day of jewelry shopping ( it is amazing there). My husband and kids will likely walk over to the tram to the top of the mountain there. It was a place to see wildlife and take lots of photos. Still not sure about St. Marten. We went to the French side last time and will likely try Dutch (is that right ?) this time.

 

[linkandclover]

There is now a total of 12 groups, 14 cabins and 48 people. My how we have grown. I think I am regretting my initial plan to give gifts on 2 days but I have already ordered supplies. I will try and post the updated list over the weekend for anyone who needs the information.

 

[SA53]

I am with you burymom. Waiting patiently for April 30. I too am not sure about what to sign up for. I am not even that worried about getting on the boat early since we have 7 days, although I totally get if for those poor souls with only 4 days on the ship!!! Since I am traveling with other family, I am pretty sure they will not want to get up at 3:00 am eastern time to register for boarding time (which I may have been willing to do ), so I will just have to take a deep breath and wait.

I do have a FE question for you link. I am doing a few things, but one is a family gift. For the two groups with the *******'s that show they are in 2 cabins, do you know if it is two families or one family split? From what I can see, for sure one family is split, but the other cabins are far from each other so I am not sure. I am going to order a couple extra and than give them to my mom and dad if no one else signs up because I am not sure they are ready for my tiny dis obsession even though they were the first ones to get their pirate costumes!!!

If any of you heading to the World have any tips for how to plan both sides of this holiday I will take any advice. This has been tricky for me as I am most excited for the cruise, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking I should be on the WDW boards getting organized for that, especially since it is my parents first time there. We are going for 2 park days before and 4 days after. I am soooo confused and trust me, that does not take much...

K in SA

 

[linkandclover]

I am with you burymom. Waiting patiently for April 30. I too am not sure about what to sign up for. I am not even that worried about getting on the boat early since we have 7 days, although I totally get if for those poor souls with only 4 days on the ship!!! Since I am traveling with other family, I am pretty sure they will not want to get up at 3:00 am eastern time to register for boarding time (which I may have been willing to do ), so I will just have to take a deep breath and wait.

I do have a FE question for you link. I am doing a few things, but one is a family gift. For the two groups with the *******'s that show they are in 2 cabins, do you know if it is two families or one family split? From what I can see, for sure one family is split, but the other cabins are far from each other so I am not sure. I am going to order a couple extra and than give them to my mom and dad if no one else signs up because I am not sure they are ready for my tiny dis obsession even though they were the first ones to get their pirate costumes!!!

If any of you heading to the World have any tips for how to plan both sides of this holiday I will take any advice. This has been tricky for me as I am most excited for the cruise, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking I should be on the WDW boards getting organized for that, especially since it is my parents first time there. We are going for 2 park days before and 4 days after. I am soooo confused and trust me, that does not take much...

K in SA

I believe everyone is just one family except for Meemous and hope they can clear this up.

I really have no suggestions about WDW as the last time we actually spent the day at the pool because no one felt like standing in long lines for rides. One thing I do suggest is to pack separately for the days before and after the cruise so you are not constantly packing and unpacking. What I will do is pack a carry on for our days before the cruise and have a bag with our clothes for the day we go on board. We use the carry on first and then put the first day cruise clothing in the carry on so that we have whatever we will need when we board the ship (shorts, bathing suit, and dress clothes for dinner). This way I do not feel rushed to unpack the minute we get our luggage. I have also purchased packing cubes from ebags which makes organizing and unpacking faster ( with 2 boys I don't have to figure out whose stuff belongs to who). Hope this helps.

 

[ashly2499]

I see where people are saying they've gotten "boarding" times. Other discussion boards,etc... I've read that it's given as something like port arrival time? I don't know what to expect on the online check in so I was hoping to get the scoop on what I'll be signing up for...port arrival or boarding? Since I have to wait til April 30, would you recommend I 1st do "boarding" time selection and THEN select excursions? We want to do Sting Ray adventure at CC. May be booked up anyway?

It's your Port Arrival time, then you get a board time after you arrive at the port and stand in line. We like getting there early to get on the board ASAP. I think you may have to check-in online before you sign up for port adventures, but I could be mistaken on that one.

From the check-in Port Arrival page:

Please select time period - from the list of available times below - that reflects when you will arrive at the cruise terminal.

Important Additional Information:
Guest arriving early may be asked to wait until their scheduled time for entry into the cruise terminal.
If you are traveling with another party and the initial time period is no longer available, we recommend that you arrive at the later time in order to ensure we can accommodate the entire family.
Upon arriving at your designated time, the team will assist you in completing your cruise check-in and provide you with the best possible experience prior to boarding the ship.
Note: Your ship boarding time, as listed on your cruise itinerary, may be different than your selected terminal arrival time period. This is the part that I hope works out for us! I don't want to get there at 11:00 and get a late boarding time. Hopefully things will go smoothly.We thank you in advance for observing your selected terminal arrival time.


We signed up for a Palo dinner- this will be our first time there! Is anyone doing Remy's? I'd like to check it out, but it's a little more than we are looking to spend for now.

 

[noahsmom]

Excursions - in St Maarten we booked our own snorkel excursion with Captain Alan (www.captainalan.com). Then St Thomas, Noah will be going on the Screaming Eagle teen excursion through Disney, while Bill & I explore the island. Last time we were in St Thomas Bill when golfing while I stayed on the ship with a sick kid. Hope to see a bit more this time!

Ashly, my DH (Bill) is also a teacher. But school isn't out here until mid June, then he coordinates summer school so he's not done until early July.

SA53 - I also recommend packing separately for WDW and DCL. Last summer we went to WDW prior to the cruise and I packed cruise related items in their own suitcase and never touched it while at WDW. Things like our dressy clothes, FE, fan, over the door hanger, shoes, etc were in that suitcase. Once on board I sent our nice clothes to be pressed and we were good to go! I highly recommend sending the nice clothes to be pressed. I have no problem doing laundry while on the ship but do not want to iron!

Palo & Remy, we have Palo brunch and dinner reservations during this cruise. Remy reservations for the 25th which is our 25th wedding anniversary.

 

[ashly2499]

The only excursion I have booked in the jet skis at cc. My plan is to take a cab to downtown St. Thomas for a day of jewelry shopping ( it is amazing there). My husband and kids will likely walk over to the tram to the top of the mountain there. It was a place to see wildlife and take lots of photos. Still not sure about St. Marten. We went to the French side last time and will likely try Dutch (is that right ?) this time.

So what kind of jewelry are we talking about here? On our last cruise we went to Cozumel to a jewelry store. I was perusing the counter and the sales guy came up and was like "Oh, try this one on! It would look so good on you!" yada yada yada...
So I was "Ok, how much is this one?"
Salesman: "30"
Me: "30.... dollars?" (ha!)
Salesman "30... thousand"
Me: "I have a 30 thousand dollar ring on my finger right now?"
Salesman "Yes m'am. Maybe you want to save up and buy it next year."
Me: "hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaahhahahaha" Nope.

 

[Burymom]

I am with you burymom. Waiting patiently for April 30. I too am not sure about what to sign up for. I am not even that worried about getting on the boat early since we have 7 days, although I totally get if for those poor souls with only 4 days on the ship!!! Since I am traveling with other family, I am pretty sure they will not want to get up at 3:00 am eastern time to register for boarding time (which I may have been willing to do ), so I will just have to take a deep breath and wait.

I do have a FE question for you link. I am doing a few things, but one is a family gift. For the two groups with the *******'s that show they are in 2 cabins, do you know if it is two families or one family split? From what I can see, for sure one family is split, but the other cabins are far from each other so I am not sure. I am going to order a couple extra and than give them to my mom and dad if no one else signs up because I am not sure they are ready for my tiny dis obsession even though they were the first ones to get their pirate costumes!!!

If any of you heading to the World have any tips for how to plan both sides of this holiday I will take any advice. This has been tricky for me as I am most excited for the cruise, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking I should be on the WDW boards getting organized for that, especially since it is my parents first time there. We are going for 2 park days before and 4 days after. I am soooo confused and trust me, that does not take much...

K in SA

That's another thing (among many!) I wasn't clear about. So it's true that you have to wait until 3 am to sign up for a boarding, or port arrival time, as the case may be? The Disney planning site led me to believe that once you're on the online check in @12:01 you can do all of that at that time. Sorry for my ignorance about all of this

 

[linkandclover]

So what kind of jewelry are we talking about here? On our last cruise we went into this place in Cozumel, we went into this jewelry store. I was perusing the counter and the sales guy came up and was like "Oh, try this one on! It would look so good on you!" yada yada yada...
So I was "Ok, how much is this one?"
Salesman: "30"
Me: "30.... dollars?"
Salesman "30... thousand"
Me: "I have a 30 thousand dollar ring on my finger right now?"
Salesman "Yes m'am. Maybe you want to save up and buy it next year."
Me: "hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaahhahahaha" Nope.

They have so many stores at a variety of prices it can get exhausting. Name brand designers like David Yurman and John Hardy as well as different stones in either gold or silver. There is also an open air market for locals selling a variety of different items and souvenirs. I guess you could find something around 30,000 but you could also stay way under that. There are also a bunch of shops at the port itself but I prefer to venture outside so I can have more options and I feel that the price and selection is better.

 

[noahsmom]

Burymom, at midnight Eastern you will be able to book excursions, Palo, Remy, and the nursery. At 3:00 am you will be able to do the online documents and part of that is picking your check in time. I did not stay up until 3 to do that, I did it in the morning when I got up and had no problems. I think it's unlikely that things would drastically change from 3 am to morning when you get up.

Ashly, a few years ago I wanted to get a 3 diamond anniversary ring when we were in Nassau. I don't have a lot of expensive jewelry (too many trips to WDW & DCL) but had heard the prices are really good in Nassau. Let me say I was quite sticker shocked DH, being the great guy he is, persisted and I ended up with a nice new wedding set that I absolutely love. The sales lady was very nice and patient with me and my hesitation at spending 2K, when I'm sure that's nothing for many that shop for jewelry in the bahamas and/or caribbean. It was a great experience. I would recommend doing a little browsing at local jewelry stores before you go on vacation so you have an idea of what you want and how much it costs back home. Once home I had my rings appraised and they were appraised at over $1000 more than we paid.