Fantasy - July 14, 2012

[Burymom]

I'm getting worried that we aren't going to measure up to all of these super FE gifts! My dd(12) has written a poem to go with one of ours and another gift we're giving is representative of where we live but the actual gift is not going to be over the top, so to speak. We also have some brochures that tell a bit about our area. We're giving to family's as a whole but not to individuals like I think many of you are doing. Just wanted to say that while ours may not compare to the all out individual gifts many are doing, the "heart" was in it by our daughter who has put a lot of effort into what we do give

 

[SA53]

Congrats to all who received their stateroom assignments! Is that everyone in the FE?

Also, I wanted to let you all know how much I enjoy this group! No one is judgmental or condescending and that's so nice. I recently checked on the thread for our 2nd cruise and found they created a facebook page so I joined. Someone posted asking about excursions. I shared ours which are mostly non-DCL and 3 people jumped on me about not booking through DCL.

So, I think I'll just hang with you guys.

Okay, who is messing with one of our meet peeps . I keep thinking we are so sweet because we are going on a cruise, but so is your other thread . And it is true what Garak said, it only takes one to stir up a thread.

As for Burymom, I can honestly say I am really most excited about seeing something in my FE. This is a fun exchange where truly it is the thought that counts!!! As I said above, we are on a cruise. I think it is wonderful that we have such a nice group participating. The reason my gifts seem to have gotten out of hand is because I am old and started too early. These two variables equal forgetting things I had put away for the exchange and then getting more ideas and more trips to Hobby Lobby .

About FE's. As a first timer do we just hand them out when we want or do we try as a group to spread them out over the cruise? I love me some presents, but also like the idea of spreading out the fun.

K in SA

 

[noahsmom]

Thanks for defending me! Some people just get so defensive about how they plan their trip that they seem to feel it's the only "right" way. Thankfully I'm not invested in that group, not interested in participating in their FE or meet so it's easy to just avoid the thread.

Burymom - please don't worry that your FE gift is in anyway not going to measure up! There's nothing to measure too. No minimum dollar amount is set, no rules about handmade, store bought, recycled, reused, unused, etc. Everyone is putting thought into their gift and my mom always said it's the thought that counts! In past FE's I've given customized notebooks, locally made candy, Mickey pirate magnets, and something else I can't remember at this time. Personally I think this one's the best, but that doesn't mean all will like it.

As for when to pass out items, it seems to work itself out and spread out through most of the week. Although with 2 sea days right away, things may be passed out early. I've read where some groups assign participants certain days to spread things out.

We are getting close! Less than 2 weeks and we will be on the road.

 

[flcruiser69]

Tomorrow is the TWO WEEK mark!


Can ya tell Im excited?? Im looking forward to the FE exchange too! I wanted to say I don't think anyone judges what they get. I think most are just excited to particpate in the giving! FE is really about being a small part of the Magic that happens onboard!

Are we still doing a meet up the first day?? Would love to meet y'all in person!

 

[linkandclover]

Please don't worry about the FE. All gifts are appreciated for the thought and the surprise. The two times I have been involved we were always excited to see what was there and came to realize that there will always be a sense of being out done by others but I think people do what they can and give from the heart and that is what matters. There is no competition nor should there be. We are doing 2 days because I ordered all of this stuff before the group became so large and I don't want it sitting in my house taking up space.

 

[SA53]

Link, I am impressed with your energy!! I guess I could split my FE up into 2 trips, but I think I hear Satellite Falls calling my name

Also, is it bad to say that while discussing our meet, all I can think of is that I finally get to meet Garak who in my mind looks like, well, Garak!!!

K in SA

 

[GarakDS9]

Link, I am impressed with your energy!! I guess I could split my FE up into 2 trips, but I think I hear Satellite Falls calling my name

Also, is it bad to say that while discussing our meet, all I can think of is that I finally get to meet Garak who in my mind looks like, well, Garak!!!

K in SA

Needed that after a long week at work. Here is hoping you think otherwise.

 

[clschrein]

I am new to the DIS boards (DH has done this before) and this is our first Disney cruise. It will be me, my DH and our DD (9) and DS (7). I am so excited...we booked VGT and just received our room assignment - #8144. I am interested in the 5k on CC - the food looks amazing on the cruise - I'm sure I will need some exercise by then!

We are staying in Orlando for a few days after the cruise...we have rented a car and have to get it upon arrival back in Canaveral....any advice on what do with our luggage and getting the car would be greatly appreciated.

I welcome any other advice for a first time cruiser!


_________________________
WDW 2008, 2010, 2011
DL 2009

 

[noahsmom]

Two weeks! Go to the Port Canaveral webcam and look at the Fantasy sitting there and then say - "in two weeks she will be waiting for me!"

 

[noahsmom]

I am new to the DIS boards (DH has done this before) and this is our first Disney cruise. It will be me, my DH and our DD (9) and DS (7). I am so excited...we booked VGT and just received our room assignment - #8144. I am interested in the 5k on CC - the food looks amazing on the cruise - I'm sure I will need some exercise by then!

We are staying in Orlando for a few days after the cruise...we have rented a car and have to get it upon arrival back in Canaveral....any advice on what do with our luggage and getting the car would be greatly appreciated.

I welcome any other advice for a first time cruiser!


_________________________
WDW 2008, 2010, 2011
DL 2009

Welcome! DCL is the best (IMO). Don't over pack, relax and have fun! Over packing is the most common mistake. You don't need a new outfit for every meal, 2 swimsuits for each person is a must. There's nothing worse than putting on a damp swimsuit.

If you'd like to have something special waiting in your stateroom for the kids, I highly recommend ordering a basket from Shirley at The Perfect Gift. My DS is now 14 so I don't do it anymore, but I used always order the sand pail basket for him. It was fun for him to have something waiting for him in the room and then he had sand toys for Castaway Cay. They will also put other little trinkets and snacks in the pail.

Go to the trip report page and read some of those, great info on what to expect and what people liked and disliked. However, read them all with a grain of salt - not everyone likes the same thing. It boggles my mind that some people don't like Castaway Cay, it's my very happy place. But - to each his own.

Anticipation of the cruise is almost as much fun as the cruise itself.

 

[clschrein]

Thanks for the info...I will look into the gifts. I am a little worried about dressing for the meals....good advice to wear the same thing. BTW - My 7 year old is a huge Packer fan - wears his Rodgers jersey all of the time!

 

[noahsmom]

He's a very smart boy!! I bring about 3 things for dinner plus one dress for Palo. DH brings 1 or 2 pairs of dockers and a few golf shirts plus his suit for Palo. DS is the same, minus the suit. I only bring 2 or 3 pairs of shoes, including flip flops and sandals. Also, the ship has nice self serve laundry rooms which I use. I'd rather take clean clothes home and have a little less to do. But that's me. Also, don't worry about your good clothes getting wrinkled, you can send them to be pressed, there's a small charge but I'd rather do that then use the irons in the laundry rooms.

Many women say to bring your hair dryer from home, I've never had a problem with the ones in the stateroom. Just remember that the hair dryer outlets on the Dream & Fantasy are at the desk area, not in the bathrooms! Makes a huge power difference.

Ask any questions - we love to give answers!!

 

[Alohagirl73]

TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be on the Fantasy

Thanks Noahsmom for the idea about looking at our ship. I showed my nearly 14 month DD who wasn't as excited as I was!!!!! On the other hand, my DH and I were VERY excited. We are sooooooooo excited for this vacation.

 

[mmouseforpres]

I am still missing the room number for Mmouseforpres. Once I have that I will repost the FE list. Glad we aren't the only ones on the second floor but we really liked it on the dream. The enchanted garden on the dream served breakfast with fewer lines and easier seating.

I like the 3pm meet so put me down for that.

We are in 6664 and 6662. I can't wait until we get on the ship!

 

[disneyfanintn]

We leave for Disney in a week and half. I guess it is time to get my fish extender made - still need to gather the materials for that and then I still need to get my things together for our gifts. I know what we are passing out just need to buy them and put them together.

Nothing like waiting until the last minute but boy work has been keeping me busy. I foresee a busy week ahead of me.

Our excursions are booked - I think I might be cancelling our snorkeling one in St. Thomas since we are snorkeling in St. Maartain with Captain Alan, while I love snorkeling, I would love to take in some other sites. Peyton is doing the Teen Extreme Boat thing in St Thomas that I sure he will love.

I am SO excited and ready to be cruising. Hopefully the weather will be perfect, it's been in the 100's here in Tennessee the last few days. We have burn bans on so it's possible our firework show here might be cancelled if it doesn't rain soon.

Enough rambling! I can't wait to meet you all and be cruising!

See ya real soon!

Kristie

 

[noahsmom]

We're snorkeling with Captain Alan also! Which trip did you book? We are doing the 3 island snorkel and beach adventure. Noah is also doing the Screaming Eagle in St Thomas at 1:30.

 

[Burymom]

I Pre-packed (& then unpacked) just to make sure everything would fit into my 24" suitcase. I did good due to rolling my clothes for the 1st time. That really made a difference! I even have room leftover. Took advice & am only taking about 4 basic prs of shorts for daytime, but more tops. Figure much of the day I'll be wearing a bathing suit and 1 of a few cover ups I'm taking. Me & my daughters are shoe crazy though! Still trying to figure out minimum # of those. Lol! Now on to convincing dd's they don't need to take entire wardrobe! Would like both to fit into 1 suitcase, as long as not >50 pds!

 

[Burymom]

A ?...is it my understanding that one needs to sign up to take spinning classes? If so, I think it's something suggested to do once you board the ship. Since we got an early boarding time(11:00!!), I figured I'd go straight to do that, if that's what's needed in order to reserve a spot.

 

[GarakDS9]

Finished packing the family suitcases tonight. Only thing left is organize the electronics, cameras, etc. Leaving Tuesday night. It will be interesting concentrating on work the next couple of days. I hope they have heard of dress down Mondays. I have got to practice the resort look after all.

 

[Webbed Feet]

I am BRAND new to the DIS boards. I have never been on a Disney Cruise before (although I have cruised). It will be me and my DW celebrating our 10th anniversary. Like clschrein, we also booked VGT and have received our room assignment - 9550 (our first time with a balcony, we are so excited!). My wife is a former castmember and we both have annual passes for Disney World so we think we will still enjoy a Disney ship even though we don't have kids. I had two questions:
1) Any suggestions for pirate night? I already have a Captain Morgan / Will Turner look going (long hair, goatee) and was wondering what I could do for an inexspensive but fun costume (I'll be checking out the consignment shops next week).
2) Is the Rain Forest part of the spa worth the extra charge? I will probably get the day pass for both of us to just try it but also saw that you can get a couple's pass for the length of the cruise.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions and feel free to list the post # or thread if someone has already discussed this.