Fantasy - July 7, 2012

[donnablueribbon]

Thanks for sharing some of the history of FEs. Tell her thanks for adding even more fun to a woderful experience.

 

[Princess Row]

Whatever the norm is, it's fine by me! I'm asking a lot of questions since this is new to me and I want to make sure I have all the info correctly.
ETA: A friend of mine just returned from a Disney Cruise with her family (Western Caribbean on the Magic) and their FE group was assigned a specific day (not time, just day) to deliver the goodies. If that day didn't work for a family, they were allowed to switch with someone else. She told me that their FE group also connected with each other through FB so that they could "see" each other before the cruise.
I guess, every group has its own rules and there are no rights or wrongs.

Any questions you have I am willing to answer! This is only my second FE exchange but third cruise overall. You will notice how close the people in this thread get over the next few months before the cruise.
The facebook thing is a good idea! I have a few people on here from facebook, its nice to see what people are doing during their days. :] There are absolutely no rights or wrongs so whatever everyone wants to do I am fine with!

jpalumb: I will add you to the FE list but I will need your names, room number if you have it, and age of your DD if i am remembering correctly....sorry trying to keep everyone on her straightened out!

 

[Annette_C]

Well, personally, I vote for not adding new structures to FEs. I can't imagine having an assigned day to deliver, not knowing what I'll be doing that day and/or how busy I will be....JMO But guess I could always shoot for an assigned time.... just not sure how successful I would be in hitting it...

I think what I've always loved about FEs was the free-wheeling nature of it all without adding restrictions (never have had a theme to adhere to or an assigned delivery day...or a restriction on what/how to give). I guess on some cruises we have gotten the majority of FE gifts early in the cruise, but there are always those that show up later too, and I like knowing I can do my deliveries when it works for me....like half of them on the way to the spa ....or a few on certain decks that I've grouped, on my way to the DVC celebration, or just forward, port side one day when I am on my way to the Cove, etc., etc.


.

Bev, there's a DVC celebration on board?!? Do you have to let them know you're a DVC member before the cruise? Boy, I really don't know much about DCL!! TNX!

 

[dylan'smom]

Thanks for sharing some of the history of FEs. Tell her thanks for adding even more fun to a woderful experience.

I know, isn't it amazing how we've all taken the ball & run with it?! It reminds me of that Disney quote, 'may we never for get it all started with a mouse' (paraphrasing lol)!! May we never forget it all started with her dollar store brainstorm!

Any questions you have I am willing to answer! This is only my second FE exchange but third cruise overall. You will notice how close the people in this thread get over the next few months before the cruise. The facebook thing is a good idea! I have a few people on here from facebook, its nice to see what people are doing during their days. :] There are absolutely no rights or wrongs so whatever everyone wants to do I am fine with!
jpalumb: I will add you to the FE list but I will need your names, room number if you have it, and age of your DD if i am remembering correctly....sorry trying to keep everyone on her straightened out!

We love having the FB connection! I've had a cruise group FB page for my last few cruises, over the last 3 years & they are really fun - we didn't do any of the FE stuff there, just left the organizing to the DIS board because not everyone is on fb, but it's great for chatting & is faster, for sure since DIS gets so slow....

Didn't look like there was one already, so I started a group page:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/208550039246504
If there's already one, let me know.

Bev, there's a DVC celebration on board?!? Do you have to let them know you're a DVC member before the cruise? Boy, I really don't know much about DCL!! TNX!

Absolutely - they have at least one! Usually on the first sea day, the first members gathering will be in the morning (usually around 10) and they will have a presentation, some munchies, mimosas, give away a few prizes....goofy, but fun! Then there will be presentations for prospective members throughout the cruise & usually if you attend you can win an OBC of at least $100....won it once, lol....and on the longer cruises we always have a reception with drinks, but I think that's been on our 14 nighters, not sure if we'll have the 2nd one on a 7-night.

Anyway, you should not have to tell them you are a member. They are supposed to track it, but if you don't get a DVC magnet on your stateroom door (usually the first night it appears, along with an invitation), call Guest Services & ask if you're not sure. Also there is a DVC desk on board (on the Magic & Wonder it's on deck 4 beside Studio Sea, but we'll have to see where they keep it on the Fantasy!) They also will send you a present on board of lanyards & usually that's in a wooden keepsake box too.

 

[Annette_C]

Thanks Bev! I just joined!

 

[dylan'smom]

A candy exchange is fun, if anyone else is interested in it??

While some people like to give candy as an FE, this is different because you will have a list of about 25 people (individuals) in each group & they all just give any type of (usually snack size) candy to the people on their list at anytime during the cruise.

This is great for different types of candy from different parts of the country & the world - especially if it's something that is unavailable in other places!! You don't even have to hang an FE up if you're not doing that, just any kind of bag hung from your "fish" will work for the candy droppers.

I'm up for it if anyone wants to?? We just would need a place to sign up....usually someone creates a spreadsheet (one everyone can edit & add themselves), & puts access to it on the first post or first page. I can create a spreadsheet for it, but not sure that we have a spot for it on the first page or post? And not sure if we have the interest??

Just a thought...
.

 

[asmith1113]

A candy exchange is fun, if anyone else is interested in it??

While some people like to give candy as an FE, this is different because you will have a list of about 25 people (individuals) in each group & they all just give any type of (usually snack size) candy to the people on their list at anytime during the cruise.

Just a thought...
.

We usually give some candy to the children in their FE gift already, so don't think we would do this too. Do you normally do this and FE? I already have a pretty big bag of FE gifts, so wondering where you put it all. You must be a great packer!

 

[asmith1113]

What kinds of gifts do we exchange in the FE? Gotta start planning now! Also is anyone planning on going to Nachi Cochum in Cozumel?

We didn't plan our excursions yet. Do you recommend Nachi Cochum? I'm looking for suggestions.

 

[asmith1113]

Princess Row, thanks so much for organizing. I did it once and know what it involves.

Here is our info.:
Names - John, Amy and Zach Smith
your Room # or #'s 6514
# of people in cabin 3
Ages of everyone or just children if you prefer DS 15
if they are Boys or Girls - Boy
and yes or no to the FE Yes
Might want to add: Interested in Meet and Greet - we would be yes

Also, saw some comments about assigned days. We'd prefer not to have assigned days. We had always done this late at night the first night in the past, but last year on the much-bigger Dream, it took a few days to deliver to everyone. We had two in Concierge that were particularly difficult, so suggest this stay flexible.

Finally, we would really like at least a few weeks before the cruise as a deadline. Our cabin gifts take awhile, so need some notice.

Thanks again for organizing. If you're flying in early or something and need help with last minute cabins, I don't leave until that morning, so am happy to help.

 

[Princess Row]

Hopefully we can attend the DVC party! We would all really enjoy that!!
Just joined the facebook group! Would it be okay if I added the people going on the cruise also that arnt on the Dis?

Candy exchange could be an idea, I know alot of FE's usually have candy but I would be okay with this either way. Whatever everyone agrees on I will just go with the flow. If this does happen I can attach it to the first post on a separate doc if someone wanted to make it, and we can just have the link there.

asmith- No problem! I am having fun with it. For now, that is! :] I just have to keep up on the posts. We are flying in on the fourth, since we are in Cali its an all day flying day and then a few days in Disneyworld and I will have my laptop so I can hopefully keep up but I will let you know if I need help. thank you!!

 

[Princess Row]

Hey everyone!! So a few things have come to my attention I figured a list might help everyone if you dont have time to read all the posts.

1) I updated the FE list onto the first page, please make sure all of your information is correct, if I did happen to mix something up I can fix it no problem!

2) A candy swap was brought up! Are you interested yes/no?

3) A facebook page has been started thanks to dylan'smom or Bev! So if you are interested please add yourself to the group and then post on the Doc your dis name and your full name so we can hopefully learn names!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/208550039246504

4) A few disers have requested we pick a date to end the invite to the FE so they can finish up their gifts. What date would everyone prefer I will put it at the top of the post just so everyone knows when it is final (except the rooms)!

5) Please let me know if you are or are not interested in a meet and greet with our group, I will add it to the FE list! Of course a date/time/place for the meet will come later. Just a count for who wants it now.

This post is long so it would probably be easiest for me.... when you reply if you number it with your answers if you are or are not interested in the few items.
Thank you everyone!!

 

[dylan'smom]

Hopefully we can attend the DVC party! We would all really enjoy that!! Just joined the facebook group! Would it be okay if I added the people going on the cruise also that arnt on the Dis? ....

Absolutely!! the more the merrier - I love the DIS for actual planning just so everyone will be sure to see it, but you're right, some people steer clear of it when fb is so much easier to access....and faster to load!

Hey everyone!! So a few things have come to my attention I figured a list might help everyone if you dont have time to read all the posts.

1) I updated the FE list onto the first page, please make sure all of your information is correct, if I did happen to mix something up I can fix it no problem!
2) A candy swap was brought up! Are you interested yes/no?
3) A facebook page has been started thanks to dylan'smom or Bev! So if you are interested please add yourself to the group and then post on the Doc your dis name and your full name so we can hopefully learn names!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/208550039246504
4) A few disers have requested we pick a date to end the invite to the FE so they can finish up their gifts. What date would everyone prefer I will put it at the top of the post just so everyone knows when it is final (except the rooms)!
5) Please let me know if you are or are not interested in a meet and greet with our group, I will add it to the FE list! Of course a date/time/place for the meet will come later. Just a count for who wants it now.
This post is long so it would probably be easiest for me.... when you reply if you number it with your answers if you are or are not interested in the few items.
Thank you everyone!!

1) all is correct!
2) yes for candy, I can make a spreadsheet for the list if the group decides to go with it.
4) 2 months before seems adequate to me to close the list, but will go with the flow there too - anywhere up to a month before sailing would be okay with me.
5) yes a meet & greet at 3pm on boarding day, before the drill, would be my preference. Good time to update room numbers for anyone who upgrades at the port, pass out anything we need to...


Thanks!!

 

[Annette_C]

Row, it's totally fine with me also for you to add the rest of the people going on the cruise on out FB group! Like Bev said, the more the merrier!
As for the answers...

1) All my info is correct. TNX!

2) I don't mind a candy swap unless our FE group gets very large. Since most of us are flying into Florida for the cruise, I'm sure we wouldn't like having to carry an extra suitcase just for FEs and candy....just saying...

3) Done!

4) I think six weeks before the cruise would be ok with me but if the rest of the group prefers 2 months, I'm fine with it.

5) YES to the meet and greet!

 

[jpalumb]

Row~ I don't think my earlier post saved properly... here's my info again

 

[teriandcb]

Hi! We willing be cruising with all of you. This is our 7th DCL cruise but it has been 5 years since our last cruise so we are very excited.

Names: Teri (mom)
DD Caity (21)
DD Becca (19)
Cabin: 5016
FE: Yes!
Celebrating: DD's High School Graduation. Also, my parents are traveling with us in a different cabin and will just have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary!

 

[Princess Row]

Hi! We willing be cruising with all of you. This is our 7th DCL cruise but it has been 5 years since our last cruise so we are very excited.

Names: Teri (mom)
DD Caity (21)
DD Becca (19)
Cabin: 5016
FE: Yes!
Celebrating: DD's High School Graduation. Also, my parents are traveling with us in a different cabin and will just have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary!

Thanks for joining us! I will also be celebrating my HS graduation along with a friend on board! Would love to meet your daughter, however since I am 17....I will be stuck in the teen hangout while my three other friends cruising with us will go to the college meet.....we are trying to get it arranged!

Will you be interested in a meet and greet with other disers?
I did add your info to the FE list on page one.

Jessica: I also added all of your info onto page one!

 

[lisa702]

We didn't plan our excursions yet. Do you recommend Nachi Cochum? I'm looking for suggestions.

LOVE LOVE Nachi Cochum! Favorite place in Cozumel to just relax! Love their beach and pool! All you can drink and lunch. My DD12 soon to be 13 loves it too! She loves that they have swim up bar and she can order a (virgin) pina colada by herself.

 

[lisa702]

I tried to click thru the facebook link to join but got an error message....

 

[dylan'smom]

We usually give some candy to the children in their FE gift already, so don't think we would do this too. Do you normally do this and FE? I already have a pretty big bag of FE gifts, so wondering where you put it all. You must be a great packer!

Haha no I'm not the best packer, but no worries about not doing it - I think that is the beauty of the DIS activities...there are usually way more than I choose to do, but it's fun to pick & choose among the options. Between the FE, secret mickey, candy exchange, group Palo and tastings, pub crawl, champagne girls, scrapbooking, jewelry making, book exchange, lanyard team, stateroom tours, group private excursions etc., etc., I usually pass on most of it! My Hawaii meet thread exhausts me just reading it!!

Hi! We willing be cruising with all of you. This is our 7th DCL cruise but it has been 5 years since our last cruise so we are very excited.
Names: Teri (mom)
DD Caity (21)
DD Becca (19)
Cabin: 5016
FE: Yes!
Celebrating: DD's High School Graduation. Also, my parents are traveling with us in a different cabin and will just have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary!

My DS20 will be with us. He's just finishing his 3rd yr at college. Really hoping for a large college group this time.

Thanks for joining us! I will also be celebrating my HS graduation along with a friend on board! Would love to meet your daughter, however since I am 17....I will be stuck in the teen hangout while my three other friends cruising with us will go to the college meet.....we are trying to get it arranged! ....

Glad to know you guys are sort of similar ages as DS. We've only taken a couple cruises since he turned 18, and they have been sparse meetings with that age group. There was a handful who would meet every night in RBD, and he went to see them occasionally - not like how he had bonded with so many friends over the yrs in the clubs though. I do hope it's no biggie for you to go to college meets, at least some of them, although you may be the envy of many who are blocked from the cool new teen options on the new ships! DS sort of grew up on DCL clubs, moving through the ranks at different ages & I haven't even told him about that private pool & stuff!

I tried to click thru the facebook link to join but got an error message....

That's strange that something is blocking you. Maybe restart your browser or do a search for the group by name?
Western Disney Fantasy July 7, 2012!!

 

[Princess Row]

Between the FE, secret mickey, candy exchange, group Palo and tastings, pub crawl, champagne girls, scrapbooking, jewelry making, book exchange, lanyard team, stateroom tours, group private excursions etc.


Glad to know you guys are sort of similar ages as DS. We've only taken a couple cruises since he turned 18, and they have been sparse meetings with that age group. There was a handful who would meet every night in RBD, and he went to see them occasionally - not like how he had bonded with so many friends over the yrs in the clubs though. I do hope it's no biggie for you to go to college meets, at least some of them, although you may be the envy of many who are blocked from the cool new teen options on the new ships! DS sort of grew up on DCL clubs, moving through the ranks at different ages & I haven't even told him about that private pool & stuff!

I am hoping for a large college group, although I was told since I am only 17 they will not let me in.....we will see. People often dont think im 17 some say younger others say I look/act older so maybe we can pull it off. But just from this thread alone there is 6 of us for the college group. Your DS, the other DD, then my, my bf who will be 19 then, my two friends who are also going. So hopefully we can get a good group going.