February 16, 2013 WONDERful 5-Night Western Caribbean ~ out of Port of Miami

[lheerema]

My wife and I would like to join the facebook group. What do you need from us?

Did you find the Facebook group?? If not, I'll be posting the list here - you can sign up here, or on Facebook. We have nominated "Max" or MOM2THREE as our Chairman, and it looks like we have several other experienced in the "Fish Extender" groups. Looking forward to meeting lots of new families and having lots of fun in February on our cruise!

Lois

 

[lheerema]

I am new to the board, but too excited to wait . . . . at my age, I am like a little kid, so I decided to go ahead and get a list started!

Feel free to tweek, change or do whatever. If the majority of you are satisfied, then let's begin the planning! I would like to nominate Max to be the chairman of the group -

Let's get this party started! I would like to suggest that Kharding and Mom2three set some guidelines for us. Would love to hear from everyone - OK, let's start signing up! BTW, you can sign up here or from FB!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ak9XN1FzBHZwdFFDdzQwZnhZNS03MG5Pb1NqelJObnc#gid=0

Here is hoping the link works!

Lois

 

[Toniann966]

So excited that the FE is underway!!! My kids and I thank you for getting it started
Looks like a lot of Long Islanders will be on board.
We will be driving unless i can find some really great prices on flights.

 

[hardingk]

So excited that the FE is underway!!! My kids and I thank you for getting it started
Looks like a lot of Long Islanders will be on board.
We will be driving unless i can find some really great prices on flights.

Where on Long Island are you from?

 

[mom3girls2000]

Did you find the Facebook group?? If not, I'll be posting the list here - you can sign up here, or on Facebook. We have nominated "Max" or MOM2THREE as our Chairman, and it looks like we have several other experienced in the "Fish Extender" groups. Looking forward to meeting lots of new families and having lots of fun in February on our cruise!

Lois

It's mom3girls2000 lol. I picked that name in the year 2000 when we got our first desktop computer .

There are lots of places here on the DISboards to get FE ideas and FE gift ideas too. There's also a hugely ginormous forum on handmade/homemade FE gifts - I found it last year and it took me weeks and weeks to go through them all. There were so many posts on it, that it was split into an older forum and a newer one! Crazy!

There's also a list on our Fb group with a bunch of different (and helpful, I hope) links re. cruising, DCL/Disnsey, FE's, etc.

If you have trouble finding us on Fb, or the other forums here, shoot me a private-message here or an email to me at ima3yeladot@yahoo.com.

 

[mom3girls2000]

You make some very valid points. I have been looking around at various sites and I was amazed at the extent of creativity and also at the expense some folks have incurred to participate.

I am willing to go along with whatever rules you think are helpful - rules are good!
Lois

I think some rules are good as long as they're not exclusionary. I don't want anyone to feel excluded for any reason, and if they start to sense that, they should speak up right away before emotions flare.

E.g., I don't mind being called a "chairman" but I don't have as much experience as other people, I just have a lot to say LOL and I get excited about the cruise. I've only been on the one cruise so far, but I had a very positive experience w/ our group.

You're right, some people can go all out for FE and gifts, while others are more ... sedate in their choices . There's no one way nor one right way to do it. The choice is up to the giver. Nor does an FE gift have to be homemade or handmade, though there are simpler/easier things you could make ... The giver also decides when to deliver, too.

There were some posts that made me wish I'd been on those cruises - handpainted (on canvas!) Disney characters ... embroidered tote bags ... hand-sewn luggage handle-wraps and crayon caddies ... jewelry ...

I'm not going to say what I ended up giving, b/c I might do the same thing again for you all .

 

[JLJS_NY]

I'm just worried that I won't have enough room to pack the stuff! That's why I'm on the fence about participating. I'm an over-packer as it is, and being limited to one bag and one carry-on is going to be a challenge! I need to see how many people are participating/signing up and decide. It will have to be soon, because I'm not an organized crafter!!! Yikes!

 

[mom3girls2000]

I'm just worried that I won't have enough room to pack the stuff! That's why I'm on the fence about participating. I'm an over-packer as it is, and being limited to one bag and one carry-on is going to be a challenge! I need to see how many people are participating/signing up and decide. It will have to be soon, because I'm not an organized crafter!!! Yikes!

So, you focus on things that are lightweight and don't take up too much space. Play around on the FE forums here, there are tons of ideas.

That's part of the reason we <3 Southwest, 2 bags free and 2 carry-ons too (well if you're including your purse, than 1 other carry-on). But Ikwyu exactly because we're going to Puerto Rico in October, and SW doesn't fly off the mainland . Although we are going on AirTran, and SW just bought them, I don't think any luggage policies would be changed and affect us, at least not by October! DH has already been *reminding* me about the luggage limits on AT lol.

 

[JLJS_NY]

So, you focus on things that are lightweight and don't take up too much space. Play around on the FE forums here, there are tons of ideas.

That's part of the reason we <3 Southwest, 2 bags free and 2 carry-ons too (well if you're including your purse, than 1 other carry-on). But Ikwyu exactly because we're going to Puerto Rico in October, and SW doesn't fly off the mainland . Although we are going on AirTran, and SW just bought them, I don't think any luggage policies would be changed and affect us, at least not by October! DH has already been *reminding* me about the luggage limits on AT lol.

Thanks!!! I'm going to talk to Joanna's daughter and see if she wants to do something with me!

 

[mom3girls2000]

Thanks!!! I'm going to talk to Joanna's daughter and see if she wants to do something with me!

YAY

 

[Toniann966]

Where on Long Island are you from?

Huntington. And you?

 

[nchristeutah]

Boy - this thread has grown since I logged in last! So glad my broken login is working again!

I am the one who asked about the MIAMI Port. What does it look like? Is it decorated with Disney stuff? Is there anything for the kids to do while you wait to board?

I have requested to join the facebook group and just added my information to the google docs spreadsheet. This is only our second Disney cruise. We sailed on the Dream in April '11 and just wished the cruise was longer. We missed out on the FEs because I didn't know about them until about a month before sailing and the group was closed. I think I am as excited about the FEs as I am about the cruise itself. I am really trying to come up with a good idea for a FE gift.

I am having lots of trouble booking flights, however. Who knew that the flights would be so awful? We are coming from SLC, Utah and there are no direct flights for us to Miami and the layovers mostly seem to be in parts of the country where weather could keep us from getting there in the winter. I hope this all works out! I can't wait!

QUESTION: I have heard on this thread that people love the Wonder and think it is better than the Dream. Can you tell me more about that? What do you love? What do you like to do on board? I love hearing about what I can look forward to!

 

[lheerema]

Hi All!
I am getting so excited to see our group grow! It looks like we are going to have a great group, and our kids all seem to be in the same age group (well, I am old enough for you all to be my kids ).

Anyway, Alexa, Addison, Lizzy are my Granddaughters and Lyra and Sophie and Sloan are my GREAT Grandchildren! I hope we get a chance to get together!

This is our second cruise on the Wonder and the only Disney boat we have been on. Our granddaughter Ashley (MommaShruga) went with us as a youngster and she loved it. It's a smaller boat, but it was one of the best cruises of my life - our grandkids cried when they had to leave - they had the time of their lives.
I have to get myself a count down calender - the little ones are counting the days for me!

 

[lheerema]

Boy - this thread has grown since I logged in last! So glad my broken login is working again!

I am the one who asked about the MIAMI Port. What does it look like? Is it decorated with Disney stuff? Is there anything for the kids to do while you wait to board?

I have requested to join the facebook group and just added my information to the google docs spreadsheet. This is only our second Disney cruise. We sailed on the Dream in April '11 and just wished the cruise was longer. We missed out on the FEs because I didn't know about them until about a month before sailing and the group was closed. I think I am as excited about the FEs as I am about the cruise itself. I am really trying to come up with a good idea for a FE gift.

I am having lots of trouble booking flights, however. Who knew that the flights would be so awful? We are coming from SLC, Utah and there are no direct flights for us to Miami and the layovers mostly seem to be in parts of the country where weather could keep us from getting there in the winter. I hope this all works out! I can't wait!

QUESTION: I have heard on this thread that people love the Wonder and think it is better than the Dream. Can you tell me more about that? What do you love? What do you like to do on board? I love hearing about what I can look forward to!

Hi! I don't know what the Miami port looks like either! We are flying in the day before and our whole family is staying at the new Comfort Suites Airport North. We are getting in at about 7 in the evening, and hoping our little ones can maybe swim in the pool and get tired out and have a good sleep! In the morning we will let them swim again and then take the shuttle right over to the port and get in line at 11.

Some of the experienced cruisers said to have the kids (adults, too) wear their swim suits under their clothes when they board the boat. Rooms won't be ready for a few hours, but the buffet will be open and so will the pools. Sounded like a splendid idea to me!

Did you check out SW for airfare? Or coming in to Fort Lauderdale? I decided to bite the bullet and go ahead a book our tickets - I am not sure airfare is going to go down, and I can see that the planes are filling up for that weekend going into Miami and Ft. Lauderdale as it is spring break for most of the schools.

What's better about the Wonder? Hmmm - well, you will be cruising with the coolest people ever!!! Our group will be the envy of the ship, right?? When I looked at the spreadsheet, I notice that the children are all so close in age, that will be lots of fun if they get to meet each other first!

Talk to everyone again soon!
Lois

 

[Mjasp]

We are flying into Miami also. Makes it so much easier to take Disney's transportation and after the cruise Miami is so much closer.

I personally did not like the Dream and love the Magic and Wonder. I found the Dream, although big, very boring. My husband is still looking for the band lol, it's a joke in the house now. He'll say, I still can't find it? and I'll say what? he replies, the band lol

 

[mom3girls2000]

Quote:
Originally Posted by nchristeutah
Boy - this thread has grown since I logged in last! So glad my broken login is working again!

I am the one who asked about the MIAMI Port. What does it look like? Is it decorated with Disney stuff? Is there anything for the kids to do while you wait to board?

I have requested to join the facebook group and just added my information to the google docs spreadsheet. This is only our second Disney cruise. We sailed on the Dream in April '11 and just wished the cruise was longer. We missed out on the FEs because I didn't know about them until about a month before sailing and the group was closed. I think I am as excited about the FEs as I am about the cruise itself. I am really trying to come up with a good idea for a FE gift.

I am having lots of trouble booking flights, however. Who knew that the flights would be so awful? We are coming from SLC, Utah and there are no direct flights for us to Miami and the layovers mostly seem to be in parts of the country where weather could keep us from getting there in the winter. I hope this all works out! I can't wait!

QUESTION: I have heard on this thread that people love the Wonder and think it is better than the Dream. Can you tell me more about that? What do you love? What do you like to do on board? I love hearing about what I can look forward to!
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Hi! I don't know what the Miami port looks like either! We are flying in the day before and our whole family is staying at the new Comfort Suites Airport North. We are getting in at about 7 in the evening, and hoping our little ones can maybe swim in the pool and get tired out and have a good sleep! In the morning we will let them swim again and then take the shuttle right over to the port and get in line at 11.

Some of the experienced cruisers said to have the kids (adults, too) wear their swim suits under their clothes when they board the boat. Rooms won't be ready for a few hours, but the buffet will be open and so will the pools. Sounded like a splendid idea to me!

Did you check out SW for airfare? Or coming in to Fort Lauderdale? I decided to bite the bullet and go ahead a book our tickets - I am not sure airfare is going to go down, and I can see that the planes are filling up for that weekend going into Miami and Ft. Lauderdale as it is spring break for most of the schools.

What's better about the Wonder? Hmmm - well, you will be cruising with the coolest people ever!!! Our group will be the envy of the ship, right?? When I looked at the spreadsheet, I notice that the children are all so close in age, that will be lots of fun if they get to meet each other first!
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Sorry about the weird formatting, for some reason my laptop's being balky tonight

Well I agree with Lois, we are the coolest people EVER! (Even surpassing the people on my last - which was my first lol - cruise on the Magic. Just don't tell them I said that lol.)

I also agree with her re. Southwest. SWA flies from SLC to Ft. Lauderdale, and they're currently showing rates starting at 276 pp going, and as low as 174 going home. And, if you book with them and the price drops, you get the credit (good for a year, I think). If the price rises, you luck out at the lower price. Plus, no assigned seating means you can all sit together (and with kids, you'd preboard, and most definitely be able to sit together). And best of all, no checked luggage fee! (Up to 2 suitcases per person, including the littlest kid!) And 2 carryons per person too ! We <3 SWA . And no, I'm not being paid by them LOL.

Might I suggest, since weather in February is usually a concern, that you fly down a day ahead of time? Give yourselves that cushion of time.

 

[barefootMom]

Hi all, I have never been on a Disney cruise but this is the one I believe we are about to book. I have no idea what FEs are...can someone tell me? Also,can anyone tell me the options of where to stay or transfers or what makes the most sense if we fly into Ft Lauderdale the day before? Do they have transfers to the port from anywhere? Do we just get a rental car? Sorry I am so clueless...if it is too much work to fill me in then I understand!!

 

[lheerema]

Hi all, I have never been on a Disney cruise but this is the one I believe we are about to book. I have no idea what FEs are...can someone tell me? Also,can anyone tell me the options of where to stay or transfers or what makes the most sense if we fly into Ft Lauderdale the day before? Do they have transfers to the port from anywhere? Do we just get a rental car? Sorry I am so clueless...if it is too much work to fill me in then I understand!!

Hi - Hope I can help you! We NEVER use Disney transfers - a cab or limo is always cheaper!! Since you can get on the boat as early as 11 a.m., we try to come in the night before - especially if you have little ones!

We are staying at the Comfort Suites Miami Artport North. I understand the rates are now $179. for a suite. However, that includes free shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and free shuttle to the port in the morning and a free hot breakfast in the morning.

Disney charges $40 per person for the shuttle! You don't need a rental car! If you fly into FLL you can probably find a hotel that will do the same, pick you up and shuttle you to the port - otherwise, take a cab, - it's a whole lot cheaper! FLL is not that far from the port!

We have a lot of little ones in our group, so we like to get them to bed early the night before, maybe let them swim in the hotel pool and get them good and tired so they sleep in a bit in the morning. Because, you know they will be so excited when they get to the boat!!

Hope this information was helpful!! We just booked all of our airfares - try booking for a group of 13 - and getting it all coordinated!

This group is going to be sooooo much fun - can't wait to get this party started!!

 

[lheerema]

Max

Will you tell her about Fish Exchange = I am a newbie about it too - although my granddaughter has me all hyped up about it!

Lois

 

[nchristeutah]

Hi all. I was just wondering if barefootmom and ihearemma are also on facebook with us? If not, you can get more information there and the conversation tends to move a little faster . Ask to join the following group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/2476...d=266072833501752&notif_t=group_comment_reply

(or look it up by February 16, 2013 Disney Wonder 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Hope to see you there soon.


Natalie