February 4th, 2012 MAGIC 7 night Western cruise

[JLitfin]

I'm interested in trying the FE exchange if someone will organize it.

A couple of questions: Is FEs usually handmade gifts? Do we exchange only one set of gifts per stateroom or one gift per family member in the stateroom? Also do we only exchange once during our cruise or several times during the cruise?

Never done FEs before but it seems like it'll be lots of fun.

 

[sopandbass]

I am up for the F.E. (whatever that is!)

FE stands for Fish Extenders. Outside your stateroom, you'll find a fish which serves to hold notes and mail for your room. It's a large clip from which you can hang a bag or panel with pockets. If you want to participate in an exchange of gifts with other disboarders, you would get a list of the stateroom numbers with a count of family members and you'd leave little treats at some point during the cruise.

It's very fun to find gifts waiting when you return to your room on different days. There are threads throughout the boards on what people have used/made for their extenders. There's even a source where you can buy made-to-order extenders. But trust me, I'm not all that crafty and we have a pretty decent extender.

 

[sopandbass]

Anybody who's willing to organize the FE gets my vote. The scavenger hunt sounds interesting, but I'm curious how the new check-in time rules will affect people coming early.

We cruised last January and I didn't think we'd be taking another Disney cruise so I haven't kept up on DCL changes. Could you tell me about the new check-in time rules? Thanks!

 

[bobrowskifam4]

Count us in for the FE exchange as well! This is our first Disney cruise so I'm glad someone stepped up to the plate to organize one- I have no idea where to start. I have been checking out some of the threads and there is a alot of pictures and ideas that are out there. Ebay also sells fish extenders. I checked them out there. Were about $15.00 to $20.00 and some will even personalize your last name on it. I think I will be purchasing one for our room through Ebay. Just easier. Now I have to start coming up with a gift idea and get working on one- I love to be crafty so this is exciting!!!! Thanks for organizing this!!!

 

[bobrowskifam4]

From what I have seen on the boards starting this August arrival time is changing from 10:30 to 11:00

 

[sopandbass]

From what I have seen on the boards starting this August arrival time is changing from 10:30 to 11:00

Thanks for the info!

 

[sopandbass]

Although we’ve been a part of Fish Extender exchanges on other cruises, I’ve never organized one before. So, as we go along, please feel free to make suggestions that will make things easier or more fun for all of us!
Here’s a list of disboarders who’ve expressed an interest in participating so far:

Goofy39.3
ClassicPooh2
JLitfin
Deidre
CrazyZeus1
MeghanElizabeth819 (maybe)
Cathycruiser (maybe)
Brobrowskifam4
JohnsonsFour
cheryl046

If you’d like to be added to the list, just reply here on the thread. The more, the merrier!!!

If you have any questions, please post it here as well. Your question might be someone else’s question and it will help all of us!

At some point, you will need to share your stateroom number and more info about your party so that we can plan treats accordingly. And, when we get close to the cruise date, we may want to set a cut-off date for signing up so that we’re not scrambling for more little gifts while we’re trying to pack or visit WDW pre-cruise.

It’s a very fun activity for all ages! I hope you’ll sign up for the FE exchange!

 

[Goofy39.3]

We cruised last January and I didn't think we'd be taking another Disney cruise so I haven't kept up on DCL changes. Could you tell me about the new check-in time rules? Thanks!

I'm no expert, but when you do your online check-in you also pick your terminal check-in time. It's a new policy, but the word is that they do not want people and won't let people into the terminal until their time comes up. This is supposed to limit congestion.

 

[JLitfin]

sopandbass, thanks for organizing the FE exchange, I'm reallly looking forward to our cruise, I do have a couple of questions.

Is FEs usually handmade gifts? Do we exchange only one set of gifts per stateroom or one gift per family member in the stateroom? Also do we only exchange once during our cruise or several times during the cruise?

 

[sopandbass]

sopandbass, thanks for organizing the FE exchange, I'm reallly looking forward to our cruise, I do have a couple of questions.

Is FEs usually handmade gifts? Do we exchange only one set of gifts per stateroom or one gift per family member in the stateroom? Also do we only exchange once during our cruise or several times during the cruise?

Hi JLitfin ~

FE gifts can be handmade but there is no shame in buying trinkets - either are great. In the past, we've received one gift for our family and some people leave enough for each person. Most people exchange once during the cruise but some like to do that more than once. So, in answer to your questions, it's all of the above.

On our last cruise, the person organizing the exchange asked for people to pre-determine which day they'd like to deliver their gifts so that all the gifts didn't arrive on one day. I'm not sure we need to do that but we can discuss that down the road.

You've probably read about what people have given and what they've received in the past. If you need examples, I'd be glad to share those with you.

 

[Cheryllynn74]

Hi, Please add me to the FE group. It is just me and my husband. We had a lot of fun with the FE on our last cruise. Thanks!

 

[sopandbass]

Hi, Please add me to the FE group. It is just me and my husband. We had a lot of fun with the FE on our last cruise. Thanks!

I've added you to the FE exchange. Looking forward to our cruise!

 

[JLitfin]

Another question, how much does everyone usually spend on their FE gifts? Is there a limit set or is it up to the individual?

I've been running through my head some FE gifts that I could give but wanted to stay in the same range as everyone else cost wise.

Plus, how many weeks before the cruise will the sign ups end so we'll know how many FE gifts we will need to put together?

Thanks again for answering my questions.

 

[sopandbass]

Another question, how much does everyone usually spend on their FE gifts? Is there a limit set or is it up to the individual?

I've been running through my head some FE gifts that I could give but wanted to stay in the same range as everyone else cost wise.

Plus, how many weeks before the cruise will the sign ups end so we'll know how many FE gifts we will need to put together?

Thanks again for answering my questions.

I've never been a part of an exchange that set a limit but I'm open to that if enough people would prefer it. What does everyone think? I don't think anyone needs to spend too much money - it's just for fun.

I think the cut-off should be 3 weeks before we cruise. Some people may be heading to WDW before the cruise. lf you need more time than that, let me know!

Sharon

 

[MeghanElizabeth819]

sopandbass- please add us to your list. Just my parents and myself. Thank you for organizing the FE exchange. Can't wait for our first cruise

 

[sopandbass]

sopandbass- please add us to your list. Just my parents and myself. Thank you for organizing the FE exchange. Can't wait for our first cruise

You're on the list!!!

 

[sopandbass]

Does everyone have their excursions planned? We booked so late that I've just begun to think about what we might do in port - or not. We often just stay on the ship on port days. We enjoy relaxing with less people there sometimes. Actually, on last year's cruise, we only disembarked at Castaway Cay. We had a great time!

We're thinking about renting an electric car in Key West. Has anyone ever done that? It looks fun. We've been there a couple of times but our DD is bringing a friend and she'll want to see some sights.

Cozumel is not my favorite port. We've been there with RCCL and DCL and I think we may stay onboard.

Does the ship always tender to Grand Cayman? We've cruised there a couple times as well and I think we always tendered. Does anyone know?

I hope you're each enjoying the rest of the summer! Thanks for letting me ramble.

 

[mcgrawfan]

My family is on the cruise. It will be DH,DD(7) and myself. Can't wait!! We are doing 3 days at WDW prior and then possibly the Saturday we return too!

 

[sopandbass]

My family is on the cruise. It will be DH,DD(7) and myself. Can't wait!! We are doing 3 days at WDW prior and then possibly the Saturday we return too!

Have a great time planning your trip!

If you'd like to join us in the Fish Extender Exchange, we'd love to have you participate!!!

 

[TLPL]

I am starting to plan my trip now, the one thing I really want to see is Tulum Mayan Ruins. Is it true we can arrange out own tour and save $$?
Eelectric car in Key West sounds fun, but would renting bicycles be more interesting for the kids? Would they be bored riding on car vs riding on their own bike?