From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 4

[orlandothebeagle]

Well it doesnt matter what time of day, what computer, wifi or modem I cant log onto Photobucket. Tells me website not available. I uploaded pics to snapfish, but I dont know how to get the img codes like photobucket has. So if you want me to email the pics PM me with your email. Sorry I am so dumb, lol

Dont worry, we will see it soon enough.

JenKatt is correct. we also have/know a CM and the discounts are quite amazing. I cna't believe it's selling that great. question for you all tht have done PC cruises before: a) how many have been during the school year, or b) right after the holidays or c) 15 days? is this affeacting the selling out or is it maybe the economey or what do y'all think? i think we'll have some less crowded places to go!!

Quote: Sherri - we've got 2 Navigator Verandah cabins, and I'm thoroughly excited with what I hope they'll offer. On our last cruise with P&O, DH and I both were dismayed at what we felt was a lack of private outdoor space (we only had a porthole cabin). With the NV, I reckon we'll have the best of both worlds - a cosy private "extra room" with the bonus of being outside. Given how many sea days we have, I envisage many hours spent relaxing on that verandah, with many calls to room service. Bliss to a busy mum of 4

Nicole - I agree - the logistics for those of us travelling from afar and so many FEs is already concerning me.

Little sleep for the weary here.

Cheers,
Sally
__________________
Wow, sally, you're coming with quite a group!! and a distance too! . What's emum mean???? am i stupidly nissing something?

Happy saturday all!
Sherri

Only thing I have to say is that of its anything like ta cruise serenity bay will be packed to bursting point.

Sherri - I can't claim to have thought up the username emum - it was actually the name of a group of mums from all over the world I used to post with for a few years - that was more than a decade ago. We thought "e"mum was appropriate because it could represent so much - firstly along the lines of email, eBay, etc., as well as "extraordinary, exceptional, etc." I always liked that it was so succinct, so it's been my username on a few websites for several years. Sorry you asked ? LOL

As for the cruise not selling - I can understand why so many people in the US wouldn't be able to book it, given the school year and the state of the economy. OTOH, I just about jumped for joy when it was announced, as it is my dream cruise, and it fits perfectly in the middle of our kids' Summer holidays.

I'm knackered, and I'm back at work in an hour and a half I need a nanna nap !

Cheers,
Sally

I would love a nana nap right now.

Greetings everyone...I'm finally HOME!! Just in time to head to D-Land tomorrow for the meet! Whew, I'm already looking forward to NEXT weekend and a bit of a breather! By then, I will have all reports, presentations and conferences completed and can go back to life as usual Yeah right!


I hate to be the bone of contention in this conversation and it sounds like the decision has been made anyway, but I feel like someone should speak up for all of those who may not have signed up for several reasons. I think the real fun of doing something like this (especially for the kids) is the joy of going to each room and dropping something off in each persons "pouch," regardless of what (or how big) that "something" is. For that reason, I have a "the more the merrier" mindset. So...I was wondering if I could offer a compromise...Instead of a cut-off DAY, what about a cut-off NUMBER? I know that the magic number for me has always been 100 (as that was what people said to plan for a long time ago). That way, everyone has a number in mind, and we can continue to add people. If the number goes above that, we could always stagger the list where everyone does 100, but they start at different places (for example person 110 starts giving FE's at person 10 and so on...). Granted, that is a complicated solution, but you know what they say about challenging your mind everyday--why do the same thing when you can REALLY confuse yourself

WOOT, WOOT!! So, so, so, so, so, so EXCITED!!!!!!!
Did I say how excited I am yet?? Okay, I guess I'll have to say it again---GO GIANTS!!!!! WA-HOOO!!!!

Oh, I LOVE it, you just gave me a great new word--"Knackered"--Love it, love it!! I may not be Australian, but can I steal that one? To be fair, I'll give you one of my favorite words..."Wonky" It works when you just don't feel like saying "discombobulated!"

I admit it, I'm a bit punchy tonight, but I'm just SO excited to be home (the TSA guy at the airport told me I was WAY too chipper, but I did make him smile)!!!!!

Have a great night!
Melissa

Welcome home, knackered is a funny word, I thought it was scottish to be honest, do you realise where its from right?

knackered: adj very tired; beat. The “knacker’s yard” was once a place where old horses were converted into glue.

LAst cruise we taught our tablemates a few scottish words, it was very funny, I didnt realise what rubbish words I used, for instance .
My lentils are minging

 

[glindamood]

Certificate question - B would be my response as well unless someone is able to determine who the captain is.

Giants and Rangers - I must say go Rangers - as they beat those darn Yankees which I do not like one bit.

I had success yesterday with a rental property in Pompano Beach to replace the canceled Christmas cruise. And yes Kay, it was that one I accidentally sent to you. So that makes me feel so much better - well, that is until I went looking at renting a vehicle. That will be my next big project. Hopefully we can get away with just renting for a few days and then staying 'home' until it is time to move out. We shall see how that goes.

Raining here but 56 so tolerable I guess. Didn't get much done yesterday so I really need to work on the big black hole that we call a dirty laundry hamper. Bottomless pit it appears to me.

So have a great day - have fun at the meets, I am so sad that I don't live close enough to anyone to meet up.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning Happy Cruisers!

Regarding the FE, I was wondering what everyone thought about setting a cut off date. I've never been on a cruise that didn't have a cut off date to sign up, because people need to know how much stuff to get. I know some people have suggested getting 10% more, but even that might not be enough if people keep signing up later and later. I guess for me I'll print the list out now and only deliver to those people on it because i don't want to have to 'cut back' on what i'm giving to those who've been signed up for months just because more stragglers keep signing on. I know people join the cruise late but i'm just saying in my past cruises we've always had advance deadlines, usually 2 months before the cruise, so we all knew what we were in for. Any thoughts on this?

I agree that the FE list is getting quite long. What do you think of dividing us up into groups? We could do 4 groups of 20 and then if more people join, then they could just be in a new group. That way, you know how many gifts to get now and it won't increase as more people join in.

I know we have booked Disney Cruises at the last minute, so I would hate to have all the new joiners lose out on the fun of FEs.We could even think of different names for each of our groups to help keep us straight.

I agree with setting a cut off date soon, and Val's suggestion of doing a 'second group' for late signups who may be interested. this way, those of us who want to finish shopping and get the right amount purchased before the busy holiday season can take care of business, but those who join later can still plan something if they choose. I would have been up for splitting into groups but I think at this point its too late since I think a lot of people have already bought enough gifts for the whole group.

What does everyone think about a deadline of November 6, exactly 2 months before the Cruise? That is also 2 weeks from today so that gives people who are still reading and debating signing up 2 weeks to think about it. I think any later than November 6 would get a bit stressful for those of us who are trying to plan ahead and get this wrapped up.

I hate to be the bone of contention in this conversation and it sounds like the decision has been made anyway, but I feel like someone should speak up for all of those who may not have signed up for several reasons. I think the real fun of doing something like this (especially for the kids) is the joy of going to each room and dropping something off in each persons "pouch," regardless of what (or how big) that "something" is. For that reason, I have a "the more the merrier" mindset. So...I was wondering if I could offer a compromise...Instead of a cut-off DAY, what about a cut-off NUMBER? I know that the magic number for me has always been 100 (as that was what people said to plan for a long time ago). That way, everyone has a number in mind, and we can continue to add people. If the number goes above that, we could always stagger the list where everyone does 100, but they start at different places (for example person 110 starts giving FE's at person 10 and so on...). Granted, that is a complicated solution, but you know what they say about challenging your mind everyday--why do the same thing when you can REALLY confuse yourself

Have a great night!
Melissa

I know Jeff and I will be making our FE gifts up till the end. For us, it wouldn't seem right to cut off anyone. But if the overall group wants a cut off, go for it. No one should feel that they have to keep buying. However, I do believe we decided a long time ago that we wouldn't be doing smaller groups, that we would be buying for everyone. (I may have my signals crossed on that though).

Gotta love BBC America... there's a Doctor Who marathon on, it's making all this reading more bearable!

Lots of discussion. I personally agree with the latter two posters - the fun for me is in the giving not the getting. My opinion is - you prepare the number you can afford (or have time for)and leave them in random FE's.

If there are more people than you have gifts for - well, someone else is sure to hit the ones you left out and with 70 - 100 participants there will be MORE than enough stuff in everyone's FE.

I like getting stuff as well as the next person, but Please - if you don't have sufficient for everyone - FEEL FREE to leave mine OUT!

Just the old lady's position. who already has 100 bought.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Good Morning Happy Cruisers!














Lots of discussion. I personally agree with the latter two posters - the fun for me is in the giving not the getting. My opinion is - you prepare the number you can afford (or have time for)and leave them in random FE's.

If there are more people than you have gifts for - well, someone else is sure to hit the ones you left out and with 70 - 100 participants there will be MORE than enough stuff in everyone's FE.

I like getting stuff as well as the next person, but Please - if you don't have sufficient for everyone - FEEL FREE to leave mine OUT!

Just the old lady's position. who already has 100 bought.

I also agree, although I am not doing fish extenders as with ALL my cruises, when it gets nearer to packing, if I have time and space I will bring some stuff for others, its a no brainer for me, no pressure bgefore going and no wt for my cases to bring home but I get to give little gifts which makes us happy.

 

[poohs4me]

I also thought early that we had decided not to divide the FE into groups and have planned for 100, but could go more if that is how it works out.

 

[granmaz]

I also agree, although I am not doing fish extenders as with ALL my cruises, when it gets nearer to packing, if I have time and space I will bring some stuff for others, its a no brainer for me, no pressure bgefore going and no wt for my cases to bring home but I get to give little gifts which makes us happy.

Which reminds me, and I have been very remiss, but thank you for the two treats you left on the TA. We loved them. John particularly enjoyed the tablet!!! Sorry I just kept forgetting when we saw you and when messaging you.

 

[kmitchel]

Sorry, I didn't wade through all 750 posts prior to signing up for the cruise so I didn't know the decision had already been made to cut off at 100. I guess my concern is that if I just spend $5 on each FE, that is $500 just in FE gifts. Plus most of us have to fly to at least one of the Ports which means that we have to carry 100 gifts in our luggage at least once.

 

[carmie3377]

I surely don't want anyone to feel left out I just thought from my other cruise and from the events page (states list will be finalized around October), that there would be deadline. So, if it was planned not to set a deadline by date or number, then that's what it is. I don't specially remember. I will do my best to get everything done as early as possible but may have to alter the gift for late joiners. I am looking forward to the FE gift exchange. The kids are too.

 

[carmie3377]

Giants and Rangers - I must say go Rangers - as they beat those darn Yankees which I do not like one bit.

I think I dislike the Yankees as much as I like the Rangers. And that is A LOT. That made their victory even that much sweeter!!! Baseball was the first sport I became interested in watching and we would go see the Rangers all the time when I was kid and the first few years DH and I were married. So wish I could go to the one of the games in the World Series, even though they are a good 4.5 hours away. I looked online right after the last game and the "cheap" seats were going for over $500 each on StubHub. I guess I should have bought before the series was over. Oh well, there will be other years

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Which reminds me, and I have been very remiss, but thank you for the two treats you left on the TA. We loved them. John particularly enjoyed the tablet!!! Sorry I just kept forgetting when we saw you and when messaging you.

Your welcome, no probs, I might try and make some for next week, if it turns out good I will post some for him,home made is hundred times better.

Sorry, I didn't wade through all 750 posts prior to signing up for the cruise so I didn't know the decision had already been made to cut off at 100. I guess my concern is that if I just spend $5 on each FE, that is $500 just in FE gifts. Plus most of us have to fly to at least one of the Ports which means that we have to carry 100 gifts in our luggage at least once.

I didnt think folks spent 5 bucks each, that is a lot when you add it up.
You would be carrying them twice to take 100 back !! in our case.

 

[granmaz]

100+ gifts are an awful lot to distribute, carry, and in some cases, pay for. I have never been on a cruise(done 6) that has had so many for individuals to do, they have always been split into smaller groups in different ways. Last cruise we had groups of 15, and as new members, and then late joiners joined, new groups were formed. On our last PC(far too late to organise for this cruise, but just for interest) we split into groups to do 1 larger gift per day. Each group had a leader and they chose a gift between them and shared the cost, which wasn't much when split and shared distribution which was to the whole FE group, but when split was not too many cabins. Only the 1 main FE organiser knew what the individual gifts were so they weren't duplicated. Many gave some individual gifts as well, and some not in these groups gifted as they wished anyway.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I did a rough count from Jeff's list on the website quickly, so I may be off by a couple, but I got 79 rooms listed as FE participants as of today. I still stand by my opinion of having a cut off of some sort, either the date or the amount, say 100 since several people have used that as their benchmark and/or already bought that amount. I see the perspective about others joining later but the suggestion to have a second group and also those who want to deliver randomly to whom they want will solve that- my position is that whoever I give to will be those on the list that were excited about this enough to have signed up and planned for months. Sorry, thats just me, I'm a big planner and I appreciate those who can commit in advance and make things easier for all the planners like me out there. I put a lot of effort into my gifts so I want to know what I'm doing and for whom, not scrambling at the last minute.

It sounds like this may be something that people feel strongly enough about that we can have a poll posted on the website. It can be 3 choices- cut off date of 11/6, cut off at 100 staterooms, or no cut off at all, and we could vote. This seems simple enough that we can at least come to a decision so we're not debating this endlessly. Thoughts?

 

[valbob89]

Does anyone know where we will dock in Manzanillo? Is it at the new cruise ship pier, where there are points of interest near the ship, or the old pier in the industrial area?

There doesn't seem too be much to do there? How many of your are staying onboard? If there are enough of us, do we want to plan something on-board?

Val

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Good morning!

Just stopped in real quick to say hi! And tell those coming to DL today that I am looking forward to meeting you! Will post pictures later of the Dis-meet.

 

[aan1701]

Just wanted to say hi to all. I am on my way to the Sci-Fi for lunch. Have no clue what I am doing the rest of the day.

 

[perdy1234]

I don't mind keeping the FE group as is I just hope the cut-off date is soon. In fact, I have actually purchased enough for 90 gifts (some of the things I can't take back) since I thought we weren't splitting up. Whatever we decide to do I think we should probably do soon so we can finalize our plans. Just my .02

Oh, and the suggestion of stopping the list now and then newcomers could start a new group if there is enough interest, I like that idea.

I agree with the idea of closing this fe and if anyone new comes along they can start another one. I also have purchased enough FE for 90 and have made them all up. I also vote for option B with the certificates.

 

[granmaz]

Just wanted to say hi to all. I am on my way to the Sci-Fi for lunch. Have no clue what I am doing the rest of the day.

We have never eaten there. You must give us a report and then I will see if I need to book for February.

 

[Tami0220]

As for the cruise not selling - I can understand why so many people in the US wouldn't be able to book it, given the school year and the state of the economy. OTOH, I just about jumped for joy when it was announced, as it is my dream cruise, and it fits perfectly in the middle of our kids' Summer holidays.

I'm knackered, and I'm back at work in an hour and a half I need a nanna nap !

Cheers,
Sally [/QUOTE]

The word I'm curious about, and have seen used twice is "locuming". What the heck does it mean. Usually I am pretty good at figuring out things (all the abbreviations) by the context of the sentence. But, I cant get that one, lol

Good Morning Happy Cruisers!














Lots of discussion. I personally agree with the latter two posters - the fun for me is in the giving not the getting. My opinion is - you prepare the number you can afford (or have time for)and leave them in random FE's.

If there are more people than you have gifts for - well, someone else is sure to hit the ones you left out and with 70 - 100 participants there will be MORE than enough stuff in everyone's FE.

I like getting stuff as well as the next person, but Please - if you don't have sufficient for everyone - FEEL FREE to leave mine OUT!

Just the old lady's position. who already has 100 bought.

Wow! Lots of discussion on FE's. This is my first DCL and I am totally excited about this. Never having done this before, I based mine on 110, so I made/bought enough for 110. They are all packaged and set to go. I dont have much of an opinion, although out of all the posts & comments, I agree most with LindaBabe. Whatever you all decide is fine by me. If you cut it off at 100 and start another group, can we be in both groups?? I told you I am excited, I am excited about both giving and receiving.

Does anyone know where we will dock in Manzanillo? Is it at the new cruise ship pier, where there are points of interest near the ship, or the old pier in the industrial area?

There doesn't seem too be much to do there? How many of your are staying onboard? If there are enough of us, do we want to plan something on-board?

Val

Based on the descriptions of the excursions, it sounds like a 30 min ride to town. So, I would venture a guess that we are in the industrial area. We are copying Alan the shark and staying on ship in this port. This is also the night (6:30) that we have Palo ressies. Disappointed in you, Val, you didnt wow me with a shore excursion in Manzanillo, . Maybe the onboard activity you come up with will tickle my fancy

 

[Tami0220]

We have never eaten there. You must give us a report and then I will see if I need to book for February.

Sci-Fi is a fun place to eat. You sit in cars and watch old horror flicks like at the drive in movies. When I had my bakery, I stole a cake from there. They called it "The Cake that ate NY". I called it banana split. It was quite good. Three layers of Banana cake with chocolate, strawberry and pineapple fillings.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Can some one help me.
I am going to book a dream b2b on the cruise, I was worried about there being no inside cabins available so ....
Ive booked but not paid deposit for a b2b with DU.
When I get on board if there are indeed no cat 11s availabe, can I cancel du booking and swap to booking same cabins on the ship to the discount?
Maybe I should book direct with disney to make this possible?
Wish I had booked a dummy now last cruise