Halloween 2011. Oct 29th on the Magic

[HigginsFamily3]

My DH (47), DD (5) and I will be taking our first real vacation ever. We will be spending 7 days in Orlando visiting all the sites then headed out on our first cruise with all of you. We are looking for as many ways as possible to get the most out of this trip before my husband deploys again. So any advise is appreciated.

I have a question for some of you who have cruised before. I am trying to convince my husband to wear his military Dress Mess for the formal dining night on the cruise. Do you think this is acceptable? I am very proud to be a military wife and love to see him in his best.

Also, can anyone tell me if we need to bring two costumes for our daughter? I understand that there will be a Halloween party on board but I have also heard that she needs to wear a costume for the pirate party which is held on all 7 night cruises.

Thanks again everyone. I look forward to enjoying our first cruise with some other great people!

 

[HigginsFamily3]

Can someone explain what this is exactly. We have never been on a cruise before and don't want to miss out on any special opportunities but I have noticed the frequent cruisers seem to have a language all their own.

Thanks again.

 

[sailworkless]

My DH (47), DD (5) and I will be taking our first real vacation ever. We will be spending 7 days in Orlando visiting all the sites then headed out on our first cruise with all of you. We are looking for as many ways as possible to get the most out of this trip before my husband deploys again. So any advise is appreciated.

I have a question for some of you who have cruised before. I am trying to convince my husband to wear his military Dress Mess for the formal dining night on the cruise. Do you think this is acceptable? I am very proud to be a military wife and love to see him in his best.

Also, can anyone tell me if we need to bring two costumes for our daughter? I understand that there will be a Halloween party on board but I have also heard that she needs to wear a costume for the pirate party which is held on all 7 night cruises.

Thanks again everyone. I look forward to enjoying our first cruise with some other great people!

Welcome HigginsFamily!! We're on our first Disney cruise also, so I can't really help much with your questions. I'm sure the veteran cruisers will be able to help you out.

One thread that I've read through and learned a lot from is 'Cruise secrets DCL doesn't tell you'. Here's the link....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1380936

There's a pretty good summary near the end.

Otherwise, just lurking around these boards has answered most of the questions I had, and many that I didn't know I had.

Our youngest daughter will be just short of 6 on the cruise.

Enjoy!

 

[glindamood]

My DH (47), DD (5) and I will be taking our first real vacation ever. We will be spending 7 days in Orlando visiting all the sites then headed out on our first cruise with all of you. We are looking for as many ways as possible to get the most out of this trip before my husband deploys again. So any advise is appreciated.

I have a question for some of you who have cruised before. I am trying to convince my husband to wear his military Dress Mess for the formal dining night on the cruise. Do you think this is acceptable? I am very proud to be a military wife and love to see him in his best.

Also, can anyone tell me if we need to bring two costumes for our daughter? I understand that there will be a Halloween party on board but I have also heard that she needs to wear a costume for the pirate party which is held on all 7 night cruises.

Thanks again everyone. I look forward to enjoying our first cruise with some other great people!

and a huge THANK-YOU to your DH for his service - and to you and your DD as well.

My name is Gail and I am sailing with DH (David) and this is our 13th cruise on DCL. Feel free to ask any questions you have and I will try and answer. We started sailing when our youngest was 12 so I am not very savvy on the clubs but other than that, I am happy to be a resource.

YES on the uniform question - big yes. We see men in uniform every formal night we have been to I think. Not much better than men in uniform.

This is my first Halloween cruise but there is trick or treat and, based on what I have read, costumes (for both kids and adults) are worn to dinner. People often dress up (again, kids and adults) for Pirate night as well. I have also seen the girls dressed as princesses for dinner on formal nights.

 

[Dixielady908]

Welcome Higgins Family:

Glad to have you with us.....I'm Denise and traveling with DH Wally.....
Yes, have him wear his dress...also thank you to your husband for his service..my daughter is army and so is her husband...

Since I dont travel with kids, I cant answer you questions on the costumes..

Fish extender: Ok next to you door of your stateroom door is a panel with a fish...ok this is to hard to explain, when I get home this eveing I will go thru my pic's from my last cruise and post a picture.

well gotta run and get back to work

later
denise

 

[MommaMouse411]

yea another Dis member on board with us!

Higgins: I concur with Gail...uniform will be perfect for Formal dinner!! theres nothing more presitigious than a military man in uniform.

As for the FE:

This is a gift exchange. there is a fish next to your door where we hang our organizers from..you can google Fish Extenders (they sell them at Ebay too)...but some people make their own and of course disney-fy them. We get each other gifts...now some folks buy one gift got each cabin, some make gifts, some buy gifts pertaining to their city/state. for instance...last year I bought a tote bag for each cabin ($0.99 each)..and I bought beads, disney candy, disney word searches/pencils, disney toys for the kids, disney pens, disney markers/coloring books for kids..all of these were bought from dollar store. I also bought disney kleenex at $0.50 each. Its really fun. There's also a thread of homemade FE ideas.


Let me know if you want me to add your family to the list

 

[HigginsFamily3]

Wow, thank you so much for the quick responses to my questions. I will definitely have my husband wear his uniform now that I know it is appropriate.

Also, we are trying to figure out the one port excursion that shouldn't be missed when traveling with a 5 year old. We can't afford to do but one and I would like her to get the most out of it.

I am really looking forward to making lots of great memories which will hopefully include lots of you.

 

[HigginsFamily3]

DH, DD5 and I are on a very tight budget so I am trying to plan the most cost efficient trip possible. My DH and I don't plan to ride any rides or visit any waterparks as this trip is all about our DD5. Can you tell me what is the absolute must do while at the parks. Luckily we are military so we are getting the 4 day hopper pass and we get a free 1 day pass Busch Gardens or Sea World. What is the best child friendly areas at WDW for our DD. Any recommendations for saving money on food and such. We are not eligible to get the dining plan since we are not staying at one of the parks.


What are your must haves when going to WDW? poncho, glow sticks, bring a stroller or rent one? Can you bring in a refillable cup to use while at the park?

We are driving down from NC and staying at a private timeshare resort so we will be driving from Orlando to the port. Do you recommend driving to the port the night before and staying somewhere and parking at a hotel (i've heard some hotels let you park your car while cruising)/port or just leave Orlando the morning of the cruise and park at the port that morning.

Wow, I feel like I'm just full of questions. I am a total freak about organizing and am trying my hardest to use our time wisely and in the most cost effect manner.

Thanks in advance for any advise and suggestions.

 

[glindamood]

Wow, thank you so much for the quick responses to my questions. I will definitely have my husband wear his uniform now that I know it is appropriate.

Also, we are trying to figure out the one port excursion that shouldn't be missed when traveling with a 5 year old. We can't afford to do but one and I would like her to get the most out of it.

I am really looking forward to making lots of great memories which will hopefully include lots of you.

I never cruised with a five year old but I do know that my boys would have enjoyed it when they were that age (fearless guys that they are) but Stingray City is one of the most awesome things I have ever done - we have been back once and will return for a third time on this trip (using NativeWay). If you book directly with one of vendors, you would be able to take her but if you are thinking of going with the ship - watch the ages.

 

[MommaMouse411]

OMG I have a ton to say re your questions Higgins...but I 'll have to answer them tomorrow..I gotta run!!

but as for the food...I am always on a budget but I love to do one character meal with my kids...its simply a must do...most of them range from $20-$25 a person. but I always bring a cooler in with me full of sandwiches and beverages. I even freeze the waters so they are melted by the time we need them.

I think for a 5year old you might want to bring a stroller..IDK..because if she gets tired, its not like you can go back to Disney resort...thats just my thought..I would bring one if you are driving and see if you need it the first day...

HTere is soooooo much to do at WDW...anyway I gotta go..

 

[Dixielady908]

DH, DD5 and I are on a very tight budget so I am trying to plan the most cost efficient trip possible. My DH and I don't plan to ride any rides or visit any waterparks as this trip is all about our DD5. Can you tell me what is the absolute must do while at the parks. Luckily we are military so we are getting the 4 day hopper pass and we get a free 1 day pass Busch Gardens or Sea World. What is the best child friendly areas at WDW for our DD. Any recommendations for saving money on food and such. We are not eligible to get the dining plan since we are not staying at one of the parks.


What are your must haves when going to WDW? poncho, glow sticks, bring a stroller or rent one? Can you bring in a refillable cup to use while at the park?

We are driving down from NC and staying at a private timeshare resort so we will be driving from Orlando to the port. Do you recommend driving to the port the night before and staying somewhere and parking at a hotel (i've heard some hotels let you park your car while cruising)/port or just leave Orlando the morning of the cruise and park at the port that morning.

Wow, I feel like I'm just full of questions. I am a total freak about organizing and am trying my hardest to use our time wisely and in the most cost effect manner.

Thanks in advance for any advise and suggestions.

Again, I dont have any kids...however, the most kid friendly park is the Magic Kingdom...fantasyland...dumbo, peterpan etc....you can ride the rides wtih her..
I know the port charges for you to park there....you may want to check out the prices, its something like 80.00 for the week. You can most likely buy poncho's from the dollar store, much cheaper than in the parks, along with glow sticks.. where are you staying at while at disney? on property? if you are you can purchase their re-fillable cups there, but I dont think you can have them re-filled at the parks, just at the resort.
hopes this helps some, but maybe some of the people with kids can help you more.....

 

[MommaMouse411]

ok I just have a few minutes before off to my next site...lol


parking is cheaper at Radisson (i hve the link in my PTR)

As for WDW...are you not going to do MNSSHP...I don't know if they give you military discount but its a separate paid event and sooooo fun...

Magic Kingdom...you'll have to really know how to use the fastpass system to get on all the rides...I would map out what rides you think your DD would want to do...like the above mentioned Peter Pan (no Fast pass is typically a 90 minute wait!!!)...the earlier you get there the better. Also if you get there by rope drop, run to Tinkerbell shop and wake her up (behind castle) or run to Tom Sawyer Island and find a paintbrush so they can give you a fast pass to Splash Mountain. but there's soooo much to do here you will have to check out the schedule and see which shows you want to see...parades are great..there's two different ones. Spectromagic is a must do!!! Wishes Fireworks is a must do but that all comes at end of night.

are you interested in character meet and greats? because Mickey & the Princesses have Fast Passes to see them. thats definitely helpful. Princess Tiana and Naveen are by the castle, gazebo. Rapunzel and Flynn are on the right side of the castle. Oh its so hard to do MK in one day...I'm sorry but there's so much to do for little ones here.


If you are goin to Epcot: there's tons for 5yr olds to do..they have a lot of educational activities in future world. I like epcot. its laid back. but here you can get mickey, minnie, pluto, donald , and goofy meet and greet over in one shot. and Belle & Beast, Jasmin & Aladdin, Stictch Daisy, Marie, Mulan are here too (Pooh and Friends are here but I like meetin them at Animal Kingdom)
The Seas is a great area for the kids. You can go over to the creative disign thread and download do it yourself passport pages..and make a passport book for your DD. That weay when you go to World Showcase and visit each country, they can stamp her book and write something in their language for her.


Animal Kingdom..easiest park to do. Early morning do safari ride or do the very last ride..more animals to see. Festival of the Lion King a must do. Nemo the Musical a must do. and Fast Pass to everest is a must. The pangori trail and maharajah trail is a must do. the parade is okay but if you ve never seen it a must do. lol winnie the pooh and friends is good to see here. Also Camp mickey and minnie the characters have safari outfits on..soo cute. Chip and Dale and thumper are here...Divine the walking Vine is between asia/africa. Flik, Turk, King Louie, baloo are typically between asia/africa. Timon som etimes with Brer Bear/Rabbit are in the main entrance early morning. Also its tough to be a bug is a cool 3d show. (fave character breakfast is at tusker house here in Ak)

Disney Hollywood studio: I have found to appreciate this park more and more each time I go. Get your Toy story Mania ride Fast pass as soon as possible!!!!! then if your daughter likes Disney Junior theres a cute show here..Also my 2nd fave character breakfast is Hollywood and Vine. Handy manny/Oso/Little Einsteins. There's normally a High School Musical type show going on. the pixar pals parade is great. I love all the rides. The Backlot Tour is cool but there's fire/and exploding vehicle involved so if she doens't like explosions then Indiana Jones/Backlot Tour/Great movie ride/Stunt Show is a no go. My boys love all that stuff so we do it all. Unfortunately they are not yet tall enough to do every ride also the honey I shrunk the kids playground is fun to let her run around. but it gets packed so there's no relaxing for the parents..you have to keep close eye cuz they blend in with the other kids. Phineas and Ferb are here now and if she loves that cartoon its fun to check them out. Mike & Sully are here as well. Now Fantasmic plays on certain nights..so you want to go to DHS when Fantasmic is playing..I don't know if October they'll have two showings..but right now there's two showings..you typically have to get a seat in the amphitheater around 1 1/2 before show...I like this show. but my boys and I cannot wait 1 1/2 for the show..oh they also have a Beauty and Beast show (live)..very cute. Little mermaid ride is here too.


as for DCL: if you look up 7day disney western navigators, there's a site that has recent ones (from march of this year)..and you can see what they do for each day..obviously things can change from season to season..but it gives you an idea of what happens on the ship. I already know what I want to eat and what I want to do for each day.


as for excursions..I agree..stingray city seems cool and when my boys are older we will try to do this.my boys and I are doing the turtle farm..but we are getting our tickets with Boatswain..Key West and Cozumel my kids and I are not getting off...we are goin to stay on the ship and enjoy the anemities.

hope this helps...maybe when you get a plan together you can post it up so we can see what you came up with!!!



and I love Seaworld and busch gardens..so I have tips for those as well.. but I would do Seaworld instead of travellin to Tampa for Busch..but busch gardens is sooo much fun too...

 

[sailworkless]

Wow MommaMouse! You are a wealth of info. Now I'm feeling jealous that we aren't doing any parks on this trip. We have to settle for a lowly 7 day cruise

We took our older girls to WDW when they were 5 & 7. Other than the fastpass, our best tip was to pack a bunch of snack foods for the day. While we were waiting in line, we'd pull out the pb&J sandwiches, grapes, crackers, etc. It helped pass the waiting time, saved us a TON of $$, and saved us the time of sitting down for a full blown meal.

I don't know if it's possible for a 5yo to NOT have a great time at WDW!

 

[HigginsFamily3]

You are truly an amazing wealth of information. I am now even more excited than before.

So far this is my tentative schedule:

22 October: Arrive Orlando
23 October: Universal Studios (Blue Man Group)
24 October: Sea World
25 October: Epcot
26 October: Hollywood Studios
27 October: Animal Kingdom in the morning and Magic Kingdom at night for the Cirque show
28 October: Magic Kingdom
29 October: Cruise!!!!


I have schedule my daughter for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table on the 28th. Several people told me it was a good send off before going on the cruise and this way if she hasn't been able to see the 4 princesses she will at least get a quick visit before leaving.

We were thinking of doing the MNSSHP on the evening of the 28th since we will already be at the Magic Kingdom.

We have been looking at doing the Turtle Farm as well or one of the underwater sub rides. I don't think my DD is quite ready for the stingrays or we would do that. We will probably spend quite a bit of time on the ship as well since we really plan to do only one or two excursions.

Also, what do you generally set aside for tips on the cruise. I am trying to budget for this as well.

Thanks again!

 

[glindamood]

You are truly an amazing wealth of information. I am now even more excited than before.

So far this is my tentative schedule:

22 October: Arrive Orlando
23 October: Universal Studios (Blue Man Group)
24 October: Sea World
25 October: Epcot
26 October: Hollywood Studios
27 October: Animal Kingdom in the morning and Magic Kingdom at night for the Cirque show
28 October: Magic Kingdom
29 October: Cruise!!!!


I have schedule my daughter for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table on the 28th. Several people told me it was a good send off before going on the cruise and this way if she hasn't been able to see the 4 princesses she will at least get a quick visit before leaving.

We were thinking of doing the MNSSHP on the evening of the 28th since we will already be at the Magic Kingdom.

We have been looking at doing the Turtle Farm as well or one of the underwater sub rides. I don't think my DD is quite ready for the stingrays or we would do that. We will probably spend quite a bit of time on the ship as well since we really plan to do only one or two excursions.

Also, what do you generally set aside for tips on the cruise. I am trying to budget for this as well.

Thanks again!

WOW - you all are going to be busy - and have lots of fun!

Another sunny and gorgeous day here in Cadillac. I love this weather - upper 70's during the day and low 50's at night. It could stay like this until December!

 

[MommaMouse411]

Higgins...google Cruise Tip calculator...well here's the link...

http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/


and just enter the #s and it'll let you know what you should pay for tip.

we'll be at MK for MNSSHP on 28th and we might be there earlier as well.I'll probably bump into you all. (if you decide on buying tickets to MNSSHP FYI...they let you in MK at 4pm with MNSSHP) so if you want to maybe use that day for ANimal Kingdom???? just a thought...

also Keep an eye out for Mickey Mouse Ears Halloween Baskets at Walgreens. Last year I bought one for my son for $4,99...at the park they are $13.99.

I agree with sailworkless...eating out of your cooler saves you time and headache. And I am a frequent visitor of the baby centers. so maybe if DD gets tired and wants to cool off and rest, Animal Kingdom & DHS has quiet Baby Centers. Magic Kingdoms is always a ruckus but if you can get the couch there..fab!!! Epcot its good too.

 

[glindamood]

Back on page two again - just bumping us up onto page one.

We have decided not to do MNNSHP. Can't say I agree with the decision but I appear to only have one vote in the matter. Actually, had I booked an earlier flight, we could have gone on the 25th. But, it will be great fun for those that do go.

 

[HigginsFamily3]

Here is our information to participate in the FE. Not sure what we will do yet but we are excited to have the opportunity. Now if only I can find a FE door hanger for our room since I am not in any way crafty.

Me: 41 (Desiree)
DH: 47 (Roger)
DD: 5 (McKenna)

 

[glindamood]

Desiree - there are several ladies on eBay that make them, just do a search on fish extender or disney hanging storage. They will make custom for your family - material, number of pockets etc. We have had ours for a long time and I am going to order one for this trip - it is just time to swap it out.

Enjoy your evening everyone.

 

[Dixielady908]

Evening all:

Well I am very glad that this day is over....It was a mess at work today.

I work in a physicians office, we are on an electronic medical record system...the computer was down since last night....could not schedule appointments, check in patients correctly, chart on patients in their record...when I left work at 4:30 it still was not up....we were unable to get tomorrow's charts ready, we were unable to print schedules , we have no clue what patients are coming in....what a mess....hoping that they get this fixed sometime this evening or tomorrow will be worse than today. computers gotta love them....

nothing else is really new here....

have a good eveing