January 19, 2013 - FANTASY 7 Night Western Cruise

[WDW Princess 71]

Actually I am right there with you about the barbeque on CC. I was pretty underwhelmed with it, but I too felt like the only one. My friends go wild over everything. Sometimes I think it's more psychological - that because we are on vacation and a pricey cruise everything is just simply divine, even though it isn't. Don't get me wrong, it's all good but I don't do cartwheels over average to above average things, especially when it's food. I also fully admit that I am a food snob, so I certainly never complain or otherwise dilute the magic.

More questions:

Am I allowed to order off the adult menu for my kids? My kids have had very diverse foods all their lives and I'm inclined to have them eat more than mac n cheese. For Mallory on our first cruise I ordered off the kids menu, but I guess I never thought about the adult menu. Now that she eats 100% of what we eat I figure it might be good to have the option.

And, on this potty thing in the kids club. Mallory goes to day care and they use the potty without assistance most of the time. If it's #2 I know the staff helps them if needed, but otherwise they're independent. I'm guessing there's no help available for that in the kids club? Also, are the toilets in the kids club the kind that auto flush? And are they small or adult size? Mallory is afraid of the auto flush ones - they always flush before she finishes and it freaks her out.

And I think you are right about the seafood brunch. Our friends really like to eat at the buffets for breakfast and lunch on at sea days (not me!) and I bet that is exactly what happened. They said it was on the second day at sea. I have palo brunch that day.

Very excited for fish extenders... How we doing on the tally for that? And will we meet up on the boat at some point?

Kids can definitely order off the adults menu, and adults can order off the kids'. My brother who is 21 enjoys a diverse amount of adult food but also loves his mac & cheese or pasta in cream sauce & often ordered a kids menu item as 1 of his appetizers.

I love the Castaway BBQ, but it is strange that it varies cruise to cruise. On our double dip CC cruise this past May, they had lobster both days, and also salmon one day and mahi mahi another. Other cruises i have had no seafood at all. I love the BBQ but do wish it was more consistent as to what you can expect.

 

[believinthemagic]

Hello fellow cruisers

I would just like to say that if I wasn't already happy to be on this Jan 19th cruise with you all, I sure am now!

We originally had our cruise dates narrowed down to two different weeks. Jan 19th and this past week of October. I wanted to do October because the kids are out of school for fall break, January they will miss 5 days. Well, my mom REALLY didn't want to cruise during hurricane season, so January it was!

So, if I had my way, we would've been cruising during hurricane Sandy! I am really happy we were not on that cruise!! Thanks mom

79 Days!!

 

[Jeisur]

Hello fellow cruisers

I would just like to say that if I wasn't already happy to be on this Jan 19th cruise with you all, I sure am now!

We originally had our cruise dates narrowed down to two different weeks. Jan 19th and this past week of October. I wanted to do October because the kids are out of school for fall break, January they will miss 5 days. Well, my mom REALLY didn't want to cruise during hurricane season, so January it was!

So, if I had my way, we would've been cruising during hurricane Sandy! I am really happy we were not on that cruise!! Thanks mom

79 Days!!

sounds like you owe your mom a few extra drinks and disney treats!

 

[melanienboys]

We will be joining in on all the fun too.
My hubby and I and two boys, 8 and 5.

We would like to do the FE ( fish extenders)

 

[Jeisur]

We will be joining in on all the fun too.
My hubby and I and two boys, 8 and 5.

We would like to do the FE ( fish extenders)

welcome aboard. I just need names and ages on those in your cabin and cabin #.

I will add you to the list when I get that info

happy sailing

 

[melanienboys]

Cabin # 10028

Mason 8 Jaxon 5
Melanie 33 Jake 34

Thank you

 

[Jeisur]

So far here are the confirmed participants for the FE:

jeisur (3 cabins participating)
tinkybell14
beckybowler
dstein12 (2 cabins participating)
PegIra (2 cabins participating)
xulauren (2 cabins participating)
eemaxx
capshockeygrl
jennifer AS
melanienboys

15 total so far

Still waiting confirmation from the following:
dingmomma
nursemomof2
nurse2011
janda
kbceman
sillysarah
wdw princess 71
lisa
crusingfamily4
hosburg

10 on the unknown list

I would like to get some feedback as far as cut off numbers and dates.

Most groups seem to put a cutoff a few weeks before sailing date. With the holidays in the mix would everyone be okay with a month out cutoff? that gives people the next, roughly, 60 days to commit? So the cutoff will be Dec 19?

If this is good, lets stick to it!

I have a feeling the list could grow quickly as things get closer.

Also, is anyone opposed to the large group? We can split it up if need be. I for one am the more the merrier! I hand craft and have supplies already so I am good for about 50 cabins if need be.

-jeisur

 

[melanienboys]

The cut off time is perfect! Looking forward to the list of fun people I get to surprise.

Thanks for your hard work.

If you can share any gift ideas, that would be great! This is new to me.

 

[cruzlover]

Can't believe I finally found this roll call! I was on the Cruise Critic roll call, checking every day but no one was posting. Should have figured this out sooner!

Now to start reading the 8 pages to get caught up!

Melinda

 

[mtmama2]

Hello everyone. I have booked this cruise for myself, my 4 year old son and his father for a surprise Christmas gift. I would love to participate in the FE, my son would love the little surprises!

We are in cabin 6032
Justin (age 4)
Mom and Dad

Justin's favorite character is Mickey Mouse!

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

What type of gifts do people usually do? Trying to think of something to bring that will fit in our suitcases!

 

[xuLauren]

I am all for a deadline and I can make 30 days work. As long as we stick to the deadline I don't care how large the group gets. Just my two cents.

 

[Tinkybell14]

Cabin # 10028

Mason 8 Jaxon 5
Melanie 33 Jake 34

Thank you

Hi Melanie,

My son turns 8 right after the cruise and my husband and I are around the same age as you guys (I'll be 35, he's 32). Welcome to the cruise! Maybe we can meet up sometime on the ship. I know Landon would love to hang out with another boy. He is always stuck with my daughter (10) and her friends!

Sharon

 

[Tinkybell14]

So far here are the confirmed participants for the FE:

jeisur (3 cabins participating)
tinkybell14
beckybowler
dstein12 (2 cabins participating)
PegIra (2 cabins participating)
xulauren (2 cabins participating)
eemaxx
capshockeygrl
jennifer AS
melanienboys

15 total so far

Still waiting confirmation from the following:
dingmomma
nursemomof2
nurse2011
janda
kbceman
sillysarah
wdw princess 71
lisa
crusingfamily4
hosburg

10 on the unknown list

I would like to get some feedback as far as cut off numbers and dates.

Most groups seem to put a cutoff a few weeks before sailing date. With the holidays in the mix would everyone be okay with a month out cutoff? that gives people the next, roughly, 60 days to commit? So the cutoff will be Dec 19?

If this is good, lets stick to it!

I have a feeling the list could grow quickly as things get closer.

Also, is anyone opposed to the large group? We can split it up if need be. I for one am the more the merrier! I hand craft and have supplies already so I am good for about 50 cabins if need be.

-jeisur

I am good with however many we get numbers wise. I think it's good to have just one group if everyone can handle it, that way nobody is comparing if they got in the "good" group, lol. With that said, I'm a huge fan of a firm cut off date. I agree with a month out being good. I have a few ideas in mind but will make my final decisions on what to do after the cut-off and I see how many and what ages and stuff like that. Thanks for putting this together.

-Sharon

 

[Jeisur]

Hello everyone. I have booked this cruise for myself, my 4 year old son and his father for a surprise Christmas gift. I would love to participate in the FE, my son would love the little surprises!

We are in cabin 6032
Justin (age 4)
Mom and Dad

Justin's favorite character is Mickey Mouse!

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

What type of gifts do people usually do? Trying to think of something to bring that will fit in our suitcases!

welcome aboard, mom and dad's names and I will add you to the list!

 

[mtmama2]

Jeisur-


Thanks for adding us to the list. I am getting excited to participate and come up with some creative gifts!


Mom-Heidi
Dad-Garry
Justin (4)

Thanks again!

Heidi

 

[mtmama2]

Id love to offer suggestions but we have never done this cruise before.

I have actually been to Cozumel twice, Grand Cayman twice, and Costa Maya once. (5 total prior cruises), but this is my first with Disney-can't wait!

In Cozumel, if you would like to do something on your own, I would highly suggest taking a cab for around $10 to Chakkanab (sp.?) National Park. It is absolutely beautiful! Great snorkeling, beach, some shops, paths with some ruins if I remember correctly, cocktails, food, everything you need for a beach get-away. No tour operator required! Another time in Cozumel I took an excursion to the Tulum ruins-truly stunning with the beautiful blue ocean in the background. The only problem I see with Tulum on the Disney cruise is the very short time in Cozumel, I think it would take up the majority of your time, and this includes a ferry ride to Playa Del Carmen and a bus ride.

In the Grand Cayman, if you have not done it before, I would take a trip to Stingray City. The first time I went we were the only boat there (although it was a rather large group). The second time, about 5 years later, we did a private catamaran trip to Stingray City which was much better, with a stop at Coral City to snorkel. However, the second time there were probably 20 boats there at one time! The only caution with the private catamaran was we barely made it back to our ship in time, you really have to watch your timing!

Costa Maya-We did an excursion, probably 6-7 years ago to Choccchoban (sp?) ruins, which was a great excursion. I also remember that right at the port there is food/beach party area, that we has about 1/2 hour to enjoy before getting back on our ship.

My dilemma is what to do since I have already been to Cozumel, GC, and Costa Maya before, but this time with a 4 year old. He's quite the little adventurer, but we are definately limited in the age limit with a lot of the excursions.

If anyone has any suggestions for us, I'd love to hear them. Or, if you have any questions on some of things I have done at these ports, please feel free to ask!

 

[capshockeygrl]

I would like to get some feedback as far as cut off numbers and dates.

Most groups seem to put a cutoff a few weeks before sailing date. With the holidays in the mix would everyone be okay with a month out cutoff? that gives people the next, roughly, 60 days to commit? So the cutoff will be Dec 19?

I think a cutoff of the 19th would be just fine. Still enough time to order more supplies if necessary.

As for number of people/cabins - I think I could make it work no matter how many participated. I could always switch from individual gifts to cabin gifts if I needed to.

 

[Jeisur]

I think a cutoff of the 19th would be just fine. Still enough time to order more supplies if necessary.

As for number of people/cabins - I think I could make it work no matter how many participated. I could always switch from individual gifts to cabin gifts if I needed to.

Seems that the popular vote is to stick with the cut off of december 19 and be FIRM about it! Sounds good to me.

Here are the numbers as of today:

16 cabins confirmed
breakdown
31 adults,
20 kids
(13 boys ages ((13, 12, 8, 8, 8, 7, 7, 5, 5, 5, 4, 3, 1)))
( 7 girls ages ((10, 10, 10, 6, 5, 3, 1)))



11 cabins on the "not sure list"
Rough breakdown on unconfirmed
25 adults, 13 kids??

I will update the list again in a few weeks or if there are MAJOR changes.

In the end I will have it available as a spreadsheet (or pdf) that I can email out. will post here as well.

 

[PegIra]

I am fine with 6 weeks notice. We are in a little different situation, as we are retired and are going to Kissimmee for the winter. We have a daughter who lives in Alabama so we leave Delaware around Dec 28th and head there, then go to Kissimmee on January 2nd. This gives me some time before we leave home and after we get to Florida. This is our 7th Disney Cruise, but our friends 1st and I am so excited to make it special for them.

Peg

 

[Jeisur]

I am fine with 6 weeks notice. We are in a little different situation, as we are retired and are going to Kissimmee for the winter. We have a daughter who lives in Alabama so we leave Delaware around Dec 28th and head there, then go to Kissimmee on January 2nd. This gives me some time before we leave home and after we get to Florida. This is our 7th Disney Cruise, but our friends 1st and I am so excited to make it special for them.

Peg

Won't quite be 6 weeks. Dec 19. 1 month before due to the holidays. I hope you can work around that! Sounds like a lot of travel in your near future! This is cruise #5 on disney for most of our family. I have been on at least 5 other cruises, non-disney. Wont do anything other that the mouse now!