January 19, 2013 - FANTASY 7 Night Western Cruise

[Jeisur]

So I've been sneaky about holiday gifting- and found out that my DH is taking us on this cruise as a gift. I haven't found our stateroom # yet but I wanted to get in on the fish extender list if I'm allowed to now (before cutoff date) and then after 12/25 I'll be able to give room details (trying to preserve the surprise to some extent).
Our family:
Paul 33
Stacey 36
Brooke 4 1/2
Zoe 2

Stateroom TBD

this will be our first disney cruise and our first since having the girls- a whole new adventure!

Also- in our "theoretical" discussions, DH has noted that for Zoe to go into childcare, it requires a reservation and additional fee. She's in kidcare at the YMCA all the time and loves it there, so I'm not worried about leaving her. But I would love tips from those with experience about when would be a good time to try to reserve a spot for her (dinner? evening? afternoon??) and when there will be stuff she'll enjoy doing with the family.
Since Oceaneers is drop in for Brooke ( and she's much more able to communicate her needs and desires) we're not so worried about that.

thanks
Stacey

Welcome aboard! that makes 19 cabins on the confirmed list and about 6 left that expressed interest that haven't committed fully.

yes, for the itty bittys to attend the childcare they have to have a reservation and a nominal hourly rate. I am sure she will be fine. The staff is beyond amazing and there is SO much to see and do that she should love it. I think my kid is the only one ever that hated it there! haha! He wanted to be with the "big kids". The clubs for the medium kids are fantastic. I highly recommend checking them out during open house. You can go in with BOTH kids during open house times and let them play. It is great to let them get comfy and acclimated. Again, they have so many activities to do they will love it. I always find our boys curled up in the corner reading because they are so exhausted! My youngest, almost 5, has been fully 100% potty trained since before he was 2. yet, at the club, he had an accident because he was so involved with the activities he forgot to go. First time that happened and hopefully the last. Thank goodness it happened right before I has planned to pick him up. They have to be FULLY independent in the bathroom. If they need help they recommend that you check in on them frequently (every 30 min or so). They just cant be in diapers or pull-ups in the big kids clubs. Obviously the nursery allows diapers!

Traveling with little ones on disney is awesome. the crew members are fantastic with the kids. PLease feel free to ask any questions you need.

We took out, then 2 year old, on the first mediteranian cruise Disney did and totally survived! (except this was the cruise he refused to go to the nursery on, but we found out halfway through the cruise he had a raging ear infection, so taht explained that!)

 

[stacecakes]

What I love about cruise meals is that they are leisurely and have multiple courses. But that seems incompatible with a 2 year old. How have the rest of you handled that? is it doable? Or do I feed her at a quick serv than plug her into babysitting while the rest of us eat? I hate the idea of banishing her from family dinner, but it is supposed to be a vacation for all of us. And I think both she and I might be morerelaxedif we weren't tryingto get her to "behave" at the table.

And given that we are late in booking, I'm worried that we'll be assigned to late dinner, which would be after her typical bedtime. Hmmm

Help! this is tricky. Esp since I'm not supposed to know that this is actually happening. I don't ahve any of the reservation # to call myself yet. Told DH what I wanted for xmas was for him to do the planning for our winter vacation since I often go a little crazy trying to make everything "magical" when I do it. yeah, that's working out real well



Stacey

 

[Jeisur]

What I love about cruise meals is that they are leisurely and have multiple courses. But that seems incompatible with a 2 year old. How have the rest of you handled that? is it doable? Or do I feed her at a quick serv than plug her into babysitting while the rest of us eat? I hate the idea of banishing her from family dinner, but it is supposed to be a vacation for all of us. And I think both she and I might be morerelaxedif we weren't tryingto get her to "behave" at the table.

And given that we are late in booking, I'm worried that we'll be assigned to late dinner, which would be after her typical bedtime. Hmmm

Help! this is tricky. Esp since I'm not supposed to know that this is actually happening. I don't ahve any of the reservation # to call myself yet. Told DH what I wanted for xmas was for him to do the planning for our winter vacation since I often go a little crazy trying to make everything "magical" when I do it. yeah, that's working out real well



Stacey

I wouldn't go crazy stressing about the meals. Keep in mind there are time changes as we travel westward so that should help with the late evenings for the little one. Our little, well he is 7 now, was 2 oan the first cruise and did great at the meals. there are a LOT of visual stimulants, crayons and things to keep them going. I have seen kids sound asleep at mealtime snuggled on their mommy's laps. If it is a major concern, feed her early and make a reservation for childcare.

Best thing to do is know you are on vacation and just take things as they come. She will feel your stress and make it harder.

The food comes out quick once your order is in. I would suggest that you try to get to the dining room a bit before the seating so you can get sat and get your order placed towards the front of the kitchen que. it makes the meal go a bit faster in our experience.

 

[stacecakes]

DH finally gave it up that the cruise is officially booked and happening so I can start obsessing about details. We don't have a stateroom # assigned yet. Not sure when that will happen, but I'll keep you posted.

How hard is it to change seating times- we're currently slated for late seating and I'm extra nervous about that situation. I'm overthinking things already.

But I can start making a fish extender officially and start planning what to put in everyone else's. Any requests or good ideas from those of you who have done it before?

I can begin the list of what to pack, coordinating cute outfits for the girls, etc. To what extent are there little girls roaming the ship in princess dress up? Do they do that for formal dinners or randomly during the day. I'm sure my 4yo would consider it formalwear but I'm not sure if that's "done". Not sure about bibbidi bobbidi- DH might pass out.

wow. So much to consider. Hope I can get to sleep tonight. BEdtime for mommy here in Connecticut.

Anyone else with little girls on this list?

 

[sailingSoon]

I've been so excited since booking this cruise.

We'd like to join in on the FE exchange. It will be me (39), DW (40), DD(9) and DD(6). I haven't done one of these before, so I'll be searching the web for ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Jeisur]

I've been so excited since booking this cruise.

We'd like to join in on the FE exchange. It will be me (39), DW (40), DD(9) and DD(6). I haven't done one of these before, so I'll be searching the web for ideas.

Thanks!

Welcome aboard. I just need first names to add you to the list! If you have any questions feel free to ask!

 

[AbsyBabsy]

Hi everyone - I managed to book a great deal this morning on the 5/24/14 Fantasy! I am so excited.

Don't forget we have a super secret FB page - The only ones that can see we are in it are those invited to join - your friends and neighbors will not know you are going away.

http://www.facebook.com/hamandayoung

Just send me a friendship request and I will add you to the group. If you can't find me - send me a PM.

 

[capshockeygrl]

Hi everyone - I managed to book a great deal this morning on the 5/24/14 Fantasy! I am so excited.

Don't forget we have a super secret FB page - The only ones that can see we are in it are those invited to join - your friends and neighbors will not know you are going away.

http://www.facebook.com/hamandayoung

Just send me a friendship request and I will add you to the group. If you can't find me - send me a PM.

I keep meaning to do this when I get home from work every night, but my brain seems to just shut down and I forget everything that doesn't involve being lazy. I'll try and remember tonight.

 

[stacecakes]

I sent you a friend request but the "add message" box didn't come up. weird.
I am Stacey navratil and would love to be in the facebook group as well. Working on planning my excursions today!

The current idea:
stingray city and turtle farm in grand cayman
chankanaab park in cozumel
beach day in costa maya- anyone have a better suggestion here???

also wondering what kind of dress is appropriate for the dinner described as "semi-formal"- for men, women, kids. My DD will be fresh from a visit to BBB (thanks to her grandma) so will be in cinderella wear. But what about the rest of us?

getting really excited ( and a little stressed) between this and christmas, so much to do!

Stacey

 

[AbsyBabsy]

I sent you a friend request but the "add message" box didn't come up. weird.
I am Stacey navratil and would love to be in the facebook group as well. Working on planning my excursions today!

The current idea:
stingray city and turtle farm in grand cayman
chankanaab park in cozumel
beach day in costa maya- anyone have a better suggestion here???

also wondering what kind of dress is appropriate for the dinner described as "semi-formal"- for men, women, kids. My DD will be fresh from a visit to BBB (thanks to her grandma) so will be in cinderella wear. But what about the rest of us?

getting really excited ( and a little stressed) between this and christmas, so much to do!

Stacey

Stacey - I just sent you a FB request - I am assuming it was you because the profile pic has mickey ears!

 

[nurse2011]

Is anyone interested in a private mixology? you first watch a presentation, then you take turns behind the bar making the drinks, while you are drinking the drinks others make. I think it was supposed to be a $20 pp charge.

My husband and I would love to participate in a private mixology!! I would also like to join the facebook group.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Count me in on the private mixology also. I'm sailing solo so I'd love to get to know other DISers over drinks!

 

[dstein12]

My house is starting to get crazy for the holidays. My sons birthday was 11/30 now Hanukkah starts this weekend and Christmas is only a FEW weeks away. Is anyone else feeling stressed that this cruise is coming up way too quickly? I have to start thinking about my FE gifts and I have no ideas. This is my 3rd one, you think by now I have it down. I just want to skip the stress and get to the fun. Is anyone doing a day a Disney before the cruise. We fly in to MCO from NY about 10:30 checking into AKL on Fri 1/18 my crazy husband wants to go MK that day (have not told the kids) to see the new Fantasyland. We were just there for a week in Aug. Am I crazy or is he trying to kill me?

 

[sailingSoon]

Welcome aboard. I just need first names to add you to the list! If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Thanks Jeisur. We are:
Tim, Deanna, Elise (9) and Jessica (6).

 

[Jeisur]

Thanks Jeisur. We are:
Tim, Deanna, Elise (9) and Jessica (6).

Gotcha!!!

 

[Jeisur]

My house is starting to get crazy for the holidays. My sons birthday was 11/30 now Hanukkah starts this weekend and Christmas is only a FEW weeks away. Is anyone else feeling stressed that this cruise is coming up way too quickly? I have to start thinking about my FE gifts and I have no ideas. This is my 3rd one, you think by now I have it down. I just want to skip the stress and get to the fun. Is anyone doing a day a Disney before the cruise. We fly in to MCO from NY about 10:30 checking into AKL on Fri 1/18 my crazy husband wants to go MK that day (have not told the kids) to see the new Eastland. We were just there for a week in Aug. Am I crazy or is he trying to kill me?

i havent even started thinking of holidays yet! haha. We are going camping at Ft Wilderness for the next 8 days and then it will be time to start the wheels a turning. We do have the shopping done for the kids but nothing is wrapped or anything. The kids took the supplies I bought for FE gifts so I am back to square one. Probably should start to think about that soon, huh?

 

[stacecakes]

We have been assigned to stateroom 6638. This actually appears to be a little upgrade from what DH says we booked- location on the ship a little worrisome as I think we're directly over oceaneers (hope the kids playing downstairs don't keep my kids awake!), though not so much early morning noise to worry about. Do like the short commute to the kids stuff when we need it- may be easy to let DD go play while DH and I dress for dinner rather than have her fidget in our room.
YAY!

Please add this info to the FE list. Startted my shopping today- can I get a ballpark on hoe many staterooms we're looking at so far??

 

[capshockeygrl]

Is anyone doing a day a Disney before the cruise. We fly in to MCO from NY about 10:30 checking into AKL on Fri 1/18 my crazy husband wants to go MK that day (have not told the kids) to see the new Eastland. We were just there for a week in Aug. Am I crazy or is he trying to kill me?

We'll be hitting at least MK on the 18th before the cruise. But I'm flying in on the 17th and my father will have already been there for a couple of weeks.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

My house is starting to get crazy for the holidays. My sons birthday was 11/30 now Hanukkah starts this weekend and Christmas is only a FEW weeks away. Is anyone else feeling stressed that this cruise is coming up way too quickly? I have to start thinking about my FE gifts and I have no ideas. This is my 3rd one, you think by now I have it down. I just want to skip the stress and get to the fun. Is anyone doing a day a Disney before the cruise. We fly in to MCO from NY about 10:30 checking into AKL on Fri 1/18 my crazy husband wants to go MK that day (have not told the kids) to see the new Eastland. We were just there for a week in Aug. Am I crazy or is he trying to kill me?

I guess it would depend how long you stay in MK, if the cost is worth it to you. For me, I always get to the parks at rope drop so I can enjoy a good part of the day, leisurely afternoon back at the pool, then maybe return in the evening for fireworks. Plus, the lines are shortest in the early morning. I really want to see the New Fantasyland and the Be Our Guest restaurant at MK but for me, since I am flying down on the 18th, even though my flight arrives at 9:30 AM, I don't want to feel rushed. I'm going to get my rental car, pickup my liquor for the cruise, then check-in and relax by the pool for the day before going to dinner and Downtown Disney that evening.

 

[Jeisur]

We have been assigned to stateroom 6638. This actually appears to be a little upgrade from what DH says we booked- location on the ship a little worrisome as I think we're directly over oceaneers (hope the kids playing downstairs don't keep my kids awake!), though not so much early morning noise to worry about. Do like the short commute to the kids stuff when we need it- may be easy to let DD go play while DH and I dress for dinner rather than have her fidget in our room.
YAY!

Please add this info to the FE list. Startted my shopping today- can I get a ballpark on hoe many staterooms we're looking at so far??

got your room number added to the FE list. will post in a bit with the current list