July 22, 2012 5 Night Bahamian Cruise

[courtnvm]

Wrong way....

Thanks for posting the movies! My DH and I were wondering if there would be anything new showing while we were on the cruise.

I'd introduce my kids, but hey, they aren't going!! I do think that that is a great idea, though!!

I cannot believe that I only have 7 more working days until we leave! We keep pushing up our leave date, but I can't push it back any earlier. I'm off this Tuesday and Wednesday and then will work from Thursday until next Wednesday, and then we are off early Thursday morning!!

As quickly as I want time between now and then to fly, I really wish that time would slow down, because that means that our vacation will fly by, too!!

 

[TempusFugit]

Thanks for posting the movies!

Great idea on introducing the kids too! We're flying without the boys on this one too though.

On a somewhat related note, DW and I will be at the terminal for check-in earlier than expected. Origionally we were going to take Disney's shuttle as we're staying ar Port Orleans FQ for a couple nights before sailing. You usually don't arrive at port until around 1PM in that case. Well, since we have early arrival time of 11-11:30 at the port terminal we changed plans and are renting a car. So, for all you early birds, we will see you there! We should post some description or wear something identifying and maybe hook-up at the terminal. What do you think?

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Thank you for posting the movies
I loved reading about your kids! Mine is a short list since I only have 1

Sarah (8) is going into 4th Grade. She's the youngest one in her class. She's bright and very social. She LOVES everything Legos, Star Wars, Hello Kitty, and she loves to sing. She's mostly looking forward to riding the Aqua Duck and going to the kids club. Sarah is a Sabre Fencer. She's only been competing for a couple of months but she''ll be playing the National Championships in Anaheim this Saturday and is probably the youngest in her Division of Y10 which is the youngest division (most are 10 going on 11). We're so proud of her! This cruise is our gift to her- for getting straight A's throughout the whole 3rd grade and for her golf, fencing, and piano achievements.

 

[Gr00vyChc]

I want to start packing! But hubby thinks it's crazy since we still have 2 more weeks In the meantime, I have the suitcases out so I know how much clothes we can fit. 2 luggages and 1 carryon for our 2 1/2 week vacation.

NOTE: my friend just got off the fantasy and she said girls- Bring your own hair dryer! I wasn't planning to but she said the blow dryer only blew cold air and she thought it was broken. She requested a new one and it was the same thing!

 

[courtnvm]

On a somewhat related note, DW and I will be at the terminal for check-in earlier than expected. Origionally we were going to take Disney's shuttle as we're staying ar Port Orleans FQ for a couple nights before sailing. You usually don't arrive at port until around 1PM in that case. Well, since we have early arrival time of 11-11:30 at the port terminal we changed plans and are renting a car. So, for all you early birds, we will see you there! We should post some description or wear something identifying and maybe hook-up at the terminal. What do you think?

We are doing almost the same thing! We only had enough DVC points leftover for 5 nights at BLT, so we opted to come a day early and stay at the port Saturday night. We got an amazing $54 rate for a rental car from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, so after dropping our car off at National, we plan on being at the port when they open.

I'm not sure where we'll be, because I want a picture with Mickey (we skipped it last time), but our picture is in my avatar.

Gr00vyChc - Did she use it in the correct plug at the desk? I've heard people having problems if they didn't use it at the desk. I'm hoping that maybe there was something wrong, as I wasn't planning on taking mine!

 

[Screnwriter]

We've been looking at the DCL merchandise online. Does anyone know if we can buy it later and have it shipped to our house? I can't see having a scrapbooking kit on board the ship and carrying it all the way home with us.

 

[Screnwriter]

Hello again!

After talking to my dd last night about the upcoming meet and greet, she suggested we all post a little information about our kids and their interests so that when they all meet each other, they have a few things to talk about right away. We have 4, so this may take me a little bit, but I'll start...

In our family 'tis just me and my 8 year old daughter Athena. She's one smart girl, and a great one for making friends anywhere. Older, younger, adults or babies - Athena loves people and making new friends. She's really into "Brave" right now, and she loves Harry Potter, and The Avengers too. This is our first cruise (apart from a day cruise to Ensenada I took back in '94), and we're really looking forward to the trip.

 

[courtnvm]

We've been looking at the DCL merchandise online. Does anyone know if we can buy it later and have it shipped to our house? I can't see having a scrapbooking kit on board the ship and carrying it all the way home with us.

Are you talking about buying DCL stuff after you are off the ship, or buying it on the ship and having them ship it home? If you are talking about buying DCL stuff before/after the cruise, then you can do that with some merchandise. You could see what's available now on the Disney Store website. I'm not sure about purchasing something on board and then having them ship it home, though. But, we bought stuff on our last cruise and just packed it with us to take it home. I'm cheap that way.

We have 5 more sleeps and then we start the first leg of our trip!! We are headed to Nashville on Thursday to drop the kiddos off at my mom's house. We leave Nashville on the following Tuesday for Orlando and before we know it, it'll be time for the cruise! I've still got SO much to do! I've picked up a few things for the trip, and they are currently sitting in a corner in my bedroom waiting for me to go through it and see what we still need. We are moving from our current home the weekend after the cruise and I've got about 2/3 of the house left to pack. Oh yeah, and I work 8.5 hours a day from now to Wednesday. So, it'll be a crazy busy week, but TOTALLY worth it!!

 

[TempusFugit]

Hang in there!

We're getting stoked too but our adventure starts just a few days before we sail. We're heading down to POFQ the Friday before. Longer to wait but a little more time to prepare I suppose. We don't have to take our boys anywhere. The grands are coming here to watch 'em. I'm working the next 7 days straight, one day off, then three more before we go. So when you see us at the meet and greet I'll be the one with the taaaalllll drink and relieved grin.

 

[AminFamily]

Hi all,
This is our first time on a cruise with a DD (turning 10 on board) and DS (14). We learned about the FE group and are excited about joining this forum, making some friends and joining some group activities.

So, are any of the FE groups open for new members?

Thanks!

 

[Screnwriter]

Hi all,
This is our first time on a cruise with a DD (turning 10 on board) and DS (14). We learned about the FE group and are excited about joining this forum, making some friends and joining some group activities.

So, are any of the FE groups open for new members?

Thanks!

AminFamily - welcome to our little FE group! So far it's just three families, but that makes it easier for first time FE's - which we all are, apparently. I'm a single dad with an 8 year old DD. I'll send around the full list, with stateroom numbers soon.

 

[AminFamily]

Screnwriter,
Thanks! Our daughter generally makes friends easily and she is very excited. We will wait for the list. I am still learning how to use the forum, but I guess we need to send our room number to you as private message, right?

 

[AminoEnergy]

Hi Everyone!

This is our first cruise. We'll be traveling with our 3 children, DD(24), DD(21), DS(12).

It's very exciting that there are gatherings/meeting and greet events that being organized here.

Can someone please provide an updated list of the gatherings that are currently planned?

I've been reading through the thread and have noticed that most of the families posting here have children that are fairly young. Are there any families that are traveling with children in their 20s as well?

Are the Vibe/Edge/Oceaneer Club areas truly off limits to people outside of the designated age groups? Just curious because the Oceaneer Club/Lab looks like fun!

Also, what is this Fish Extenders group?

Thanks!

 

[LBollengier]

Port check-in time is moot if you stay on WDW property prior to the cruise. The bus gets there when it gets there.

I am now SO GLAD I booked the FL Tours service to take us around to the resort and Cruise and back!! We also got the early check-in and I am so glad, last time we waited 2 hours to get on the ship... Once I am at the port - I cannot wait to get on, it puts me in agony to WAIT!!!

I cannot wait to see the DREAM!!! We love the Magic and the Wonder but I know this is going to be even better!

How many of you have cruised on one of the new ships?

Do we know for sure what night Pirate night is or are we waiting for the ship? I booked Palo for Tuesday when the schedule online said Pirate night was Wednesday! Maybe we'll try to get a brunch ressie once onboard...

Okay, what does stump the bartender entail??

 

[TempusFugit]

I am now SO GLAD I booked the FL Tours service to take us around to the resort and Cruise and back!! We also got the early check-in and I am so glad, last time we waited 2 hours to get on the ship... Once I am at the port - I cannot wait to get on, it puts me in agony to WAIT!!!

I cannot wait to see the DREAM!!! We love the Magic and the Wonder but I know this is going to be even better!

How many of you have cruised on one of the new ships?

Do we know for sure what night Pirate night is or are we waiting for the ship? I booked Palo for Tuesday when the schedule online said Pirate night was Wednesday! Maybe we'll try to get a brunch ressie once onboard...

Okay, what does stump the bartender entail??

Yep, the slow arrival time is was the deciding factor to switch to renting a car. Well, that and being able to stop along the way and pick up some additonal "beverages".

Katie and I have been on both the classic ships a few times but this will be our first on the new Dream Class.

We still don't know for sure when Pirate night will be. This has been an ongoing controversy. Originally it has always been on the evening of Nassau. However lately it has been listed online as being on "sea day". Most calls to DCL has yielded answers that the DCL website is wrong and that the Pirate Party will still be on Day 3, Nassau visit. To completely contradict that have been recent reports on the DIS boards from passengers of the 5-night itinerary that state the Pirate party is indeed on the fourth night, "sea day". Clear as mud, ain't it? That is why the exact night of the "Adults Mid-week Cocktail Party, Stump-the-bartender contest, Show band and review" is not set in stone. So that it will not conflict with any of the revelry of Pirate night it will be whatever night the Pirate shin-dig is not. We should know for sure on embarkation day. I'll hit guest services as soon as onboard so we'll have that info at the Meet-n-greet. Who really wants to see me in a really big prate hat swiging a martini anyway?

Stump the bartender is easy. The object is to order an adult beverage the bartender doesn't know how to make. Referring to old Mr Boston’s doesn't count nor does just making something up. Traditionally if you can do it twice in a row the others in the group kick in to buy the drink for you. Even in not it still makes for a fun time trying to explain how you know about said beverage and usually makes for a good relationship with your barkeep. How many drinks will it take to stump the tender? [/QUOTE]

 

[TempusFugit]

Good morning Double Dippers! ...13 days to go!!

Welcome to our newest members. We are all glad you joined us. We have a lot of fun ahead of us! I'm going to post the info for some of the fun meetings, get-togethers, and informal gatherings we have planned so far. I thought this will be helpful for our newest members as well as be a refresher for the rest, especially since some are beginning their journey soon!

Also of note- I would suggest that we begin the first day Meet-n-Greet slightly earlier than 3, say 2:30-45, as the mandatory lifeboat drill begins before the Sail Away Party at 3:45 and then 4, respectively. That should give us at least an hour to put faces to screen names. I will bring nametags and a sharpie as long as I remember and DW has limited me to one cocktail prior castoff.

The "July Double-Dippers" Meet and Greet will be held on Sunday, embarkation day, July 22nd at 2:30 PM at D'Lounge.[/U] If, for some reason, the D' lounge is unavailable the Vista Cafe down the hall, just fore to D' Lounge will be the backup. The get-together will run as long as those willing or until previous or mandatory engagements require. I'll try to bring nametags and a sharpie for all who'd like. It might make is easier to put a face to a screen name . At that time, anyone who has changed cabins from the list Tami will provide please update her so we can all know where to drop FE gifts. With luck DW and I will have booked some adult beverage tastings and can let anyone know who is interested in joining us. Really looking forward to meeting you all!

Mid-cruise Adults Party plans
________________________________________
As a follow-up to my previous post, I have proposed plans for our July Double Dippers mid-cruise adults get-together/ stump the bartender contest:

It's been a popular idea in the past to schedule an informal gathering for the adults some time during the mid-portion of the cruise. The motivation is to continue friendships, swap stories of your experiences since embarkation, share tips or advice you may have and generally have a great time. Most importantly, it will also allow those traveling with children to be able to unwind and remember that they are individuals too!

I propose we meet in the District Lounge on Tuesday or Wednesday 7/24 or 25 around 10:00 PM. As previously discussed the exact day will need to float so as not to be on the same night as the mysterious Pirate Party and should be known by the Day 1 Meet-n-greet. For those of us with 2nd seating that should give us enough time to finish dining. Of course, this is very informal and I’m sure people with be coming and going. Wednesday, I believe is the best choice for the evening. Sunday and Monday will be too early in the cruise and we will all still be getting acclimated. Tuesday night looks to be the Pirate party. I know you’d all love to see me in my awesome pirate hat but it’s also Nassau day and many folks will be shagged after a long day of excursions and beach fun. Wednesday seems “just right”. It’s still mid-cruise and an at-sea day so we should all be rested from low-key activities. Also, our second stop at Castaway Cay is the next day. Any advice we can share will still be helpful and we may be able to coordinate some activities for the day on CC. (even just having lunch with a family you or the kids have made friends)

I believe the District Lounge is the logical choice for a location. There usually is a small buffet for those with the munchies. It is adults-only in the evening with a bar of its own but, most interestingly, it stands at the beginning of the District. It has immediate access to several other bars and lounges so, as mood dictates, we can always migrate rather easily. Sing along at the sports pub, or martinis at Skyline or Pink? Of course, I might even brave the dance floor at Evolution with enough liquid encouragement.
Who knows? Regardless of where the evening ends I am very much looking forward to not only meeting you on the first day, but getting to know you along our journey.

Please let me know if you have any other ideas. I’ve tried to look at this from multiple angles and, while nothing’s perfect, this seems to fit for most. I am sure that there will be other casual meetings, either planned or randomly. (I for one am looking forward to a drink while enjoying the view at currents) They can evolve on their own, but having this and the Meet-N-Greet on embarkation day scheduled ahead of time, will be plenty to get us started. So , indulge yourself- come out Wednesday evening had help me play stump the bartender.
It looks like we're getting some real fun activities put together as well. courtnvm has begun to put together a list of of some of the excursions many of our group are participating in so that we may do so together if we'd like. Several are planning the Castaway 5k.

Also, if I remember correctly, several of us are doing Palo brunch. Would you guys be interested in trying to be seated together or near? We may need each others help walking back afterward!

Once again, glad you joined us. Can't wait to meet you in person. ...(Bartender!...another round!)

 

[tamihong]

Good Morning all,

Just wanted to update you that I have sent ver. 4.0 of Group One's list via email. Check your email and let me know if you didn't get it.

 

[LBollengier]

Good morning Double Dippers! ...13 days to go!!

Also, if I remember correctly, several of us are doing Palo brunch. Would you guys be interested in trying to be seated together or near? We may need each others help walking back afterward!

Once again, glad you joined us. Can't wait to meet you in person. ...(Bartender!...another round!)

What day/time are you guys doing brunch? I will try to schedule for that time... What size of table should I ask for? That will be on Embarkation day, so let me know! My TA told me sometimes it is easier to get a party table than a small one...

 

[TempusFugit]

Brunch at Palo is only served on "at sea " days so we're all booked on the same day, Wednesday. DW and I have reservations at 11. I believe Tami is right before or after that but we do overlap. There are others but it escapes me who right now. Anyone please chirp up if you indulging in one of the more fun and tasty events onboard!

I would suggest to make sure to get your reservation for the number on your party first for the time you want. We can compare at the meet-n-greet on day 1 then ask for an appropriate size table if there are some who will be there at the same time. Sorta like "get yer Golden Ticket first " then we'll figure out the details.

 

[courtnvm]

We will be one of those in line for a Palo brunch reservation on that Sunday, hoping that we are lucky! We'll definitely try around the 11am time, because I am sure that I'd like to sleep in.

Best news today!! We got our room assignment!! I'm still trying to figure out what category it is, but hey, we have a room to go to!!