Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - PART II

[Liz Arjay]

This just in for our AG fans - are you tempted to cross over? Tough choice!

Disney introduces princess line to compete with American Girl dolls Orlando Sentinel — posted on November, 3 2010 11:26 AM

The Walt Disney Co. aims to give Mattel’s American Girl doll franchise a run for its money this holiday season. Disney has introduced Princess & Me dolls into the popular 18-inch doll market, and it’s doing so at a lower price point.

Princess & Me dolls sell for $49.99, compared with American Girl dolls, which start at $95. Girls can choose from Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Tiana and Belle. After each doll is registered, its owner will receive a letter on her birthday from her favorite princess.

Although the Disney line does not yet have the depth of products that American Girl has developed during the past 24 years, there are similar choices. For example, girls can get princess gowns in their own sizes to match their dolls’ dresses for $49.99. Coordinating clothing has long been a hallmark of American Girl.

There also are outfits for the dolls ($14.99 to $24.99), and a few accessories, such as a vanity set ($14.99), a tea set ($19.99), a wardrobe ($39.99) and a canopy bed for ($49.99).

Analysts say that price isn’t everything, however, when it comes to 18-inch dolls. American Girl dolls represent different periods in history and can be customized to look like their owners. The popular dolls are backed by their own exclusive stores and movies. One toy-industry analyst expects this year’s American Girl sales to surpass the record $463 million in both 2008 and 2009, Bloomberg.com reports.

Still, in this economy, having a less-expensive option will no doubt be welcome news for some customers.

 

[miatamel]

Wow!! I'm so excited that I can actually answer this one! I believe, based on previous posts, that the bump out indicates that your room has a steamer trunk (small stand up storage unit).

If you look at the posts of the past couple of days, you can find a link to a spreadsheet of such rooms and some photos of the single and double trunks.

I thought at first that might be it, but there is only that little thingie on our room, the room on port side across from us and another room on down starboard. According to that spreadsheet, alot of rooms have the steamers so I didn't think that was it. What else could it be, reckon?

 

[disneydash]

Given the enjoyment I get out of planning a trip, my DW said my vacation started the minute we booked the cruise. I just get a kick out of setting up all of the little extras that make our family time together special. It means even more to me as the kids have grown older and we are seeing less of them. My wife's solution was to have more kids!!

My family would probably keel over if we boarded the ship and I said "What should we do now?"

 

[momssurprise]

This just in for our AG fans - are you tempted to cross over? Tough choice!

Disney introduces princess line to compete with American Girl dolls Orlando Sentinel — posted on November, 3 2010 11:26 AM

The Walt Disney Co. aims to give Mattel’s American Girl doll franchise a run for its money this holiday season. Disney has introduced Princess & Me dolls into the popular 18-inch doll market, and it’s doing so at a lower price point.

Princess & Me dolls sell for $49.99, compared with American Girl dolls, which start at $95. Girls can choose from Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Tiana and Belle. After each doll is registered, its owner will receive a letter on her birthday from her favorite princess.

Although the Disney line does not yet have the depth of products that American Girl has developed during the past 24 years, there are similar choices. For example, girls can get princess gowns in their own sizes to match their dolls’ dresses for $49.99. Coordinating clothing has long been a hallmark of American Girl.

There also are outfits for the dolls ($14.99 to $24.99), and a few accessories, such as a vanity set ($14.99), a tea set ($19.99), a wardrobe ($39.99) and a canopy bed for ($49.99).

Analysts say that price isn’t everything, however, when it comes to 18-inch dolls. American Girl dolls represent different periods in history and can be customized to look like their owners. The popular dolls are backed by their own exclusive stores and movies. One toy-industry analyst expects this year’s American Girl sales to surpass the record $463 million in both 2008 and 2009, Bloomberg.com reports.

Still, in this economy, having a less-expensive option will no doubt be welcome news for some customers.

Less expensive than AG is good -- but I fear the "I have to now collect these" mentality. Lucky for us, we are pretty much out of room with the AG tree house and 6 dolls -- hopefully #7, that Santa is hopefully delivering on the ship, will be THE END of 18-inch dolls chez nous.

Can I hide this info from DD???

On another note, I just upgraded so there is another Deck 2, Cat 9 available -- midship, 2560.

 

[momssurprise]

Did I see somewhere there is one? Where is it, if so? And does anyone know where the laundry is on Deck 7?

 

[MommyLissa]

Thanks to my new book, "PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line Guide", I can tell you that the laundry on Deck 7 is adjacent to rooms 7590, 7592, 7594 and 7596.

Again, thank you Amazon.com! And it only took 11 days shipping to find me in the desert....terrific!!

 

[itutorfortravel]

I thought that is how everyone plans for the trip.

First, you create the excel sheet and then you begin adding and taking away items that are needed. Second, you begin gathering the items into one area of your home.
Third, you start packing.
Fourth, you pack the last minute packing.
Fifth, you make copies of the excel sheet and your list of what everyone is doing each day.
Sixth, you put all of this information in a nice binder with graphics.
Seventh, you relax.

Oh my gosh, I do a binder too! I have it separated into pre-cruise info (including hotel confirmations, etc.), check-in info at the port, onboard info, and post-cruise info. I thought I was the only person who did this!

 

[momssurprise]

Thanks to my new book, "PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line Guide", I can tell you that the laundry on Deck 7 is adjacent to rooms 7590, 7592, 7594 and 7596.

Again, thank you Amazon.com! And it only took 11 days shipping to find me in the desert....terrific!!

Well, I feel dumb since I have this book -- but I thank you! I guess I need to read it! Since the cruise is a surprise to the rest of my family, the book lives in a red well folder in my office at work.

With all my other cruise stuff. I tend to make lists, but don't update them as much as I should. Yikes. I seem to think will put it all together for me.

 

[pennymike]

Oh my gosh, I do a binder too! I have it separated into pre-cruise info (including hotel confirmations, etc.), check-in info at the port, onboard info, and post-cruise info. I thought I was the only person who did this!

I discovered binders got too full, so I (most recently) have graduated to an expandable file folder unit with enough pockets for the number of days of the cruise, plus travel and planning pockets. I put the info for each day (port info, reservations, etc) in each pocket BEFORE the trip so I know where to find them. Then, as we enjoy our cruise each day, I tuck the daily navigator, excursion ticket stubs, photos from Shutters, notes, other treasures into that day's pocket. When I get home, everything is organized and ready to be scrapbooked!

Now if only I could find someone to actually move all that stuff INTO scrapbooks.......

 

[pennymike]

Y'all are scaring me. I am flying by the seat of my pants.

Fly well, Miatamel! You'll enjoy it just as much.....maybe even relax a bit more than some of us????

 

[3PrincessGrandma]

Can someone tell me exactly what this is? Do you need a ticket for entrance to the park for that day plus a ticket to the "party" if you are only going to the party?Thanks
Lois

 

[mickeyteachers]

Yes, I do the pre-cruise, cruise, and cruise binder. My husband thinks I am nuts. But, he goes along to make me happy. I even select the clothing for each day and have charts created. I guess I am a little nuts. But, at least it makes me happy.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Can someone tell me exactly what this is? Do you need a ticket for entrance to the park for that day plus a ticket to the "party" if you are only going to the party?Thanks
Lois

It's just like the Halloween party, just with a Holidays theme. It's a hard ticket event (seperate ticket). With this ticket you can get in usually at 4pm and enjoy the MK. The park closes at 6 or 7 for general guests and the party starts for those with tickets. Rides are open, there's hot chocolate, cider and cookies, etc. They make it "snow" on Main St. and dance parties in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, And there used to be a photo op- not sure if there still is or not. There's a holiday parade and special fireworks also.

 

[VA Girl]

We got our room assignment...an upgrade from a 12 GTY to a Cat 9, room 1072. I'm probably the only person that wanted a Cat 10 instead of a Cat 9 upgrade because I don't like the light. I love it when it is absolutely dark. Not that I'm complaining about an upgrade though, I'm very happy about that. My kids on the other hand are really happy and my husband could care less (he just goes with the flow). I have never been on deck 1 before but from what I have been reading it is really quiet. Anyone stayed on deck 1 before that can tell me how it is?

We are starting to get really excited for the trip. I have to get through a short (4 night) girl's cruise in two weeks before I can put all my energy into this cruise. I'm looking forward to that cruise too but it's not Disney, so it's just not the same. Some fun girl time will be great though.

 

[ISCHARCM]

If you sign into your reservation on the DCL website it should look something like this on the my reservation page.

My Reservation
Only 46 days until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise:11-Night Southern Caribbean Holiday Cruise
Shipisney Magic
Sail Dateecember 18, 2010
Stateroom: Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah Category 06, #6084

The line that I bolded is the one that shows your stateroom assignment.

Wow... I booked in at a cat 12 gty and this is what mine now says:

Only 45 days until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise:11-Night Southern Caribbean Holiday Cruise
Shipisney Magic
Sail Dateecember 18, 2010
Stateroom: Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

Now thats what I can an upgrade!!!!!!!







(ohhh ok, wishful thinking too... ) We got bumped to a 9, and with FL resident rates, what a deal.

 

[ISCHARCM]

We got our room assignment...an upgrade from a 12 GTY to a Cat 9, room 1072. I'm probably the only person that wanted a Cat 10 instead of a Cat 9 upgrade because I don't like the light. I love it when it is absolutely dark. Not that I'm complaining about an upgrade though, I'm very happy about that. My kids on the other hand are really happy and my husband could care less (he just goes with the flow). I have never been on deck 1 before but from what I have been reading it is really quiet. Anyone stayed on deck 1 before that can tell me how it is?

We are starting to get really excited for the trip. I have to get through a short (4 night) girl's cruise in two weeks before I can put all my energy into this cruise. I'm looking forward to that cruise too but it's not Disney, so it's just not the same. Some fun girl time will be great though.

We have stayed on deck 1 before, and deck 2... to be honest, I don't notice any difference between the two... didn't really have any problems either place.

 

[BBQMommy]

Have fun on your girls' trip, VAGirl

Caryn

 

[ISCHARCM]

I thought at first that might be it, but there is only that little thingie on our room, the room on port side across from us and another room on down starboard. According to that spreadsheet, alot of rooms have the steamers so I didn't think that was it. What else could it be, reckon?

That indication means there are no bathrooms in those rooms and that you must use the public bathrooms...

Hhehehe, kidding, I have no idea.

 

[BBQMommy]

Wow... I booked in at a cat 12 gty and this is what mine now says:

Only 45 days until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise:11-Night Southern Caribbean Holiday Cruise
Shipisney Magic
Sail Dateecember 18, 2010
Stateroom: Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

Now thats what I can an upgrade!!!!!!!







(ohhh ok, wishful thinking too... ) We got bumped to a 9, and with FL resident rates, what a deal.

You had me going!!!! LOL


------------------------------

Did a quick grocery stop and the sell by date on my new half and half is Dec 12 and all I can think of is how close to departure that date is ...

Caryn

 

[disneycruising]

Wow... I booked in at a cat 12 gty and this is what mine now says:

Only 45 days until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise:11-Night Southern Caribbean Holiday Cruise
Shipisney Magic
Sail Dateecember 18, 2010
Stateroom: Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

Now thats what I can an upgrade!!!!!!!
(ohhh ok, wishful thinking too... ) We got bumped to a 9, and with FL resident rates, what a deal.

I love it...to funny!