3Goofy's
Mouseketeer
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- Oct 3, 2009
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- 377
Do you have some Irish blood in you? Fun to celebrate on a cruise!
March 15, 2015 MAGIC Cruise!! :)
- Thread starter Madzac
- Start date
Do you have some Irish blood in you? Fun to celebrate on a cruise!
papertraveller
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2009
- Messages
- 1,457
Thanks - I have updated the FE list!
Stay warm everyone. A great weekend to get our lists and gifts in order!
I think we will watch the Port Canaveral webcam tonight and watch the Magic depart, just to take us from the deep freeze to warmer climates.
Bearybear
A firm believer in the unbelievable
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2009
- Messages
- 720
My surgery has been scheduled for March 30, so I can go on the cruise! Whoo-hoo! I think having extreme headaches on vacation is better than having them at home. I'm working with my doctor to find a way to minimize the pain.
However, as it has been at least 14 years since I was on a cruise, I do have a question. I never experienced motion sickness from rides or the cruises in the past, however, now I have episodes of dizziness. Are the ships sufficiently stable so I won't fall? I guess I'm asking do they sway a lot?
However, as it has been at least 14 years since I was on a cruise, I do have a question. I never experienced motion sickness from rides or the cruises in the past, however, now I have episodes of dizziness. Are the ships sufficiently stable so I won't fall? I guess I'm asking do they sway a lot?
3Goofy's
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2009
- Messages
- 377
i am so glad to hear that you will be able to sail with us Bearybear! I guess we will get to see your purple hair too! I do hope they are able to find the right pain medication for you, so you can enjoy yourself maximally.
As far as the boat swaying, yes, I'm afraid it can, a fair bit. I definitely remember swaying while walking and being challenged on the theatre steps. You will want DH close by to give you an arm, and stick with flats. There are railings in the hallways and people are always ready to offer stabilization in tricky situations. There are many times when the boat is smooth. It isn't always swaying, but you should be prepared. If it's rough weather and you have a dizzy episode, you may have trouble. Not sure if you would consider a transport wheelchair for those times.
The glorious weather and fun times will totally be worth it!
As far as the boat swaying, yes, I'm afraid it can, a fair bit. I definitely remember swaying while walking and being challenged on the theatre steps. You will want DH close by to give you an arm, and stick with flats. There are railings in the hallways and people are always ready to offer stabilization in tricky situations. There are many times when the boat is smooth. It isn't always swaying, but you should be prepared. If it's rough weather and you have a dizzy episode, you may have trouble. Not sure if you would consider a transport wheelchair for those times.
The glorious weather and fun times will totally be worth it!
papertraveller
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2009
- Messages
- 1,457
Good news Bearybear. So happy you will be able to join us and relax!
papertraveller
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2009
- Messages
- 1,457
It is so cold here this weekend that we have just stayed indoors, watched golf and caught up on our vacation planning. We have the FE gifts in shape, and even watched the Magic sail away from Port Canaveral last night. Two ships left before her, and it was interesting to see how the party atmosphere of the Disney ship was infectious.
The dog got me up too early this morning and with visions of the Magic fresh in my mind, I thought I’d share my very random list of tips and tricks. Please let me know yours!
1. I always bring a cardboard drinks carrier – the kind you get at a fast food joint. Once I grabbed it at the food court at the airport, and other times in the Contempo Café at the Contemporary Resort. I love to get up early on the cruise and go upstairs to get coffee and hot chocolate for the sleepier ones in the room. The drinks carrier makes it much easier!
2. We brought a shoe holder once. Found it helped to reduce the clutter on the surfaces, and was an easy place to stuff sunglasses, lanyards and sunscreen. This time I’m wavering. We’ll see how the packing goes. (I do know that Disney does not allow these to be over the door anymore, and guests are to be responsible for any damage. However, my idea was to clip it onto a hanger in the closet.)
3. Always bring a highlighter, because it’s a great way to identify all the activities in the Navigator for the next day. This is DD’s favourite thing to do while she’s lying in bed.
4. We have packed a nightlight on previous occasions. It’s helped me not stub my foot as I step up into the bathroom in the middle of the night.
5. I always overpack sunscreen. Two of us are fair, and I never want to risk being stuck without protection from the sun. I also have a stockpile of cream for after-sun.
6. Magnets and a whiteboard. We love to decorate our door. And the whiteboard is great to keep track of DD. In fact, we have two – one outside, and one inside. She’s very good about always leaving us a note to let us know what she’s up to.
7. Pack a zip tie for the fish extender. We’ve never had any gifts disappear, that we know of. And it may seem odd, but I want to be sure that the Fish Extender itself doesn’t go missing. We use the zip tie to tightly bind it to the fish. Accordingly, I have a small pair of travel scissors that we use to cut it the night before the cruise ends.
8. I pack toiletries in separate clear bags that I’ve collected over the years. I found that this works really well because of the two bathrooms on the Disney ships. For example: each of us has our own personal toiletries bags. Then I have one for sunscreen and creams, another for medications (Advil, PeptoBismol, cough drops, etc.). It saves digging through Mom’s bag to find everything, and they’re easy to find. The generic bags stay in the bathroom with the shower.
9. Dollar bills for tips. We love to order a cheese tray when we sailaway, Mickey bars for DD at night, the occasional snack during the week. We keep an envelope of singles ready to share with the staff.
10. A bag of candies for the characters who will sign the photo matte. We drop off the photo matte at Guest Services in a large Ziploc bag and include a thank you note, as well as a bag of yummy candy.
11.We have learned to be a bit more minimalistic on the packing front. The killer is DH’s suit and his shoes for formal night, which take up a lot of space just for one outing. But over the rest of the days we realized that we are in bathing suits for much of the time and so don't need as many clothes as one might think. We usually pack two bathing suits each (that way there is usually one dry one to put on). We try very hard to keep the number of pairs of shoes to a minimum. (I did say try ... )
12.We make a point to befriend our room steward right away. We ask for only two things: wine glasses, and shampoo. (LOVE that H20 shampoo!) I am so impressed at how many of our stewards have greeted us by name, even when seeing us just walking down the hallway. They work very hard, and we appreciate it.
13.That said, I always bring some disinfectant wipes with us. I will wipe down the room as soon as we get in – telephone, remote, door handles, etc. I will either pack these in a Ziploc bag, or bring a container from home. I also bring several small containers of hand sanitizer and make sure they’re always with us.
14.We pack extra Ziploc bags of different sizes. This is very helpful to sort the goodies received in the FE gifts. We’ll separate out the candy into one bag, and gifts into another. Helps the packing for going home, because everything is contained.
15.We pre-pay the tips. That way one more cost is out of the way. That end of cruise bill is high enough already, LOL!
16.The last night is difficult enough – packing to get the bags out, making sure that you have your clothes and toiletries for the next morning, still wanting to head out to the clubs for fun… To save just a little bit of time, I bring labels with our names and addresses on them, so I can just stick them onto the baggage tags left that evening in the stateroom. (These tags are Disney characters, and will help you find your luggage in the customs hall the next morning.) This saves me about three minutes, probably, but seriously reduces my stress level!
The dog got me up too early this morning and with visions of the Magic fresh in my mind, I thought I’d share my very random list of tips and tricks. Please let me know yours!
1. I always bring a cardboard drinks carrier – the kind you get at a fast food joint. Once I grabbed it at the food court at the airport, and other times in the Contempo Café at the Contemporary Resort. I love to get up early on the cruise and go upstairs to get coffee and hot chocolate for the sleepier ones in the room. The drinks carrier makes it much easier!
2. We brought a shoe holder once. Found it helped to reduce the clutter on the surfaces, and was an easy place to stuff sunglasses, lanyards and sunscreen. This time I’m wavering. We’ll see how the packing goes. (I do know that Disney does not allow these to be over the door anymore, and guests are to be responsible for any damage. However, my idea was to clip it onto a hanger in the closet.)
3. Always bring a highlighter, because it’s a great way to identify all the activities in the Navigator for the next day. This is DD’s favourite thing to do while she’s lying in bed.
4. We have packed a nightlight on previous occasions. It’s helped me not stub my foot as I step up into the bathroom in the middle of the night.
5. I always overpack sunscreen. Two of us are fair, and I never want to risk being stuck without protection from the sun. I also have a stockpile of cream for after-sun.
6. Magnets and a whiteboard. We love to decorate our door. And the whiteboard is great to keep track of DD. In fact, we have two – one outside, and one inside. She’s very good about always leaving us a note to let us know what she’s up to.
7. Pack a zip tie for the fish extender. We’ve never had any gifts disappear, that we know of. And it may seem odd, but I want to be sure that the Fish Extender itself doesn’t go missing. We use the zip tie to tightly bind it to the fish. Accordingly, I have a small pair of travel scissors that we use to cut it the night before the cruise ends.
8. I pack toiletries in separate clear bags that I’ve collected over the years. I found that this works really well because of the two bathrooms on the Disney ships. For example: each of us has our own personal toiletries bags. Then I have one for sunscreen and creams, another for medications (Advil, PeptoBismol, cough drops, etc.). It saves digging through Mom’s bag to find everything, and they’re easy to find. The generic bags stay in the bathroom with the shower.
9. Dollar bills for tips. We love to order a cheese tray when we sailaway, Mickey bars for DD at night, the occasional snack during the week. We keep an envelope of singles ready to share with the staff.
10. A bag of candies for the characters who will sign the photo matte. We drop off the photo matte at Guest Services in a large Ziploc bag and include a thank you note, as well as a bag of yummy candy.
11.We have learned to be a bit more minimalistic on the packing front. The killer is DH’s suit and his shoes for formal night, which take up a lot of space just for one outing. But over the rest of the days we realized that we are in bathing suits for much of the time and so don't need as many clothes as one might think. We usually pack two bathing suits each (that way there is usually one dry one to put on). We try very hard to keep the number of pairs of shoes to a minimum. (I did say try ... )
12.We make a point to befriend our room steward right away. We ask for only two things: wine glasses, and shampoo. (LOVE that H20 shampoo!) I am so impressed at how many of our stewards have greeted us by name, even when seeing us just walking down the hallway. They work very hard, and we appreciate it.
13.That said, I always bring some disinfectant wipes with us. I will wipe down the room as soon as we get in – telephone, remote, door handles, etc. I will either pack these in a Ziploc bag, or bring a container from home. I also bring several small containers of hand sanitizer and make sure they’re always with us.
14.We pack extra Ziploc bags of different sizes. This is very helpful to sort the goodies received in the FE gifts. We’ll separate out the candy into one bag, and gifts into another. Helps the packing for going home, because everything is contained.
15.We pre-pay the tips. That way one more cost is out of the way. That end of cruise bill is high enough already, LOL!
16.The last night is difficult enough – packing to get the bags out, making sure that you have your clothes and toiletries for the next morning, still wanting to head out to the clubs for fun… To save just a little bit of time, I bring labels with our names and addresses on them, so I can just stick them onto the baggage tags left that evening in the stateroom. (These tags are Disney characters, and will help you find your luggage in the customs hall the next morning.) This saves me about three minutes, probably, but seriously reduces my stress level!
Last edited:
Great tips for us Newbies!!! Thanks Papertraveller. We are getting really excited now. I leave for my work trip down south this coming weekend. I think that we have just about everything sorted and on track.
Madzac
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2008
- Messages
- 914
Bearybear I am so glad you are able to cruise with us and I pray you will feel well and have a wonderful trip!!!
Papertraveller thank you so much for the fantastic tips!!! A drink carrier...what a fabulous idea! Totally going to bring one!!!!
Got my list done. Ordered sunscreen, photo mat and sharpies and clothes are good I think. My littlest DD had a dentist appointment this morning and the dentist had been on a disney cruise and went on and on about how fantastic it was!
Papertraveller thank you so much for the fantastic tips!!! A drink carrier...what a fabulous idea! Totally going to bring one!!!!
Got my list done. Ordered sunscreen, photo mat and sharpies and clothes are good I think. My littlest DD had a dentist appointment this morning and the dentist had been on a disney cruise and went on and on about how fantastic it was!
Hi! We just booked the Magic for March 15-22! Is it too late to sign up for the late FE list? We have two families that would like to sign up if possible! Thanks so much!! Autumn
papertraveller
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2009
- Messages
- 1,457
Nike4000
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2014
- Messages
- 256
To add to papertraveller's list:
17. Stop by the Cove Cafe in the afternoon for a yummy chocolate snack (or in the morning for a danish or croissant). Drinks cost money in the Cove Cafe, but the snacks are FREE!
18. We pack an extra collapsable bag for our return trip. It seems like nothing goes back in the suitcase the way it was originally packed.
19. Bring an extra memory card for your camera. You will end up taking a ton of pictures and you don't want to have to go through and delete photos or pay Disney prices for an extra memory card. An extra battery isn't a bad idea either!
20. Install the Disney Cruise app on your phone or tablet before you get on board. It's great for keeping up with the schedule and for having a map on hand at all times. The app connects to the wifi on the ship. You can't surf the web or get email, but it is invaluable to have quick access to some key information.
21. Order cookies and milk from room service before bed. Trust me, totally worth it.
22. Bring a sweatshirt or hoodie. It can be cold inside the ship. My DW wears hers around the entire time!
23. Be careful around the pools and walking around the decks. They get slippery fast and steps can appear out of nowhere. On our 3rd cruise, my DW didn't see a step near the Aquaduck and ended up twisting her ankle. This happened before we had even pulled away from Port Canaveral. She spent the rest of the trip icing her ankle, keeping it elevated, and we had to cancel one of our excursions because it involved lots of walking. Be careful & pay attention to where you're going.
I'm sure I'll think of more after closing out this post, but for now it's a good start!
17. Stop by the Cove Cafe in the afternoon for a yummy chocolate snack (or in the morning for a danish or croissant). Drinks cost money in the Cove Cafe, but the snacks are FREE!
18. We pack an extra collapsable bag for our return trip. It seems like nothing goes back in the suitcase the way it was originally packed.
19. Bring an extra memory card for your camera. You will end up taking a ton of pictures and you don't want to have to go through and delete photos or pay Disney prices for an extra memory card. An extra battery isn't a bad idea either!
20. Install the Disney Cruise app on your phone or tablet before you get on board. It's great for keeping up with the schedule and for having a map on hand at all times. The app connects to the wifi on the ship. You can't surf the web or get email, but it is invaluable to have quick access to some key information.
21. Order cookies and milk from room service before bed. Trust me, totally worth it.
22. Bring a sweatshirt or hoodie. It can be cold inside the ship. My DW wears hers around the entire time!
23. Be careful around the pools and walking around the decks. They get slippery fast and steps can appear out of nowhere. On our 3rd cruise, my DW didn't see a step near the Aquaduck and ended up twisting her ankle. This happened before we had even pulled away from Port Canaveral. She spent the rest of the trip icing her ankle, keeping it elevated, and we had to cancel one of our excursions because it involved lots of walking. Be careful & pay attention to where you're going.
I'm sure I'll think of more after closing out this post, but for now it's a good start!
kuhltiffany
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2011
- Messages
- 2,133
Great tips! The only others I can think of:
24. Keep your camera with you at all times. You never know when you may run into a character/captain, etc.!
25. Bring hand soap for the bathroom. You should be washing your hands a lot with all the constant interaction and they don't supply any.
26. Mickey bars are not on the room service menu but are available
24. Keep your camera with you at all times. You never know when you may run into a character/captain, etc.!
25. Bring hand soap for the bathroom. You should be washing your hands a lot with all the constant interaction and they don't supply any.
26. Mickey bars are not on the room service menu but are available
kuhltiffany
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2011
- Messages
- 2,133
Just a note to those in the first FE group. Usually I list my DD as a boy but forgot this time
! She's the camo-wearing type who has never owned a Barbie. The only pink in the house is mine. So if you haven't done FE gifts yet please think of her as a regular Disney-loving character, just the non-princess kind 
! She's the camo-wearing type who has never owned a Barbie. The only pink in the house is mine. So if you haven't done FE gifts yet please think of her as a regular Disney-loving character, just the non-princess kind Thanks so much!! We have two rooms with two different families and are GT rooms-we will have our exact cabin nber 10 days before sailing...
Cabin 1-Kanistras family Autumn 39, Todd 42 our 2 boys Tal 9, Nelson 8
Cabin 2-Cate Family
Morgan 37, Jason 42, 2 girls Cameron 12, Ashley 8
Hello All!!!
This is our second Disney cruise, and I just learned recently about the FE program from a co-worker, so had to check it out! Would love to join the FE program but understand it may be closed due to the trip is now less than a month away.
Regardless would love to meet other families on our trip and get tips for excursions.We are looking at outside companies for some excursions due to the age restrictions on the Disney excursion - My DS will be a few weeks shy of 5!
Key West - We were thinking of renting some bikes and traveling to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, we visited the park in October a few years back and it had some amazing snorkeling. Any other beach recommendations?
How does the tendor work on Disney?
This is our second Disney cruise, and I just learned recently about the FE program from a co-worker, so had to check it out! Would love to join the FE program but understand it may be closed due to the trip is now less than a month away.
Regardless would love to meet other families on our trip and get tips for excursions.We are looking at outside companies for some excursions due to the age restrictions on the Disney excursion - My DS will be a few weeks shy of 5!
Key West - We were thinking of renting some bikes and traveling to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, we visited the park in October a few years back and it had some amazing snorkeling. Any other beach recommendations?
How does the tendor work on Disney?
Hi Kathy - I'm sure you already have your plans for Key West now, but Fort Zachary Park!
lltthatsme
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2013
- Messages
- 53
Welcome. There is a latecomer FE group that is still open. Papertraveller is helping organize it 
Madzac
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2008
- Messages
- 914
Welcome new members!!! Papertraveller will add you to the latecomer group SJV206 if you could list your cabin number and who's with you she can update the list! The more the merrier! !
sooooo cold again here today. Wishing we left this weekend! I work in an urgent care clinic and we have been sooooo busy and this weekend we upgrade to a new electronic record which is going to be overwhelming for a few weeks. I'm so glad to have dreams of the trip!
Thanks again for all the tips! One question I had...our last trip was June and the deck was so hit we burned our feet. those of you who have cruised in march before do you remember this? Thinking about water shoes...
SJV206 if you could list your cabin number and who's with you she can update the list! The more the merrier! !sooooo cold again here today. Wishing we left this weekend! I work in an urgent care clinic and we have been sooooo busy and this weekend we upgrade to a new electronic record which is going to be overwhelming for a few weeks. I'm so glad to have dreams of the trip!
Thanks again for all the tips! One question I had...our last trip was June and the deck was so hit we burned our feet. those of you who have cruised in march before do you remember this? Thinking about water shoes...
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