May 18, 2013 MAGIC EBTA - Who is with us?

[MandyGirl]

I've created a public Flicker set called EBTA5-13. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmvandy/sets/72157630135067532/

As I find or create graphics I'll place them there. If you have graphics to share, let me know and I'll edit them in photoshop and put them in Flicker. Here are the two Pub Crawl graphics. I've changed the date to 2013 and placed them in a 12x12 file with 300 resolution, the size Vista recommends for printing tees.

Awesome!! Thank you!

Wow, fantastic work already, everyone!!!

I have one request... is there any way that we can plan the Pub Crawl on a different day to the Champagne Girls event? I was so drunk that day I barely made it to dinner after doing both events! It would be great if they were on different days this time

I remember that! And it's only because I didn't go to Champagne Girls!!

Val - what about for the time being adding a calendar to the first post to denote what is tentatively going where as events are proposed/added? Something similar to this? (Put question marks as I didn't know if confirmed)

Day 1 Galveston, Texas DIS Meet-and-Greet 3:00 ?
Day 2 At Sea DIS PJ Breakfast 8:45 Lumiere's ? Toddler Meet-and-Greet Splash Pool 11:00 ?
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Castaway Cay, Bahamas 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Day 5 At Sea
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 At Sea
Day 9 At Sea
Day 10 At Sea
Day 11 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Gibraltar, United Kingdom 7:30 am 6:00 pm
Day 14 At Sea DIS Farewell Lunch and Secret Mickey Reveal 12:15 ?
Day 15 Barcelona, Spain

 

[valbob89]

WOW! So much info and organization over there!!! Are we going to need to eventually start a new thread to organize activities?

I don't know if they let us just start a new rollcall thread... have to wait until we max out at the 250 pages. Each time it was nearing 250, the person over the thread would start the new thread, have the first post say "DO NOT WRITE IN THIS THREAD YET!!!", send a PM to each event organizer with the link, and let each event organizer make a post (like you saw on that one). After all the event organizers had posted, then we would move over to the new thread so everyone could post. At any time, the event posters could go back and edit their original post on Page 1 so that it was always easily accessible. But I do think they let us start a new one before 250 pages -- once it is started, we would ask that this one be "closed" --- with the new link on one of the ending posts and also updated in first post by original poster so that people know where to find the "current" thread. As you can see on that link, we went through several threads of 250 pages!!


If we decide to do DIS Lanyards and have a Lanyard Team to fund the lanyards, I will be happy to head that up.

The magic of a group website is this that the link can be put on the first posting and you don't have to worry about searching all the postings for the info you are looking for. I am so greatful that Chris was willing to take this over from me. It looks great.

If we have someone who is willing to take on another huge task, the group navigator is a wonderful tool. I'll see if I can get a link to the one Corinna, AKA DolphinGirl, created for us on the Hawaii cruise.

I'll keep the first posting uptodate with links. When we get close to the 250 postings, I'll let the DISboard coordinator know we want the first posting copied over.

Mandygirl, thanks for taking on the lanyard organization Chris can add your instructins to our web site.

I'll help organize the pub crawl.

Thanks so much for agreeing to take this on. I'll update the first posting. Let Chris know what you need on the web page for this event. Feel free to use the graphics, or send me new ones, if you want them on Flicker.

Awesome!! Thank you!



I remember that! And it's only because I didn't go to Champagne Girls!!

Val - what about for the time being adding a calendar to the first post to denote what is tentatively going where as events are proposed/added? Something similar to this? (Put question marks as I didn't know if confirmed)

Day 1 Galveston, Texas DIS Meet-and-Greet 3:00 ?
Day 2 At Sea DIS PJ Breakfast 8:45 Lumiere's ? Toddler Meet-and-Greet Splash Pool 11:00 ?
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Castaway Cay, Bahamas 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Day 5 At Sea
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 At Sea
Day 9 At Sea
Day 10 At Sea
Day 11 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Gibraltar, United Kingdom 7:30 am 6:00 pm
Day 14 At Sea DIS Farewell Lunch and Secret Mickey Reveal 12:15 ?
Day 15 Barcelona, Spain

Perhaps a schedule could be an added page on the website, if Chris agrees. Each organizer could decide if they want to put a placeholder time for the event, with a notation or color indicator that is it a tentative time. DCL won't confirm the special events until about 2 weeks out, so sometimes the date, time and place isn't known for a long time.

 

[MandyGirl]

The magic of a group website is this that the link can be put on the first posting and you don't have to worry about searching all the postings for the info you are looking for. I am so greatful that Chris was willing to take this over from me. It looks great.


Perhaps a schedule could be an added page on the website, if Chris agrees. Each organizer could decide if they want to put a placeholder time for the event, with a notation or color indicator that is it a tentative time. DCL won't confirm the special events until about 2 weeks out, so sometimes the date, time and place isn't known for a long time.

Ditto! Just something somewhere so we see things in one spot versus trying to remember which post of which thread it was on. Summers give me more time, but once school starts in August, I am tight for time and can't go searching.

My thought with the tentative calendar was so that we didn't have DIS group organizers requesting the same dates with DCL -- if we know when each activity is trying to schedule (question mark until confirmed), we wouldn't be scheduling things on top of each other such as how the Pub Crawl and Champagne girls worked out the same afternoon on the WBTA that Seraphine and Binkytell mentioned. With private tastings (mojitos, mixology) those are two other things that would most likely want to be spread out as well when sending the requests to DCL (I think we ended up having two groups of mojito tastings - on separate days - which worked well because if one person had something come up, they could just trade tickets with someone in the other group tasting onboard). Prior to cruising, we knew at least the date and time of the events, but learned the location when receiving the tickets in our cabins from DCL since paid events. My biggest concern is each organizer being aware of the date/timeframe that is being requested to DCL so all events aren't requested on the same days. Although DCL won't give exact dates/times until closer to embarkation, we at least have organization of when the dates are being proposed by event organizers.

The meet-and-greet, toddler splash time, Pub Crawl, PJ breakfast, and Secret Mickey reveal / farewell luncheon were things we were able to plan ahead of time of where to meet with no DCL involvement until onboard since they weren't private events and occurred in normal operating hours. (Whew!) I would hope those could get a tentative date/time in advance. Someone was also able to get the formal night dates from DCL in advance as well to help place events around those. Logisitcal fun!

 

[MandyGirl]

I'm between students right now - but can't find who I need to email the lanyard description to for the website. I tried keeping it to 2-3 lines, so feel free to edit as necessary for the webpage.


Lanyards -
Be part of a lanyard TEAM that contributes financially for lanyards so that all DIS members receive a free lanyard with waterproof pouch and nametag to help make us easily identifiable to other DIS members. It works as a great wallet for your Key To The World Card in case your swimsuit has no pockets! ($$ to be determined later when we actually learn how many are on the rollcall to receive lanyards and how many will be on the TEAM - suggestion is $20 donation)


OPTIONS for POLL:
- want to be part of the TEAM to donate $ and receive lanyard
- want to receive one but not be on TEAM
- wouldn't want one anyway.

 

[heatherb819]

Also - not sure if someone has already shared this link of 2011 EBTA, but it is pretty informative.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2559444

The rollcall form they used is on here as well, Google spreadsheet, and has multiple tabs at the bottom for various activities.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2752581

This spreadsheet system worked really well last year for the roll call, schedule (you can get the idea from that) and events tab ( we could look and see how many were interested in each activity)

Another item I would maybe put on the roll call is Dining time. Just my 2 cents! Thanks for all your hard work!!! I will get the navigators scanned in, I was too busy at work yesterday and forgot them at home today!!

 

[MandyGirl]

This spreadsheet system worked really well last year for the roll call, schedule (you can get the idea from that) and events tab ( we could look and see how many were interested in each activity)

Another item I would maybe put on the roll call is Dining time. Just my 2 cents! Thanks for all your hard work!!! I will get the navigators scanned in, I was too busy at work yesterday and forgot them at home today!!

I learned so much from that spreadsheet when planning our WBTA! The transatlantic is such a unique cruise - kinda like the Panama Canal cruises. I'm just so thankful that people are so willing to share resources, time, guidance, etc to help everyone out! I haven't even started touching our time in Europe yet...

 

[valbob89]

Here is a cute graphic I found on the boardsand updated it for our cruise. Unfortunately the resolution on the picture isn't very sharp. Bob and I both worked on enhancing it, but could only push it so much. If anyone has access to the original perhaps we could do more with it. This is out on the Flicker site.

 

[valbob89]

Does anyone on this cruise qualify for the DCL military discount?

 

[AAshleySEG]

WOW, So much to read!! I finally did it, I wanted to read everything before posting anything!

We are Andrea(DW) and Jeremy(DH). We just got back from the Wonder Cruise to Alaska for our very first DCL experience. We had such a blast that we decided to book a 5 Night on the Dream 8/19/12, and this morning we officially booked this cruise!! We can't wait to meet all of you and join in with some of the wonderful activities that have already been planned! I already requested to join the Facebook group, and am heading to the website after posting this to add ourselves to the roll call! I just wanted to give everyone our plans for this, since I have seen lots of everyone else's already!

We are tentatively going to Fly to Houston the morning of the cruise, we booked DCL transfer to Galveston. Cruisin' with you all to Bracelona. We are going to stay 1 night in Barcelona, then the next night take the overnight train to Paris, stay a night in Paris. (We went to Paris and DLP in 2010 for 9 nights so we are just wanting to say Hi to the city again!) After Paris we are going to take a train to London, stay 2 nights there, then a train/ferry to Dublin, stay 2 there, and then fly from Dublin to NYC, then back home to Charlotte. Our flights from Barcelona to Charlotte are CRAZY $$$ It would have cost us $1700pp for a one way, so we just decided to stay an extra week and save $1400 by getting to see more cities! Sounded logical to us...LOL!

Sorry for the super long post, but I am very excited to get to know all of you over the next 10 months and go on a magical vacation with you all!!

 

[valbob89]

Welcome!! Sounds like you have already done alot of planning. Look forward to hearing all about, where you are staying and what airlines you are taking, etc. If you haven't done so already, you can link to the website from the first posting on page one. There you'll find a form to complete and send to be added to the rollcall.

Val

 

[Tink1987]

We plan on doing both. DLP and sight seeing around Paris. Hoping to go to London for some sights as well before flying out!

Please go to London as well. I know it's our capital city but I love the place so much and I am sure you will too as well!

 

[Tink1987]

WOW, So much to read!! I finally did it, I wanted to read everything before posting anything!

We are Andrea(DW) and Jeremy(DH). We just got back from the Wonder Cruise to Alaska for our very first DCL experience. We had such a blast that we decided to book a 5 Night on the Dream 8/19/12, and this morning we officially booked this cruise!! We can't wait to meet all of you and join in with some of the wonderful activities that have already been planned! I already requested to join the Facebook group, and am heading to the website after posting this to add ourselves to the roll call! I just wanted to give everyone our plans for this, since I have seen lots of everyone else's already!

We are tentatively going to Fly to Houston the morning of the cruise, we booked DCL transfer to Galveston. Cruisin' with you all to Bracelona. We are going to stay 1 night in Barcelona, then the next night take the overnight train to Paris, stay a night in Paris. (We went to Paris and DLP in 2010 for 9 nights so we are just wanting to say Hi to the city again!) After Paris we are going to take a train to London, stay 2 nights there, then a train/ferry to Dublin, stay 2 there, and then fly from Dublin to NYC, then back home to Charlotte. Our flights from Barcelona to Charlotte are CRAZY $$$ It would have cost us $1700pp for a one way, so we just decided to stay an extra week and save $1400 by getting to see more cities! Sounded logical to us...LOL!

Sorry for the super long post, but I am very excited to get to know all of you over the next 10 months and go on a magical vacation with you all!!

Welcome onboard

 

[BethC1952]

WOW, So much to read!! I finally did it, I wanted to read everything before posting anything!

We are Andrea(DW) and Jeremy(DH). We just got back from the Wonder Cruise to Alaska for our very first DCL experience. We had such a blast that we decided to book a 5 Night on the Dream 8/19/12, and this morning we officially booked this cruise!! We can't wait to meet all of you and join in with some of the wonderful activities that have already been planned! I already requested to join the Facebook group, and am heading to the website after posting this to add ourselves to the roll call! I just wanted to give everyone our plans for this, since I have seen lots of everyone else's already!

We are tentatively going to Fly to Houston the morning of the cruise, we booked DCL transfer to Galveston. Cruisin' with you all to Bracelona. We are going to stay 1 night in Barcelona, then the next night take the overnight train to Paris, stay a night in Paris. (We went to Paris and DLP in 2010 for 9 nights so we are just wanting to say Hi to the city again!) After Paris we are going to take a train to London, stay 2 nights there, then a train/ferry to Dublin, stay 2 there, and then fly from Dublin to NYC, then back home to Charlotte. Our flights from Barcelona to Charlotte are CRAZY $$$ It would have cost us $1700pp for a one way, so we just decided to stay an extra week and save $1400 by getting to see more cities! Sounded logical to us...LOL!

Sorry for the super long post, but I am very excited to get to know all of you over the next 10 months and go on a magical vacation with you all!!

Welcome! Our post cruise plan is similar, although not set in stone yet. We may or may not stay in Paris for a night, and we are heading to London to meet a friend we haven't seen in 30+ years, may stay a day or two there and then on to Dublin (most likely) to fly home. I have to get my Panama Canal cruise all organized and then I'll really start with this one.

I'm having trouble getting my brain around the idea that within the next 10 1/2 months, almost one full month (28 nights!!!!) will be spent on board a Disney ship!

Beth

 

[MandyGirl]

Here is a cute graphic I found on the boardsand updated it for our cruise. Unfortunately the resolution on the picture isn't very sharp. Bob and I both worked on enhancing it, but could only push it so much. If anyone has access to the original perhaps we could do more with it. This is out on the Flicker site.

Love it!!!

Does anyone on this cruise qualify for the DCL military discount?

We qualify for interline rates, which usually match military rates. Of course there are no interline rates out right now, but for WBTA they came out about 3 days before the final payment and we were able to cancel and rebook. Saved us lots of money (that of course ended up being spent onboard)! There were several on military rates for that cruise as well.

WOW, So much to read!! I finally did it, I wanted to read everything before posting anything!

We are Andrea(DW) and Jeremy(DH). We just got back from the Wonder Cruise to Alaska for our very first DCL experience. We had such a blast that we decided to book a 5 Night on the Dream 8/19/12, and this morning we officially booked this cruise!! We can't wait to meet all of you and join in with some of the wonderful activities that have already been planned!

Welcome aboard!! I was just in your neck of the woods about two weeks ago... spent time around Fayetteville and went to the NC Zoo.

 

[heatherb819]

I already requested to join the Facebook group

Welcome to FB group, just added you and to our group!

 

[valbob89]

Welcome to FB group, just added you and to our group!

Heather, should I note you as organizer for the FB group?

 

[heatherb819]

FC group??? what's that?

I'll send out a message on our FB page from last year and see if someone has that graphic in a better format from last year.

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

WOW, So much to read!! I finally did it, I wanted to read everything before posting anything!

We are Andrea(DW) and Jeremy(DH). We just got back from the Wonder Cruise to Alaska for our very first DCL experience. We had such a blast that we decided to book a 5 Night on the Dream 8/19/12, and this morning we officially booked this cruise!! We can't wait to meet all of you and join in with some of the wonderful activities that have already been planned! I already requested to join the Facebook group, and am heading to the website after posting this to add ourselves to the roll call! I just wanted to give everyone our plans for this, since I have seen lots of everyone else's already!

We are tentatively going to Fly to Houston the morning of the cruise, we booked DCL transfer to Galveston. Cruisin' with you all to Bracelona. We are going to stay 1 night in Barcelona, then the next night take the overnight train to Paris, stay a night in Paris. (We went to Paris and DLP in 2010 for 9 nights so we are just wanting to say Hi to the city again!) After Paris we are going to take a train to London, stay 2 nights there, then a train/ferry to Dublin, stay 2 there, and then fly from Dublin to NYC, then back home to Charlotte. Our flights from Barcelona to Charlotte are CRAZY $$$ It would have cost us $1700pp for a one way, so we just decided to stay an extra week and save $1400 by getting to see more cities! Sounded logical to us...LOL!

Sorry for the super long post, but I am very excited to get to know all of you over the next 10 months and go on a magical vacation with you all!!

Welcome! We're thinking of going up to London for a few days after the cruise as well, also going to get there via train.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Wowsers, loads of great stuff in the last 24 hours. Going to require a bunch of changes to the website but I can't get to it tonight as it's pretty late here and you don't wanna see what I create when sleepy , but I thought I'd drop a quick note to say that I'm on it. I should be able to get a bunch done tomorrow evening.

Assuming I haven't missed an email (which I don't think I have but please let me know if I have), we're at 14 registered Dis-ers on the website.

Regarding keeping track of events, I was planning on populating the Google Calendar on the first page but not knowing whether that would be enough in the end. And it's certainly not a good at-a-glance view. I do have the itinerary page populated but that might not be the right place for it either.

If anyone needs anything up on the website or wants to take control of their event page and you don't have my email address, just PM me. I resist posting it on open websites like this because of spam. Lost too many good email addresses that way. I think I'll also add a "contact the webmaster" page on the website.

I also think I'm going to have to rearrange the navigation bar on the side. I had no idea we'd end up with so many potential events. So please don't be alarmed if you see it happen. The links will just be moved around.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

The train is really easier to get to Paris? I must have looked at it wrong. I thought it was more than a day.