May 2, 2009~~~Magical MAYniacs!~~~ 7 day Western....Updated, April 3,2009!!

[choco_latae]

Hi everyone. I just joined. I am Tazgirl1981's mom, Julie . Since she has been married, I have alot of first's , including this cruise.
So everyone help me out. Im just learning. This is gonna be so much fun. I wanna jump in with both hands and both feet. Ive already started on the magnets for the doors. Im so excited.

 

[itutorfortravel]

good morning everyone...i need some advice and i'm hoping some of your are former dcl cruisers who can point me in the right direction.

it's a good possibility that we may have to change our sail date. my stepdaughter graduates from high school this coming school year and i recently found out that the graduation ceremony is mid-week. it's over 500 miles away and our school system gets out a week later than she does so my dd will have to miss some additional school days to go to the graduation. so i just don't know if we can afford a whole week out of school in early may and then a few more days a month later. i am so bummed! as you know, i had this grand plan of surprising dd with an island themed bday party and telling her about our cruise at that time. so i'm not sure now if that will work out. but here are my options if i have to move my date and i'm looking for some feedback...hope you guys can help!

Option 1: Go in Jan '09

Pros: dd only misses 3 days of school
Cons: eastern itinerary, have heard seas are rough, may be too cold to swim, can't do the island bday party for dd b/c her bday is in march


Option 2: Go during spring break '09

Pros: dd misses NO school, can still do the bday party idea
Cons: WHOA, it's a lot more expensive, will the ship be crazy that week?!


Option 3: Go week of July 4 '09

Pros: school out of session absences not a concern, my bday is this week, can still do the bday party idea for dd
Cons: more expensive than may but just a little less than spring break, HOT, hurricane season ramping up, rough seas?


Option 4: Go Nov '09

Pros: We're into the next school year so dd will be missing 4 days of another school term instead of the one coming up, prices are comparable to may '09, intinerary includes st. croix which might be nice

Cons: doing an island party for dd's bday won't make much sense - how can i tell her that for her bday we are going on a disney cruise in 8 MONTHS?!, not sure how weather is that time of year (warm enough to swim?), seas rough? plus that is soooo far away!


as you can see, i've got a lot of options to consider and many pros and cons of both. have any of you sailed during the time periods i am considering and can you speak to how the weather is, how calm/rough the seas are, etc? i hate it that i even have to think about changing this, but we might have to.

 

[zerog]

Hi everyone. I just joined. I am Tazgirl1981's mom, Julie . Since she has been married, I have alot of first's, including this cruise.

So everyone help me out. Im just learning. This is gonna be so much fun. I wanna jump in with both hands and both feet. Ive already started on the magnets for the doors. Im so excited.

Julie:

Hi Neighbor (fellow Brevardian). I'm glad you found this website because there is a wealth of information to be found here. If you have a question, the best place for information is the main board. Reason-being, a lot of folks have been on the western Caribbean. I can help a little as this will be our 3rd Disney cruise. Lastly, some of the trip reports are well written and they provide a good sense of what to expect.

My advice is:

1) Remember that things on a cruise are always subject to change. Go in with the mindset that everything will be fine "as long as the ship isn't sinking."
- This came from an incident that happened early this year when the Magic was unable to dock at Castaway Cay. People were cussing and screaming in the ship's lobby (around children, no less). Our cruise meet agreed we would not act that way. Some folks from northern states (and Canada) stated that anything was better than being buried in several feet of snow.

2) If possible, get to the terminal early. Your vacation starts as soon as you arrive at the port.

3) Buy a CLEAR plastic over-the-door shoe holder ($4 to $10). These things are invaluable as there is very little counter space.

 

[zerog]

i need some advice and i'm hoping some of your are former dcl cruisers who can point me in the right direction.

it's a good possibility that we may have to change our sail date. my stepdaughter graduates from high school this coming school year and i recently found out that the graduation ceremony is mid-week. it's over 500 miles away and our school system gets out a week later than she does so my dd will have to miss some additional school days to go to the graduation. so i just don't know if we can afford a whole week out of school in early may and then a few more days a month later. i am so bummed! as you know, i had this grand plan of surprising dd with an island themed bday party and telling her about our cruise at that time. so i'm not sure now if that will work out. but here are my options if i have to move my date and i'm looking for some feedback...hope you guys can help!

Option 1: Go in Jan '09
Option 2: Go during spring break '09
Option 3: Go week of July 4 '09
Option 4: Go Nov '09

as you can see, i've got a lot of options to consider and many pros and cons of both. have any of you sailed during the time periods i am considering and can you speak to how the weather is, how calm/rough the seas are, etc? i hate it that i even have to think about changing this, but we might have to.

itutorfortravel, I'm sorry to see you won't be joining us, but at least you still have many options for a different cruise. I hate to bring it up here, but yet another option could be to consider another cruise line.

As far as the young ones missing school, I feel that a family vacation trumps a week of elementary school anytime. A family vacation lasts forever. My kids will be in Kindergarten and 3rd grade next May, so I'm not too concerned what they'll miss.

Anything is possible with the seas. Last year, we had some rough seas in late April. July does fall within hurricane season, but it's hit or miss with those things. Just remember to be prepared with a seasickness remedy.

Good luck with whatever option you choose.

 

[tazgirl1981]

I am so excited about cruising I think we are going to have a great group of people on this cruise . I noticed that we are not the only ones cruising for our 10 year anniversary And a lot of nice & special occasions

Just wanted to say HI MOM This forum is the best and you will learn tons from everyone just like I have...and soon you will need your own 10 step addict program like Mike says that I need

 

[choco_latae]

I should have no problems then . Im always early when I go anywere and I dont cuss.hhehhehehe Sometimes I get disapointed but there is no reason to make the trip misrable. We will have fun no matter what. We will be surrounded by family too. We also will be having our anniversary. Both our anniversary and my daughters are in the same month, about a week apart. It will be our 34 th. All in all , we cant wait. We are reading everything about it. I just need to come up with something neat to give out for the other passengers, for their hangers. hummmmmmmm

 

[tazgirl1981]

Hey mom, I have a few ideas for the Fish Extenders so I can share with you if you like.

I was in my other cruise meet and they had a couple suggestions that I would like to share if anyone here would like to do this:
A group/Meet picture of everyone
Of course the Fish Extender Exchange
And/Or a Group meet up...so we can all see each other in person

Anyone wanna do any of these???

 

[zerog]

I was in my other cruise meet and they had a couple suggestions that I would like to share if anyone here would like to do this:
A group/Meet picture of everyone
Of course the Fish Extender Exchange
And/Or a Group meet up...so we can all see each other in person

Anyone wanna do any of these???

This group is still stuck trying to come up with a name.
It's your cruise meet too, so feel free to make any suggestions.

I read where one group got together and did a 'white elephant' exchange. I've actually never done one of these but I heard they are fun. Their trip report mentioned that it worked out well for them. But then, they had a vocal leader. This group arranged tables in a long line and I believe everyone introduced themselves before the gift exchange.

There were a few lessons to be learned from my last group meet. Namely, the ideas above would have solved most of them (i.e., vocal leader to run the thing, moving chairs, introductions, etc.). We met at 3pm in the Promenade Lounge. Some folks couldn't make it. I was surprised that most people didn't bring any children. My kids were bored and were tugging on me to leave after about 10 minutes, which made me feel uncomfortable. Also, it was a bit awkward for my DW, who didn't spend any time on the Dis board.

Me, I'm not your vocal leader. I tend to be chatty here, but I'm somewhat reserved face-to-face. Isn't it great to be able to hide behind a monitor.

All in all, out of about 100 'Crazy Cruisers' on my last trip, we did meet a few wonderful people. We would run into these folks from time to time and usually share a brief chat. Seeing people we 'knew' really helped make the trip that much more awesome.

 

[tazgirl1981]

Im the same as you...Very vocal behind the computer...VERY SHY in person. I mean I have a hard time talking on the phone to people that I know, let alone talking to people in public I want to meet everyone on the forum but I have a hard time doing it. Also I have my DS that goes with me everywhere and I was thinking the same thing about a meet that I am going to be doing in Oct...I noticed that I don't hear of any kids being mentioned anywhere and a lot of mentioning of alcohol and such, so I'm not sure I'm going to be that excited about that meet . I know that it will be much better if we allow those with kids and significant others that may not be as familiar with the forum to join in and feel comfy as well. My hubby doesn't come on the forums either but he at least is very outgoing and vocal and not shy at all (we are complete opposites in that way).And is very happy meeting new people no matter who they are or where we are

What exactly is a "White Elephant Exchange"? sorry just never heard of it LOL

Hmm some name ideas for us...lets see, I can come up with a few ideas and see what everyone else comes up with (sorry a lot with the MAYniac theme):

The Quiet Cruisers
The MAYniac Cruisers (since we cruise in may)
The Disney MAYniacs
Magical Mayniacs (since we are cruising on the Magic)
Stern Mayniacs
Captain Mickey's Mayniacs
Mickey's Cruiser's


Those are just a few for now I could probably go on all night with those time of names but I dont want to get carried away. To ask

 

[choco_latae]

Like mom , like daughter. I guess we are both shy. Though we do love people and love to be around them. We also like to get involved. So we could do lots, we just dont talk lots.
I dont know what anything is since Ive never even been on a cruise. But Im up to whatever. I will try whatever. I love crafts too. Im not a drinker either so that part would leave me hanging. I just dont like it, I dont have anything against it.As long as everyone behaves.

I also seen on another post of a person that does names for the front of the door, they are so cute. Its all done in the Disney charictures. That is a neat idea. If anyone has any other idea's Im open to try them out.
Hi Shauna ....... Love Ya, MOM = sorry, I had to get that in. She doesnt live close to me.

 

[tazgirl1981]

Yea there are a ton of creative ones on here I can help out with anything as well as long at it doesn't involve talking in front of everyone

Off topic : LOVE Ya too mom

 

[mjlewis23]

The Quiet Cruisers
The MAYniac Cruisers (since we cruise in may)
The Disney MAYniacs
Magical Mayniacs (since we are cruising on the Magic)
Stern Mayniacs
Captain Mickey's Mayniacs
Mickey's Cruiser's


Those are just a few for now I could probably go on all night with those time of names but I dont want to get carried away. To ask

I LOVE those names....especially The Disney MAYniacs.

 

[laura001]

Welcome Pirate at Heart, tazgirl1981, and choco_latae! Great to have you all aboard!!! I have been away for a few days and it is awesome to come back and see that we have some more people joining us.

WELCOME!!!

 

[laura001]

Hey all!

My family and I are just back from our first cruise (June 29, 4 night Wonder plus a week at the poly/BC) and rebooked May 2, 7 night while on board--nice discount! We had a wonderful time. CC was fabulous! I actually relaxed (at present I'm going through a divorce so that's saying something!).

I'm very excited to see all Dis'er's on this cruise. I've read some of the thread, but not all. The most important thing I picked up on here...the over the door holder! We used one and it was invaluable. Everyone should get one.

I have to say (sorry if I sound like a piggy) 2 desserts every night is cool! I ate ALOT and enjoyed every yummy bite. The most interesting dish I tried was the ratatoui (not spelled right I'm sure, but you know what I mean, like the rat movie) It was yummy. My 9 year old DD could wait to tell all of her friends that she ate Remy's food!

If anyone has any questions let me know

BTW I love the weekly countdown by Zerog!

Sounds like you had a blast!!! 2 desserts every night....ooooh, my DH is going to be in heaven...lol!!!

 

[tazgirl1981]

Welcome Pirate at Heart, tazgirl1981, and choco_latae! Great to have you all aboard!!! I have been away for a few days and it is awesome to come back and see that we have some more people joining us.

Thank you so much, we are glad to be cruising with you guys

I LOVE those names....especially The Disney MAYniacs.

Thank you...I like the MAYniac theme since most of us here are crazy about all things Disney anyways

 

[laura001]

Hey mom, I have a few ideas for the Fish Extenders so I can share with you if you like.

I was in my other cruise meet and they had a couple suggestions that I would like to share if anyone here would like to do this:
A group/Meet picture of everyone
Of course the Fish Extender Exchange
And/Or a Group meet up...so we can all see each other in person

Anyone wanna do any of these???

I like all of your ideas! I have read about the Fish Extenders, can you elaborate on them a little?

If no one else steps up....I will do the voice at the meet if everyone wants to get together for a quick meeting. (the only problem for me is that I have never sailed and really no idea as to what expect or where things are on the ship etc.) It might be fun to do some kind of a gift exchange thing at the meet too, it might me a nice ice breaker. Something where they get passed around and exchanged playing some kind of a game???

As for the name, I really like the MAYniacs and also a couple of others. I will try to post a final list tomorrow for everyone to choose from, so if anyone has any other ideas.....please post them!!

 

[tazgirl1981]

Here is a link on the Fish Extender info
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

And what you do is each member that decides to participate in the Exchange Buys or makes one of these and has them hung by their stateroom door. Then Everyone gets or makes gifts or brings something special for each person participating in the exchange. You dont have to give much, it isnt to break the bank so to speak. But its something fun and its neat coming back to your room and having a gift or two waiting for you

On the other meet that I am on, They made a list of who all is participating and then their stateroom Numbers and AGE and/or occassion of who all is traveling (in case you want to do something related for gifts) and Each person gets a gift for everyone (whatever you want).

You can assign people to give their gifts on certain days if you want everyone to get a gift each day or if you like or it can be a free for all (meaning you can give them out whenever you want to during the cruise). But each person is supposed to get a gift Also you can either just get gifts for certain ones or you can get gifts for everyone thats participating (depends on what the rules are going to be) for the cruise meet that I am on for October, You must bring something for everyone on the list...about 16 people so far participating on that one. But not every cruiser participates or has to, just whomever would like to

I will be on the Cruise ship in October (my first time on the MAGIC) and so I will have a somewhat feel of the ship so I can try to help out if you like on places to go and meet up...I probably wont do any speaking in front of anyone but I can help be the "Behind the scenes" one if you would like I

How about meeting up for a group picture on one of the days??? Maybe like in the Atrium or something. The first day is kinda hectic to get much done because of the excitement of everything going on, but maybe we can work something out I am not sure when everyone will get into the port on departure date because if everyone gets their early we could do a little meet in the lobby. (we will be getting there super early I am sure)

After my Cruise in October I am sure I will have some great ideas on what we can do, since it will be the first time I will be in a meet and on the MAGIC ship. I will take some notes and report back here

Also I know that its still kinda far out till then but does anyone know where they will be staying before they cruise out (if not flying in that day). Just curious as to what everyone is doing
Thankfully my parents **HI MOM** live right by the port so I know where we will be staying, Right mom!!!

I will try to think up some more ideas in the meantime...I guess I need to get to bed. Im the only one here so far that seems to post more after midnight

 

[choco_latae]

Yea hon, I think we will have room for you guys. hehehhehe You know us, we even made a special room for our grandson. Of course its full. hehehhehe

Thanks for the link for the fish extenders. I will be looking at it soon. I do need some ideas. Ive seen some but nothing really sparks with me yet.

Ive never been on a cruise before so I dont know what to expect but I emagine my daughter will enlighten me ..... right hon I would love to be involved in any of the gift giving ect...... sounds exciting.

Also - Hi to the Brevardians. This is the best place in the world isnt it? hehhe
I will talk to all later. It is late tonight.

 

[laura001]

Here is a link on the Fish Extender info
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

Thanks so much for the info, will read up on it. I know there were a few people on here that were interested in fish extenders etc. Sounds like a lot of fun!

I will be on the Cruise ship in October (my first time on the MAGIC) and so I will have a somewhat feel of the ship so I can try to help out if you like on places to go and meet up...I probably wont do any speaking in front of anyone but I can help be the "Behind the scenes" one if you would like

It would be great if you could scout out a place where we could meet etc., although I think Zerog has gone to a meet before also, perhaps he could give us some ideas also? Or anyone else that has been to one. I kind of like the idea of doing it on the first day, doesn't have to be long.

Also I know that its still kinda far out till then but does anyone know where they will be staying before they cruise out (if not flying in that day). Just curious as to what everyone is doing

I think we will be staying at the Radisson. We were supposed to come in on Thursday, but I have pushed it to Wednesday (shhh....don't tell DH, he hasn't even noticed ) We want to do the Space Center on Friday, but have some friends that will be down there the same time as us so we will probably hook up with them at least for an afternoon and dinner. Also, another set of our friends have expressed interest in just flying down for a few days and spending them with us...so that would kind of change things also. (shhh again, as that would mean i would probably push it to Tuesday....lol)

 

[zerog]

On my last cruise, we met in the Promenade Lounge. It is an open seating casual environment. The tables are all round (thus being a lounge), but it is a good quiet spot off the beaten track. Here is a map that someone posted:

Here is a timeline of events:
- 11:45am to 12:30pm: Begin boarding the ship
- 1pm to 2pm: Luggage begins arriving at the rooms. Time to unpack.
- - - This is also the time to modify reservations (early dining, Palo, spa treatments, etc.).
- 4pm: Muster drill (or mustard drill as my kids called it; what's the mustard for daddy? )
- 5pm: Sail-away party

We met at 3pm. The warning bells for the muster drill started going off at 3:30pm.

Our plan is to be one of the first people on the ship. This tends to work out well for us because we can grab a quick lunch (no waiting) and then let the kids swim in the pool (no crowds).

I'd say a good time to meet would be between 2pm and 2:30pm. That way, folks have a chance to eat, swim, and unpack. Also, we won't be rushed by the muster drill warnings.