May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[hamm1207]

Here are a few more options

make 4 list with 10 staterooms each--one having 11.

Make 2 lists with 20/21 staterooms

Keep them all together.

As I said, in the past I've either left them all in one group or split into 2 groups total--those wanting to be on both lists on both lists and divide the rest evenly (maybe by number or people in the stateroom).

The important thin to remember is that the FE is a fun gift giving activity in which you give what you can to the number of people that you can. Personally, we either give one gift per stateroom or something small to each person---I understand weight limits and making everything fit in luggage.

 

[lesabrowning]

This is a tough call as it seems the majority of the FE participants are happy with their groups. I am in the Mickey group and am fine with leaving it alone. I know that there are a few that really wanted to exchange with a much larger group and are disappointed. I am wondering if it would be possible to add those folks to the other groups? (if there are only a few) Another option would be to make it an optional thing to add extra people. That sounds strange I know, but on our last cruise our FE group had a strict deadline for final sign ups. Several families joined the cruise at the last minute and asked if anyone wanted to exchange with them "off list" and I swear, I think we must have added ten additional cabins this way! LOL I think our FE Captain did a fine job, it is never easy. I wish I had some better suggestions. I am not one that is really looking to give to the whole ship, so I am content to exchange with the Mickey group as is if that is how it works out. (save for the extras we always have and always give out just because it is what we do it seems) I just hope everyone can find a way to make it work so that we can get back to the fun of planning!!

 

[ndloewen]

I hope you don't mean me, because I have never said I was unhappy with the job you have done, or that I wanted to kick you off as FE captain. I would never say such a thing. Yes it is a small group (although more than 3 that I've heard from) because it's only one of the groups that have a problem, the other two groups are fine as requested. I've tried to be supportive and non-critical in what I consider the most appropriate forum. Disboard meet group is for meeting others cruising together and arranging / planning activities together. MoonDaughter I hope you don't feel I have ever said or even implied you didn't do a good job, because that was never my intent. I think everyone knows how challenging it is to be FE captain, and is supportive of that. I only hoped we could have open conversation/discussion in the hopes of compromise or resolution. I sincerely hope you don't feel bad, for I never meant for that.

For those who still may not understand I'll try one more time to explain and then I'll be done for good. Imagine being in the Minnie group and being told you will only recieve from 3 staterooms or in the Tinkerbell group only recieving from 5 staterooms, and when you questioned it in the hopes of some compromise since this is not the size you had requested, you were told - well you don't have to give to the 10 staterooms or the 16 staterooms just give to the 3 or the 5 then. I think you would be disappointed, because it is missing the point. To put it another way, if you had requested a small group and found yourself in a large 40+ group, you would be disappointed. That's what happened to the large group. People saying they will give to 100+ are requesting a large group, because we enjoy participating in a large group. But unfortunately the way things worked out we were put in a small group, even smaller than the medium sized group. This is the fundamental reason for the disappointment. Its not about the giving or not giving, it's not about pre-purchased supplies or anything else.

I believe that if people requesting a large group had realized they would be put in a small group, they may have requested something different. I guess we will each decide how to proceed, whether to still give to all, or only to give to our small group, and to plan other things so our children are not disappointed.

As promised I won't post anymore as I feel like my attempt at explanation for understanding is being misinterpreted. Have a great cruise everyone!

I think you summed this up perfectly. I, too, am in the Mickey group and I will speak up and say that I was also disappointed to see the breakdown of staterooms. If I had known this is how things would be split up, I would have requested something different. I was just hoping to be exchanging with a larger group as well and thought it was very odd that our group was not the largest one. Moondaughter, I do appreciate all the work you have already put into this, which is why I am so hesitant about saying anything. ((Hugs)).

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Hi Bestie!
whenever we talk about our cruises my 17 yea always brings up the bread!
There's nothing better! but how do I fit that in an FE?

Well, you could just knock on my door and not even worry with putting it in the FE. I would have a knife and butter waiting.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

New suggestion--If the goal is to make the Mickey group a little bigger, instead of reshuffling and moving others that are perfectly happy with their category, why not ask if there are any volunteers in TinkerBell that would move to the Mickey Group to even the two groups out a bit?

That way, anyone that wants to stay where they are can do so and anyone that doesn't really care could be moved. That seems to make more sense to me than reshuffling everyone in both groups.

In addition, anyone that asks to join between now and the end of the month (just picking a timeframe) could be added to the Mickey group.

 

[GNRMatt]

I think first off, our FE Captain did an excellent job.

My opinion is to just keep things the way they are. With a group this large, no matter what, someone will be unhappy. If any changes are made, I guarantee someone else will be made unhappy. You can't please everyone.

Thus, if we do switch, I propose two possibilities
1) Eliminate the groups and make it one giant group. If you don't want to give to everyone, then just randomly select staterooms to give to up to the amount you want. Some will get more than others, yes, but then it's just luck of the draw. It's a vacation and little "prizes" for people. If you get 2 less than someone else, it's not the end of the world.

2) Keep the groups as is. If someone is unhappy with the what they are receiving, just send a note to someone not in your group and ask if they'd like to do an exchange. This way you get the exact amount you want to give/receive.

3) If people still want to complain that they aren't getting things exactly their way and they want to be unfair to the 100 or so other people in the group, just remove them from the FE Exchange. This is something that is supposed to be fun for everyone and it's unfair for people to be trying to make either the FE captain miserable or other people on the cruise miserable just because they aren't getting their way. It may sound harsh, but honestly, when someone just wants to be selfish and have things their way or no way at all, give them the "no way at all" option.

 

[The4Woods]

Just my .02.

Keep the groups as they are. If you want a smaller group, feel free to join the 'lost boys'.

Anyways, that's the first suggestion.
Second suggestion, contact the ppl from the other groups that you'd like to exchange with, and see if they are up to being on a personal list.... So lets say I'm in Mickey. And I want to exchange with a few people from Tinkerbelle, why not contact them, see if they wanna exchange, and wala! Done. It wouldn't affect anyone else in the group either.

Something we all need to keep in mind, each one of us paid for our vacations. These are supposed to be fun, and we should enjoy them the way we want as individuals.

Long story short, my belief is, if you want a smaller group, ask to be replaced on the Lost Boys group. If you want a bigger group, reach out to the other groups and ask if they'd like to add you to their lists.

We plan on giving to everyone... Do we expect to receive from everyone? Of course not! That's not the spirit of giving.

::: steps off soapbox :::

 

[Maleficent59]

Thanks for all the replies. In summary, the issue was that the Mickey list has 12 families to exchange with, Minnie 11, and Tinker Bell 17. The fundamental points for the Mickey group was 1) small number of cabins and to some: 2) giving to all cabins (if desired) and this is an exchange (to be perfectly blunt) - both giving and receiving. Note that this is not everyone's opinion - just my summary of the controversy.

I sent an email to the Mickey group and everyone is grateful for the work that Moondaughter put into these lists. Also, no one in the Mickey group wants to disrupt the other groups or make anyone feel bad. So, if there is a way to compromise without disrupting the other groups, fine. If not, things stay as is. I hope I got this right.

So, this is for the Tink and Minnie people: anyone okay with adding some cabins (most likely not the entire Mickey list) to your exchange list? You may PM me separately.

For the Mickey people: are you okay with adding the Lost Boys to our list?

Thanks all!

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Thanks for all the replies. In summary, the issue was that the Mickey list has 12 families to exchange with, Minnie 11, and Tinker Bell 17. The fundamental points for the Mickey group was 1) small number of cabins and to some: 2) giving to all cabins (if desired) and this is an exchange (to be perfectly blunt) - both giving and receiving. Note that this is not everyone's opinion - just my summary of the controversy.

I sent an email to the Mickey group and everyone is grateful for the work that Moondaughter put into these lists. Also, no one in the Mickey group wants to disrupt the other groups or make anyone feel bad. So, if there is a way to compromise without disrupting the other groups, fine. If not, things stay as is. I hope I got this right.

So, this is for the Tink and Minnie people: anyone okay with adding some cabins (most likely not the entire Mickey list) to your exchange list? You may PM me separately.

For the Mickey people: are you okay with adding the Lost Boys to our list?

Thanks all!

I am in the Minnie group. I signed up for the FE when it first started, so like a year ago. I filled out my preference to be in the smallest group possible 20-30 people for 2 reasons. First, I've never done an FE before and I'm not crafty so it is a little overwhelming. Second, and most importantly, we are flying with a family of 5 and are already very limited on luggage space. I did not sign up to be on the small list because I don't want to give, it is simply the fact that we want to participate, but we need to be practical. The Minnie group is already over the people count of 30 being at 34 (not a big deal) but if we are now going to start adding more cabins to that I am not sure what I am going to do. I have already ordered supplies to fulfill my idea for the 10 cabins that I thought were on my list. Now we're going and messing things up?

I really appreciate all that Moondaughter has done and I guess I just don't understand why NOW this is all becoming an issue? The choices, FAQs, etc have all been up there for everyone to choose and read for over a year. Why can't people just live with the choices for the group that they chose? Maybe I'm missing something since I chose the smallest group? But really I want to stay there, my kids are excited to participate and I would hate to have to bow out over too many cabins being added and it not being practical anymore so please leave it alone!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Sorry I've been missing everybody. I didn't run away. As I said before I just have a jam packed week and this is my first moment to get back. I'm doing this from my phone at my daughter's track meet so please forgive typos.

Everyone has valid points for switching or not switching. What I am not seeing is are there more than just the 3 who personally told me they were very disappointed plus the one who said she was a bit dissappointed (I'm not putting names because I don't want to sound accusatory. I just want to help)? That makes 4 total. If that's all there is I think those of us who are willing to volunteer to switch from our current group to Mickey seems like the most compromising and least disruptive option. Then the 4 in Mickey can stay in Mickey plus be in another group plus exchange with the 3 new families (so far) in the Lost Boys and have more people to exchange with overall. Then the other groups don't really change size by much just people. And many people will be happy. Not all, but many. If it's all of Mickey that's disappointed or if more than the 4 who have personally told me then we have a bigger problem.

CORRECTION: There are 5 people. Not 4. I missed someone when I counted earlier. Not sure if 5 volunteers are possible, but I'll keep it on the table a little longer to see if there are any takers.

CORRECTION 2: We gained one more volunteer

Volunteers to go to Mickey and let the 5 people be in two groups (+ Lost Boys if you chose)
-MoonDaughter23
-ArizonaRita
-RweTHEREyet
-Sherri675
-(looking for 1 more volunteer)

As far as splitting groups, forgive me but I'm just not grasping the calculations from trying to read on my phone. I trust that it would work out correctly, I just don't compute. So if it ends up being a split those of you who are working it out will have to do it for me because I will screw it up and upset someone else.

Here are the votes I counted. If you had more than one idea I counted each one. If someone else voted while I was typing this out on my phone it is completely unintentional that I missed you. Feel free to let me know if I miscounted or just flat out have something wrong.

* One big group - 1
* Don't change - 9
* Split Tinker Bell and combine with Mickey - 3
* Change all three groups to an equal amount of staterooms in each or 50/50 - 3
* Will go either way - 2
* Commented but no vote - 1

What do we think?

 

[Arizona Rita]

Hey MD~ missed ya!
As always, put me where you need me.
Thats my vote.
Again, so everyone knows, I do a cabin, or if theres two families in one cabin, for each, gift, something fun/cutesy/thinking of you kind of thingie, ans some thing for the kiddies. Hope everyone is cool with that.
Also, someone may be getting bread if I can get it there!

 

[pequele]

Verizon has a "Trip Planner" where you can put in all the places you are going, including the Disney Wonder and it will give you the rates and coverage maps.

You can pay $25 and have 100 MB data for use either on the ship or in Canada. Seems like a decent insurance policy if you aren't sure exactly where you are.

It won't let me link because I don't have enough posts. Hmph!

Of course that leads to another random question - will we be in international waters at any point or strictly Canadian and US waters?

Just post some posts, I think you just need 10 I'd like to get the link please haha. Can you type it out with spaces?



Sorry I've been MIA on DIS, FB is easier for me. But I like my group size (Minnie) for the same reason as Shel, we only are 2 people, and since one is 5 yo, it will be mostly ME moving the luggage haha. I want to participate but I also want to have clothes to wear on our trip as everyone will appreciate that, I am sure! My plan is to bring a few small things to stuff in our FE throughout the trip because my son loves to get "Mickey Mail". Maybe I can convince our cabin steward (almost said cabin master cuz I couldn't think of steward haha) to help me by putting the pressies in when we are out?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Hey MD~ missed ya!
As always, put me where you need me.
Thats my vote.
Again, so everyone knows, I do a cabin, or if theres two families in one cabin, for each, gift, something fun/cutesy/thinking of you kind of thingie, ans some thing for the kiddies. Hope everyone is cool with that.
Also, someone may be getting bread if I can get it there!

Oh my, that just sounds like the best idea...

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Sorry I've been missing everybody. I didn't run away. As I said before I just have a jam packed week and this is my first moment to get back. I'm doing this from my phone at my daughter's track meet so please forgive typos.

Everyone has valid points for switching or not switching. What I am not seeing is are there more than just the 3 who personally told me they were very disappointed plus the one who said she was a bit dissappointed (I'm not putting names because I don't want to sound accusatory. I just want to help)? That makes 4 total. If that's all there is I think those of us who are willing to volunteer to switch from our current group to Mickey seems like the most compromising and least disruptive option. Then the 4 in Mickey can stay in Mickey plus be in another group plus exchange with the 3 new families (so far) in the Lost Boys and have more people to exchange with overall. Then the other groups don't really change size by much just people. And many people will be happy. Not all, but many. If it's all of Mickey that's disappointed or if more than the 4 who have personally told me then we have a bigger problem.

Volunteers to go to Mickey and let the 4 people be in two groups (+Lost Boys if you chose)
-MoonDaughter23
-ArizonaRita
-RweTHEREyet (let me know if that's no longer the case)
-(looking for 1 more volunteer)

As far as splitting groups, forgive me but I'm just not grasping the calculations from trying to read on my phone. I trust that it would work out correctly, I just don't compute. So if it ends up being a split those of you who are working it out will have to do it for me because I will screw it up and upset someone else.

Here are the votes I counted. If you had more than one idea I counted each one. If someone else voted while I was typing this out on my phone it is completely unintentional that I missed you. Feel free to let me know if I miscounted or just flat out have something wrong.

* One big group - 1
* Don't change - 9
* Split Tinker Bell and combine with Mickey - 3
* Change all three groups to an equal amount of staterooms in each or 50/50 - 3
* Will go either way - 2
* Commented but no vote - 1

What do we think?

So glad you are still here and know we truly appreciate all you have done.

Yes, if needed, I volunteer to be moved. It's all going to be ok.

I was just sitting here thinking tonight-since I am doing the B2B, there will be two weeks of no cooking, no cleaning or being at work. (not that I do a lot of cooking or cleaning anyway--but I do go to work) OMG, it is going to be just heaven.

 

[Arizona Rita]

RwethereYet~ are you going from San Diego to Alaska?
If you are I would like to ask a favor. I will conyinue once I find out where youre sailing from.
Thanks!

I have got to find out peoples real names!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

RwethereYet~ are you going from San Diego to Alaska?
If you are I would like to ask a favor. I will conyinue once I find out where youre sailing from.
Thanks!

I have got to find out peoples real names!

Yes, me and my SIL are on the California Coastal Cruise leaving from San Diego and then in Vancouver my DH and nephew join us for the Alaska sailing.

What can I do to help?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

RwethereYet~ are you going from San Diego to Alaska?
If you are I would like to ask a favor. I will conyinue once I find out where youre sailing from.
Thanks!

I have got to find out peoples real names!

I am the same way, except I never remember names. We can write to one another all day long, but until I put a face to a name, at least a couple of times, I am not going to remember the name. That's just the way it is for me.

 

[RayOfRedondo]

Random thoughts - Based on info on the first page of the thread, there are 44 staterooms and 128 people. Simply dividing it into 22 cabins is probably more than some were bargaining for. Without having access to the entire list, it is hard to make any suggestions/recommendations, and NO, I do not wish to take this on, just thinking out loud.

And not totally understanding all the problems, would things get resolved if those that are not happy with the way things are right now were to be moved to another group?

Or why not divide the total no of cabins into 3 groups of 14 to 15 cabins in each group, and if anyone wishes to be in more than one group, add them to as many as they want?

I wish more would pipe up and say something. I don't have a problem with the way my group is done, just suggesting what makes sense to me with the information I have. Trying to be helpful and not cause more problems.

Ray piping up as requested. I am in the Tinkerbell group and I am happy just the way it is. Thank you, Nakoma, for all your hard work. I am very appreciative.

 

[sls239]

If you go to Verizon's webpage and use their search for "Trip Planner" it should pull it up.

I've tried several ways of circumventing the "link" rule. I guess I'll just have to speak up more.

 

[sls239]

Anxiously awaiting Sunday night? I'll finally be able to book excursions!

Anyone know if these sold out?

"Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest" in Sitka
"Glacier Discovery by Helicopter" in Skagway