May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[RweTHEREyet]

I use disney GC's a lot. We go to Disneyland all the time. To budget for the trips I buy GC'S when ever I can. I just wanted to share that if you do use the cards there is an app that will track your cards. When we went to WDW this past December I think I had about 20 cards. I could track the balance on the cards as I used them with the app it, and didn't have to keep the receipts to know my balance.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I am going to check that out right now. I tend to hoard gift cards, and this would make sure I didn't forget about some I have stashed away. Thanks for the tip.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Whoo! A lot to catch up on.

Where did everybody go? Has the initial excitement worn off already?

For me the initial excitement lasts until the plane ride home.

I had to shift focus for a couple of days to work on my Med cruise planning and silly real life stuff.

I actually buy gcs from my son's school as they get a percent back and it goes towards our family contribution/fund raising amount

That's cool! I wish we had that at my daughter's school. We ask for GCs for Birthdays and Christmas. Yes even me. It's gotten to the point our family and friends don't even ask what I want anymore because they know it's GCs for Disney and Starbucks.

I dunno it just bugs me and is ruining the experience and making something that should be fun into something that is stressful! A 3 night trip!!!! ARGH

Just know I do not plan for our FE to be stressful. (Not meaning to sound all in charge or anything, I just know how I'm organizing it). I will do my best to make it fair to everyone and once the final list is out, it's closed. If anything I may take pity on a few last minute stragglers who just found the thread late, but I would add them to a small group of their own or choose to do a small exchange with them myself. If people drop out after the final list, then a group or 2 will just end up with a few less people. I will not add anyone to an already closed group. (Sorry to the people who may not find this thread until April of 2014, but sometimes it can be a bit too much to switch gears after months - or in some of our cases a year - of planning). Now if someone personally emails or PMs me to say "I have extra gifts to give to newcomers" I'll be happy to help work that out for you.

I hope this at least makes people feel better about our group. Can't speak for any other groups.

I would say if they gonna be difficult I have to say, my mind keeps going back and forth on if we can swing joining our FE group. I think it is going to depend on how we get there. One way we get more weight in the luggage, the other less weight. But than I can always just do one thing for the cabin

See, it is gonna take me a year to plan everything. I will still change my mind by the time we board the ship

Hopefully what I said above helps you as well with ours not being difficult. Now the weight in the luggage is a whole different dealbreaker. I only know for myself how much I accumulate even without an FE in the mix so I just give in and pay for an extra bag. Then I heard of some people who have 2 extra bags just for FE stuff, so I didn't feel so shameful anymore. But only you know your limits on luggage so I won't try to sway you either way on participating.

Yup I keep looking up stuff, too. Trying to think of clothes (more like the formal stuff) since I wear scrubs to work, I don't HAVE business causal or i guess i should say "dinner" wear of any kind really! I wear jeans outside of work! Oh I own shorts but I'm not thinking we will need many of those in Alaska come May ahaha.

Just another excuse to go shopping. I really only need 2 or 3 things for each myself and daughter (outsides of toiletries), so my shopping list is not too bad. I definitely won't bring shorts except for a cover-up on the ship sea days. And probably not even then because I imagine even on deck will be more chilly then at port because of wind. For me, I'm ALWAYS cold so I will be the wimpy "I'm freezing" person.

So on one of my fb boards (can't remember which but a Disney related one either FEs or cruise type) someone posted about the following so I want to give you a heads up since we are pre planners here hehehe: FYI. Word from another board I am a member of: This year at least, rumor has it they are going to do away with Pirate night on the Alaska trips because they cannot do fireworks and the party often gets moved indoors where it is just too crowded I guess. They are planning instead in doing something Pixar related (which doesn't surprise me after last year's Pixar related cruise). So I guess we shall see. This info was posed as a question by a traveler then "confirmed" by someone else who is supposedly a TA on the board. I have no first hand knowledge. Just giving a heads up if anyone hears anything else.

I saw on the DCL website no fireworks and the party would be in the atrium, but I didn't hear about doing away with Pirate Night. I'll keep on the lookout for more info too. I would be bummed if they took it away altogether. Pirate Night is my favorite night. I love Pixar too, but I'm one who's hoping to keep the Pirates.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Also I have updated the FE Post to include the breakdown so far. Anytime I update it will be noted by asterisks around what's new. I will try to update once a week. Check out page one to see or for a shortcut to get there click here

 

[threebritts]

We're hopping on board for this cruise....looking forward to it and we're also doing b2b so staying on for the June 2 nd. We did the inaugural Alaskan with dcl and it was fantastic. Beautiful scenery and I think disney does it well!
If anyone is thinking about a whale watching excursion in Juneau I would recommend Harv and marvs, they are amazing! I couldn't say enough good things about them! I'm organizing group trip for June 2 nd cruise but if someone did it for this cruise you can get discount. We're always leery of non dcl excursions but they were great on our Alaskan cruise! Looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing some from other cruises

 

[MoonDaughter23]

We're hopping on board for this cruise....looking forward to it and we're also doing b2b so staying on for the June 2 nd. We did the inaugural Alaskan with dcl and it was fantastic. Beautiful scenery and I think disney does it well!
If anyone is thinking about a whale watching excursion in Juneau I would recommend Harv and marvs, they are amazing! I couldn't say enough good things about them! I'm organizing group trip for June 2 nd cruise but if someone did it for this cruise you can get discount. We're always leery of non dcl excursions but they were great on our Alaskan cruise! Looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing some from other cruises

Hi! Welcome!

Good to know about Harv and Marvs. Thanks! I love their FAQ page. Very extensive and funny (particularly the story of why they are called Harv and Marv).

Here's the link if anyone is interested. http://www.harvandmarvs.com/index.html

 

[RweTHEREyet]

We're hopping on board for this cruise....looking forward to it and we're also doing b2b so staying on for the June 2 nd. We did the inaugural Alaskan with dcl and it was fantastic. Beautiful scenery and I think disney does it well!
If anyone is thinking about a whale watching excursion in Juneau I would recommend Harv and marvs, they are amazing! I couldn't say enough good things about them! I'm organizing group trip for June 2 nd cruise but if someone did it for this cruise you can get discount. We're always leery of non dcl excursions but they were great on our Alaskan cruise! Looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing some from other cruises

We are doing B2B as well, but we are sailing the May 19 th from San Diego to Vancouver. This should be quite an experience for all of us B2B'rs.

 

[threebritts]

The daughter is a captain now, she was our naturalist on our boat. Smart girl, they live on a island, has grown up there and they got us as close as they could to orcas and humpbacks. We have some amazing pics of them . Also saw sea lions and eagles really close! They are very accommodating and timely which was big plus for me!
We zip lined in Skagway which was a lot of in and in Ketchikan we did the rainforest tour which was ok, I thought kind of boring except at end we got to feed reindeer. The fjord is unbelievable. They can't do fireworks but did a different kind of party and also did a cookout going through fjord when we went . We're really looking forward to sitka since we haven't been there.

 

[threebritts]

We are doing B2B as well, but we are sailing the May 19 th from San Diego to Vancouver. This should be quite an experience for all of us B2B'rs.

We debated on that but there are a bunch of people that we know going on the June 2 nd one but we wanted Sitka for this one so well do these two and then be alaskened out probably! The coast one is great too, so much to do in San Fran and you get a lot of time there so that's good. I'm actually really a sea day person, I love the ports but just love being on the boat relaxing too so I figured on the second round we can just take in the scenery from the boat and relax.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Whoo! A lot to catch up on.

For me the initial excitement lasts until the plane ride home.

I had to shift focus for a couple of days to work on my Med cruise planning and silly real life stuff.

Wow, I would be MIA if I was on an upcoming Med cruise. You certainly have a lot of planning ahead of you, what fun.

And isn't it a pain when life issues get in the way of vacation planning.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

The daughter is a captain now, she was our naturalist on our boat. Smart girl, they live on a island, has grown up there and they got us as close as they could to orcas and humpbacks. We have some amazing pics of them . Also saw sea lions and eagles really close! They are very accommodating and timely which was big plus for me!
We zip lined in Skagway which was a lot of in and in Ketchikan we did the rainforest tour which was ok, I thought kind of boring except at end we got to feed reindeer. The fjord is unbelievable. They can't do fireworks but did a different kind of party and also did a cookout going through fjord when we went . We're really looking forward to sitka since we haven't been there.

Wow! That's cool you saw orcas. I would love to see them in the wild. Humpbacks too.

I'm super excited to see the fjord. I hope I can get a better camera by then.

Wow, I would be MIA if I was on an upcoming Med cruise. You certainly have a lot of planning ahead of you, what fun.

And isn't it a pain when life issues get in the way of vacation planning.

I've been planning the Med cruise since June of 2012 so things have slowed down enough to where I don't have to be MIA much. Plus I'm known for having my hand on a lot of pots at once. Multitasking is one of my many middle names.

 

[MousseauMob]

Where did everybody go? Has the initial excitement worn off already?

Nope - still excited, just been too busy to post. Have started planning FE's already. Browsing/shopping for supplies - crazy huh!

I just have to say I'm stressing over our May DCL this year!

I'm having an issue with our April cruise this year as well. Not with FE's, but a FB thing. I'm so bummed about it, and want to vent or say something, but I hate confrontation.

This year at least, rumor has it they are going to do away with Pirate night on the Alaska trips because they cannot do fireworks and the party often gets moved indoors where it is just too crowded I guess. They are planning instead in doing something Pixar related (which doesn't surprise me after last year's Pixar related cruise).

As for me, I'm fine with this but the Kids LOVE Pirate night - especially the teenage boy that does a good Captain Jack imitation. On the last cruise, we were in line waiting for him so we could get a picture with Captain Jack and all of a sudden I heard this commotion in the hall, I looked over and people were stopping my son to get pictures with their kids! I yelped "What are you doing?" to which he shrugged and replied, "They asked".

I hope this at least makes people feel better about our group. Can't speak for any other groups.

We're hopping on board for this cruise.

I know a couple of teenagers that are very happy!

 

[threebritts]

Lol your son is one of the main reasons were doing this cruise but I'm glad they got along and he is a great kid! We're lucky in that aspect do we need to put radar on them though ? lol

 

[MousseauMob]

Lol your son is one of the main reasons were doing this cruise but I'm glad they got along and he is a great kid! We're lucky in that aspect do we need to put radar on them though ? lol

hmmm.... you know... I'm starting to suspect we have been out smarted by our kids! I didn't even know about this cruise, until I was told you guys were going and we "needed" to go also. Of course we LOVE Alaska and we LOVE DCL and I had been on the lookout for a longer Alaska cruise, so this is perfect, but still... it is interesting how this has worked out! hmmm..... I might be upset if I wasn't so proud of their ingenuity! I totally agree about being lucky, as they are both really great kids.

Sending you guys lots of pixie dust that things are good and everyone well.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Nope - still excited, just been too busy to post. Have started planning FE's already. Browsing/shopping for supplies - crazy huh!

Nope. Not crazy at all. Clearly we are all super planners in this group.

As for me, I'm fine with this but the Kids LOVE Pirate night - especially the teenage boy that does a good Captain Jack imitation. On the last cruise, we were in line waiting for him so we could get a picture with Captain Jack and all of a sudden I heard this commotion in the hall, I looked over and people were stopping my son to get pictures with their kids! I yelped "What are you doing?" to which he shrugged and replied, "They asked".

That's awesome!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Nope - still excited, just been too busy to post. Have started planning FE's already. Browsing/shopping for supplies - crazy huh!

No, I agree, not crazy at all. I am often a "where did the time go" when planning for a trip and then I am scurrying around at the last minute taking care of every thing. This time, the trip is going to be paid for, FE gifts done and packaged, shopping done, etc.

Last cruise, I was on schedule and then I got a herniated disk in my back and caught the Norovirus about three weeks before sailing, that really thru a cog in the works of my schedule, not going to let that happen this time. Going to be all done so I can spend the last couple of weeks making magnets, etc., stuff that is extra and not necessary.

Right now I am scoping out jackets. From all I have read, it seems I will more than likely need a long sleeved fleece for warmth and then something waterproof with a hood (like a shell or windbreaker) for rainy days. Probably something to keep ears warm and some gloves for the Tracy Arm day. I am also going to be looking for some shoes. I know a lot of people say they wear their tennis/walking shoes, but mine are mostly mesh on top and I don't want to end up with wet feet. A lot of people say they have taken waterproof pants as well, but I am not sure I will be active enough to be needing those--I guess it depends on the excursions we do.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Do you think that since we have 9 nights of dining that the rotation will be as simple as something like TAPTAPTAP?

geez, I know, worried about eating already.

 

[tink1963]

Right now I am scoping out jackets. From all I have read, it seems I will more than likely need a long sleeved fleece for warmth and then something waterproof with a hood (like a shell or windbreaker) for rainy days. Probably something to keep ears warm and some gloves for the Tracy Arm day. I am also going to be looking for some shoes. I know a lot of people say they wear their tennis/walking shoes, but mine are mostly mesh on top and I don't want to end up with wet feet. A lot of people say they have taken waterproof pants as well, but I am not sure I will be active enough to be needing those--I guess it depends on the excursions we do.

I have a suggestion for those looking for cold weather clothes and jackets. For our Alaska cruise in 2011 I did find some great deals at Land's End. If you look under sales, there is one called "On the Counter".
From their site
"Each Saturday, we put a new group of products "On the Counter," in very limited quantities, substantially reduced from the original catalog price.

On Monday, that discount price is reduced another 25%. On Wednesday, 50%. And on Friday, 75%.

The price at which you purchase is the only one we can honor."
The last meaning if you buy on Wed, and it is still available on friday you cant get an adjustment in what you paid. Stuff does sell out quick, so if it is a price your good with, grab it.

 

[MousseauMob]

That's awesome!

He didn't even have the facial hair, but it didn't seem to matter. He stayed in character all night, the talk, the walk, everything. People kept stopping him. This is a terrible picture, because I quickly snapped it when 2 girls he didn't even know stopped us on the way past the elevator to get a picture with him, and it was just SO funny! You can barely see it, but he's holding the compass, funny guy!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Do you think that since we have 9 nights of dining that the rotation will be as simple as something like TAPTAPTAP?

geez, I know, worried about eating already.

You're not the only one. Even my daughter asked what our rotation would be on the day of booking.

The rotations and theme nights seem to be released about 5-6 months before sailing (unless someone knows a trick to get info out of DCL now).

I have a suggestion for those looking for cold weather clothes and jackets. For our Alaska cruise in 2011 I did find some great deals at Land's End. If you look under sales, there is one called "On the Counter".
From their site
"Each Saturday, we put a new group of products "On the Counter," in very limited quantities, substantially reduced from the original catalog price.

On Monday, that discount price is reduced another 25%. On Wednesday, 50%. And on Friday, 75%.

The price at which you purchase is the only one we can honor."
The last meaning if you buy on Wed, and it is still available on friday you cant get an adjustment in what you paid. Stuff does sell out quick, so if it is a price your good with, grab it.

Cool! Is this online only or can I go into the store? I'm also planning a Burlington Coat Factory visit for deals.

He didn't even have the facial hair, but it didn't seem to matter. He stayed in character all night, the talk, the walk, everything. People kept stopping him. This is a terrible picture, because I quickly snapped it when 2 girls he didn't even know stopped us on the way past the elevator to get a picture with him, and it was just SO funny! You can barely see it, but he's holding the compass, funny guy!

Now I really hope they have a pirate night just so I hear him.

 

[threebritts]

hmmm.... you know... I'm starting to suspect we have been out smarted by our kids! I didn't even know about this cruise, until I was told you guys were going and we "needed" to go also. Of course we LOVE Alaska and we LOVE DCL and I had been on the lookout for a longer Alaska cruise, so this is perfect, but still... it is interesting how this has worked out! hmmm..... I might be upset if I wasn't so proud of their ingenuity! I totally agree about being lucky, as they are both really great kids.

Sending you guys lots of pixie dust that things are good and everyone well.

I agree on the outsmarting part...she was unhappy that we didn't book the April one your on and were doing 3 day in may instead but our work schedules dictate what we can do.I think the plan is to come up and meet you at disney though, I'll let her miss that day of school if she wants.