May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[VowRenewal13]

I am quite happy with my group and do not have any issues. If it changes, or you need to change it, that will be fine with me too. We leave for San Diego on May 17th and whatever changes are made need to be made as soon as possible. Moon Daughter you are doing an excellent job.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

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 at this point no matter what I say it's going to be bad. I feel this has become incredibly awkward now. I just want everyone to have a great vacation and I feel like I've made a mess of things. I have had a heavy heart for 2 days about this.

I was trying to say that I honestly tried to work this out so everyone was happy and instead I disappointed 3 people that I was aware of. I don't want anyone to be disappointed. I suggested I step down not because I felt MousseauMob said I should (I know you didn't even suggest it), but because my suggestions were no good and there are so many others who have done this before and have a better idea on how to fix this situation and make it fair for everyone that I don't mind at all if someone else takes over.

I don't understand where things went south and that's what bothers me most as I am a long winded person by nature and am overkill with information and reminders so I can avoid confusion. Somewhere I messed up and didn't realize it and I attempted to explain that I tried to be clear and I apologized for any misunderstanding I caused. I made a mistake with the group assignments and I was asking for help to fix it so we can move on from this. I tried apologize but I guess it came across as an accusation. I tried to joke about hoping things don't turn bad because of it and I guess I made things turn bad by saying it. I say I'm flexible and I come across as inflexible. I don't want you to stop talking at all. I was just trying to be sensitive to those who come here for information and are not part of the FE, so I asked that we move the conversation elsewhere to brainstorm about a solution.

You have had valuable information this entire year. I am honestly thoroughly confused, and I don't want you to feel bad. I also don't want for your daughter's hard work or for the other 2 people that came to me Saturday and Sunday to feel they've wasted their money and supplies. I feel terrible that I've upset you. I really was looking forward to getting to know you and doing a pirate night together.

I will go with whatever the group decides because I want the group to be happy and have a great FE experience. I had worked all day to try to come up with a plan where I volunteer to switch groups and ask if others would volunteer to switch groups so that the people who wanted to exchange in a larger group would be in 2 groups and have the chance to exchange with more people. But no matter what I say I keep offending and all I can do is apologize to you and apologize to the group for the trouble I've caused. Now I'm begging for someone else to take over and fix this because I am at a loss. You all have my lists, someone out there has a great solution. I don't want to ruin anyone's vacation. I am so so sorry.

 

[sherri675]

I think at this point no matter what I say it's going to be bad. I feel this has become incredibly awkward now. I just want everyone to have a great vacation and I feel like I've made a mess of things. I have had a heavy heart for 2 days about this. I was trying to say that I honestly tried to work this out so everyone was happy and instead I disappointed 3 people that I was aware of. I don't want anyone to be disappointed. I suggested I step down not because I felt MousseauMob said I should (I know you didn't even suggest it), but because my suggestions were no good and there are so many others who have done this before and have a better idea on how to fix this situation and make it fair for everyone that I don't mind at all if someone else takes over. I don't understand where things went south and that's what bothers me most as I am a long winded person by nature and am overkill with information and reminders so I can avoid confusion. Somewhere I messed up and didn't realize it and I attempted to explain that I tried to be clear and I apologized for any misunderstanding I caused. I made a mistake with the group assignments and I was asking for help to fix it so we can move on from this. I tried apologize but I guess it came across as an accusation. I tried to joke about hoping things don't turn bad because of it and I guess I made things turn bad by saying it. I say I'm flexible and I come across as inflexible. I don't want you to stop talking at all. I was just trying to be sensitive to those who come here for information and are not part of the FE, so I asked that we move the conversation elsewhere to brainstorm about a solution. You have had valuable information this entire year. I am honestly thoroughly confused, and I don't want you to feel bad. I also don't want for your daughter's hard work or for the other 2 people that came to me Saturday and Sunday to feel they've wasted their money and supplies. I feel terrible that I've upset you. I really was looking forward to getting to know you and doing a pirate night together. I will go with whatever the group decides because I want the group to be happy and have a great FE experience. I had worked all day to try to come up with a plan where I volunteer to switch groups and ask if others would volunteer to switch groups so that the people who wanted to exchange in a larger group would be in 2 groups and have the chance to exchange with more people. But no matter what I say I keep offending and all I can do is apologize to you and apologize to the group for the trouble I've caused. Now I'm begging for someone else to take over and fix this because I am at a loss. You all have my lists, someone out there has a great solution. I don't want to ruin anyone's vacation. I am so so sorry.

MoonDaughter, I think you did an excellent job! I'm very happy with our group, it has just the right amount of staterooms and kids. I like to give a stateroom gift (for the adults) and then a gift for each child/teen. (I prefer to give more than I receive so I will have extra space in my luggage for the things I bought. It gives me another excuse to shop and not feel guilty. Haha! Gotta fill up the extra space with something!) The FE exchange IMO is supposed to be about the kids. I don't even have any kids but I enjoy giving gifts to other people's kids. I love to see their happy faces running all around the ship delivering their gifts! And when I see them on the ship with something I gave them it's doubly awesome!

I have a suggestion. For the three people that want to give to everyone and receive from everyone, couldn't you just add them to the other groups. I have already started buying for all the kids in our group based on their likes and would prefer not to have the kids switched around. I know that would make the other groups a bit larger but if nobody had a problem with a few additions then it could possibly solve the issue, maybe? I dunno. Just thinking out loud.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I just came back to add that I just printed out the list of my group, and am perfectly happy where I am. I don't know where to look at the other groups. While I don't gear my gifts to the kids, I can certainly work with the ones that are in my group, far better than if there were a lot of them.

I would like to know where to find the other groups as I may have a couple of extra gifts to share.

MoonDaughter, I hope you are feeling better about this today. I don't think anybody here wants anyone to be upset or feel anxious about this and I hope you reconsider about stepping down.

to everyone that needs it today.

 

[Maleficent59]

Hi all, the Mickey group has copies of all the lists (I do). I'm very sorry to see the comments and unhappiness about this. Since we just booked this cruise, I haven't read all the posts nor have I been involved in the prior planning. So, from a completely clueless perspective, I'm thinking that if the majority is okay with it, I propose that we split this group 50/50. Can we take this to a vote? I can post a poll if okay with you.

Also, if anyone wants to take a shot at splitting the lists, please speak up (Moondaughter23 is okay with this). If not, I could split up the group if that is the way the vote goes (but I warn you that it will be from an outsider's - no idea of prior opinions - perspective). It will be by the numbers - not by preferences.

Let's work this out so this is a fun activity for all of us! See you all soon!

Best,
Sarah

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Hi all, the Mickey group has copies of all the lists (I do). I'm very sorry to see the comments and unhappiness about this. Since we just booked this cruise, I haven't read all the posts nor have I been involved in the prior planning. So, from a completely clueless perspective, I'm thinking that if the majority is okay with it, I propose that we split this group 50/50. Can we take this to a vote? I can post a poll if okay with you.

Also, if anyone wants to take a shot at splitting the lists, please speak up (Moondaughter23 is okay with this). If not, I could split up the group if that is the way the vote goes (but I warn you that it will be from an outsider's - no idea of prior opinions - perspective). It will be by the numbers - not by preferences.

Let's work this out so this is a fun activity for all of us! See you all soon!

Best,
Sarah

Meaning split up just the Mickey Group, correct and leaving the others alone? If so, this doesn't affect me and I will shut up--just clarifying as I am prone to misunderstanding things sometimes.

 

[Maleficent59]

Meaning split up just the Mickey Group, correct and leaving the others alone? If so, this doesn't affect me and I will shut up--just clarifying as I am prone to misunderstanding things sometimes.

No idea. If folks are okay with splitting into 2 groups, the Mickey group could be incorporated into the other two groups. Or it could totally be random. I haven't read all of the posts - so have no idea of what's happened in the past. It's easy enough to post a poll to

1) split the Mickey group and incorporate into the other two groups so the groups are even
2) randomly redivide the groups
3) keep everyone in one group
4) open to another idea - but the person proposing the idea steps up as leader

I am just trying to help get this organized so we can all go back to cruise planning!

Lots of old friends to see and new people to meet! Moondaughter23 reminded me that she was on the FE exchange with my family (I didn't sail with them) last year and I see some others who've sailed with us before (guess I can't give out the same gifts to those folks!). Can't wait to see you and to meet the rest of you!

 

[sls239]

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?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

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.

 

[Maleficent59]

Here's some of the info (cabin/# of people):

13 40 Mickey
17 46 Tinker Bell
11 34 Minnie
41 120

Okay, I had a thought. This works based on cabins only, but maybe someone on the Mickey list (I'm home on meds today so can't really focus) can work with the number of people to see if it works.

Keep Minnie group the same. Split up the Mickey and Tink groups and reshuffle. Combine new Mickey and Tink groups. All Mickeys trade with each other.

Mickey 6 Mickey 7 Minnie 11 All Mickey
Tink 9 Tink 8

Minnie group: stays the same 11 cabins, 34 people
Tinker Bell: 15 cabins, # people to be determined (and if there are those who want to trade with an extra couple of cabins, I'll trade with you and probably
Mousseaumob too - sorry for volunteering you)
Mickey: 21 or 22 cabins, # people to be determined (edited: wow - I can't add today!)

I'm thinking that there is no way to make this "fair" for everyone. Moondaughter says that she tried working on this an additional two days and I really don't want her stressing about this any more. I know from experience that Dis-folks are generous so am asking for everyone to help by compromising a little. Thanks all!

 

[hamm1207]

I'm fine with just having two lists instead of three. I'm also fine with things the way the are. Our FE captain is doing a wonderful job! Remember that you can't please everyone. I've been in your shoes and had to worry about how to split. For a 9 night cruise, 22 cabins isn't that bad.

One thing I've done in the past with splitting lists is:
Put those who want to be on multiple lists on both then divide the rest evenly between the two.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Here's some of the info (cabin/# of people):

13 40 Mickey
17 46 Tinker Bell
11 34 Minnie
41 120

Okay, I had a thought. This works based on cabins only, but maybe someone on the Mickey list (I'm home on meds today so can't really focus) can work with the number of people to see if it works.

Keep Minnie group the same. Split up the Mickey and Tink groups and reshuffle. Combine new Mickey and Tink groups. All Mickeys trade with each other.

Mickey 6 Mickey 7 Minnie 11 All Mickey
Tink 9 Tink 8 Lost me here

Minnie group: stays the same 11 cabins, 34 people
Tinker Bell: 15 cabins, # people to be determined (and if there are those who want to trade with an extra couple of cabins, I'll trade with you and probably
Mousseaumob too - sorry for volunteering you)
Mickey: 21 or 22 cabins, # people to be determined (edited: wow - I can't add today!)

I'm thinking that there is no way to make this "fair" for everyone. Moondaughter says that she tried working on this an additional two days and I really don't want her stressing about this any more. I know from experience that Dis-folks are generous so am asking for everyone to help by compromising a little. Thanks all!

Not totally following this, but that isn't unusual for me. Maybe others will chime in as the evening goes on.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I'm fine with just having two lists instead of three. I'm also fine with things the way the are. Our FE captain is doing a wonderful job! Remember that you can't please everyone. I've been in your shoes and had to worry about how to split. For a 9 night cruise, 22 cabins isn't that bad.

One thing I've done in the past with splitting lists is:
Put those who want to be on multiple lists on both then divide the rest evenly between the two.

 

[Maleficent59]

Not totally following this, but that isn't unusual for me. Maybe others will chime in as the evening goes on.

Mickey 6 + Tink 9 cabins = 15 cabins M/T Group 1
Mickey 7 + Tink 8 cabins = 15 cabins M/T Group 2
Minnie 11 cabins
Mickeys give to all Mickeys (22 cabins or 21 cabins)

This comes out to 4 groups (I think - told you I'm on drugs so this may only make sense to me). This makes it pretty even for both the current Minnie and Tinker Bell groups.

On another note: I just booked our flights so am getting closer to finalizing everything. Hurray!

 

[VowRenewal13]

Here's some of the info (cabin/# of people):

13 40 Mickey
17 46 Tinker Bell
11 34 Minnie
41 120

Okay, I had a thought. This works based on cabins only, but maybe someone on the Mickey list (I'm home on meds today so can't really focus) can work with the number of people to see if it works.

Keep Minnie group the same. Split up the Mickey and Tink groups and reshuffle. Combine new Mickey and Tink groups. All Mickeys trade with each other.

Mickey 6 Mickey 7 Minnie 11 All Mickey
Tink 9 Tink 8

Minnie group: stays the same 11 cabins, 34 people
Tinker Bell: 15 cabins, # people to be determined (and if there are those who want to trade with an extra couple of cabins, I'll trade with you and probably
Mousseaumob too - sorry for volunteering you)
Mickey: 21 or 22 cabins, # people to be determined (edited: wow - I can't add today!)

I'm thinking that there is no way to make this "fair" for everyone. Moondaughter says that she tried working on this an additional two days and I really don't want her stressing about this any more. I know from experience that Dis-folks are generous so am asking for everyone to help by compromising a little. Thanks all!

I am in Tinker Bell. I like the group that I have. Can I just keep it the way it is?

 

[sorceressk]

I also think we should just keep it the way it is.

 

[Arizona Rita]

MD knows I will go where ever is needed.
Whatever group we are in we all trade with one another right?
My gifts are simple and I think nice. Isnt it supposed to be the thought that counts?
On our last cruise we recieved alot of nice things from magnets to tumbler cups with straws. Ive seen where people really knock themselves out over this and cause themselves alot of stress. To me, the magnet means just as much as anything else because you thought to include me. If I could I would bake bread for everything cause thats what I do best.

Please, lets keep in mind that MD did this out of the goodness of her heart.
Lets just have fun.

btw~ Im excited about those bottle cap looking magnets and hope I get one cause I cant make that. See?

Faith, Trust and Pixie dust everyone!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

MD knows I will go where ever is needed.
Whatever group we are in we all trade with one another right?
My gifts are simple and I think nice. Isnt it supposed to be the thought that counts?
On our last cruise we recieved alot of nice things from magnets to tumbler cups with straws. Ive seen where people really knock themselves out over this and cause themselves alot of stress. To me, the magnet means just as much as anything else because you thought to include me. If I could I would bake bread for everything cause thats what I do best.

Please, lets keep in mind that MD did this out of the goodness of her heart.
Lets just have fun.

btw~ Im excited about those bottle cap looking magnets and hope I get one cause I cant make that. See?

Faith, Trust and Pixie dust everyone!

Oooh, you could become my new best friend as I would rather have hot bread with cold butter, real butter, than filet and lobster. Bread and butter is my true weakness. If they don't put the bread basket down in front of me, I tend to freak a little--and I don't share too well either.

Came back to add, and that is why I am a bit pooh sized.

 

[Arizona Rita]

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?

 

[chris31997]

I'm totally late to this FE mess. I'm sorry. The three disappointed, I'm sorry.

Please don't change my TinkerBell group. I like where I am. I like that my sis in the group with me and my DD does not know it

I was going to do a stateroom gift. Because I am worried about weight, with 4 flying from Japan.

MD did a faboulous job when no one stepped up.

Arizona Rita has it right in that it is about the giving and the pixie dust.

My vote is don't change it.