Mexican Riviera Cruise April 3, 2011

[emiliesmom]

Hi Alisha, nope, can't PM yet. But I don't have a cabin number yet; we had to get a GTY because we booked so late. Hopefully once we have one I'll be able to PM!
Thanks,
Kathy

 

[emiliesmom]

Hi again Alisha,
I split my reply into two posts to try and get to the magin #10... Can you tell me how the FE works? Like if there are 9 families participating for 4 days, do we buy something for each family every day? Or some families some days? I guess I have to find something that hangs on the door now... I heard ebay is the place to look; or maybe I'll try and make something myself
Thanks,
Kathy

 

[DDIR]

Howdy!

The not so crafty is fabulous. I did not make one FE gift on our last cruise. I like to put everyone in a catagory by gender and age. So if I have kids under the age of 5 then I bought crayons or coloring books from the dollar store. (Disney of course)For girls maybe 7-10 then I will get something princess. For adults we were given alcohol, food and a home made CD with great music (This was a family gift!). We had canadians that brought a specific candy from home and we also had mexican candy from mexico. It is all up to you. You maybe able to ship a box to port prior to our cruise. That is what I did. I was flying to Florida from Cali and I did not want to lug all this stuff with me on the plane. It didnt cost much either. Most people have a FE that hanges from the fish outside your room. I have seen pillow case, plastic bags to really creative sewning. I bought mine on Ebay a couple of years ago. I know the person that made ours is still selling them on ebay.


Ok I believe we have decided to exchange on 4 days. We currently have 8 families of all ages.

The magnet thing is totally seperate from the Fe thing. This is something that makes your room easier to find when walking down the hall and gives it a personal flare!!

I hope I answered all of your quesitons.

Alisha

Wow, thanks alisha, you are a world of information. i am gonna piggy back emiliesmom's question. so, if there were 9 families, 4 days and avg fam is 4... would that mean bringing 144 items (in this scenareo 9x4 = 36 x 4 days = 144) or is it more like one item per fam per day or somewhere in between? THANKS! (still working up to 10 posts!)

 

[DDIR]

Hi Alisha and fellow Wonder April 3 cruisers!
I just booked my daughter and I for our first Disney cruise. We're leaving the boys at home for some quality girl time - and I think she'd really enjoy the FE fun. Is it too late to be included? I am Kathy (40), and she is Emilie (7).
Thanks!
Kathy

WELCOME! our dd is named Alexa and we are celebrating her 7th birthday on this cruise (it's actually the next week, but...). so nice to know there will be another girl her age on board. cheers! wendy

 

[emiliesmom]

Hi Wendy!
That is good news! Emilie will be pleased. We are going to check out the kids club on our first day on board, so maybe we'll see you there - or if there is a get-together of people from this board.
Just over 10 weeks now!
Kathy

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

Hi Wendy and Kathy - (I'm Wendy, too, BTW)

My DD Kennedy is 7, too! She'll be excited to meet girls her age! Hope they can be friends!!

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

I have some input on FEE...

On ours in the past, it was more honesty policy - surprise at will - kind of exchange... We all promised to deliver something at least 1 time, most people did much more. Everyone on our FE exchanges always made it special. Pretty much every single day we came "home" to something in our FE, usually it was several times a day!

Basically we would focus on kids, and do a little for the adults, too, or make a family gift and stick it in the pocket for the adults...

For my last cruise, I had 4 gifts that I passed out for the kids and 1 family/adult gift, plus candy for the adults. If I remember correctly, we had about 15 families, and 4 gifts for each kid (there were 20 kids). That was 95 gifts. I put small ziplock baggies with each person's gift, then put all of those in a large gallon sized baggie for each day. Then I could just grab the baggie and go out delivering. This barely took up any space in my suitcase (maybe 1/4 of a suitcase), and we used that space to carry home souvenirs, so it worked out. The big gallon sized baggies were reusable for things like wet swim suits, toiletries, and bringing home our FE gifts.

It sounds like a lot, but it really increases the "magic" value of the cruise, and is totally worth it.

 

[DDIR]

I have some input on FEE...

On ours in the past, it was more honesty policy - surprise at will - kind of exchange... We all promised to deliver something at least 1 time, most people did much more. Everyone on our FE exchanges always made it special. Pretty much every single day we came "home" to something in our FE, usually it was several times a day!

Basically we would focus on kids, and do a little for the adults, too, or make a family gift and stick it in the pocket for the adults...

For my last cruise, I had 4 gifts that I passed out for the kids and 1 family/adult gift, plus candy for the adults. If I remember correctly, we had about 15 families, and 4 gifts for each kid (there were 20 kids). That was 95 gifts. I put small ziplock baggies with each person's gift, then put all of those in a large gallon sized baggie for each day. Then I could just grab the baggie and go out delivering. This barely took up any space in my suitcase (maybe 1/4 of a suitcase), and we used that space to carry home souvenirs, so it worked out. The big gallon sized baggies were reusable for things like wet swim suits, toiletries, and bringing home our FE gifts.

It sounds like a lot, but it really increases the "magic" value of the cruise, and is totally worth it.

oh wendy. that helps out so much (tho i think this group has determined 4 days, the 'surprise me' somehow relaxes me a little). i really want to participate but, as you could tell, was pretty overwhelmed! ok. so i will see what i can put together.

 

[capntavis]

I have some input on FEE...

On ours in the past, it was more honesty policy - surprise at will - kind of exchange... We all promised to deliver something at least 1 time, most people did much more. Everyone on our FE exchanges always made it special. Pretty much every single day we came "home" to something in our FE, usually it was several times a day!

Basically we would focus on kids, and do a little for the adults, too, or make a family gift and stick it in the pocket for the adults...

For my last cruise, I had 4 gifts that I passed out for the kids and 1 family/adult gift, plus candy for the adults. If I remember correctly, we had about 15 families, and 4 gifts for each kid (there were 20 kids). That was 95 gifts. I put small ziplock baggies with each person's gift, then put all of those in a large gallon sized baggie for each day. Then I could just grab the baggie and go out delivering. This barely took up any space in my suitcase (maybe 1/4 of a suitcase), and we used that space to carry home souvenirs, so it worked out. The big gallon sized baggies were reusable for things like wet swim suits, toiletries, and bringing home our FE gifts.

It sounds like a lot, but it really increases the "magic" value of the cruise, and is totally worth it.

I actually like this as well. It will probably take any of the stress out of the exchange for people who have never done it before.

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

Possible itenerary change

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2639510

 

[DDIR]

day 1 - depart san pedro
day 2 - at sea
day 3 - cabo
day 4 - Puerto Vallarta
day 5 - at sea
day 6 - CABO
day 7 - at sea
day 8 - arrive san pedro

Apr 3 sailing as of 1/21/2011 - 9:55pm
cheers. wg

 

[capntavis]

day 1 - depart san pedro
day 2 - at sea
day 3 - cabo
day 4 - Puerto Vallarta
day 5 - at sea
day 6 - CABO
day 7 - at sea
day 8 - arrive san pedro

Apr 3 sailing as of 1/21/2011 - 9:55pm
cheers. wg

Woohoo I like this one much better. Now I can dive Cabo and still get a chance to see the city!

 

[Lady_Kluck]

Me, DH and DD9 and DD7 1/2 will be on this sailing. I think it would be fun to do FH, so please sign us up zdara1999! We have GTY so no clue when we will get an assignment (from lurking on this very informative board I know it can be until the very last minute) but as long as I have a point person (zdara?) location/contact info once on board, I'll get our assignment to the FH'ers!

Do DIS'ers typically like to get together on one night for meet and greet during one of the family activities? e.g. bingo, karaoke, etc? If so, who orchestrates and communicates that out?

And yes, this is my very first post!

 

[oktracy]

This will be our 2nd Disney Cruise. First Cruise was 10/06 Disney Caribbean with 2 stops at Castaway Cay! I am 40 yrs and will be traveling with DH 40 yrs, DS 7 yrs and DD 2 yrs on the 4/3/11 MR Cruise. I would love to meet and greet when on board. Just wanted to give you all a shout out in order to thank you for keeping me posted on the latest Disney West Coast Cruise info!

 

[taysmom]

Hi, we are a family of four to be on the 4/3 Mexican Riviera cruise, me, my husband, DS 8 and DD 3. Would love to meet you all.

This is our first cruise, and first Disney cruise. I am interested in the FE game. Please can someone let me know how to start?

TIA!

Welcome Aboard! You are going to have a blast!

Thanks! I was just curious as to why no one is cancelling their ressie. I am hoping to find 2 adjoining rooms from someone who decides to cancel today.

FYI the kids go free was not offered for this cruise. It ended the cruise before ours.

Friendly Reminder: you can go to the online site and check-in and complete all the paperwork for the trip. This makes boarding MUCH easier when the forms are completed in advance!

Can't wait for the cruise!!

Done and DOne...I'm ready!

hi there. family of 3, wendy (44), kevin (44) and alexa (6). have gone on many cruises but never disney and can hardly wait! we live in san diego and its spring break for our daughter (and probably another reason the ship is at capacity... spring break for most of LA i believe as well)
we would love to participate in the FE (??) but a little nervous. i glanced at the "homemade board" and those FE 'gifts' are unbelievable... is there a way to do FE without being amazingly creative??
just wanted to say 'hi' and that we're excited!!!!

Welcome Aboard! I have always got something small that represents my area...We are from SF bay area so 1 year I passed out cable car key chains. , 1 year sees candy. I'm still trying to figure out what to do for this cruise.

Can some one please tell me what is the drive time from Anaheim to the port, and do you think traffic will be a problem on that Sunday.
Would'nt want to miss the Wonder.

I agree with about 45 min. depending on traffic. We are doing DL sunday morning so we probably won't leave the park until noon-1pm then head over. Plenty of time!

I started printing out our magnets this weekend. 9 down and a hand full more to go. Is it too early to pull out the luggage??

I am organizing all my magnets too! I may have previous cruise magnets to represent our travels on disney. Is anyone making magents for our doors for this cruise?

Hi all!

Haven't been on the board for a long time. Just paid for the cruise last week and now the trip is becoming more real. Start looking into excursion. My 8 year old son is not much of an adventure type, ie, anything fast or high above, he probably will not like to do. We have been to Cabo and Mazatlan before and have done the city tour, does anyone has any suggestion for excursions. I am thinking about Swim with Dolphin or Sea Lion, anyone has suggestions on which port.

Thanks

Felicia

The dolphin excursion in Cabo is right off the ship which may be nice for your son, so if he is done after the dock is right there. I believe in other ports its a bus ride.

Hi Alisha and fellow Wonder April 3 cruisers!
I just booked my daughter and I for our first Disney cruise. We're leaving the boys at home for some quality girl time - and I think she'd really enjoy the FE fun. Is it too late to be included? I am Kathy (40), and she is Emilie (7).
Thanks!
Kathy

Welcome aboard! While it's just my daugther and I always, I love the disney cruise cause it gives us both an awesome vacation.

day 1 - depart san pedro
day 2 - at sea
day 3 - cabo
day 4 - Puerto Vallarta
day 5 - at sea
day 6 - CABO
day 7 - at sea
day 8 - arrive san pedro

Apr 3 sailing as of 1/21/2011 - 9:55pm
cheers. wg

This itin is only for Jan/Feb cruises at this time. We can only hope that we get a second cabo day. I'd love to explore more since our stop is so short.

This will be our 2nd Disney Cruise. First Cruise was 10/06 Disney Caribbean with 2 stops at Castaway Cay! I am 40 yrs and will be traveling with DH 40 yrs, DS 7 yrs and DD 2 yrs on the 4/3/11 MR Cruise. I would love to meet and greet when on board. Just wanted to give you all a shout out in order to thank you for keeping me posted on the latest Disney West Coast Cruise info!

Welcome aboard Time is flying by soon enough we will all be on board!

Steph

 

[taysmom]

Me, DH and DD9 and DD7 1/2 will be on this sailing. I think it would be fun to do FH, so please sign us up zdara1999! We have GTY so no clue when we will get an assignment (from lurking on this very informative board I know it can be until the very last minute) but as long as I have a point person (zdara?) location/contact info once on board, I'll get our assignment to the FH'ers!

Do DIS'ers typically like to get together on one night for meet and greet during one of the family activities? e.g. bingo, karaoke, etc? If so, who orchestrates and communicates that out?

And yes, this is my very first post!

Welcome Aboard! You'll have a great time!

I have found that on prior cruises that if we have a meet on the first day, it makes finding people to sit with in open places ie, trivia, bars, shows, pools so much easier.

I will say that because of groups on the dis, I am still friends with people from my 2007 med cruise, 2008 panama cruise. People still get together at disneyland or WDW, plan cruises together etc. It's really opened up a world of, what I like to call, vacation friends. Fun people to hang out with!

Stephanie

 

[dizbubbles]

I just checked the website and I still see Matzatlan?
ANyone else get notice that it had changed to Cabo x2?

Thanks!!

 

[capntavis]

I just checked the website and I still see Matzatlan?
ANyone else get notice that it had changed to Cabo x2?

Thanks!!

If you go into the acutal planning it shows that we are stopping in Cabo 2 days. Matzatlan has been removed for the cruises this season. It doesnt even give you the option to choose Matzatlan as a port for excursions anymore.

 

[dizbubbles]

If you go into the acutal planning it shows that we are stopping in Cabo 2 days. Matzatlan has been removed for the cruises this season. It doesnt even give you the option to choose Matzatlan as a port for excursions anymore.

Ugh! Found it!
Thanks...

Here's to another 2 hour adventure into planning excursions!

 

[AFmom2four]

Hi Everyone

Although this is my first post, I have been reading through the posts here over the past few days. All of your great ideas have gotten me even more excited about our upcoming vacation!

This will be our families 2nd cruise on the Wonder - we did a 4 day in January 2009.

I know some of you are excited about the (possible?) itinerary change, but I am actually a bit bummed. My DH was not excited about traveling to Mexico (actually the only way he'd go was on a cruise with sponsored excursions) so this may be my only trip there and I had hoped to see more than 2 ports. Also, my kids were excited about our planned excursion in Mazatlan to see the folkloric dancers and the cliff divers. It looks like all the Cabo excursions are for age 5 and up? Has anyone been to Cabo with young children (3-11) who could reccommend excusions we would all enjoy. I do not feel comfortable leaving them on the ship.