MR January 29 2012- Who's in?

[lyssandre]

Amber, just finished reading about James' Wish Trip last night . . . what an amazing story! As for the cruise, I have four words for you -- on deck ice cream! Coke floats, anyone? Not quite as elaborate as the Ice Cream Palace, but it feels decadent all the same. We spoiled our dinner by having dessert first several nights of our cruise, and since our younger son was only three, I remember at least two nights where he slept through dinner and dined only on what came to be known as the "Zaldy Bar" . . . the Mickey-shaped ice cream treat we re-named for our beloved head server

 

[alaskanabbott]

Amber, just finished reading about James' Wish Trip last night . . . what an amazing story! As for the cruise, I have four words for you -- on deck ice cream! Coke floats, anyone? Not quite as elaborate as the Ice Cream Palace, but it feels decadent all the same. We spoiled our dinner by having dessert first several nights of our cruise, and since our younger son was only three, I remember at least two nights where he slept through dinner and dined only on what came to be known as the "Zaldy Bar" . . . the Mickey-shaped ice cream treat we re-named for our beloved head server

I'm always so surprised when someone reads about James' Wish trip! I have to say, I even go back and re-read sometimes. He is doing really good right now, and we are so excited to finally get to do the cruise! The Ice Cream Palace is second to none, probably our favorite place in the world! But who am I kidding any ice cream, especially on deck, will be amazing We are putting all inhibition aside and eating whatever and whenever we want!

 

[inhousemouse]

We are now leaning towards doing the FE too, and I like the idea of a cabin gift. (Lyssandre and inhousemouse, did I just hear a cheer?)
Last year we brought home an awful lot of broken dollar store/oriental trading type stuff. That doesn't mean we didn't appreciate the little toys etc... they just didn't make it all the way home

<---- me doing the happy dance.

Yeah cabin gifts seem to be the best thing I think. I'm not really crafty and I don't want to give a bunch of junk... I'm doing some useful things and some candy I think... still trying to figure out exactly what. But I have to transport everything down. So that should make it interesting.

 

[alaskanabbott]

<---- me doing the happy dance.

Yeah cabin gifts seem to be the best thing I think. I'm not really crafty and I don't want to give a bunch of junk... I'm doing some useful things and some candy I think... still trying to figure out exactly what. But I have to transport everything down. So that should make it interesting.

I am really really not crafty. I'm going to just read a bunch of FE threads and see what to buy. I hope that's not lazy of me!

 

[inhousemouse]

I am really really not crafty. I'm going to just read a bunch of FE threads and see what to buy. I hope that's not lazy of me!

It doesn't make you lazy at all... I've been doing the same thing and it takes a long time to read that many threads.

 

[alaskanabbott]

It doesn't make you lazy at all... I've been doing the same thing and it takes a long time to read that many threads.

You are right! In fact I think I'm getting a good glute exercise reading them all, since my buns are so sore

 

[moomy-san]

I am really really not crafty. I'm going to just read a bunch of FE threads and see what to buy. I hope that's not lazy of me!

I'll give you an idea of the items we got... everything from SUPER crafty to Target dollar bins. One family crocheted hats for EVERYONE in the FE group... and she made beaded bracelets, too. One family made a first-aid kit with the little packets (bandages, ibuprofin, anitbiotic ointment, antacid etc) you'd find in an industrial first aid kit (I think they worked at the supplier-type place). One or more families made us calendars, Mickey post-it note pads, sharpie pens and highlighters that had been labelled with our cruise date etc. We also got stickers, door magnets, and pirate stuff (tattoos, necklaces, bracelets, eye patches and glow sticks, bracelets) chocolate and candy (LOTS). The kids got lip balm and bubbles. Of all the things we got we still use the pens etc. and the lip balm.
I cannot tell you what we gave because it could ruin your surprise!

Really, anything you would be happy to find at your door would be a good idea. No crafting required!!

 

[MikellaCinderella]

Welcome to our little group
If you have read through this thread, you will see that there are only a handful of experienced cruisers on here... since you have been on the Dream recently you should be a great source of answers and info for those with questions!! I totally agree with you about the verandah... it's my favorite place on the whole ship.
I certainly hope you and your kids enjoy the MR itinerary. We loved it last year. We have 2 cruises in the works right now, this MR one and a Royal Caribbean one on the Allure. I am quite apprehensive about doing the RC one... I love doing Disneyland and staying at my home-away-from-home at the Candy Cane Inn, and I think I will miss them.

Are you considering doing Fish Extenders? Did you do them on the Dream?

You asked about transportation. We always use Execucar service. It is a private van service (as opposed to a shared van like SuperShuttle) and costs only marginally more, but gets you there faster. We are staying in San Pedro the night before the cruise so have a free shuttle then but will go to Disneyland after the cruise and we'll use Execucar.
If you need any help with DLR planning, let me know. We go every year!!

Yes, we did FE's on the Dream, however it took me several months to prepare FE gifts. Our group was rather large. It was only a 3 night cruise, so it was SOOO hard to find time to deliver all of them on the HUGE Dream ship! I don't think I'd participate in FE again on another short cruise. There is just not enough time. Of course I SWORE I'd never take another short cruise again after our 4 nighter on the Wonder back in 2003. It feels like as soon as you get on the ship and get settled, it's time to get back off again. But, I really wanted to sail on the Dream during it's inaugural year, and since they are only 3 and 4 nighters (with a few 5 nighters during peak season), I went ahead and did a short one. I think we only saw about 1/3 of the Dream ship in 3 days. lol. Never got a chance to ride the Aqua Duck. Mikella didn't want to at first, and when she finally decided to, the wait was 40 minutes! We never made it to Goofy's Sports Deck to play mini golf at sea like she wanted to either. She LOVED the kid's clubs on the Dream! She would've spent her entire cruise in there if I let her. lol. I had to keep asking her to make decisions on what to do.....since it was only 3 nights and we didn't have time to do everything! I am so glad the Fantasy is offering 7 night cruises during it's inaugural year!!!

Oh, back to the FE. As I was saying, I'd participate again on a longer cruise, but with only 2 months to get ready as well as the holidays coming up, I don't think I would be ready. I had to haul an extra small suitcase down last time just to bring all the FE's. Thank goodness Southwest Air doesn't charge baggage fees! Mikella REALLY enjoyed coming back to our cabin to find goodies in her FE pouch. I read on another thread that instead of doing FE's, some people were doing more like a "secret santa" type of thing. You are given a family to buy or make little things for. You are given a list of things they like so you can personalize it more.....and it saves you from running all over the ship to deliver FE's to everyone. You just have 1 cabin to go to. I think that sounds kinda neat.

After thinking more about it, I think we're gonna skip California Adventure. I read up on the rides and attractions, and most of them are the same as ones at WDW. Obviously it's a different atmosphere and they have a few other unique rides, but it would be about $350.00 for the 4 of us to go for just one day. I think we'll fly in on Saturday and stay by the port. Someone here mentioned DoubleTree? I looked DoubleTree up and see they have cruise packages for parking your car there and a free shuttle to the cruise port, but we won't need to park a car. I was wondering if we can still get a free shuttle to the port. Does anyone know? I was going to call them when I'm not too busy.

We did a DIS meet on the Dream during the sail away party. I just suggested a location to meet on deck, so we all hung out under the Aqua Duck sign for the sail away party. Then, it was nice to be able to spot people we recognized throughout the cruise and say "hi". I actually had a black tank top made with the lime green mickey icon and my Disboards screen name on it. It says "MikellaCinderella" on the front, along with "Disboards Addict" and the back says, "I Dis, Do You?" I wore it one day at the Disney parks, but not on the cruise (since it was just 3 days and I didn't get around to it, lol) I will definitely bring it along this time so I'm easy to spot!

 

[MikellaCinderella]

LOL You did!!!

I've already got some fun ideas for FEs Did I mention that I'm ready to go *now*? (Figuratively, not literally!)

And welcome, MikellaCinderella! Oh, to be "tired" of cruising LOL California Adventure is fun. There's good stuff for the teens, too. We're thinking of hanging out there on Saturday because they're doing the ElecTRONica thing at night in the Hollywood Backlot -- costumes, music, light show. My boys are TRON obsessed and I think they'll love it.

Yeah, I'm not sure those kids are really mine because I could never get tired of DCL!! I think they are really just tired of the same itineraries, and ready for some new ports. I really enjoy "sea" days. There is so much going on onboard the ship and I love formal night!! There wasn't a formal/semi formal night on the Dream since it was just a 3-nighter. I kinda missed that! There was a few other things we really like to do on the 7 night cruises that they didn't offer on the 3 night.....ones that come to mind that are FAVS: The tea party with Alice and Mad Hatter (Mikella was picked to participate and sit at the head table with Alice and Mad Hatter!!!), the family talent show (my mom's husband, both of my daughters, and my brother/sis-in-law did a little dance skit on our Magic cruise in 2009. (I will be having Mikella perform one of her dances if the Wonder offers it on the MR cruise.) and the character breakfast! They also didn't do a Castaway Club party with the Captain/bridge crew on the Dream.

 

[MikellaCinderella]

Hi and welcome! This is our first cruise, and since we usually do Disneyland or WDW, all my kids are super excited to try a cruise! I also have a 16 yr old boy (he will be 17 in March) a 14 year old girl (and boy-twins) and a 7 yr old girl! Plus I have an 11yr old boy. Our oldest is 19 and in college, and this will be our 1st family vacation without him I'm having some issues with that. My 16 yr old son is a musician, football player and snowboarder. He is VERY social, but I am a little worried he will think the Teen club too young for him. He's currently doing P90X so he can have a six-pack for the girls My twins are also very social, and pretty easy going, actually they all are! I think the youngest will go into the youth club and we won't see her again until bedtime. We are coming into town on the 27th at noon, and we plan on staying at the Crowne Plaza. There are 8 of us (with my dad) so we are renting a car and doing some California stuff, like Griffith Park Observatory, Santa Monica Pier and renting roller blades to cruise around Venice Beach.
The kids have been to Disneyland 6 times, and we live in Alaska! So we decided to forgo it this time and do some other SoCal things.
Welcome to the group, I think this is going to be a fantastic trip!
Amber

Hi Amber! I'm hoping my teens will hang out in the teen club this time. My daughter did a little bit last time, but my son (who will be 17 in May) is pretty shy and he didn't spend much time in there on the last cruise they went with us on (2009). The teen clubs on the Dream looked very cool....even better than Magic/Wonder. They looked like they were all having a great time when I'd see them in groups wandering around the ship. Also, with the new Wave Phones on the Dream, they can call/text each other while onboard if they exchange cabin numbers or wave phone numbers. lol. I don't think the Wonder has the Wave Phone technology yet, and I'm not sure that DCL is planning to add it to Magic/Wonder.....just Dream/Fantasy. I wish they offered more DCL-lead teen shore excursions so they could go do something other than what Mikella (6) and I decide to do, but all I see offered is a teen surfing lesson.

We will probably book our shore excursions independently. They are way cheaper if you arrange them on your own. I'm a little nervous this time since we haven't been to PV or Cabo before, but I'm doing some research and talking with a family who has sailed the MR itinerary several times now and books their own excursions.....trying to make sure I'm using reputable companies. Both of my girls love to horseback ride and zip-line, but DCL age requirement is 8 for both of those and Mikella is only 6. I found several places online that the age is lower.....5 or 6 for zip-lining and horseback riding.

 

[moomy-san]

The Wonder has wave phones.... They rock!

And there is a talent show on the last night... My little diva is already preparing. it was fun to watch last year.

 

[Blindzebra]

Wow things have picked up here. I haven't checked the board in a while and I am glad to see all these nice families sharing our cruise with us. We just returned from a week on Kauai to -10 wind chill in Anchorage. So glad we have this trip to look forward to! . Anyone have thoughts or experience with the excursions I booked. I did it without much research, but they all looked good:

PV-Paradise Beach Adventure
Cabo Day 1 - Whale Watching, Dolphin Encounter
Cabo Day 2 - Resort Beach Getaway

Also, I heard there is a tea with the Disney Princesses that can be reserved only the first day from guest services. Anyone know anything about this?

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Tim

PS-Haven't checked with my wife about FE, but it looks like fun.

 

[alaskanabbott]

Wow things have picked up here. I haven't checked the board in a while and I am glad to see all these nice families sharing our cruise with us. We just returned from a week on Kauai to -10 wind chill in Anchorage. So glad we have this trip to look forward to! . Anyone have thoughts or experience with the excursions I booked. I did it without much research, but they all looked good:

PV-Paradise Beach Adventure
Cabo Day 1 - Whale Watching, Dolphin Encounter
Cabo Day 2 - Resort Beach Getaway

Also, I heard there is a tea with the Disney Princesses that can be reserved only the first day from guest services. Anyone know anything about this?

Happy Thanksgiving every
Tim

PS-Haven't checked with my wife about FE, but it looks like fun.

Oh, you missed a fantastic wind storm! Power was out in Kenai for 2 days...welcome home, we're headed your way this weekend

 

[MikellaCinderella]

The Wonder has wave phones.... They rock!

And there is a talent show on the last night... My little diva is already preparing. it was fun to watch last year.

Yay! Yay!! Yay!! I was getting ready to search for recent MR Navigators (schedules) to see what all has been going on lately on the Wonder! So glad to hear they have the Wave phones! I looked on the DCL website when I was booking and the information about the Wonder was still talking about the old pager system for the kids clubs and no mention of Wave phones.

I will be bringing my daughter's dance costume/music so she can perform at the talent show! That's always a great time!

 

[moomy-san]

For the FE group:
Mimiminie
#6540
Tierney's
Nico - 9 boy
Jaxson - 6 boy


Could you let me know your first names please, Mimiminie?

 

[Mimiminie]

For the FE group:
Mimiminie
#6540
Tierney's
Nico - 9 boy
Jaxson - 6 boy


Could you let me know your first names please, Mimiminie?

Of course ... sorry I missed that .. it's Alan and Michelle (aka Mimi).

 

[MikellaCinderella]

Sorry for my premature excitement on joining this thread......we just changed our dates again. Really, it's not my fault.....it was my teenagers' decision! lol. So much for the Kids Sail Free offer......I REALLY wanted to do this one, but now they decided that they would like to join my youngest and I on the Fantasy cruise next Fall after all. I don't think I can tolerate waiting until next Fall for my DCL fix, but I'll try.

You guys all have a wonderful time on your cruise!!!

 

[lcvb]

Sorry for my premature excitement on joining this thread......we just changed our dates again. Really, it's not my fault.....it was my teenagers' decision! lol. So much for the Kids Sail Free offer......I REALLY wanted to do this one, but now they decided that they would like to join my youngest and I on the Fantasy cruise next Fall after all. I don't think I can tolerate waiting until next Fall for my DCL fix, but I'll try.

You guys all have a wonderful time on your cruise!!!

Sorry you won't be joining us. Enjoy your cruise on the Fantasy. We have to wait until January 2013 to check her out!

 

[inhousemouse]

I'm thinking that instead of making a traditional fe holder that I'd use a pair of my ds overalls that he's grown out of. I was thinking of just stitching up the foot holes and hanging it on a dowel. So instead of 4 pockets I'd just have 1 larger one.

Is that something I could do? Or is it best to just go traditional 3 or 4 pocket fe?

 

[disnanny]

I'm thinking that instead of making a traditional fe holder that I'd use a pair of my ds overalls that he's grown out of. I was thinking of just stitching up the foot holes and hanging it on a dowel. So instead of 4 pockets I'd just have 1 larger one.

Is that something I could do? Or is it best to just go traditional 3 or 4 pocket fe?

The cutest ones we have seen are not the ordinary ones from ebay. One of these days I will attempt to make my own....seeing how we are hooked on Disney cruises, cant' wait to see yours.