November 2 2015 - Dream Cruise

[IleneF]

I'm starting this thread because it seems the only other thread for this cruise is for FE groups. This is just to chat and get to know each other and maybe have a meet/greet. We are Gold cruisers and turning Platinum after this cruise. We have found it is lots of fun to meet our shipmates ahead of time through the DIS boards cruise threads. Please join in and introduce yourselves and family members. I'll so that as well in the post that follows the intro thread....besides I'm on hold FOREVER waiting to make EPCOT food festival reservations for our land part of our vacation

 

[Micki NJ]

Thanks so much for starting the thread Ilene!

Michelline (me), Lee (DH), Sydney (DD8)
Our first cruise - Disney or otherwise and I am beyond excited

We are from southern New Jersey and flying down the Friday before for 2 WDW days pre-cruise. We usually go every other year, since NJ has a teacher convention that falls during election week. We get a week of vacation, but our daughter only misses 2 days of school. I think half my town goes to Disney - haha. Still waiting to make excursion plans, but thinking Atlantis / Dolphin Swim for the Nassau day. Nothing but beach and playtime with my lil one for the CC day. We may try to swing a Palo dinner if there are still any left, but won't be too disappointed if we don't get it. The only other plans would be to grab a Rainforest Pass for sea day, so I can check out those showers!!!

Still trying to determine our transportation plans. I will probably take the Disney transportation to MCO after the cruise, but thinking about hiring a car to get us to the port from WDW. Open to any suggestions other may have based on their experience.

Ilene - did you ask IrishCowboy to add your thread to the Dream Cruise Meet lists?

 

[IleneF]

Hi Michelline,
Yes, I posted the link in the reply section of his thread. Hope he sees it! I couldn't understand why someone hasn't started one already. Like I said this is our 10th cruise and we've been on boards for all of them..okay well it's here now, LOL!

We are from south of Boston area and are 50 somethings, LOL. My daughter and her fiance are joining us for this cruise. We often cruise together. Have done Bahama's and Alaska with them previously. They are awesome cabin mates! We share our home with 2 schnoodles..they are costly when it comes to vacations to find good doggy care but they are worth it! We are also DVC members since 2002, our only regret is not buying in sooner.
We have used DVC at WDW, Disneyland and Aulani but never at off property - YET! I am an avid runner although new to the running scene. I started on a dare from my daughter in Jan 2013 to run the Family 5K. It's been an amazing journey since then. I've run the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge 2014, the Boston Marathon 2014, Avengers 2014,The Disney Marathon 2015 and the inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge 2015. Training for Marine Corp Marathon now. I'm not fast but I finish I run all my races using Jeff Galloway's run/walk/run method, it's amazing what your body will do for you if you ask it! If your still with me...I also love knitting and often start knitting circles on cruises either early am or late afternoon on a sea day often works. Let me know if there is any interest.

One of the best things about these threads is connecting with transportation ie: sharing cost of vans ets and connecting for dinners. We've had some fun dinners with people we never knew! It's nice to meet others!
So join in everyone! We want to meet you!

 

[IrishCowboy]

I have added your thread to the cruise meet list
Have a great cruise
Also, please keep in mind the new DIS policy regarding links/directions to external sites
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52659395

 

[RAnikas]

HI, my DH Vince and I (Robin) are near or just over 50, traveling without kids! This cruise is part two of our b2b2b cruise. We are from Maryland and this will be our 5th cruise on DCL and 3rd on the Dream. Can't wait to just relax...ahhhh

 

[IleneF]

Hi Robin! We are 50 somethings too! Our "kids" are along but it you'd like table mates we'd love to dine with you. This is our 10th cruise and it makes us Platinum for the next one...FREE Palo! Heading to the Food and Wine Fest afterwards and we have a wonderful Italian Luncheon planned there and it will be our first time eating at the Boathouse in DD. So I'm not sure if I'm looking
forward to the cruise or F&W more, LOL!

 

[TheHippie524]

hello hello!
3rd annual mother-daughter cruise, 7th cruise overall for us! i'M SO jealous that you're going to the food and wine! Only way I considered going, was signing up for the half marathon, but that sucker sold out in 6 hours. Super bummed. I'm so excited to be on the ship again though!!! My mom and I (Samantha) lovee cruising. We're doing Palo brunch, and I snagged a Remy ressie for the first night. Just me though. My momma wouldn't enjoy it. Booo. But that's ok. We're thinking of doing the rainforest pass for at least one day, but I'm honestly thinking of buying her the full week pass. It would be good for her. She deserves it.

IleneF, how old are your "kids"? I'm 25. are you signing up for the castaway 5k? I've never done it. I might this cruise though, because there really isn't much I want to do there besides snorkel a bit at serenity and eat lunch lol. But it'd be great to possibly have a running buddy!

I won't lie, you can almost always find me poolside with something tropical in my hand. I'm not one who cares about the new policy. I'd rather save the few extra dollars it will cost me, then bother lugging on (what used to be) all that booze i've seen some people bring. Lol.

 

[TheHippie524]

OH OH! Fun things to maybe get to know each other better!!!

1. Favorite Fab Five Character:
2. Favorite Character in General:
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie:
4. Favorite Villain:
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies?
6. Favorite Drink:
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship:
8. Favorite food on the Ship:
9. Best activity on the Ship:
10. Interesting about yourself:

I'm a dork, I know. But I figured it would be something fun to fill out! Add more fun questions if you're like!!

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Mickey Mouse Of course!
2. Favorite Character in General: Belle, Tinkerbell, Stitch or Peter Pan. All for various reasons.
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: Beauty & The Beast. Hands down.
4. Favorite Villain: Hades because he's hilarious. and Scar because he's kind of a sasspants. Lol.
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? I am a big reader, and I also play pool. Not very well mind you, but I do love to play 9Ball.
6. Favorite Drink: Anything with Vodka or Gin. haha OH! And I can never turn down a nice Malbec.
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: Royal Palace or Palo. <3
8. Favorite food on the Ship: Fried Brie from Royal Palace. It used to be the Cheese souffle but they took it off the menu to be replaced with the former. Which is totally ok with me although I do miss my souffle!
9. Best activity on the Ship: Besides lounging around and spending time with my momma, I love going to the adults only shows. Match your mate? THE BEST. At least, until i made my parents do it.... NEVER. AGAIN. Oh jeez, things I DID NOT need to know haha.
10. Interesting about yourself: I am the biggest nerd. I love all things Harry Potter. I am filled with mindless trivia, especially Disney. I love Comic Books and Comic Book movies. I actually enjoy all movies. Also a movie buff. But no lie, I usually wait until it hits OnDemand, Netflix, or Cable. Haha. I love going to the movies, but the boyfriend, not so much so I compromise and we order take out and watch movies from the comforts of home.

So yeah! That's me, in a tiny little nutshell.

 

[IleneF]

OH OH! Fun things to maybe get to know each other better!!!

I LOVE your "dork-ness", LOL! My "kids" are 32 and about to be 29 - Yikes how did that happen!

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Mickey for sure!
2. Favorite Character in General:Hmmm tough one but I've always loved Rafiki
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: Beauty and the Beast
4. Favorite Villain:with the new modern twist on the classics it's hard not to like Malificent just a little
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? Facebook, knitting, running, scrapbooking
6. Favorite Drink:Not much of a drinker but a nice Moscato or Baileys Coffee
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship:Palo
8. Favorite food on the Ship: Mickey pop
9. Best activity on the Ship: the cooking demos
10. Interesting about yourself: I used to be 125lbs heavier and hated to exercise. Since 2013 I've run Disney 5K, Glass Slipper Challenge, Boston Marathon, Nike Womens Half, Avengers Half and WDW Marathon/Inaugural Castaway Challenge among many others. I have two children and two beautiful grandchildren. We are happily married for 35yrs - this cruise celebrates that milestone and my daughters engagement.

 

[IleneF]

Also not sure about the 5K possibly but I'll be recovering from Marine Corp Marathon on Oct 25th and then there's Wine and Dine half so I have to wait and see how I feel. If so would love a running buddy too...and yes, I've done it before.

 

[Micki NJ]

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Mickey
2. Favorite Character in General: Mickey
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: Snow White or Sleeping Beauty (they have the best villains)
4. Favorite Villain: Maleficent (classic, as I like my villains without a warm & fuzzy side - haha)
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies?: Free time? What's that Spending time with my daughter and with my husband and our friends. Any down time is good, so it doesn't matter what the activity is. Movies, biking, baking, crafts, reading, vacations, pool / beach time, recently tried crochet, but still getting the hang of it
6. Favorite Drink: Normally rum, but recently acquired a taste for bourbon.
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: Newbie, but looking forward to all 3 of the MDRs plus our Palo dinner!
8. Favorite food on the Ship: Newbie
9. Best activity on the Ship: Excited about the shows and the cooking classes, as my husband and daughter would love that activity and I can sneak over to the spa!
10. Interesting about yourself: HUGE Disney dork. I am more excited about our WDW and DCL trip than my 8 yo daughter. Apparently she thinks that I talk too much about the upcoming vaca, but I don't think that is possible

 

[IleneF]

Man, Micki what took you so long to get onsite and on DCL! And I know what you mean about being more excited than the kids. That's generally me as well. I find it sooooo hard to focus on work for like 2 weeks prior to my disney vaca's. I know your a newbie but I must tell you this is the most quiet I've seen a DIS board for a cruise. I usually can't even keep up with the posts. Not sure what's up with this cruise. I'm wondering if it's even half full!

 

[Micki NJ]

@IleneF - we have been talking about DCL for years - actually planning to go with friends, but got tired of waiting for the other family to be ok with the $$$. We finally just bit the bullet and booked for just us. I am beyond excited and know we are going to have an amazing time!

As for staying onsite. Both my DH and I have been traveling consultants on/off thru the years and wind up with lots of hotel points, which translate to Hilton or Marriott vacation timeshares. It wasn't until 2013 that neither of us were traveling and we actually had to pay out of pocket for hotel. We really enjoyed POFQ and are looking forward to CR. I got a really nice deal on CR and planning on MK both days so a monorail resort made sense. I actually don't mind staying offsite since I love my DH and DD but sometimes I just need more space I am also going to look into renting DVC points next time to check out the larger accommodations.

It IS quiet here and not as busy on the other (not to be named - haha) site. I expected more people as crazy excited as I am, but maybe it's just a more subdued crowd. I am pretty sure DH can't wait for this trip to happen so I can stop talking at him about FEs, FP+s, ADRs, excursions, transportation, liquor policies, character meet tickets, touring plans, etc .... But he knows that once it is over I will just start talking about the NEXT Disney vacation that will need to be planned!

BTW - planning on ditching my family for a bit on sea day so might try to meet up with you if you're still planning your knitting circle. I don't know how to knit (would love to learn) but can sort of crochet - if you can call it that haha

 

[IleneF]

HI, my DH Vince and I (Robin) are near or just over 50, traveling without kids! This cruise is part two of our b2b2b cruise. We are from Maryland and this will be our 5th cruise on DCL and 3rd on the Dream. Can't wait to just relax...ahhhh

@Robin I wasn't sure if you saw or are interested in table sharing during meals. We just changed to late seating and would love to meet another couple. My DD and her fiancee are 29 and will be at our table as well. But if you want to make a table of 6 let me know and I'll call disney and arrange.

 

[IleneF]

@IleneF - But he knows that once it is over I will just start talking about the NEXT Disney vacation that will need to be planned!

BTW - planning on ditching my family for a bit on sea day so might try to meet up with you if you're still planning your knitting circle. I don't know how to knit (would love to learn) but can sort of crochet - if you can call it that haha

HA! I have to laugh because I basically live from one disney vacation to the next. I used to be so much more into the planning, especially when we went commando style through the parks, now we relax a whole bunch more, taking full advantage of the resort offerings as well. After 60+ visits we no longer see EVERYTHING on EVERY visit But we certainly get our $ worth.

I would love to have you join up with me for knitting time. Glad to "teach" as well.

 

[Kathyeba76]

Hi! I'm Kathy and will be travelling with my DH (Dave), DD (Laila) who turns 8 on 11/2. We are from Central NJ...originally NY. This is a family trip. I convinced my brother and his family (wife & boys 10 and one turns 9 that day too) as well as our dad to take this trip. They are all in Lake Mary, FL. We are driving down day before Halloween. Have to book a hotel near port for the day before. This is a first time cruise for all of us. Only the adults know about it and I am super excited! So far we are doing Palo on the last night. I think we are staying on board for Nassau. Definitely doing CC. I think I will do the 5K...not running it unless something changes between now and then. Do any people ever walk it? I could maybe walk and jog or wog it lol. I am debating on doing the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique on that first afternon/early evening so my DD can be all fancy for dinner lol. She has always wanted to have that done. I never did it in the parks because I know she would be hot and uncomfortable and want to change so I figure this could be a good time to do it. I have been getting little things here and there on etsy and other places for her and my nephews. Dissappointed about the policy changing regarding signing pillow cases/frames. I purchased a cute pillow case on line at etsy like a week before they changed it. The alcohol change was not fun either but i am not a big drinker so I will make it work. Not sure about the spa yet.
Once DD is in school again I will experiment with making magnets lol. Hoping it is not so difficult.

 

[Kathyeba76]

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Mickey
2. Favorite Character in General: Ariel, Belle, Tinkerbell
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: Sleeping Beauty, Marry Poppins
4. Favorite Villain: Maleficent
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? I love to read, watch movies, make gift baskets, spend time with my family
6. Favorite Drink: I like drinks with rum, vodka or tequila.
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: First timer
8. Favorite food on the Ship: I am sure I will have a few lol
9. Best activity on the Ship: I havae no idea. I think just seeing the look on my DD and nephew's faces will be awesome. I have to get a good pic with them and their grandpa. I am going to surprise him with it.
10. Interesting about yourself: I have been to Tahiti (Bora Bora and Moorea). This cruise is kind of of a birthday celebration/10 year anniversary (10/9/05 anniversary...10/29 and 11/2 birthdays for DH and DD). I love all things Disney and Harry Potter. I would totally do DVC if I could convince my husband lol. Also, we are hoping to have a second child (at almost 40). I am waiting until after trip as I didn't want to chance having any issues while on vacation. Working with a trainer to get healthier and strong...and lose some more weight. One day I will run a 5K or more.

 

[disneygirls13]

Hi everyone! We're doing a mother daughter cruise. It is myself and my DD Melissa who is 17. This will be our third cruise! Also pairing up a WDW trip too. We are from Central Jersey too, @Kathyeba76! So excited for this cruise!

I'll fill out the getting to know everyone form for both myself and my daughter.

Me (Nancy)

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Minnie
2. Favorite Character in General: Belle
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: Beauty and the Beast
4. Favorite Villain: Gaston
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? I like to read and spend time with my daughter.
6. Favorite Drink: Pina Colada and Chocolate Milkshakes!
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: Enchated Garden
8. Favorite food on the Ship: The steaks and the chicken fingers!
9. Best activity on the Ship: The shows! They're just so amazing!
10. Interesting about yourself: Our family vacations used to be all beach vacations and then we fell in love with Disney and started using those are our huge trip!

Melissa

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Tie between Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto
2. Favorite Character in General: Ariel and all the Dalmatians, especially Rolly.
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: The Little Mermaid and One Hundred and One Dalmatians
4. Favorite Villain: Scar
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? Play field hockey and lacrosse, read, pin things about Disney on pinterest, and go to the beach!
6. Favorite Drink: Banana Daiquiris and Shirley temples, without any alcohol of course!
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: Royal Court
8. Favorite food on the Ship: Poolside Chicken Fingers
9. Best activity on the Ship: Shuffleboard!
10. Interesting about yourself: Loves making crafts and DIY Disney things off of her pinterest account!

 

[Kathyeba76]

Hi everyone! We're doing a mother daughter cruise. It is myself and my DD Melissa who is 17. This will be our third cruise! Also pairing up a WDW trip too. We are from Central Jersey too, @Kathyeba76! So excited for this cruise!

I'll fill out the getting to know everyone form for both myself and my daughter.

Me (Nancy)

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Minnie
2. Favorite Character in General: Belle
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: Beauty and the Beast
4. Favorite Villain: Gaston
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? I like to read and spend time with my daughter.
6. Favorite Drink: Pina Colada and Chocolate Milkshakes!
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: Enchated Garden
8. Favorite food on the Ship: The steaks and the chicken fingers!
9. Best activity on the Ship: The shows! They're just so amazing!
10. Interesting about yourself: Our family vacations used to be all beach vacations and then we fell in love with Disney and started using those are our huge trip!

Melissa

1. Favorite Fab Five Character: Tie between Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto
2. Favorite Character in General: Ariel and all the Dalmatians, especially Rolly.
3. Favorite CLASSIC Movie: The Little Mermaid and One Hundred and One Dalmatians
4. Favorite Villain: Scar
5. What do you like to do with your free time/Hobbies? Play field hockey and lacrosse, read, pin things about Disney on pinterest, and go to the beach!
6. Favorite Drink: Banana Daiquiris and Shirley temples, without any alcohol of course!
7. Favorite Restaurant on the Ship: Royal Court
8. Favorite food on the Ship: Poolside Chicken Fingers
9. Best activity on the Ship: Shuffleboard!
10. Interesting about yourself: Loves making crafts and DIY Disney things off of her pinterest account!

Hi Nancy and Melissa! Wow! Maybe one day I will do a mother daughter cruise. I am pretty sure I will want to cruise again after this first one. It took too long to get my family in FL to agree to the trip. We (my little family in NJ) were going to do it regardless. I am trying to see if I can make a fish extender and working on magnet ideas. If they don't work out I may have to buy from Etsy lol.

 

[Kathyeba76]

Where do you sign up for cooking classes? What are the character meet tickets and where can I get them? Disappointed that I purchased a personlized pillow case for our daughter to have autographed and now they don't do it. Disappointd about the changes regarding what you can bring in terms of alcohol. I had planned to bring a bottle of rum for DH and I...maybe some vodka...my s-i-l and brother could have brought other stuff. Oh well! I will have to have a drink of the day here and there lol. Maybe I will just bring a bottle of sake. My friend had me try some different types. Not bad.