November 25, 2012: Mexican Riviera on the Wonder

[franandaj]

Hello to everyone on the FE List! I just ordered my FE last week and it is shipping today, so I'm starting to get really excited about this. I've already started thinking about some of the FE gifts. Thank you to the folks who listed the ages of the individual kids. And for haemonys7 is is safe to assume that the top kid listed is the oldest and bottom kid listed is the youngest and the ones in between are equidistant in age from all the others?

I'm also going to ask another silly question....of my friends who have kids most are still just barely learning to walk and talk, so I don't know a lot about what kids today like. Is it safe to assume that in addition to their iPods, Play Stations, Wii and other things they didn't have when I was growing up (Pong was big in my childhood ) that they still like some of the same things that old fashioned kids used to like? Stickers, costume jewelry (for the girls), candy (I noted the family with the peanut allergy), sports stuff (for the boys), and other less "modern" things? I noticed also that a lot of us are from Southern California, so I'm sure many of us get out to Disneyland often, so I'll keep that in mind too!

If anyone has any other issues (like the peanut allergy), please let us know s that we don't give any toxic gifts. Thanks! Looking forward to the fun!

FE LIST - As of October 10, 2012. If you are not on here let me know. I will go back and find your post. I believe I have everyone so far.

sheadley (The Headley Family)
Stateroom - 1032 (yep, in the bowels!!)
DH - Mike
DW - Shawn (me)
DS - Lucas ( 8 )
DD - Sasha (5)
**Celebrating 10 yr. anniversary!

Franandaj
Stateroom - 8102
DP- Alison
DP - Fran

Mglvrgs75
Stateroom - 7136
DH - Miguel
DW - Maria (Nena)

PurpleDaisy
Stateroom - 2109
DH - Clint
DW- Tasha
DD -Makayla (9)
DD - Katie (6)
DS - David (2)

Finlanda - The Alejo's
Stateroom - 2108
DH - Ricky
DW - Finland
DD - Danica (6)
DD - Claire (2)
**Celebrating 10 year Anniversary!

MsV
Stateroom - 6307
Veronica
DS - Leland (6)

thebartons
Stateroom -
DH - Rod
DW- Casey
DS - Mitchell (6)
DD - Hannah (4)
DS - Timothy (7 mo)

harmonys7 (Group #1)
Staterooms - 2075/2077
DH
DW
DD* 13?
DD* 11?
DS* 8?
DD* 5?
* Ages 13-5

harmonys7 (Group #2)
Stateroom - 2079
DH
DW
DS* 11?
DS* 8?
DD* 5?
* Ages 11-5

harmonys7 (Group #3)
Stateroom - 2081
DH
DW
DS* 11?
DD* 9?
DS* 7?
* Ages 11-7

WardFam
Stateroom -
DH - Garret
DW - Amy
DS- Ridge (9)
DS - Austin (7)
DS - Ty (3)

mom2msb
Stateroom -
DH - Jeff
DW - Cynthia (me)
DS - Brandt (16)
DS - Spencer (13)
DD - Madilyn (9)
************************NO peanut or soy items please. Severe allergy in family. Thanks!******************************

 

[Fosterlv]

FE LIST - As of October 10, 2012. If you are not on here let me know. I will go back and find your post. I believe I have everyone so far.

sheadley (The Headley Family)
Stateroom - 1032 (yep, in the bowels!!)
DH - Mike
DW - Shawn (me)
DS - Lucas ( 8 )
DD - Sasha (5)
**Celebrating 10 yr. anniversary!

Franandaj
Stateroom - 8102
DP- Alison
DP - Fran

Mglvrgs75
Stateroom - 7136
DH - Miguel
DW - Maria (Nena)

PurpleDaisy
Stateroom - 2109
DH - Clint
DW- Tasha
DD -Makayla (9)
DD - Katie (6)
DS - David (2)

Finlanda - The Alejo's
Stateroom - 2108
DH - Ricky
DW - Finland
DD - Danica (6)
DD - Claire (2)
**Celebrating 10 year Anniversary!

MsV
Stateroom - 6307
Veronica
DS - Leland (6)

thebartons
Stateroom -
DH - Rod
DW- Casey
DS - Mitchell (6)
DD - Hannah (4)
DS - Timothy (7 mo)

harmonys7 (Group #1)
Staterooms - 2075/2077
DH
DW
DD*
DD*
DS*
DD*
* Ages 13-5

harmonys7 (Group #2)
Stateroom - 2079
DH
DW
DS*
DS*
DD*
* Ages 11-5

harmonys7 (Group #3)
Stateroom - 2081
DH
DW
DS*
DD*
DS*
* Ages 11-7

WardFam
Stateroom -
DH - Garret
DW - Amy
DS- Ridge (9)
DS - Austin (7)
DS - Ty (3)

mom2msb
Stateroom -
DH - Jeff
DW - Cynthia (me)
DS - Brandt (16)
DS - Spencer (13)
DD - Madilyn (9)
************************NO peanut or soy items please. Severe allergy in family. Thanks!******************************

I wanted to double check to see if you have closed your FE - We just booked this cruise and would love to join your group - We understand we are very late in booking and many FE's close between 45 to 30 days prior to sailing if you are still open We have four of us traveling and would love to join your group.

Thank you Cindy Foster

 

[franandaj]

I wanted to double check to see if you have closed your FE - We just booked this cruise and would love to join your group - We understand we are very late in booking and many FE's close between 45 to 30 days prior to sailing if you are still open We have four of us traveling and would love to join your group.

Thank you Cindy Foster

I would vote to let you in, but I"m not in charge, post your family members ages and DS or DD and see if you get added, we still have over a month. I just started on working out the gifts....

 

[Fosterlv]

This is a late request but we would love to join your group and also your FE - Here is our info

Fosterlv (The Foster Family)
Staterooms - VGT & VGT
DH - Brian
DW - Cindy "Me"
DS - Eric ( 23 )
DD - Kristie ( 20 )
## Celebrating Brian's 50th ##

Dining is first seating - This will be our third cruise on the Disney Wonder we just got off the Magic in June sailing to Canada out of New York and don't want to miss going out of LA before Disney stops route. Thank you very much if you are able to include us.


I will also offer to set this up on a google s/s for you guys over the time we have been in some really neat FE's and I don't mind setting one up for you guys.

FE LIST - As of October 10, 2012. If you are not on here let me know. I will go back and find your post. I believe I have everyone so far.

sheadley (The Headley Family)
Stateroom - 1032 (yep, in the bowels!!)
DH - Mike
DW - Shawn (me)
DS - Lucas ( 8 )
DD - Sasha (5)
**Celebrating 10 yr. anniversary!

Franandaj
Stateroom - 8102
DP- Alison
DP - Fran

Mglvrgs75
Stateroom - 7136
DH - Miguel
DW - Maria (Nena)

PurpleDaisy
Stateroom - 2109
DH - Clint
DW- Tasha
DD -Makayla (9)
DD - Katie (6)
DS - David (2)

Finlanda - The Alejo's
Stateroom - 2108
DH - Ricky
DW - Finland
DD - Danica (6)
DD - Claire (2)
**Celebrating 10 year Anniversary!

MsV
Stateroom - 6307
Veronica
DS - Leland (6)

thebartons
Stateroom -
DH - Rod
DW- Casey
DS - Mitchell (6)
DD - Hannah (4)
DS - Timothy (7 mo)

harmonys7 (Group #1)
Staterooms - 2075/2077
DH
DW
DD*
DD*
DS*
DD*
* Ages 13-5

harmonys7 (Group #2)
Stateroom - 2079
DH
DW
DS*
DS*
DD*
* Ages 11-5

harmonys7 (Group #3)
Stateroom - 2081
DH
DW
DS*
DD*
DS*
* Ages 11-7

WardFam
Stateroom -
DH - Garret
DW - Amy
DS- Ridge (9)
DS - Austin (7)
DS - Ty (3)

mom2msb
Stateroom -
DH - Jeff
DW - Cynthia (me)
DS - Brandt (16)
DS - Spencer (13)
DD - Madilyn (9)
************************NO peanut or soy items please. Severe allergy in family. Thanks!******************************

 

[mglvrgs75]

With the excitement of the cruise quickly approaching and the participation of the FE gift exchange, I was reading on a Facebook page about growing concerns over items being stolen from in front of your stateroom. Things like door magnets, gifts from the exchange, and even the fish extender itself!

Suggestions posted are to zip tie your fish extender. This would have to be cut to be removed. Zip tie or lock the zipper of your luggage on the last night to avoid in anyone going through them. Avoid placing magnets on the stateroom doors that cost you some money.

For the gifts, someone suggested placing them in the FEs around right before dinner time, as guest will notice them as they exit their rooms for dinner. Or maybe early mornings.

Any other suggestions for those who have participated in FEs before?

 

[PurpleDaisy]

Hello to everyone on the FE List! I just ordered my FE last week and it is shipping today, so I'm starting to get really excited about this. I've already started thinking about some of the FE gifts. Thank you to the folks who listed the ages of the individual kids. And for haemonys7 is is safe to assume that the top kid listed is the oldest and bottom kid listed is the youngest and the ones in between are equidistant in age from all the others?

I'm also going to ask another silly question....of my friends who have kids most are still just barely learning to walk and talk, so I don't know a lot about what kids today like. Is it safe to assume that in addition to their iPods, Play Stations, Wii and other things they didn't have when I was growing up (Pong was big in my childhood ) that they still like some of the same things that old fashioned kids used to like? Stickers, costume jewelry (for the girls), candy (I noted the family with the peanut allergy), sports stuff (for the boys), and other less "modern" things? I noticed also that a lot of us are from Southern California, so I'm sure many of us get out to Disneyland often, so I'll keep that in mind too!

If anyone has any other issues (like the peanut allergy), please let us know s that we don't give any toxic gifts. Thanks! Looking forward to the fun!

I can definitely say that yes, my kids still like stickers, jewelry, etc.! They will LOVE anything they get for FE exchange and are so excited to choose stuff for other people!

Also, I'm fine with allowing the Fosters in the exchange still. I'm sure Sheadley will add you guys to the list once she sees your post. I'm subscribed to this thread, but for some reason I haven't been getting notifications about new posts, so I've been missing out on the most recent discussions!

 

[sheadley]

Hello all! I have updated the list AGAIN! So glad our FEE is getting bigger! Now I have to start getting crafty. Or if I run out of time, fork over some MOOLA for gifts!

I would say yes, let's meet in the Promenade lounge at 3pm for a quick meet and greet so we can put some faces to names. It'll be nice to recognize some of you during the course of the cruise.

And yes, I heard that FE do tend to get stolen. And magnets and such. It is a good idea to zip tie your FE to the hanger outside your door. I also did hear the magnets that are personalized (with names on them) get stolen a LOT less. So, maybe a thought to put a name on most of them. Also, Some ppl reserve some of their magnets on the inside of their doors just in case some get taken, they have backup to put out later. Just another thought.

Can't believe it's almost here. I would say we should close the FEE list at 30 days. Everyone agree? That way, if there are lurkers out there, they have a few days to still join.

And I do get notifications on my iphone but it's hard to edit the list on the iphone so I usually wait till there are a few things to edit and do them all at once. But now that we're so close, I will edit as they come in. Thanks for being patient.

 

[sheadley]

As far as gifts for my 8 year old boy and almost 6 year old girl. ANYTHING! They are so excited to get anything. Daughter is VERY crafty. Would love stickers, glitter, fairy dust, candy, etc. My son would like anything boyish. Or really, anything. Heck, he'll even play with stickers still.

My hardest thought are the parents. Ack. Oh, and the OLDER kids. Any ideas on the 10/11/12 year olds? Or even the 20 and 23 year old? Okay, I guess I'll treat them like the adults.

Yea for a cruise after a holiday!

 

[franandaj]

I agree with the 30 day cut off for the FE. I've started to make a list of mostly how many kids in how many age groups. The adults will be hard to look for, but for me it's the kids. I have many more ideas for the adults than the kids!

 

[Fosterlv]

Here is a really simple FE list set up in Google if you would like to use it I can unlock for only the people in this thread.


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhFvetkHaUfidHprV3MwZUttcmpacVFGV1FtWTdpRkE#gid

Gifts suggestion for all ages - You know we all never grow up and in our last FE we received Pez Dispensers they were fun for all ages - We are all kids at heart. Thats what Disney brings out in all of us.

As far as gifts for my 8 year old boy and almost 6 year old girl. ANYTHING! They are so excited to get anything. Daughter is VERY crafty. Would love stickers, glitter, fairy dust, candy, etc. My son would like anything boyish. Or really, anything. Heck, he'll even play with stickers still.

My hardest thought are the parents. Ack. Oh, and the OLDER kids. Any ideas on the 10/11/12 year olds? Or even the 20 and 23 year old? Okay, I guess I'll treat them like the adults.

Yea for a cruise after a holiday!

 

[fishyee]

Hi everyone,
We signed up for the cruise about a month ago, but I just found this thread today! This will be our first time cruising with DCL! We just took our daughter to disneyland for the first time this year, too. She is super excited to see minnie mouse and the princesses again! Hope we're not too late to the party! If you are able to add us, here's our info!

fishyee
Stateroom: 7565
DH: AJ
DW: Jenny
DD: Kristen (2 almost 3!)
DGP: Eddie (my 83 year old father in law is joining us, I hope this is the right acronym for him!)

 

[Fosterlv]

I have a really fun suggestion for the group - Seeing that we have two days at sea - In a prior group in December we did a Ornament Exchange "Disney Themed" "White Elphant Exchange" There is a dollar value of $10.00 minimum and everyone could join. We would just meet in one of the lounges. It gives you that extra vacation memorabilla.

I agree with the 30 day cut off for the FE. I've started to make a list of mostly how many kids in how many age groups. The adults will be hard to look for, but for me it's the kids. I have many more ideas for the adults than the kids!

 

[mom2msb]

A big thanks to sheadley for organizing the list for the FE exchange. Thanks also to Fosterlv for the spreadsheet. My DH was having a hard time wrapping his mind around the whole concept of a FE exchange until I printed out the spread sheet for him to peruse. It helps him immensely when others speak his "engineer" language. Whenever we plan something he wants to organize it in Excel, even if I have tons of lists already.

franandaj - My teenagers would like anything really. If you are looking for ideas, my boys always like gum. Someone on the boards suggested Mickey gift cards or change for the arcade. (I'm not really sure how the arcade and the gift cards work though. They would have to allow for a small amount to be put on them.) They seem to like things made out of paracord. Any of my kids would love an itunes gift card, if you can find ones that are for only one song. Some companies give these away. My daughter received one from a department store recently.

My DD who is nine is more into Camp Rock and High School Musical type Disney shows than she is into Disney Princesses, which is sad but true. Her inner princess still shines on occasion though. She would love stickers, costume jewelry and anything crafty or art related.

It's funny that PEZ dispensers were mentioned, both my boys still get these in their Christmas stocking and LOVE them. DD can't have them do to her allergies.

I really don't think you can go wrong because my kids will be thrilled to receive anything!

 

[franandaj]

Here is a really simple FE list set up in Google if you would like to use it I can unlock for only the people in this thread.


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhFvetkHaUfidHprV3MwZUttcmpacVFGV1FtWTdpRkE#gid

Gifts suggestion for all ages - You know we all never grow up and in our last FE we received Pez Dispensers they were fun for all ages - We are all kids at heart. Thats what Disney brings out in all of us.

Fosterlv THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

I was trying to put something together to wrap my head around the participants. I made a slight modification to yours and now I have all the data that I need to start shopping. So my questions is, how much is everyone thinking of spending. By my math there are 56 participants. I wish I were a creative person and could make everyone some sort of customized gift, but so far, I'm at a loss on that one.

If each person's gifts cost around $2 each, we're talking $100 in FEE gifts, if they are $4 each that's $200....and so on. I don't want to be a cheapskate, but I also don't want to break the bank. I was curious what everyone else is looking at for a budget without giving away any secrets.

 

[Fosterlv]

I am so glad that the Google S/S works - We are in other FE's and the things they do with these sheets is just amazing. For me it helps in finding the right gifts for the kids. "Franandaj" I think the lower range works if you are able to attend any craft fairs I have seen some really neat things that stay in the low dollar range without breaking the bank. If I had not allready had ours planned and started gathering the items, I just seen the cuties little gift. They took a mans long white sock and put a round piece of wood to close the opening of it and a coin bank slit in the wood cap "like a jar lid" for the openning and added two wiggle eyes and wrote on the wood future cruise fund.

Fosterlv THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

I was trying to put something together to wrap my head around the participants. I made a slight modification to yours and now I have all the data that I need to start shopping. So my questions is, how much is everyone thinking of spending. By my math there are 56 participants. I wish I were a creative person and could make everyone some sort of customized gift, but so far, I'm at a loss on that one.

If each person's gifts cost around $2 each, we're talking $100 in FEE gifts, if they are $4 each that's $200....and so on. I don't want to be a cheapskate, but I also don't want to break the bank. I was curious what everyone else is looking at for a budget without giving away any secrets.

 

[harmonys7]

Sorry I am finally getting around to added more info.

Room 2075/2077 Saunders Family.
DD Todd
DW Harmony
DD 13
DD 11
DS 8
DD 5

Room 2079 Sorensen Family
DD Trevor
DW Sarah
DS 11
DS 8
DD 5
DD 7 (new addition!!! only child in other room but with our group)

Room 2081 Ivins Family
DD Tony
DW Jayanne
DS 11
DD 8
DS 6

Thanks for to everyone for your help on this FE. I look forward to meeting all of you departure day in the lounge. I collect ornaments so I'm all for the exchange with that to.

Hello to everyone on the FE List! I just ordered my FE last week and it is shipping today, so I'm starting to get really excited about this. I've already started thinking about some of the FE gifts. Thank you to the folks who listed the ages of the individual kids. And for haemonys7 is is safe to assume that the top kid listed is the oldest and bottom kid listed is the youngest and the ones in between are equidistant in age from all the others?

I'm also going to ask another silly question....of my friends who have kids most are still just barely learning to walk and talk, so I don't know a lot about what kids today like. Is it safe to assume that in addition to their iPods, Play Stations, Wii and other things they didn't have when I was growing up (Pong was big in my childhood ) that they still like some of the same things that old fashioned kids used to like? Stickers, costume jewelry (for the girls), candy (I noted the family with the peanut allergy), sports stuff (for the boys), and other less "modern" things? I noticed also that a lot of us are from Southern California, so I'm sure many of us get out to Disneyland often, so I'll keep that in mind too!

If anyone has any other issues (like the peanut allergy), please let us know s that we don't give any toxic gifts. Thanks! Looking forward to the fun!

 

[fishyee]

Thanks for adding my family! I am proud to say I'm done shopping for the FE gifts! I went out today to shop around but ended up buying everything I need for the FE exchange! Now I'm going to watch "The Walking Dead" and put everything together! Can't wait to meet you all! I have enough for a few more families, should there be any others before the cut off date!

 

[Fosterlv]

I found this in one of our first cruise instructions on a FE group.

For those that have not been in a FE Group and this is there first time I think this might help.

FE Instructions:

Disney fan enthusiasts like us frequently gather online prior to upcoming cruise vacations. We form groups and friendships long before the cruise actually sets sail. We make arrangements for all sorts of meets and activities, including private wine tastings, group port excursions, and gift exchanges. A fish extender group is basically a gift exchange, with a little extra pixie dust.

Prior to the cruise, fish extender groups are formed and organized via an online Disney fan site. Once numbers are finalized, each member of the group prepares a gift for the other participating cabins. This is for the members that are traveling in the participating cabin. Often times, the gifts are handmade, but not always. Once the cruise has commenced, participants deliver their gifts to the other participating staterooms, leaving them as a surprise in the fish extender pockets. One of the most fun aspects of taking part in a fish extender group is checking in throughout the day to see what little goodies are waiting.

With this I would like to suggest other gathers for the group on this cruise.

The Ornament Exchange. "White Elphant Style"

A AE exchange - You share your favorite drink with the group "Alcohol Exchange"

Group Craft - Everyone agrees on one craft and the price - The items are picked up by one member and we meet on a sea day afternoon "tons of fun"

Also the items mentioned above. We have seen some really neat friendships made in the FE groups.

 

[malone92]

Aloha!

My DH and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary on the Disney Wonder. This is my second Disney Cruise and my husband's first.

I just had to find out what the "fish extenders" were, so I googled it, and found myself here. I think that I've made the 30 day cutoff. I'm hoping to be added to the list.

We don't have our official room number yet; they'll assign it on the departure date. Also, I saw where the FE organizer will have an board to update our room numbers.

Please let me know how to proceed!

Thanks,
Karen

Michael (43)
Karen (40)

 

[Fosterlv]

Karen, Our post just crossed - I just posted the instruction right before your post of what we recieved on a FE

I do know that the group has decided to close the FE 30 days prior so you have a couple of days to decide if you want to join the FE. sheadley is the FE organizer I have only helped with the Google S/S here is that list.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhFvetkHaUfidHprV3MwZUttcmpacVFGV1FtWTdpRkE#gid=0

Aloha!

My DH and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary on the Disney Wonder. This is my second Disney Cruise and my husband's first.

I just had to find out what the "fish extenders" were, so I googled it, and found myself here. I think that I've made the 30 day cutoff. I'm hoping to be added to the list.

We don't have our official room number yet; they'll assign it on the departure date. Also, I saw where the FE organizer will have an board to update our room numbers.

Please let me know how to proceed!

Thanks,
Karen

Michael (43)
Karen (40)