November 26, 2011 Western Carribean

[TJGorman]

How many cabins are in the FE at this point? It's definitely time to start planning!

As of today, there are 15 cabins interested in participating.

 

[kathi]

Is anyone planning on running the 5K on Castaway Cay? I've recently started running and I think that sounds like a lot of fun. I'm slooow so if there are any other slow runners willing to give it a go, I'd love the company.

My husband, Brian, will probably run it. He did last year and enjoyed it a lot.

 

[Ksbrn65]

I finally have my stateroom it is #6616. Still interested in FE. Which is better for 8,10 year old for dining first or second?

 

[sunryzez]

Wow, I have ot been on this board for a while. I was trying not to think about the trip too much since it was SO far away but now it seems so close and Im SOOO excited. I have a question for you non first time cruisers. My family n travel party are first time cruisers. I was really upset by the policy that people who have cruised more times got first dibs on reservations because I figured that we would be left with awkward times. Yesterday at midnight I could start registering and I was REALLY upset to see that some of the excursions I wanted to do were already filled. The high teas were all COMPLETELY filled, The spa treatments that we wanted were either not available anymore or at really awkward and bad times ( like our dinner time or at 8am) The palo brunch had 1 seating left only so I grabbed that but the rest of my party cant get in at all. I dont mean to sound like Im whining so my question is, do these things reopen up? Or, are we pretty much out of luck? We have been planning this cruise since March of 2010 and have been excited about so many things that it seems we are going to miss out on now so Im really hoping that someone has some good advice for me!! Thanks!

 

[disneyfan551]

I finally have my stateroom it is #6616. Still interested in FE. Which is better for 8,10 year old for dining first or second?

Even when the kids in our group were younger (3y & up...), we have ALWAYS preferred the second seating. It really gives you alot more time in your day & you are not as rushed!

 

[kathi]

Try to stay calm. I suspect you will end up getting most of what you want. When I was a first time cruiser and even a Silver member (we are gold now) I had trouble getting the things I wanted and once I got on the ship, I never had a problem signing up for something.

When you get on the ship, go to the designated location (usually one of the lounges) to check on availbility for dining, shore excursions and the spa. There are usually a bunch of spots. Also, keep checking back every day, because there will be cancellations.

Wow, I have ot been on this board for a while. I was trying not to think about the trip too much since it was SO far away but now it seems so close and Im SOOO excited. I have a question for you non first time cruisers. My family n travel party are first time cruisers. I was really upset by the policy that people who have cruised more times got first dibs on reservations because I figured that we would be left with awkward times. Yesterday at midnight I could start registering and I was REALLY upset to see that some of the excursions I wanted to do were already filled. The high teas were all COMPLETELY filled, The spa treatments that we wanted were either not available anymore or at really awkward and bad times ( like our dinner time or at 8am) The palo brunch had 1 seating left only so I grabbed that but the rest of my party cant get in at all. I dont mean to sound like Im whining so my question is, do these things reopen up? Or, are we pretty much out of luck? We have been planning this cruise since March of 2010 and have been excited about so many things that it seems we are going to miss out on now so Im really hoping that someone has some good advice for me!! Thanks!

 

[kathi]

I totally agree. My daugher has been crusing since she was 5 (she is 7 now) and we have always had second seating. She goes to the kids club during dinner and hangs out and we enjoy the the rest of our dinner.

I think it would be way too rushed to have early seating. I also wouldn't be hungry yet!

Even when the kids in our group were younger (3y & up...), we have ALWAYS preferred the second seating. It really gives you alot more time in your day & you are not as rushed!

 

[disneyfan551]

sunryzez...Try not to worry so much. There are so many things to enjoy on the cruise that you won't miss some of those bookings! Also...don't give up yet!! I have been able to book Palo on every cruise (several!) that I've attempted to, as long as I went to do it as soon as they "opened" on embarkation day! They do keep tables available for walk-up bookings, not just for online.
Regarding excursions...of our 7 (i think?!) DCL cruises, we have never done one excursion through Disney! We always book on our own & have never had any problems!
Good luck to you!!!

 

[Hanover]

Wow, I have ot been on this board for a while. I was trying not to think about the trip too much since it was SO far away but now it seems so close and Im SOOO excited. I have a question for you non first time cruisers. My family n travel party are first time cruisers. I was really upset by the policy that people who have cruised more times got first dibs on reservations because I figured that we would be left with awkward times. Yesterday at midnight I could start registering and I was REALLY upset to see that some of the excursions I wanted to do were already filled. The high teas were all COMPLETELY filled, The spa treatments that we wanted were either not available anymore or at really awkward and bad times ( like our dinner time or at 8am) The palo brunch had 1 seating left only so I grabbed that but the rest of my party cant get in at all. I dont mean to sound like Im whining so my question is, do these things reopen up? Or, are we pretty much out of luck? We have been planning this cruise since March of 2010 and have been excited about so many things that it seems we are going to miss out on now so Im really hoping that someone has some good advice for me!! Thanks!

They do hold back Palo reservations for several spots. Once you board, you can make dining room changes or Palo reservations/changes in a specific location. We've done changes at Studio Sea and at Rockin D Bar. They can tell you in the terminal or it may be on the navigator as to where to go. You can also get on wait lists for brunch, dinner or high tea. I don't think there will be a lot of spots for high tea, as they keep that rather small. I think if you just need to add guests to your reservation, it will be easier . I have to do the same as I could only get a table for 6 and we have 7.

As far as excursions, when you board ask at the shore excursions desk if they have a wait list. Sometimes if a lot of people want to be added to specific excursions, they can add a bus or two. Depending what you want to do, you could always get a local taxi and go to the location or book in advance on your own. I know people from past cruise meets that have specifically done that for certain dolphin excursions and day tours. Just keep in mind DCL does not wait for late guests that are not on DCL sponsored excursions.

I think you will also get spa appointments. You can go on a spa tour on embarkation day and ask about availability. They will have specials they run each day posted in navigators, especially on port days where they tend to be good deals and less expensive than treatments on sea days. They do book up though so I'd try the 1st day to get a better time.

 

[CherylA]

Our cruise is starting to get so close! We just passed the window of being able to cancel without penalty. Now we're in penalty phase. I'm having trouble getting really excited for the trip because I'm not 100% sure we can go Hubby got a job offer that he is now at the negotiation phase of and if he gets the job theres a 50/50 chance his new boss will let him take off the week after thanksgiving. I bought travel insurance with a "cancel for work reasons" clause so I'm not worried about losing money but what a bummer it would be to not be able to take this cruise. We booked it back in April 2009!! Cross your fingers for me that we can go. If we can't we'll be doing 4 nights in Disney World instead which will be great but not the 2 days in Disney followed by a week long cruise I have been planning on!

 

[twoWDWfools]

Our cruise is starting to get so close! We just passed the window of being able to cancel without penalty. Now we're in penalty phase. I'm having trouble getting really excited for the trip because I'm not 100% sure we can go Hubby got a job offer that he is now at the negotiation phase of and if he gets the job theres a 50/50 chance his new boss will let him take off the week after thanksgiving. I bought travel insurance with a "cancel for work reasons" clause so I'm not worried about losing money but what a bummer it would be to not be able to take this cruise. We booked it back in April 2009!! Cross your fingers for me that we can go. If we can't we'll be doing 4 nights in Disney World instead which will be great but not the 2 days in Disney followed by a week long cruise I have been planning on!

Oh that's tough. Yay on new job but boo on the 50/50. Fingers crossed it will all work out!

 

[twoWDWfools]

FYI - our cabin number is 2608.

71 days!!

 

[TJGorman]

FYI - our cabin number is 2608.

71 days!!

Great, Thank you!

 

[CherylA]

Oh that's tough. Yay on new job but boo on the 50/50. Fingers crossed it will all work out!

Thanks. So he's accepted the new job but they are still processing paperwork for it and he doesn't have a start date yet. We're waiting for him to get a start date then he will talk to his new boss about getting that week off. I think the chances are now about 60/40 and not in favor of going. We'll see. I am very happy he has a new job. So now we can totally afford to take the trip but we don't know if he can get the time off!

 

[kristyk13]

I've been excited for a year now and can't believe our first Disney cruise is just around the corner!!! Have to say it has been a little overwhelming learning and planning everything but I know we will have an awesome time. I am a little worried that my 13 year old will have as much fun as her younger brother (9) and sister (7). I have read conflicting information on the teen club ages, is it 13 or 14? Can't wait to set sail!!!

Me- Kristy (41)
DH- Sean (44)
DD- Mikayla (13)
DS- Connor(9)
DD- Megan(7)

 

[kristyk13]

The FE is nothing to stress over, honest!

It can (and should) be whatever you would like to share! It could be magnets from your hometown, stickers, etc.

I have gotten so many interesting items over the years, from little pirate rubber duckies (that always reminds me of the cruise we received it on) to a CD, to Disney recipes, bookmarks, pirate night stickers, glow sticks...it really is supposed to be about the thought that counts. I can say I just enjoyed coming back to the stateroom each night to find a little goodie waiting for us!

If you have the means and creativity for something grand, awesome! If you are thinking, I like the idea of stickers and rubber ducks, awesome! If you are thinking all I have time for is to pick up some hometown magnets and your favorite recipe card, awesome!

I hope you join us for the FE as I am sure your two girls will enjoying getting little surprises each night. My children were so excited getting surprises each night, they didn't ask for anymore souvenirs, as they already had a ton of stuff to bring home, LOL!

This is our first Disney Cruise and I also am feeling a little overwhelmed. The FE sounds fun but after reading some of the posts sounds very involved. It seems many make homemade/handmade items. I am a creative person but don't know if I have the time to make so many things. Some posts have been helpful but looking for more ideas and How do I sign up for this?
Me- Kristy (41)
DH- Sean (44)
DD- Mikayla (13)
DS- Connor(9)
DD- Megan(7)

 

[kristyk13]

Great! I'll put you on both lists, scavenger hunt and ornament exchange. It seems so far away but I know it'll be here before we know it!!

Lisa Marie
BearFan

It all sounds so fun! This is our first cruise so all of this is new to me, how do we sign up?

 

[kristyk13]

They do hold back Palo reservations for several spots. Once you board, you can make dining room changes or Palo reservations/changes in a specific location. We've done changes at Studio Sea and at Rockin D Bar. They can tell you in the terminal or it may be on the navigator as to where to go. You can also get on wait lists for brunch, dinner or high tea. I don't think there will be a lot of spots for high tea, as they keep that rather small. I think if you just need to add guests to your reservation, it will be easier . I have to do the same as I could only get a table for 6 and we have 7.

As far as excursions, when you board ask at the shore excursions desk if they have a wait list. Sometimes if a lot of people want to be added to specific excursions, they can add a bus or two. Depending what you want to do, you could always get a local taxi and go to the location or book in advance on your own. I know people from past cruise meets that have specifically done that for certain dolphin excursions and day tours. Just keep in mind DCL does not wait for late guests that are not on DCL sponsored excursions.

I think you will also get spa appointments. You can go on a spa tour on embarkation day and ask about availability. They will have specials they run each day posted in navigators, especially on port days where they tend to be good deals and less expensive than treatments on sea days. They do book up though so I'd try the 1st day to get a better time.

I too was not happy that when I could finally book stuff on line that the one thing I really wanted to do was already booked. I am still hopeful we can get in as I was told by the Disney rep to keep checking because people change their minds and or cancel

 

[TJGorman]

This is our first Disney Cruise and I also am feeling a little overwhelmed. The FE sounds fun but after reading some of the posts sounds very involved. It seems many make homemade/handmade items. I am a creative person but don't know if I have the time to make so many things. Some posts have been helpful but looking for more ideas and How do I sign up for this?
Me- Kristy (41)
DH- Sean (44)
DD- Mikayla (13)
DS- Connor(9)
DD- Megan(7)

I will put you on our FE List. Again, I can not stress enough, do not add worrying about what to use as part of the FE, to your pre-cruise planning! It is supposed to be fun!

Some ideas I read included calling your nearest tourist office and seeing if you can get some free state magnets, bumper stickers, postcards. Another idea is go to oriental trading's website to the sale item, you can always find useful items that usually come in a dozen per pack, or with Halloween ending before our cruise, stock up on the remaining Halloween candy, put it in a bag, and there is your FE!

I will put out a final list two weeks before but right now we are @ 16 cabins participating.

 

[TJGorman]

I too was not happy that when I could finally book stuff on line that the one thing I really wanted to do was already booked. I am still hopeful we can get in as I was told by the Disney rep to keep checking because people change their minds and or cancel

Absolutely keep checking! Also, if you what you want doesn't open up on line before we cruise, check as soon as you get on-board. When you get the navigator at check in, it will let you know if you want to make changes to your dining or excursions.