November 8, 2008 7 Night Eastern 11/8/2008 11-8-2008 FIRST POST UPDATED ON 10/16/08

[KBennett]

JUST PAID OFF OUR CRUISE...

About making pirate costumes affordable...we hit the JCPenney jewelry clearance racks several times pre-cruise and procured some of the ugliest costume jewelry ever made (but perfect for pirate plunder). Big ghastly fake jewels, clunky "gold" chains, hideous rings, all for a couple of dollars each. We store all the pirate plunder into a Ziploc and then fight over who gets to wear which ones each cruise. We also went to stores like Kohl's when they had their big 70% off clearances and got some really scary belts and sequined scarves that doubled as snazzy pirate sashes. One of my pirate blouses came from the clearance rack, too, for $2.00. Perhaps my favorite "find" was our boot toppers from a theatrical supply company that sells on eBay. They fold flat, but you can wear them over black shoes and they look like those fancy boots with the foldover, laced up tops and brass buttons! We did pay $20 for them, but wear them to the renaissance fairs, as well.

We also have some exciting news to share...last Saturday we went to the Doorway to Dreams (Disney Vacation Club store in Chicagoland) member event and we WON the grand prize giveaway...an all-expense-paid five day four night trip to WDW for four! Airfare, a one bedroom DVC villa for four nights, park tickets, one $75 gift card PER PERSON PER DAY for food and souvenirs (a lot of Dole Whips and turkey legs!), and even a $3400 check from Disney to pay for the taxes. We were just stunned, as we've never won anything except an umbrella and a Mr. Potato Head. We have one year from October to take the trip! Since we are taking this cruise without the kids, that helped take the sting out of it for them! (We did just take them on Wonder this June and are taking them on a cruise to Alaska next year.)

Looking forward to waking up at the crack of dawn with everyone else to book shore excursions and Palo!

That's awesome!!! Congratulations! (Thanks for the great pirate ideas!)

 

[Basfreeman]

Hi all--Just found this thread. Wife and I have been booked on this cruise since August of last year. I'll need to spend the next few days reviewing all the posts to see what I've been missing. This will be our third Disney cruise, but the first 7-day one.

Bascom

 

[KBennett]

Hi all--Just found this thread. Wife and I have been booked on this cruise since August of last year. I'll need to spend the next few days reviewing all the posts to see what I've been missing. This will be our third Disney cruise, but the first 7-day one.

Bascom

Welcome!

 

[born2cruise]

JUST PAID OFF OUR CRUISE...

About making pirate costumes affordable...we hit the JCPenney jewelry clearance racks several times pre-cruise and procured some of the ugliest costume jewelry ever made (but perfect for pirate plunder). Big ghastly fake jewels, clunky "gold" chains, hideous rings, all for a couple of dollars each. We store all the pirate plunder into a Ziploc and then fight over who gets to wear which ones each cruise. We also went to stores like Kohl's when they had their big 70% off clearances and got some really scary belts and sequined scarves that doubled as snazzy pirate sashes. One of my pirate blouses came from the clearance rack, too, for $2.00. Perhaps my favorite "find" was our boot toppers from a theatrical supply company that sells on eBay. They fold flat, but you can wear them over black shoes and they look like those fancy boots with the foldover, laced up tops and brass buttons! We did pay $20 for them, but wear them to the renaissance fairs, as well.

We also have some exciting news to share...last Saturday we went to the Doorway to Dreams (Disney Vacation Club store in Chicagoland) member event and we WON the grand prize giveaway...an all-expense-paid five day four night trip to WDW for four! Airfare, a one bedroom DVC villa for four nights, park tickets, one $75 gift card PER PERSON PER DAY for food and souvenirs (a lot of Dole Whips and turkey legs!), and even a $3400 check from Disney to pay for the taxes. We were just stunned, as we've never won anything except an umbrella and a Mr. Potato Head. We have one year from October to take the trip! Since we are taking this cruise without the kids, that helped take the sting out of it for them! (We did just take them on Wonder this June and are taking them on a cruise to Alaska next year.)

Looking forward to waking up at the crack of dawn with everyone else to book shore excursions and Palo!

WOW that is so awsome.

 

[mimi'sgirl]

Basfreeman- A big welcome.

skylynx- Congrats on the prize! Wow- A gift card each day. That's a great package to win. Didn't think about jewlery for pirate night. That's a great idea. Thank you.

 

[WendyJersey]

That sounds great, but could we maybe do it at 10:00??
I have a feeling that we will be up late on our first night and will not be coherent until at least 9:30!

On my first cruise with Disney we all met at 4PM at a set location. Spent about an hour all together meeting and taking pictures. It was great.
A group of us met for lunch on day while we were at sea which gave us more time to socialize. It was a great first trip with Disney and I met a great bunch of people.

 

[WendyJersey]

I just stopped by to say hello, welcome all the new comers and check to see what is new.

We are in full swing packing and getting organized for our cruise next month, but I did not want to miss out on any planning that is going on here.


Is there a set time for the meet? We have done the promenade louge several times for meets and deck 10. I think the lounge is easier and gets my vote, if there is a vote. We have also done the meet before the muster and sail away party (just for options)

You know I'll cast my vote in your direction anytime. It is always a sure thing. I am part of a group that is linked with 1DisneyQueen.

 

[cheeringmom]

JUST PAID OFF OUR CRUISE...

About making pirate costumes affordable...we hit the JCPenney jewelry clearance racks several times pre-cruise and procured some of the ugliest costume jewelry ever made (but perfect for pirate plunder). Big ghastly fake jewels, clunky "gold" chains, hideous rings, all for a couple of dollars each. We store all the pirate plunder into a Ziploc and then fight over who gets to wear which ones each cruise. We also went to stores like Kohl's when they had their big 70% off clearances and got some really scary belts and sequined scarves that doubled as snazzy pirate sashes. One of my pirate blouses came from the clearance rack, too, for $2.00. Perhaps my favorite "find" was our boot toppers from a theatrical supply company that sells on eBay. They fold flat, but you can wear them over black shoes and they look like those fancy boots with the foldover, laced up tops and brass buttons! We did pay $20 for them, but wear them to the renaissance fairs, as well.

We also have some exciting news to share...last Saturday we went to the Doorway to Dreams (Disney Vacation Club store in Chicagoland) member event and we WON the grand prize giveaway...an all-expense-paid five day four night trip to WDW for four! Airfare, a one bedroom DVC villa for four nights, park tickets, one $75 gift card PER PERSON PER DAY for food and souvenirs (a lot of Dole Whips and turkey legs!), and even a $3400 check from Disney to pay for the taxes. We were just stunned, as we've never won anything except an umbrella and a Mr. Potato Head. We have one year from October to take the trip! Since we are taking this cruise without the kids, that helped take the sting out of it for them! (We did just take them on Wonder this June and are taking them on a cruise to Alaska next year.)

Looking forward to waking up at the crack of dawn with everyone else to book shore excursions and Palo!

congrats on paying off your curise and for the big win! Wow. I never win anything. They would have had to pick me up off the floor!!

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

JUST PAID OFF OUR CRUISE...

About making pirate costumes affordable...we hit the JCPenney jewelry clearance racks several times pre-cruise and procured some of the ugliest costume jewelry ever made (but perfect for pirate plunder). Big ghastly fake jewels, clunky "gold" chains, hideous rings, all for a couple of dollars each. We store all the pirate plunder into a Ziploc and then fight over who gets to wear which ones each cruise. We also went to stores like Kohl's when they had their big 70% off clearances and got some really scary belts and sequined scarves that doubled as snazzy pirate sashes. One of my pirate blouses came from the clearance rack, too, for $2.00. Perhaps my favorite "find" was our boot toppers from a theatrical supply company that sells on eBay. They fold flat, but you can wear them over black shoes and they look like those fancy boots with the foldover, laced up tops and brass buttons! We did pay $20 for them, but wear them to the renaissance fairs, as well.

We also have some exciting news to share...last Saturday we went to the Doorway to Dreams (Disney Vacation Club store in Chicagoland) member event and we WON the grand prize giveaway...an all-expense-paid five day four night trip to WDW for four! Airfare, a one bedroom DVC villa for four nights, park tickets, one $75 gift card PER PERSON PER DAY for food and souvenirs (a lot of Dole Whips and turkey legs!), and even a $3400 check from Disney to pay for the taxes. We were just stunned, as we've never won anything except an umbrella and a Mr. Potato Head. We have one year from October to take the trip! Since we are taking this cruise without the kids, that helped take the sting out of it for them! (We did just take them on Wonder this June and are taking them on a cruise to Alaska next year.)

Looking forward to waking up at the crack of dawn with everyone else to book shore excursions and Palo!

That is awesome news!!!!! I bet you are just on , I know I would be too!

We had a travel agent help book our Cruise, so we need to go in and see her on Aug.23 to pay our Cruise off( which will make it even more real, that we are really going)!

Also I found one of those clear shoe organizers and bought a hot pink blow up tube(so we can use that at Disney's Castaway Cay), got both things at Target.

I can't believe now that we only have 3 months left to wait!!!!!!!!!!! The time is really flying bye!

Does anyone by chance have early dinner siting? My mom and I have early dinner siting and thought it might be kind of nice to hook up with someone from here.

 

[skylynx]

Stitch's OHana
We're having early seating and would be happy to have you as table pals. With just you and your mom and DH and I, there would still be a chance two or four more people could be at our table.

Thanks for the congrats, all...we were COMPLETELY floored when our name was called as the winner.

 

[skylynx]

OK, so is it Sunday the 10th that is the 90 day marker for Castaway Club members to start the booking bacchanal? Always confusing whether to include the day of departure or not as "day one" when starting to count backwards to 90. I'm not interested in getting up at 2 am more than I have to.

 

[Morgan4]

Skylynx~~ That is so awesome!!! I agree "CheeringMom" I would need to be scooped up off the floor as well.

With all of you 90 day Castaway Club Members, there is not going to be anything for us newbies!!

That does it! I am just going to have to book on board so that next time I can put it to all the Newbies!!

 

[MegaMouseHouse]

I just tripped across this site. I have been reading all your great posts and right now have no clue how to use the site properly so I am just trying to post a message. I don't have a signature set up yet either because I kept messing it up. I will try and figure that out this weekend. This will be our third Disney cruise and the first one my husband has went on with us. Normally it is just my daughter and myself. I was wondering if anyone had any older teenagers going. My daughter is 17 and I thought it might be fun for her to meet some friends right away this time on the cruise. I have tried reading through many of the posts but is there anyone who can update me on anything specific that might be going on with the group. I am traveling with 3 other family's (friends too) Combined they have a 12 year old boy, 10 year old girl, and 8 year old girl. I belive the 8 year old will be in a different group than the other two so they will be looking to make friends too. Any help that anyone could provide or direction would be great. I have notied on past cruises the door signs and other fun things going on but had no clue to look for a website to find the fun. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Tracy (Here in Idaho and dreaming of the ocean!!!)

 

[skylynx]

Welcome, MegaMouseHouse
You're doing it exactly right! There's really nothing you can't find out about on these boards...you are in good company!

 

[skylynx]

Hey, Morgan4, fear not...DCL withholds some reservation slots for those who book later...if you don't get what you want, board as early as possible and dash to the nightclub where the reservations will be made. If you are there somewhere near the beginning of the line, you'll still probably get something.

And about onboard rebooking...if at all possible, DO IT. For the price of the deposit, you can lock in the (usually 10%) discount and onboard credit for an upcoming cruise (and then change the date if your plans change). If we aren't sure when we want to go, we book one as far out in the future as possible. That way, we get the "first tier" cheapest early booking rates, and if we want to go at a later date than the current bookings go out to, we can transfer it months down the road. We keep the same percentage of discount and the on board credit. Then we usually transfer the reservation to Dreams Unlimited for an additional on board credit.

The DCL onboard rebooking lady sits prominently above the atrium by the DVC podium from about the third day onwards, knowing full well in your mid-cruise euphoria the only way you can pre-empt the inevitable pain of the cruise ending is to have another one on the horizon.

 

[MegaMouseHouse]

Just a reminder that I am organizing the gift exchange for our cruise. If you are interested please PM me and let me know:

room number
ages of children
date you prefer to distribute

So far we have 10 staterooms, 3 kids under 5 yrs, 4 kids 6-8yrs, and 5 kids 9-12 yrs. 18 adults.

I still need to make my fish extender!

thanks,
Kate

Can someone explain the gift exchange, the process, and what a fish extender is. I have heard so much and am confused. It sounds like fun and I am sure my daughter even though she is 17 would love to get in on it as she and I are such huge fans of Disney and anything fun. : )

 

[pandamom]

Welcome to everyone who's recently joined our thread! Seems like the ship will be filled with 8 and 10 year old girls!

Been busy this week getting cruise ready! Paid for the cruise the other day, booked a hotel for the drive down, made shuttle from hotel to port reservation and booked the Sea Lion Splash at Coral World in St. Thomas. I also booked a Hannah Montana makeover for my dd8 at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Downtown Disney after the cruise. Woohoo Disney Cruise here we come!

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

Stitch's OHana
We're having early seating and would be happy to have you as table pals. With just you and your mom and DH and I, there would still be a chance two or four more people could be at our table.

Thanks for the congrats, all...we were COMPLETELY floored when our name was called as the winner.

That would be great! Do you know how you link dinner times together, so we would be seated together? We booked our trip with a Travel agent, so I would think I would have to have her call for me on that.

 

[skylynx]

Stitch's Ohana

Sure...done it before. I'll send you a private message (PM) so we can arrange it. That just takes our conversation offline.

 

[WendyJersey]

Hi all--Just found this thread. Wife and I have been booked on this cruise since August of last year. I'll need to spend the next few days reviewing all the posts to see what I've been missing. This will be our third Disney cruise, but the first 7-day one.

Bascom

Welcome Basfreeman. Yes there are alot of pages to go through to catch up, but I'm sure a lot of the same stuff will come up again as we near our trip.