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

[GoofyFD]

Wow I go away for a few months and the thread explodes. I hope every one is doing well. I was up North on the fires California was having I'm glad to be home. We are getting so excited for the cruise. We have talked another couple and two kids into coming. They are dd10 and ds 7.....The ship is going to be 3/4 full of girls that are 7-10 years old.

Time for some Rum!

 

[WendyJersey]

Welcome MegaMouseHouse!! I am traveling with 2 DD 8 and 12; and our friends have an 11 year old DD and 13 yr old DS.

I am in charge of the gift exchange, but this will be my first time cruising, so I will tell what I know.

The gift exchange is to leave little gifts to all partisipating DISers. I am putting together a list of all who are participating and their room numbers. Than on your night (which I will assign, unless you want a particular night) you go around to all the rooms and leave your gift.

It makes coming back to your room at the end of the day really exciting!! What will we get today?!?

As far as the gifts, I will let you know how many adults and kids(with ages) are in each stateroom. You can decide whether you want to give one gift for the whole room or individual gifts, (something for an adult, something different for a boy/girl, or age related gifts). It is totally up to you.

I am looking at things that are little or could be homemade. Not sure what yet, I am working on some ideas. There are a couple of threads on the main board about the fish extenders and some ideas for gifts.

This is not meant to break the bank, I can do that my self with DOD and excursions!! Just to have a little fun.

Anyone who wants to participate, just PM my with your stateroom number and the ages of kids w/boy or girl. And if you have a special day in mind to distribute, note that as well.

Any other questions just ask!!

Kate

Thanks for the info Kate. Everyone appreciates you explaining that I'm sure. This sounds like the Distag game we played on the last cruise except you delivered on any day and any time you wanted from the day the game started. You started with the name below your name on a list which had all the screen names and the room numbers. The course of the game was 4 or 5 days. You purchased small $$$$ items in bags and delivered them to the doors by hanging on the Fish Hook. Guess that's why the extenders were thought up because possibly more gifts needed to be hung than what the hook could hold. Anyway small items, pencils, crayons, cookies, crackers, candy, bandaids, small items from your state, combs, pirate jewelry was given etc. Don't spend alot of $$$ and don't make it heavier for your suitcase you need that room for your clothes and shoes, but wait the guys never pack that much so you can pack it in their suitcases.
Just kidding guys
I'm in on the game, if you need help let me know Kate I'll do what I can with the little time I have each day. I'll PM you tonight sometime with my room number.

 

[WendyJersey]

Welcome to everyone new!
Well, we're official now, we've paid the cruise off AND ordered a fish extender from Ebay!
I have a question about formal night. This is probably silly but, just exactly how formal is it? Is it evening gown formal or cocktail dress formal?
Do they limit you on suitcases because I'm feeling like I'm going to need at least 10, 2 or 3 for shoes alone!!!! I'll have to store them on the verandah or just toss them overboard if they're in the way!!!!

My dh wore a suit and tie. You can be as formal as you want. I don't think they are that picky. But the jacket can always be taken off and the button under the tie undone just to be a little more comfortabel. Ladies, I wore a long black skirt and a dressy top. People come in all ways, you are safe in your Sunday best. It is your choice on how fancy you want to be or what you can afford. Hope that answers your question.

 

[WendyJersey]

KBennett
Formal night is sort of user's choice...I've seen plenty of people in cocktail dresses and sports jackets on formal night. My DH and I take the tuxedo and gown route because we have so few other opportunities to trot out the cufflinks and rhinestones and long black gloves. I believe you can rent tuxes, too. But plenty of ladies still look fabulous with cocktail dresses and gentlemen in button down shirts, and, of course, lots of people don't dress up for it at all. You won't be banned from the dining room for not having formal attire.

One funny story...on our Wonder cruise this past June, we were waiting to be seated in Palo and were sitting by a couple where the lady had on a sundress but the guy was wearing shorts and sandals and a tshirt. Soon a Palo server came out with a hanger with a pair of trousers and a button down shirt on it, and gave it to the man in shorts. About 20 minutes later, the couple was seated near us and the guy was wearing the borrowed clothes (obviously not his size). So I'm thinking Palo may stock a couple extra pairs of trousers and shirts in case someone wants to eat there who missed the memo. The guy was lucky...would hate to miss a Palo meal because I'd underpacked!

That is a good story. Yes you are right the Palo you need to dress more, but brunch is alot more relaxed, but still no shorts.

 

[WendyJersey]

Sorry ds and fiancee won't be joining us. I have removed them from the first post. Can't believe it is finally less than 3 months away!

Yes I was happy they were coming, but when you are unemployed taking a cruise should not be high on your list. Anyway should he find a teaching job I don't think they'll be to happy if he had to tell them he would be away for a week two months after he started working. Hopefully next time. I want he to at least come on a Disney Cruise as it is great! Can't believe it is less than 3 months either.

 

[WendyJersey]

Wow I go away for a few months and the thread explodes. I hope every one is doing well. I was up North on the fires California was having I'm glad to be home. We are getting so excited for the cruise. We have talked another couple and two kids into coming. They are dd10 and ds 7.....The ship is going to be 3/4 full of girls that are 7-10 years old.

Time for some Rum!

Wow you must have been very busy. Those fires in CA are to much. It is unfortunate that somepeople can be careless and help start those. I understand lightning can also, but I think most of these are caused by humans. Well your right rum it is and I'll drink to you tonight for doing a good job. [/QUOTE]

 

[WendyJersey]

Wow I go away for a few months and the thread explodes. I hope every one is doing well. I was up North on the fires California was having I'm glad to be home. We are getting so excited for the cruise. We have talked another couple and two kids into coming. They are dd10 and ds 7.....The ship is going to be 3/4 full of girls that are 7-10 years old.

Time for some Rum!

Hey matey I think you're drinking to much rum as you posted twice.

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Hi all. My dh, my dd (3 now -will be 4 on the trip) and I are looking forward to the November 8th cruise- our second cruise but our first Disney Cruise. A friend, DizzneyDAnn told me about this site and I'm happy to say hello to all of you.... Hope to meet lots of you on the cruise!

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Just crashing your thread to say hello to Randi in case she checks in. Dinner was great!

Hi! I just set up my account tonight and was so happy to see your note. I tried to send you a private message but my account wouldn't let me just yet. At any rate, it was great seeing you Friday night - hope the rest of your trip to Florida was fun! Keep in touch!

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Pandamom I just removed my ds and fiancee off the list as they will not be going. They cx in March. I forgot to mention it. Saw it while going down the list on page 1.

Hi there - please add us to the list, me, dh, and dd4 - thanks! Randi

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

Hi all. My dh, my dd (3 now -will be 4 on the trip) and I are looking forward to the November 8th cruise- our second cruise but our first Disney Cruise. A friend, DizzneyDAnn told me about this site and I'm happy to say hello to all of you.... Hope to meet lots of you on the cruise!

Welcome aboard!!! You are going to love the Disney Cruise! This will be my 2nd DCL trip! I am glad you found us! It's going to be great to meet everyone in person!

 

[Maddie's Nana]

Yay!!! Just booked Palo dinner, excursions, spa and parasailing at CC. It was very easy and no problem booking at all.

I wish I could I was able to book Palo dinner but Brunch was not available on any day - neither was High Tea. I didn't have any problem booking brunch on our last cruise - do they reserve some reservations for new cruisers? Hoping I have another chance!!!

 

[KBennett]

Hi all. My dh, my dd (3 now -will be 4 on the trip) and I are looking forward to the November 8th cruise- our second cruise but our first Disney Cruise. A friend, DizzneyDAnn told me about this site and I'm happy to say hello to all of you.... Hope to meet lots of you on the cruise!

Welcome Aboard!!!

PandaMom - that 's a great picture!

everyone else who answered about formal night - THANKS! I'm not worrying about it as much now! I just LOVE this board!

 

[FloridaMom3461]

I'm confused - perhaps because I'm new to the Disney Cruises - I thought bookings could not be done until 75 days ahead (i.e. my calculations are August 21st). So if you are saying that things are already booked up - I'm a bit concerned......Thanks for any pointers/explanations. Randi

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Hi Everyone! We're cruising with you too. It will be myself, DH, DS5 and DD3. We have cruised before but this is our first Disney cruise. So excited! We are spending 4 or 5 days at the parks prior to the cruise. DH hates to fly so we are driving from NJ. To make it worth our while(good excuse-huh?) I have convinced DH to also go to the parks. I booked the trip this summer and have been planning ever since. Only a year away! Bye for now.

HI mimi'sgirl,
I'm new to this board and was reading from the very beginning and noticed you have a dd3. Our dd will turn 4 the week before the cruise. Play date perhaps?

 

[Mozart]

Generally based on what I've seen, I would not expect any more reservation slots to come available when the 75 day mark hits. However, based on what the Palo's maitre'd once told me, they hold back about 50% of all reservations for people to book once they get onboard. Get to the ship early enough and you may be able to get one of these bookings.

To answer your question, Randi, new cruisers get last priority when it comes to booking Palo's and spa treatments. Concierge guests can book 105 days out, returning cruisers at 90 days, and new cruisers at 75 days. One of the perks returning cruisers get.

I just glanced at what's available right now. Brunch and High Tea are booked, but there's plenty of time slots available for dinner still. I also looked at a couple of spa treatments and excursions. The spa treatments I looked at are wide open, and the only excursion booked up is the Lotterie Farm hike.

 

[Maddie's Nana]

Hi Florida Mom - Reservations open 90 days in advance for Castaway Club members, i.e. those who have cruised Disney previously. It is 75 days for new Disney cruisers. Due to the lack of availability at Palo's
I believe (hopefully) that some reservations are reserved for the 75 day window. When I booked 75 days before my last cruise there were a lot of Palo reservations available.

Oops, sorry Mozart - I didn't see your reply til mine was posted

 

[mrsv98]

Hey we got a stateroom! We are in 8540 midship...whoopie!!

Now that we have a room number it feels so much closer

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Generally based on what I've seen, I would not expect any more reservation slots to come available when the 75 day mark hits. However, based on what the Palo's maitre'd once told me, they hold back about 50% of all reservations for people to book once they get onboard. Get to the ship early enough and you may be able to get one of these bookings.

To answer your question, Randi, new cruisers get last priority when it comes to booking Palo's and spa treatments. Concierge guests can book 105 days out, returning cruisers at 90 days, and new cruisers at 75 days. One of the perks returning cruisers get.

I just glanced at what's available right now. Brunch and High Tea are booked, but there's plenty of time slots available for dinner still. I also looked at a couple of spa treatments and excursions. The spa treatments I looked at are wide open, and the only excursion booked up is the Lotterie Farm hike.

Thanks for the info and for checking on what's available. I'll plan to book what I can ahead of time and then just book whatever else on board - we're driving up (about a 4 hour drive) so we can plan to arrive early

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Hi Florida Mom - Reservations open 90 days in advance for Castaway Club members, i.e. those who have cruised Disney previously. It is 75 days for new Disney cruisers. Due to the lack of availability at Palo's
I believe (hopefully) that some reservations are reserved for the 75 day window. When I booked 75 days before my last cruise there were a lot of Palo reservations available.

Oops, sorry Mozart - I didn't see your reply til mine was posted

Thanks for info - btw the photo - who's the little girl? She's adorable!