OCTOBER 30th & NOVEMBER 3rd Cruises (FE and Meets)

[ppartekim]

Giving to all, some or none is what concerns me. I would hate to have any child left out because the list grew too big so they were randomly chosen to skip. I know personally I'd feel that I must include all because leaving someone out would make me feel awful. Cost and transfer of FE gifts also becomes considerably larger. I know our friends on the August 16th cruise have 80 families. My friend is running it and said splitting the list was the best thing they did. If our list gets much bigger we might want to reconsider splitting.

So, how did people feel when the other list had better gifts? Seems like there will be unhappy people no matter what happens. PS, I have no clue how big this cruise's FE list is and don't care. If this becomes too stressful then we will stop joining (I will always hang FE tho, as I like knowing which cabin is ours from a distance, easier to see when wobbling back from a tasting.. ).

I know we always look at giving small items that scale up well. On our Alaskan cruise, the official list was maybe 40 cabins with a least 2-3per. We ended up giving to 60+ cabins (they had FEs but not on the list), we had enough gifts so gave to all and we gave the extra to the crew (we handed out the one-size-fits-many gloves). Holly found a source that only charged like $1/ea when she bought the minimum order. She found a similar source for these upcoming cruises on other items, so there will be plenty from us.

I say give what you enjoy giving, if is only to some, friends/family, or all so be it. Receiving is extra and may not be fair but then nothing in this life is (otherwise I would have won the lotto by now with all the contributions I have made to it. ). I wonder how folks in the Conceirge cabins are going to receive FE gifts since the gates are locked to us regular room folks.

Heck, even Disney is not always fair. I mean, I never will get to ride the Mickey slide and join in on the Video Floors in the Kids area (at least I can wash my hands there on the Dream.. ). PS, if you haven't used the kid's hand washers on the Dream do it, it is fun and cheaper than going to the spa.

Ok.. off soapbox now.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Almost time for the next group to book activities. Everybody ready for 8/1?

 

[BealsRwe]

We are up in the air as well. My family is whining that we are going to WDW/MNSSHP prior to the cruise but we are not getting regular park tickets for those days. It is $650 for us to go to the park for 2 days!! That is ridiculous. We are undecided if we want to give up the parks to do the cruise or stick with the non-park WDW/DCL combo trip we have had planned since May 2010.

Your MNSSHP ticket gets you into the park at 4pm on the day of the party...enjoy your resort's pool, go to DTD, and then head in at 4...MK time plus party time for a lot less than a 1 day ticket.

Best bets on park tickets is to buy the longer ones adding no expiration...more expensive upfront, but you can get tickets for the next few trips (ie 10 day no expiration...add the water park fun and more, and you get 10 visits there too). It's an investment to think about as it locks in your cost...may be not this trip, but something to think about for next time. Most expensive tickets are 1-2 day tickets.

 

[Princess Olivia]

So, how did people feel when the other list had better gifts? Seems like there will be unhappy people no matter what happens. PS, I have no clue how big this cruise's FE list is and don't care. If this becomes too stressful then we will stop joining (I will always hang FE tho, as I like knowing which cabin is ours from a distance, easier to see when wobbling back from a tasting.. ).

I know we always look at giving small items that scale up well. On our Alaskan cruise, the official list was maybe 40 cabins with a least 2-3per. We ended up giving to 60+ cabins (they had FEs but not on the list), we had enough gifts so gave to all and we gave the extra to the crew (we handed out the one-size-fits-many gloves). Holly found a source that only charged like $1/ea when she bought the minimum order. She found a similar source for these upcoming cruises on other items, so there will be plenty from us.

I say give what you enjoy giving, if is only to some, friends/family, or all so be it. Receiving is extra and may not be fair but then nothing in this life is (otherwise I would have won the lotto by now with all the contributions I have made to it. ). I wonder how folks in the Conceirge cabins are going to receive FE gifts since the gates are locked to us regular room folks.

Heck, even Disney is not always fair. I mean, I never will get to ride the Mickey slide and join in on the Video Floors in the Kids area (at least I can wash my hands there on the Dream.. ). PS, if you haven't used the kid's hand washers on the Dream do it, it is fun and cheaper than going to the spa.

Ok.. off soapbox now.

Conceirge gate is open during the day.

This is our first time choosing to join the FE list. I'm not trying to be difficult, honestly. I just want to clarify what you've said. We can all join the FE, be given a list and then choose from that list whom we want to give gifts to? Could be all, some or none. This is how it's done? I don't know because like I said we haven't tried it yet. I just want to be clear so I can do this right. Thanks.

 

[ppartekim]

Your MNSSHP ticket gets you into the park at 4pm on the day of the party...enjoy your resort's pool, go to DTD, and then head in at 4...MK time plus party time for a lot less than a 1 day ticket.

Best bets on park tickets is to buy the longer ones adding no expiration...more expensive upfront, but you can get tickets for the next few trips (ie 10 day no expiration...add the water park fun and more, and you get 10 visits there too). It's an investment to think about as it locks in your cost...may be not this trip, but something to think about for next time. Most expensive tickets are 1-2 day tickets.

I agree. Enjoy the Park for the party, get there early and leave after it closes, make the most of it. While not all the rides are open, most are and with music parties, fireworks and gobs of candy and other treats; I like it better than just a regular day. Holly and I have done it before as the only Disney park treat during some of our Orlando trips (ones where we don't stay on property). Wish we could do it this year but we don't arrive in Orlando until almost 8pm. Coming from CA, we would have to add another day to our trip for it.

Except for the rides, I think you actually get more Disney atmosphere on the ship than in the parks since the ship is 24/7 and the parks are only 9a-12a (or whatever the current open/close times are).

PS. When we buy park tickets, we think alike as well and regard them as investments; meaning, that we buy the longest run with but hopper and non-expiring unless we really intend to use them all in one shot and then we get the at least the hopper option. We even tried the annual pass but couldn't quite make it back within the year time frame.

 

[ppartekim]

Conceirge gate is open during the day.

This must have been a change, during the Maiden Voyage B2B we took the gates were close at all times unless you had the right KTTW card or knew the right people.

This is our first time choosing to join the FE list. I'm not trying to be difficult, honestly. I just want to clarify what you've said. We can all join the FE, be given a list and then choose from that list whom we want to give gifts to? Could be all, some or none. This is how it's done? I don't know because like I said we haven't tried it yet. I just want to be clear so I can do this right. Thanks.

FEs are totally voluntary. There is no right or wrong way to give gifts. If someone wants to split the list or not, that is their choice. I just don't want to make an Official list split.

PS. Since I also figure, I cannot suggest changes or complain about items if I am also not willing to provide help. So, since I also volunteered our door for the 1st leg (27th) FE list as well; I will volunteer our cabin door (5538) as a location for the master FE list in case someone forgets theirs, Cabin upgrades/moves or whatever. We won't be moving as I want a chance to check out the long balcony. Give a knock, if we are there you can also check it out. My only regret is that the long balconies (Cat 5e) don't have the round bath (those are in Cat 4 & 8s).

5538 is fairly centrally located about five cabins forward of the forward elevators on the starboard (right) side of the ship. Deck five is also top entrance to the Buena Vista Theatre.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Thanks for your ideas. It's not actually mnSSHP that's the dilemma. We seeded attending that on thurs pm and arriving as close to 4 as possible. It is fri and sat that they are complaining about not doing parks...aka rides. Spending another $2200 on 10 day non-expir is not an option right now. This vacation is already $4k plus.

 

[ArielRae]

I decided that one big list is good too.

I have finished making gifts for everyone and will make more for those that join, up to a month before we sail.

 

[ppartekim]

Thanks for your ideas. It's not actually mnSSHP that's the dilemma. We seeded attending that on thurs pm and arriving as close to 4 as possible. It is fri and sat that they are complaining about not doing parks...aka rides. Spending another $2200 on 10 day non-expir is not an option right now. This vacation is already $4k plus.

Are you staying at a WDW resort? If so then you could use the buses to take an un-guided tour of all the WDW resorts. We have been thinking of doing that for a while since there are so many there now and each one is themed differently.

Also, each resort is still very Disney and some offer shows, tours, and maybe even pool hopping and there is also Downtown Disney.

The Boardwalk comes to life in the evenings with one-man shows and a few of the fireworks over Epcot (you can also see the fireworks at MK from the Contemporary as well). Boardwalk also have rental family bikes for use around the boardwalk. Or take the round-trip boat from Boardwalk - Epcot - Disney Studios.

The WDW Campgrounds has a Mickey's Review Dinner & Show and there is also a Hoe-Down, an off-road Segway Tour (this one was fun) and there are Horse barns.

Animal Kingdom Lodge has the Savannah surrounding the lodge to see animals and there are tours available.

Restaurants aplenty and Character Eats/Meets are available at a number of resorts. There are several very good Buffets at different resorts to help with the budget.

Basically, you can easily fill two days with other Disney items outside the park that you may not even notice you didn't go to the parks.

And if you truly need a park visit, I believe there a 1-2 park tours that do not require a park pass (but they are the more expensive ones and typically young kids are not allowed in case the tour "spoils the magic" for them).

 

[luvdis31]

I was just trying to figure out how many FE to buy and there was talk of splitting awhile ago so I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

On past cruises, even with large FE lists we never split it or told someone they couldnt take part even if they joined the day before the cruise. We just figured everyone gave wha tthey could afford or had room to pack.

Personally If i ran out of room in the luggage I just visited the store on board. They have packs of themed pencils, themed book marks, goodies and assorted items that really wernt that expensive and are things people would like to receive. That also worked for last minute cruisers.
It doesnt take much to make people happy.
This is suppsoe to be a fun, relaxed event for everyone.

I suggest everyone do what ever they feel comfortable with doing. I am sure with this many great giving people nobody will be left out. Thats all that really matters. Have fun with it. That is what its meant to be, fun.

If Concierge has locked gates then ask forthe room host to please deliver your gift into the FE. Have it clearly marked with the room number. They will deliver it. 2 years ago I was on the cruise after Jaime and she left a gift to be delivered to me on the next cruise and it was delivered. So the crew will work with you.

Good night all,

Kathy

 

[PrincessTrisha]

FEs are totally voluntary. There is no right or wrong way to give gifts. If someone wants to split the list or not, that is their choice. I just don't want to make an Official list split.

PS. Since I also figure, I cannot suggest changes or complain about items if I am also not willing to provide help. So, since I also volunteered our door for the 1st leg (27th) FE list as well; I will volunteer our cabin door (5538) as a location for the master FE list in case someone forgets theirs, Cabin upgrades/moves or whatever. We won't be moving as I want a chance to check out the long balcony. Give a knock, if we are there you can also check it out. My only regret is that the long balconies (Cat 5e) don't have the round bath (those are in Cat 4 & 8s).

5538 is fairly centrally located about five cabins forward of the forward elevators on the starboard (right) side of the ship. Deck five is also top entrance to the Buena Vista Theatre.

We'll be just down the hall from you - we're in 5552. Not only does it have the extended out balcony but it's also supposed to be very wide (the size of two balconies) because it's accessible.

I'll also put this out there - if there is any who requires an accessible cabin or sometimes travels with someone who requires an accessible cabin (or thinks it's a future possibility), please let me know - I'd be happy to have you come over to our cabin during the cruise and visit to take a look at the features of the room. I know from experience how little information is out there about many of these rooms.

 

[Dreams83]

Hey everyone hows your summer going? ours have been good school for my 8yr old starts aug8th so been busy with that excited to go into the second grade.

So whats everyone doing on castaway cay? Is everyone dressing up for pirate night or halloween? I was thinking about pirate maybe

 

[pjpoohbear]

We'll be just down the hall from you - we're in 5552. Not only does it have the extended out balcony but it's also supposed to be very wide (the size of two balconies) because it's accessible.

I'll also put this out there - if there is any who requires an accessible cabin or sometimes travels with someone who requires an accessible cabin (or thinks it's a future possibility), please let me know - I'd be happy to have you come over to our cabin during the cruise and visit to take a look at the features of the room. I know from experience how little information is out there about many of these rooms.

I actually have this room booked on the Fantasy for 2012, and would love to see it.

Pj

 

[BealsRwe]

Hey everyone hows your summer going? ours have been good school for my 8yr old starts aug8th so been busy with that excited to go into the second grade.

So whats everyone doing on castaway cay? Is everyone dressing up for pirate night or halloween? I was thinking about pirate maybe

Wow, your schools start earlier than ours! My DD will be starting 2nd grade too, but not until 8/22. We are heading to Cape Canaveral next week...3 nights there, and 3 nights on Monarch of the Seas, RCI (1st time on RCI).

DH and I have been working crazy hours (love those Magic Kingdom hours in the summer...thankfully I only work part-time). DD is in camp this week at her school, she is loving it!

I had fun shopping for some new cruise outfits today for next week, and stopped by Target and also got $310 of toys for $76...love toy clearance time!

DD is going as Rapunzel for Halloween (unless she changes her mind). DH and I are unsure yet. We have family pirate t-shirts we usually wear for pirate night (check out DD in my avatar in hers).

It's almost the weekend which means work Fri/Sat, and Mon, then I'm on vacation!

Stephanie

 

[AmandaRG]

Stephanie, I hope you have a fabulous vacation! Can't wait to hear about it. Disney is definitely our cruise line for the next few years but who knows about after the girls are done with their Disney phase (if that ever happens!).

We start school on Monday, but that is totally our choice. I know of several families that have school year-round but only 4 days per week. We might look at that in the future.

I need to get the girls' shirt embroidered so that it is off of my plate! I'm not making new outfits for this one, but am definitely look at ones for May!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I actually have this room booked on the Fantasy for 2012, and would love to see it.

Pj

No problem. I'm hoping that the balcony is amazing (though I'm more concerned about the bathroom - to me, that's the make or break part of an accessible room).

 

[pjpoohbear]

Trisha the top verandah is your room.

Pj

 

[Cindy mike jauregui]

Wanted to meet anybody that is going to be on the oct30 sailing to mexico!!

 

[Cindy mike jauregui]

Disney wonder cruise sorry first time. And would like to join the list if any for the fish extenders gift exchange thanks