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

[stitchlovestink]

My post was in NO WAY trying to imply anything negative towards Mike & Holly. Thank you very much for organizing our FE. I'm sure it takes a LOT of time and effort that is clearly unrewarded. You did a Fabulous job!! Our cruise thread and FE was incredibly long so if people posted that they were only giving to kids, I missed it. I guess the only suggestion would be like previously suggested maybe adding that info to the FE by a separate column or color.

I wasn't trying to sound ungrateful in my post. I truly wasn't. But was just trying to express that the original point of the FE wasn't just about kids. I think Happytime hit the nail square on the head when she stated that "most" kids aren't interested in them as they are just to busy with all the other kid activities. I just felt VERY BAD for those who gave such wonderful creative gifts and weren't given 'anything' from another cabin in return. It was just very thoughtless. That was my point. I guess when I join FE in the future I will ask the organizer to set some guidelines up front so that everyone has an idea of the expectations. Maybe this will help alleviate this from happening again, I don't know? I just think everybody needs to know the expectations (which doesn't include a handmade gift) but you shouldn't allow people to give to you if you have no intention on reciprocating.

 

[missusa82]

This was our first FE exchange and we loved it! The kids loved coming back to our room to see if they had goodies in their FE's. The first thing they did when they got up in the morning was check their FE!

I was one of those that made a handmade bookmark. I was limited in supplies, money, and time so I only got 70 done. All handmade...for the kids we did a bag of candy with a pumpkin frame to fill in with their favorite photo. Only in about 80% of the bags got a mini pumpkin frame b/c of time and money.

I will definitely participate in FE exchange again!

 

[stitchlovestink]

This was our first FE exchange and we loved it! The kids loved coming back to our room to see if they had goodies in their FE's. The first thing they did when they got up in the morning was check their FE!

I was one of those that made a handmade bookmark. I was limited in supplies, money, and time so I only got 70 done. All handmade...for the kids we did a bag of candy with a pumpkin frame to fill in with their favorite photo. Only in about 80% of the bags b/c of time and money.

I will definitely participate in FE exchange again!

And that was the Intention of the FE exchange was for the FAMILY to enjoy it. I am so glad it was a positive experience for you and that your kids loved it! it's not intended to break anyone's bank acct, that's for sure!! It's supposed to be fun and stress free, but thoughtful! Were you're bookmarks laminated w/ silver beads on them? They were very nicely done. I remember seeing the little pumpkin frame. It's cute!
I plan on participating in future FE's too. But I guess I'll be asking with the larger ones in the future if people are planning on children only. I spent a good bit of time making my gifts(not as much time as some other Disers though!). I hope those who received them enjoy them.

 

[missusa82]

And that was the Intention of the FE exchange was for the FAMILY to enjoy it. I am so glad it was a positive experience for you and that your kids loved it! it's not intended to break anyone's bank acct, that's for sure!! It's supposed to be fun and stress free, but thoughtful! Were you're bookmarks laminated w/ silver beads on them? They were very nicely done. I remember seeing the little pumpkin frame. It's cute!
I plan on participating in future FE's too. But I guess I'll be asking with the larger ones in the future if people are planning on children only. I spent a good bit of time making my gifts(not as much time as some other Disers though!). I hope those who received them enjoy them.

Yup those were from us!

 

[annrae]

We are settled in again after a great cruise on the Dream - Oct. 30 - Nov. 3.
The Dream is a beautiful ship.

We would like to thank all of you who contributed to our Fish Extender - the gifts were so very nice and we are enjoying our CD and our picture frame plus all the other thoughtful and lovely gifts we received. I realize that a lot of work and creativeness was put into them.

We did not make it to the meet but I think I recognized a few of you around the ship.

Have a good week. Thanks again.

Barbara

 

[ppartekim]

And that was the Intention of the FE exchange was for the FAMILY to enjoy it. I am so glad it was a positive experience for you and that your kids loved it! it's not intended to break anyone's bank acct, that's for sure!! It's supposed to be fun and stress free, but thoughtful! Were you're bookmarks laminated w/ silver beads on them? They were very nicely done. I remember seeing the little pumpkin frame. It's cute!
I plan on participating in future FE's too. But I guess I'll be asking with the larger ones in the future if people are planning on children only. I spent a good bit of time making my gifts(not as much time as some other Disers though!). I hope those who received them enjoy them.

I am again heading up the FE list for the Oct 14-28 2012 14day Hawaiian cruise, and based on this one, I will definitely be adding a check for (kids only) on the FE list somehow. But since it is a long cruise during Oct, I suspect there won't be that many kids. So far we have 22 cabins (46 adults and only 8 kids). But we are still 11 mos out.

I am just hoping there will be Halloween again on the cruise. I am adding some glowing (on..off..on) eyes to my reaper outfit for extra fun...

Yup those were from us!

Love the Bookmarks. Holly will definitely be using them in her cookbooks (she reads them like novels)...

 

[AmandaRG]

I am again heading up the FE list for the Oct 14-28 2012 14day Hawaiian cruise, and based on this one, I will definitely be adding a check for (kids only) on the FE list somehow. But since it is a long cruise during Oct, I suspect there won't be that many kids. So far we have 22 cabins (46 adults and only 8 kids). But we are still 11 mos out.

I am just hoping there will be Halloween again on the cruise. I am adding some glowing (on..off..on) eyes to my reaper outfit for extra fun...



Love the Bookmarks. Holly will definitely be using them in her cookbooks (she reads them like novels)...

Mike, you did an awesome job with the list!

We gave a cabin gift as well as kid gifts, I had hoped to make something a bit extra for those with no kids, but time was not my friend this go-round! Happytime, it was a frame, but would have paled in comparison to yours! I was just looking at it again this morning, marveling at how beautiful it is!

 

[happytime]

Mike, you did an awesome job with the list!

We gave a cabin gift as well as kid gifts, I had hoped to make something a bit extra for those with no kids, but time was not my friend this go-round! Happytime, it was a frame, but would have paled in comparison to yours! I was just looking at it again this morning, marveling at how beautiful it is!

Thank you Amanda. I'm very happy you like the frame.

To everyone:
I think I'm overwhelmed with how many really liked my gift. When I saw a similar design on the Homemade FE Gift thread, I knew immediately I wanted to replicate it, and instead of the exact same design as what was featured, I'd put the ship's colors in its place. I found a dream stamp and had the mickey/minnie plus the hands stamps, so voila, there it was. My idea to place the itinerary on the back was so one could have a visual of where we had traveled.

I also figured that many people had done this design before and mine wouldn't be very original. Thanks once again for all the positive feedback. It's very encouraging.

 

[missusa82]

So my hubby has been bugging me to made a version of Palo's souffle from our cruise. I gave it a try and OMG! AMAZING!!!! Everyone needs to try this recipe! Follow it step by step and you can't go wrong!

Chocolate Souffle
Palo Disney Cruise Line

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

3 TB butter, plus more for greasing the souffle cups
6 TB sugar, plus more for dusting the souffle cups
1 cup milk
3 TB all-purpose flour
3 TB Dutch-processed cocoa
2 oz. (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted
4 eggs, separated

Method

1. Preheat over to 350ºF. Set a full kettle of water on to boil.

2. Butter six 4-oz. souffle cups and coat with sugar; set aside.

3. Bring milk to boil in small saucepan. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cocoa to the butter and beat with a whisk until it has a smooth, paste-like consistency. Reduce heat and cook for one minute.

4. Slowly add hot milk, whisking until smooth, then blend in melted chocolate. Let cool for five minutes, then stir in egg yolks.

5. Beat egg whites in separate bowl until frothy. Slowly add sugar, 1 TB at a time until glossy peaks form. Stir a heaping spoonful of egg whites into the chocolate, then fold in the remaining whites just until combined.

6. Pour the batter into prepared cups. Place cups in large baking dish and add enough boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the souffle cups.

7. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately with warm vanilla sauce.

Vanilla Sauce

1. Bring 1 1/4 cups heavy cream and 1/4 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) to a low boil in saucepan over medium heat.

2. Combine 3 TB sugar and 2 small egg yolks.

3. Add 2 spoonfuls of boiling cream to egg mixture and stir well, then pour back into the remaining cream and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Strain if needed to get rid of any clumps and serve!

Make sure you make a ditch/hole in the middle of the souffle and pour the cream sauce in the hole....yummmm!!!

 

[BealsRwe]

So my hubby has been bugging me to made a version of Palo's souffle from our cruise. I gave it a try and OMG! AMAZING!!!! Everyone needs to try this recipe! Follow it step by step and you can't go wrong!

Chocolate Souffle
Palo Disney Cruise Line

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

3 TB butter, plus more for greasing the souffle cups
6 TB sugar, plus more for dusting the souffle cups
1 cup milk
3 TB all-purpose flour
3 TB Dutch-processed cocoa
2 oz. (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted
4 eggs, separated

Method

1. Preheat over to 350ºF. Set a full kettle of water on to boil.

2. Butter six 4-oz. souffle cups and coat with sugar; set aside.

3. Bring milk to boil in small saucepan. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cocoa to the butter and beat with a whisk until it has a smooth, paste-like consistency. Reduce heat and cook for one minute.

4. Slowly add hot milk, whisking until smooth, then blend in melted chocolate. Let cool for five minutes, then stir in egg yolks.

5. Beat egg whites in separate bowl until frothy. Slowly add sugar, 1 TB at a time until glossy peaks form. Stir a heaping spoonful of egg whites into the chocolate, then fold in the remaining whites just until combined.

6. Pour the batter into prepared cups. Place cups in large baking dish and add enough boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the souffle cups.

7. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately with warm vanilla sauce.

Vanilla Sauce

1. Bring 1 1/4 cups heavy cream and 1/4 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) to a low boil in saucepan over medium heat.

2. Combine 3 TB sugar and 2 small egg yolks.

3. Add 2 spoonfuls of boiling cream to egg mixture and stir well, then pour back into the remaining cream and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Strain if needed to get rid of any clumps and serve!

Make sure you make a ditch/hole in the middle of the souffle and pour the cream sauce in the hole....yummmm!!!

I will be trying...may be for Christmas Thanks for posting. That's one of my favorite things about Palo!

Stephanie

 

[missusa82]

Just took our dummie date and moved it to a March 2013 western caribbean Fantasy Cruise!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[BealsRwe]

Just took our dummie date and moved it to a March 2013 western caribbean Fantasy Cruise!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!

Yay! I have never booked that far out. What a countdown you have. I am spoiled living in FL and working for the Mouse! We usually book close to sail date, and take advantage of cast price on sailings, or often FL resident discounts. The Halloween Dream cruise we actually booked almost a year ahead of time, thinking no cast rates for the Dream during the 1st year. I loved planning and counting down...can't believe we have been back nearly 2 weeks already! Time flew faster than I thought it would.

 

[BealsRwe]

I need another cruise! As many of you know, both of my parents passed away last year. Sunday, I found out my Grandma Alice passed away (Dad's mom). She was 94, but yet another loss. I won't be in Omaha tomorrow and Friday for the services. In-laws are on a cruise, and couldn't take Kayla out of school again so quickly. Plus $750+pp to fly last minute, with no direct flights. My heart aches and wishes I could be there. Is it sad that I am eyeing the cast DCL rates for Dec 1st for a 3 night escape???? I emailed hubby's boss, and got him the extra day off without him knowing. I just want to be on deck with a drink of the day watching my cares sail away!

 

[ppartekim]

I need another cruise! As many of you know, both of my parents passed away last year. Sunday, I found out my Grandma Alice passed away (Dad's mom). She was 94, but yet another loss. I won't be in Omaha tomorrow and Friday for the services. In-laws are on a cruise, and couldn't take Kayla out of school again so quickly. Plus $750+pp to fly last minute, with no direct flights. My heart aches and wishes I could be there. Is it sad that I am eyeing the cast DCL rates for Dec 1st for a 3 night escape???? I emailed hubby's boss, and got him the extra day off without him knowing. I just want to be on deck with a drink of the day watching my cares sail away!

Omaha?.. I know that town.. spent 21 years growing up there.. Joined the AF to see the world and where did they send me, Offutt AFB.. hahahhaha..

You make me jealous, I wish we could just take a 3day cruise.. We would be platinum platinum if we could.

I'll be happy when the Wonder is on this side of the coast permanently, there maybe more chances for quick trips (even tho, LA is still a 5 hour drive away).

 

[happytime]

Omaha?.. I know that town.. spent 21 years growing up there.. Joined the AF to see the world and where did they send me, Offutt AFB.. hahahhaha..

You make me jealous, I wish we could just take a 3day cruise.. We would be platinum platinum if we could.

I'll be happy when the Wonder is on this side of the coast permanently, there maybe more chances for quick trips (even tho, LA is still a 5 hour drive away).

Better 5 hours than 19...lol Our nearest port is New Orleans, which is a minimum 10-12 hours away. 19 hours to Cape Canaveral.

I'm bummed, too. I want a do-over for our cruise so I can actually SEE the ship this next time. All I really saw was the sleeping deck corridors, my room, the main lobby. When I was up at Cabanas, I was usually seated right away so I didn't get a chance to even peruse the buffet choices. Kookos to my hubby...he did the best he could under the circumstances. LOL

Right now I could really enjoy some sun and fun.

I fell the other night and injured my left foot (a severe sprain, which they booted). Now both my feet are covered in something--a walking boot on the left, a pink cast on the right. Dare I say, I look ridiculous. LOL

 

[BealsRwe]

Better 5 hours than 19...lol Our nearest port is New Orleans, which is a minimum 10-12 hours away. 19 hours to Cape Canaveral.

I'm bummed, too. I want a do-over for our cruise so I can actually SEE the ship this next time. All I really saw was the sleeping deck corridors, my room, the main lobby. When I was up at Cabanas, I was usually seated right away so I didn't get a chance to even peruse the buffet choices. Kookos to my hubby...he did the best he could under the circumstances. LOL

Right now I could really enjoy some sun and fun.

I fell the other night and injured my left foot (a severe sprain, which they booted). Now both my feet are covered in something--a walking boot on the left, a pink cast on the right. Dare I say, I look ridiculous. LOL

Sorry to hear about your other foot. Hopefully they will both be all healed very quick!

With losing my grandmother, and wanting more days on the ship, I think we may be on again real soon! The Dream is starting to have cast member rates, as well as the last minute gty ones. I am lurking on the Dec 1 meet page, and they have less than 20 pages! If I end up booking, I will let you know. I know I am spoiled living so very close to the port and working for Mickey (who is 83 today!). I am missing my family today as they bury and say good-bye to my Grandma Alice. It's sad the flight would have cost me over $750 for a 3 day last minute trip...a cruise on the Dream for 3 of us is just over that....

 

[happytime]

Sorry to hear about your other foot. Hopefully they will both be all healed very quick!

With losing my grandmother, and wanting more days on the ship, I think we may be on again real soon! The Dream is starting to have cast member rates, as well as the last minute gty ones. I am lurking on the Dec 1 meet page, and they have less than 20 pages! If I end up booking, I will let you know. I know I am spoiled living so very close to the port and working for Mickey (who is 83 today!). I am missing my family today as they bury and say good-bye to my Grandma Alice. It's sad the flight would have cost me over $750 for a 3 day last minute trip...a cruise on the Dream for 3 of us is just over that....

Our thoughts are with you today, Stephanie. I know when I lost my grandma, I felt such a terrible sense of loss. But as the years have gone by, I still remember fondly all she did and said and now it brings joy to my heart.

Yes, it's wonderful to be living so close to the port AND to be working for Disney. When we lived in Titusville, the port didn't have a whole lot of ships in/out like today, but we did take our first cruise on Premier Cruise Lines (later known as the Big Red Boat) AND our cruise had Disney characters on it, though Disney wasn't in the cruise business per se. This was in the late 1980s and it was only a 3 day cruise at the time. Yet it was enough to hook my hubby and I to the cruising vacations for sure.

We've given thought to retiring back to Florida with the thought we'd work for Disney somehow part-part time, if that could be possible. LOL

Thanks for posting. I hope you can take that Dec 1 trip. We'll be thinking of you, if you do.

 

[missusa82]

Yay! I have never booked that far out. What a countdown you have. I am spoiled living in FL and working for the Mouse! We usually book close to sail date, and take advantage of cast price on sailings, or often FL resident discounts. The Halloween Dream cruise we actually booked almost a year ahead of time, thinking no cast rates for the Dream during the 1st year. I loved planning and counting down...can't believe we have been back nearly 2 weeks already! Time flew faster than I thought it would.

We are buy season passes to WDW for 2012 for 5 of us and trying to pay of the fantasy cruise so the farther the cruise, the smaller payments I have to make. Not easy trying to show the world to my 3 children on a budget but we're doin it slowly but surely! We live in East Orlando about an hour from WDW and I've considered working part-time just for the cast perks...we'll see!

 

[JLSE50]

Thank you Amanda. I'm very happy you like the frame.

To everyone:
I think I'm overwhelmed with how many really liked my gift. When I saw a similar design on the Homemade FE Gift thread, I knew immediately I wanted to replicate it, and instead of the exact same design as what was featured, I'd put the ship's colors in its place. I found a dream stamp and had the mickey/minnie plus the hands stamps, so voila, there it was. My idea to place the itinerary on the back was so one could have a visual of where we had traveled.

I also figured that many people had done this design before and mine wouldn't be very original. Thanks once again for all the positive feedback. It's very encouraging.

I would love to see a picture of this! And did someone make marble magnets with the ship's picture on them or was that on another thread ?


We do not do FE due to time limitations before the cruise and space limitations after (we downsized from a 2 story 4 bedroom house to a small condo and still have things in storage so try not to collect anything as even the storage is too full.)

But I love seeing what people made

Thanks!!


We had a great time with our kids. Spent most of our time in Nemo's Reef taking pictures of our DGD (is that a real abbreviation for Disney GrandDaughter)?

Jan

 

[JLSE50]

I need another cruise! As many of you know, both of my parents passed away last year. Sunday, I found out my Grandma Alice passed away (Dad's mom). She was 94, but yet another loss. I won't be in Omaha tomorrow and Friday for the services. In-laws are on a cruise, and couldn't take Kayla out of school again so quickly. Plus $750+pp to fly last minute, with no direct flights. My heart aches and wishes I could be there. Is it sad that I am eyeing the cast DCL rates for Dec 1st for a 3 night escape???? I emailed hubby's boss, and got him the extra day off without him knowing. I just want to be on deck with a drink of the day watching my cares sail away!

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS