Pre-Cruise Planning Party Ideas

[AZPirate]

I haven't seen anything like this on the boards before and since I know how incredibly creative some of you are, I will throw this out there.

We are going on our second Disney Cruise next March with a couple of other families who have never been on a Disney Cruise. We are planning on having a pre-cruise get together to discuss all our plans, i.e. traveling to the port, excursions, on-board activities etc. I would like to include things to help get them as excited about the cruise as we are. That said, I was hoping to get suggestions on what to include in this party. What would you think would be fun to include in the menu? What drinks would you provide? Decorations? Basically I would like to hear any suggestions that would help get everyone in the mood for the cruise. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[AZPirate]

Okay, so maybe my original request was too broad. How about starting with what would you include on the menu at a pre-cruise planning party? I figure at the least I will make a wild stab at a chocolate souffle for dessert. I just hope that I don't mess it up so bad that everyone wants to avoid the Palo version. What other memorable dishes from DCL would be fun to try?

 

[princesskayla]

I would decorate my front door like the ship door and add a FE to the side!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Well, first, I'm not sure I would assume that they are not excited and that there is a need to get them excited. They may already be excited in their own way.

Now a few pre-cruise party ideas:

• Special drink with a "cruisy" name
• Bingo
• Pirate parting gift that they can pack on trip
• Cruise trivia
• Disney trivia
• Have a Disney movie playing in the background
• Karoake
• Wine tasting

Hope these help,
Dreams

 

[mmouse37]

Actually, this topic as been around before but not for a long while....so....I will post what I have done in the past.

We always have a pre-cruise party. I ordered Bon Voyage materials (cups, plates, napkins, banner) from www.orientaltrading.com and some other nautical decorations. Ours are usually pirate themed.

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/s...archMain&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=0

I made ship cookies

I created a pirate menu (pirate names for appetizers and drinks) and printed it on computer paper that looked liked treasure map

Had a treasure chest as a centerpice with all costume jewelry spilling from it with gold coins

Pin the funnel on the ship game (made it up with pics from the Magic).

Used the list of music to make a playlist (listed in the FAQ under "cruise music"

Disney trivia competition

Had a cookie cake made

Here are some pics....

Everyone had a great time and we went over all our details, etc.

Hope this helps some.

MJ

 

[mmouse37]

It is driving me crazy that I can't find my menu...I would have been happy to post it.

I do remember one of the items was "Walk the Plank Flank Steak" that I marinated and threw on the grill

You can find a pirate name for just about any dish you come up with!!

MJ

 

[acourtwdw]

You should serve Konk Koolers! DCL signature cocktail. I would try to make a couple of dishes from the menus.

 

[castmeaway]

We had a pre-cruise party years ago when we had a large group sailing on DCL with many first time cruisesrs. We used a tropical theme with decorations from Oriental Trading Co., food that followed the theme, a few drinks that are served on the ship, and fresh fruit and pineapple cake for dessert. Pre-party everyone picked their first and second choices for excursions and during the party we discussed excursions and everyone had at least someone else who wanted to do the same excursion. We also assigned boarding jobs; that is, assigned two people to go to guests services to sign up for tastings, two to secure Palo reservations, etc. Everyone was pumped as the party ended and looking forward to the upcoming adventure.

 

[1983disneykid]

All ears has several recipes from the ships: http://allears.net/din/rec.htm

 

[AZPirate]

Thanks everyone for all the great ideas! I really had no idea where to even start. Just thinking about planning this party has gotten me doubly excited for the actual cruise. And mmouse37, love the pictures, those cookies look amazing.

 

[com_op_2000]

Make sure the moms are really up for it. If mom aint happy no one is happy!
How about showing them your previous DCL videos. If they see what a great time you had, maybe they will see themselves having a great time. Have the kids talk with the other kids (if any), they can tell of their fun in the clubs and get the kids going.

 

[5Princesses]

Our friends had a pre-cruise party and the kids made tyed-died mickey shirts, played Disney Bingo and played Disney Trivia.