September 30, 2012 Dream vacation

[hamm1207]

I did not know that the check in window opened later. I did notice Sunday that we could check in, but we have not done it yet (that's my husbands job for today).

I don't think we have ever been down to Arawak Cay, but it sounds like something to explore.

Only 3 months and 3 days!!

 

[mamiof2]

how are u guys all able to check-in already? when i called reservations last, they told me July 2. Are u guys Gold Castaway? This is our third cruise, so what does that make us? Silver? Is that why u can check in so early??

 

[hamm1207]

We are Gold Castaway. This will be my 6th (first gold) and my husband's 7th (2nd gold cruise) cruises. Yeppers, you are silver castaway club members. Online check in and port adventure/spa/etc booking begins at different times depending on castaway level--Platinum can check in and book adventures earliest, then gold, then silver, then new cruisers.

There were still lots of wonderful excursions, spa treatments, and even Palo available!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Very cool! Looking forward to it and I think we're going to run in costume. You going to do the Castaway 5K?

Absolutely! Need another t-shirt.... I registered for the Tinker bell 1/2 last week, as well!

 

[WinstonC]

how are u guys all able to check-in already? when i called reservations last, they told me July 2. Are u guys Gold Castaway? This is our third cruise, so what does that make us? Silver? Is that why u can check in so early??

Platinum members and Concierge guests can check-in and reserve adult dining, spa treatments, Port Adventures, etc. at 120 days prior to sailing; Gold at 105 days; Silver at 90 days; everyone else at 75 days. If my math is correct, today marks 100 days - double digits tomorrow!

 

[hamm1207]

About 90 days to go!!!! Who else is ready for vacation?

 

[Rather Be At WDW]

I got all freaked out there for a minute because I thought I missed the 90 day mark! Then I realized that you have another cruise before "ours"!

Adrenaline pumping now!

And YES - I'm ready for vacation.

 

[hamm1207]

Sorry! About 96 days to go!! Can't we just "round down" and make it 90...then it would get here quicker!

 

[WinstonC]

Almost time (this weekend, right?) for Silver Castaway Club folks to reserve dining, Port Adventures, spa treatments, etc!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Almost time (this weekend, right?) for Silver Castaway Club folks to reserve dining, Port Adventures, spa treatments, etc!

I made the final payment last night in anticipation!

 

[Rather Be At WDW]

Almost time (this weekend, right?) for Silver Castaway Club folks to reserve dining, Port Adventures, spa treatments, etc!

Thanks for the reminder! Sunday night/Monday morning, right?

 

[hamm1207]

Come on cruise!!!

I've got some ideas planned for FE gifts, I just hope they'll turn out okay!

Also, if anyone is interested in having lanyards made, the total price will be $174 for 100 lanyards. If I have enought people interested, I'll go ahead with the plan!

 

[JustACruisin]

Hi Everyone!

This will be my first Disney Cruise, the first cruise for my 6year old, and my mother in law.

I am curious, and I apologize for my ignorance...what is the FE? Ive read about it (after reading this forum), but can someone just tell me in their own words?

 

[hamm1207]

Welcome to the cruise!! I will add you and your family to our roll call list, stating who is cruising with us.

A FE is a hanging set of pockets that hangs on the fish beside your stateroom door. It is a placefor disboarders to deliver special gifts throughout the cruise. Not all disboarders participate in the gift exchange, but it is a way to make the cruise a little more special. Those choosing to participate will make or purchase gifts for others participating (either per person or stateroom, it is up to you), and it is also up to you whether or not you decide to put your name (or disboards name) on the gifts. The FE is one of my favorite parts of the cruise because it's always fun to come back to the stateroom and see the wonderful gifts people have left for you.

Please feel free to ask any questions that you have!

I was out finishing the birthday shopping for Clint and I decided to stop by Build A Bear. I ended up purchasing a pirate outfit (including hat) and a cruise outfit for Walt. Walt is my traveling bear that I made at the DTD Build a Bear in CA, and he has Mickey ears all over him. Walt is now ready for his third cruise, and this time he will be ready for anything (almost). I almost bout him a tux for formal night and Cars PJs... As the lady in the store said, "it's cheaper than Zales or Coach!"

 

[JustACruisin]

Perfect, thank you so much!!

If its ok for "newbie" Disney Cruiser's to participate, then yes!! I would love for us to!

Our party in room 6668 will include:
Michelle (myself)
Alex (6 year old son-- who will be turning 7 on the cruise on the 4th)
Donna (Alex's grandma)

We are excited!

The day we booked the cruise, I created a "Captain's Countdown"..we are 92 days til we sail everyone!

 

[hamm1207]

Welcome again!

Thanks or the info! I will add it to the roll call list (as soon as I can steal the computer from my husband-I'm on the ipad). You are more than welcome to join the FE gift giving fun! There are many different styles of FE, and keep in mind tht they do not need to be fancy. There are some on ebay, or if you look through the FE threads there are people who will customize one for you, or you can use a bag, etc.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Seems a bit too good to be true...the website hasn't crashed, I got email confirmations about everything...!!!!

Now we just have to wait 90 more days.

 

[hamm1207]

Seems a bit too good to be true...the website hasn't crashed, I got email confirmations about everything...!!!!

Now we just have to wait 90 more days.

Wahoooooooooooooooo!! What excursions did you sign up for?

 

[betsy918]

Hi All! My DD (8) and I just made a last minute decision to change our California Coastal on the Wonder to a b2b on the Dream for this week. These will be our fourth and 5th cruises. We've done the Wonder twice to Mexico and the Magic this summer out of NY to the Bahamas. We loved CC and Nasssau so much we decided a b2b where we got to experience both twice in one week to be more exciting than the Coastal initerary, as we already live in California and can drive to San Francisco in just over an hour. It seemd silly to cruise there to spend 2 days, so we just changed this morning in time to book adult dining, etc.

For those wanting to do Nassau on there own, we did it in June. I highly recommend the Sheraton. It's an easy taxi or public bus ride away from the ship, and for $25 per adult and 12.50 per child you get full use of the beach and pools. It was gorgeous, and we found it every bit as enjoyable as Castaway Cay, and cost much less than the Nassau port adventures. We can't wait to go back.

We won't be joining the FE this time as we just can't give up the luggage space, but would love to be part of any meet and greets. Anyone else doing a back 2back with the Oct. 4th cruise?
Regards,
Betsy and Mary-Grace (8)

 

[MinnieDiva]

Wahoooooooooooooooo!! What excursions did you sign up for?

The only excursion per se was reserving the floats, snorkeling, bikes, and sting ray combo. I wanted (and got) Remy dinner, Palo brunch, and a couple choice spa treatment!! Woot! I was amazed at all the availability! The 2 previous cruises I've been on were sold out....