September 30, 2012 - "To San Francisco and Beyond"

[DesertGal]

No just checked again and still nothing
The suspense is killing me!

Yikes. I would be dying!!!

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[Princess Kaye]

We still haven't heard about our room either. I check every hour now since I know some people have gotten their rooms

 

[erk711]

FE update: As of today..August 08, 2012...we have:

22 cabins

43 adults

19 children:
7 boys -ages 5 (2), 8 (1), 10 (2), 12 (1) and 17 (1)
12 girls - ages 1 yr old (1), 4 (1), 7 (1), 9 (2), 10 (1), 11 (2), 12 (2), 13 (1)
and 19 (1)

Thanks for keeping us updated here and on the first post Deb!
We're getting closer

 

[erk711]

The Bracelet Brigade is doing well! We actually just started today They are simple to do and my daughters are having fun helping.
I think I will just bring them with me and everyone can pick them up at the meet on the 30th. For the adults I am going to make 7, 8 and 9 inch lengths. Please advise if you think that you will need larger than that.

Thanks!
Jodi

Sounds good Jodi. Thanks again for doing this for us.

 

[erk711]

Normally I don't workout on board (its always ben too hot) but because the weather will be so nice I may do some running outdoors and also lots of walking. Any others going to try and fit some exercise in???

I'm not into the gym so much but I do enjoy a walk or light jog around the track. My DH and I try and hit it a few times in the morning before the boys get up. The weathers not to hot then either but that won't matter with this fall cruise.

I like to go to the outdoor track first thing in the morning as I'm usually the first one up and don't want to bother anyone else in the cabin. It's also a good time to get photos

Someone also mentioned a Pub Crawl. A y more people doing this???

I brought it up a little while ago. So far I have yourself and Lise express an interest. Anyone else, let me know!

 

[Lady Boadicea]

Hi Everyone!

This is what I came up with. I hope you all like it.

Super Cute! Thanks for making that!

 

[Lady Boadicea]

It is so exciting to see our Cruise thread has grown! Welcome all! I am looking forward to our First Disney Cruise!

 

[erk711]

I've been reading a lot of different threads in the last few weeks looking for answers but still need a few more.
If any of you experienced DCL cruisers can help out that would be great, I'm all ears.

1. When checking in, are there porters outside the ship that will take your bags so you have your hands free?

2. Shutters...there are different packages available? Can we pre-buy those or are they only available on the ship? If you've used this option what do you feel are the pros and cons.

3. I see you can buy a case of water for $35?! How much do they sell for as singles? Do I want a case?

4. When do the gift shops on board open?

Thanks in advance. I eagerly await your replies.

 

[Belle1997]

Thanks!

I'm going to be very straight forward right now. If we do a designated night thing I'm not going to do it. Once the boat leaves port I'm going to be on cruise time. So expect my gifts to appear any time during the trip!

How many people are traveling to the cruise (basically not locals)? I'm trying to plan out gifts that will travel well?

We are flying Though I always make sure I have room for extras. Though we live near Toronto (Canada) we travel to buffalo to take south west. Love that we can have 2 bags each with no fee

 

[Meganyvemarie]

I've been reading a lot of different threads in the last few weeks looking for answers but still need a few more.
If any of you experienced DCL cruisers can help out that would be great, I'm all ears.

1. When checking in, are there porters outside the ship that will take your bags so you have your hands free? ::

They sure do take your bags! But remember you can't get your bags until later on that afternoon so anything you may need between check in and when your bags (ie. Swimsuit while the pools are quieter) needs to be packed in your carry on . Your bag will definitely be delivered before dinner

 

[MummyKat]

Thanks!

I'm going to be very straight forward right now. If we do a designated night thing I'm not going to do it. Once the boat leaves port I'm going to be on cruise time. So expect my gifts to appear any time during the trip!

How many people are traveling to the cruise (basically not locals)? I'm trying to plan out gifts that will travel well?

We will be driving to Minneapolis, then flying to LA for our cruise. However, I will leave "planned" space in our suitcases for extras as well.

 

[MummyKat]

Hi Everyone!

This is what I came up with. I hope you all like it.

Hollywood Glitter, I love your logo. Nice work!!

 

[LiseG]

I've been reading a lot of different threads in the last few weeks looking for answers but still need a few more.
If any of you experienced DCL cruisers can help out that would be great, I'm all ears.

1. When checking in, are there porters outside the ship that will take your bags so you have your hands free?

2. Shutters...there are different packages available? Can we pre-buy those or are they only available on the ship? If you've used this option what do you feel are the pros and cons.

3. I see you can buy a case of water for $35?! How much do they sell for as singles? Do I want a case?

4. When do the gift shops on board open?

Thanks in advance. I eagerly await your replies.

1. Porters - I'm not sure of the set up in LA.

2. Shutters - This is by far my biggest investment aboard. Love the photos. We have always bought the photo packages aboard. You can buy the package then keep switching out the photos you choose. There was also a photo pass and CD option added in 2009.

3. Water - We prefer Bahama Mamas We haven't bought any water aboard. One excursions thay gave it to us as it was VERY HOT (doubt that will be the case this cruise). Some folks we're buying special multi-paks they sold on Deck 1 as you walked off the ship. They came with a Disney goodie... waterbottle lanyard or something. I've also saw someone arrive with a case as a carry on. Soda on Deck 9 is free... good with vanilla rum (which we will carry on per Disney policy).

4. Gift Shop - never soon enough for me. Sometime after the lifeboad drill. I'll be at the door with you chanting... Open, Open, Open.

Can't wait

Lise

 

[LiseG]

I brought it up a little while ago. So far I have yourself and Lise express an interest. Anyone else, let me know!

PUB CRAWL... I will let my DH Chuck tag along too

 

[adnil530]

The Bracelet Brigade is doing well! We actually just started today They are simple to do and my daughters are having fun helping.
I think I will just bring them with me and everyone can pick them up at the meet on the 30th. For the adults I am going to make 7, 8 and 9 inch lengths. Please advise if you think that you will need larger than that.

Thanks!
Jodi

Hi Jodi,

I was meaning to sign up for the bracelets. I would need 2 of them. Like others, I am more than willing to contribute to the cost...just let me know.

FE update: As of today..August 08, 2012...we have:

22 cabins

43 adults

19 children:
7 boys -ages 5 (2), 8 (1), 10 (2), 12 (1) and 17 (1)
12 girls - ages 1 yr old (1), 4 (1), 7 (1), 9 (2), 10 (1), 11 (2), 12 (2), 13 (1)
and 19 (1)

Moving along nicely! I love doing the FE and this group looks to be very manageable.

No just checked again and still nothing
The suspense is killing me!

Gosh...I know the feeling! My daughter and I are gty for the 12/9 Panama cruise. As final payment is 8/11, I'm hoping that they will assign a few rooms and that I am one of them! It's frustrating not knowing where you are going to nest

I've been reading a lot of different threads in the last few weeks looking for answers but still need a few more.
If any of you experienced DCL cruisers can help out that would be great, I'm all ears.

3. I see you can buy a case of water for $35?! How much do they sell for as singles? Do I want a case?

Personally, if at all possible, I would stop on the way to the ship and pick up a case of water for less than $5. If you don't drink it all, leave it in your room and let the room steward enjoy (we do the same with a any unopened adult beverages that we bring).

Thanks!

I'm going to be very straight forward right now. If we do a designated night thing I'm not going to do it. Once the boat leaves port I'm going to be on cruise time. So expect my gifts to appear any time during the trip!

How many people are traveling to the cruise (basically not locals)? I'm trying to plan out gifts that will travel well?

I agree. I'd prefer not to do a designated day to deliver the FE. I like to do mine in sequence: Decks 1 & 2, then 5 & 6, and then 7 & 8. I have it all organized well before hand and have it down to a science. It takes about 1/2 hour or 15 minutes per deck. It takes this long because I make an entire rotation of the deck so that I can see all the doors that are decorated. Some of these doors are absolutely fantastic. I really enjoy it.

btw, we are driving so space is not a problem.

Someone also mentioned a Pub Crawl. A y more people doing this???

Any Bingo fans?? We spent a LOT on Bingo our last cruise. The weather wasn't very nice and we lost a port day so we played every day. We did win about $500 and some fun prizes but overall we lost $$$. It was so fun though.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We might be interested in a pub crawl. We are usually up early and to bed early. We rarely make it far past dinner. But we usually have a late dinner and we are dining early this time....leaves time for a short nap, before the nighttime activities. We usually have to set an example but since it is just the two of us.....

Another thing that is fun are the tastings. Once we see what the Pacific Coast navigators hold, perhaps we can post a tentative schedule for tastings: beer, tequila, wine, mojito..whatever they are offering. If you have not done one before, these are informative sessions with small doses of various tastings meant to be informative and are fun.


For those us who did not get Palo Brunch reservations...there is still a ray of hope! There is a private room at Palo that is used for private parties. If we get a group of people, 12-14, we can put in a request to use that room for a group brunch. We did this last April and it is a great opportunity for those who didn't get a brunch ressie to possibly get a ressie. It is also an opportunity to meet and dine with others that you would not normally get to meet. With so many new comers lately, I'm sure we will get the required numbers. Palo Brunch is a favorite meal of ours.

We have 6 that have signed on. Let me know if you would like to be added to the list. I believe that I can submit the request 30 days prior to sailing.

Alright then.....

Linda

 

[LiseG]

We will be driving to Minneapolis, then flying to LA for our cruise. However, I will leave "planned" space in our suitcases for extras as well.

One year we ended up buying another piece of luggage in the last port to get all the gifts and souvenirs home (NOT FE gifts...we didn't even know about the DIS or FE back then)
I like to pack a smaller bag and zip it into a larger one. Not sure about purchases on this cruise... no stop in Grand Cayman to buy Tortuga rum cakes. We're flying JetBlue so we get 1 bag free per person.

 

[LiseG]

We are celebrating my sons 6th birthday on October 2. He is so excited. I can't decide if I should order a cake or not. They normally aren't that great and are so big. I'm afraid it would go to waste and they are $$$

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Our DD Sabrina turned 5 aboard the Magic We had an outside stateroon with the couch/bed by the window. I decorated the wall and window with bday clings, etc. after she fell asleep so she woke to a "birthday cabin." We bought her the Cruise Minnie costume in the Magic's gift shop, and she wore it most of that day (and for halloween). Lot's of cute photos.

We swam with the dolphins in Cosumel that day. As the bday girl, she was asked to carry the excursion signs and lead the little group off the ship and along the pier. A Disney Magical Moment we won't forget.

 

[erk711]

They sure do take your bags! But remember you can't get your bags until later on that afternoon so anything you may need between check in and when your bags (ie. Swimsuit while the pools are quieter) needs to be packed in your carry on . Your bag will definitely be delivered before dinner

Thanks....and a good suggestion for a carry on!

4. Gift Shop - never soon enough for me. Sometime after the lifeboad drill. I'll be at the door with you chanting... Open, Open, Open

Always laugh at that commercial

PUB CRAWL... I will let my DH Chuck tag along too

Well....I thought that was a given you cheeky....

Personally, if at all possible, I would stop on the way to the ship and pick up a case of water for less than $5. If you don't drink it all, leave it in your room and let the room steward enjoy (we do the same with a any unopened adult beverages that we bring).

We might be interested in a pub crawl. Another thing that is fun are the tastings. Once we see what the Pacific Coast navigators hold, perhaps we can post a tentative schedule for tastings: beer, tequila, wine, mojito..whatever they are offering. If you have not done one before, these are informative sessions with small doses of various tastings meant to be informative and are fun.


For those us who did not get Palo Brunch reservations...there is still a ray of hope! There is a private room at Palo that is used for private parties. If we get a group of people, 12-14, we can put in a request to use that room for a group brunch. We did this last April and it is a great opportunity for those who didn't get a brunch ressie to possibly get a ressie. It is also an opportunity to meet and dine with others that you would not normally get to meet. With so many new comers lately, I'm sure we will get the required numbers. Palo Brunch is a favorite meal of ours.

We have 6 that have signed on. Let me know if you would like to be added to the list. I believe that I can submit the request 30 days prior to sailing.

Good idea on the water. I should be able to find something between the hotel and the ship that morning.

I'll put you down as a maybe for the pub crawl. It might be a good idea to combine it with the tastings. We'll see how that works out timing wise.

See us doing the dance for more people to join the Palo brunch group....pretty please

 

[LiseG]

HI everyone. This will be our very first cruise. We are coming over from Australia, with the kids (age 3,4,8) and the Grandparents. Looking forward to learning a few insider tricks, looks like there are certainly some seasoned travellers among you. Don't give away all the surprises though

I have a little trick for you. For the girls, rather than buying fancy dresses for the cruise, pick up princess costumes. I hid them in my luggage and gave them to DD Sabrina one at a time when it was time to dress for dinner. Sometimes if we spotted a princess signing autographs we'd run to the cabin and do a quick change to match (cute photos). I'm not sure how many princesses we'll have on a Pixar Cruise... I bet there will be some.

One thing I always loved about fall cruises is there are lots of costume options available everywhere. There's a Wal-Mart (giant discount store) very close to Disneyland (3.7 mi). There are also 2 K-Marts, both are just 2 miles from the park. If you'd rather shop near the ship, there are also a Kmart and a Wal-Mart not far from the cruise terminal (7 mi N, 7 mi NE).

It's amazing how a little girl dressed up as a princess acts like a little princess at the dinner table.

And I conversely have the photos to prove what happens when you dress a DD as a Pirate for dinner

 

[LiseG]

Good idea on the water. I should be able to find something between the hotel and the ship that morning.

I don't remember if you said... are you driving down or getting a car before the cruise?

If you're staying at the San Pedro Inn & Suites there's a Rite-Aid on Gaffy en route to the ship.

As I mentioned in my costume post above, there are two major discount stores not far from the cruise terminal... Kmart (7 mi N, Harbor City) and Wal-Mart (7 mi NE, Long Beach).

We'll be stopping at one of these to get our rum and mybe some Kahlua.