09/18/11 - DVCers Take Over the Dream (S.S. Member Cruise 2011) - Thread #5

[disrailfan]

WELCOME FELLOW S.S. MEMBERS CRUISERS!
DVC IS TAKING OVER THE DREAM​

Getting to know all of you DISers before the cruise helps make the cruise more enjoyable.

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Summary of What’s Goin’ On with DISboards Group (everything is optional and may require pre-arrangement)

DISboards SSMC discussion (first page has excellent information) (organized by disrailfan) Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 6

Pirate & Elizabeth Swan Competition (for posts ending in 00 and 99) (Prize for most of each presented by W@LL-E & scored by BigDogHU75)

Website group (see Galley area for members & their photos) (hosted by disrailfan) 2011 Members Cruise Website

Facebook group (hosted by calypso726) 2011 Members Cruise Facebook

Pre & Post Cruise stays (typically at WDW and Cocoa Beach) (List maintained by Carmouse10 ) Instructions

Informal Pre and Post Cruise Meetings/Gatherings/Dinners can be planned from this list, typically by arrangements made here on DISboards

DisBoard Meet & Greet (onboard, Embarkation Day, tenatively 3 pm in Bon Voyage at the Grand Atrium, Deck 3 Midship ) (organized by Hoosier John )

Gift Exchange group (called Fish Extender, or FE; deadline for signup around July) (organized by Luckymomoftwo) Instructions

Dream Stateroom Tour and Poker Run (instructions at onboard meet, tba) (organized by Hoosier John)

Sunrise Coffee Club (informal gathering, Cove Café, Deck 11 Forward) (hosted by susieq55)

Food & Wine Club (informal gathering after late shows, exc Pirate Nite, Quiet Cove Pool) (org by Mantle1509 , email Mick DVCDreamWineClub@gmail.com)

Linked Dining Reservations (late dining only, one large block of tables, pre-arranged) (organized by Luckymomoftwo) Instructions

Palo Brunch Reservations (extra cost; pre-arranged) (reserved by Mrs. Happycamper and organized by Luckymomoftwo) Instructions

Parrothead Gathering at Castaway Cay (informal gathering) (organized by friends with mickey )
Official Cruise Shark Bait – calypso726. : Official Cruise Shark Antagonizer – dvc_deernut : Official Cruise Shark Rescuer – Carmouse10.

Back to Back (B2B) Cruises (list of those cruising just prior or after the SSMC) (List maintained by Mrs. Happycamper)

B2B Linked Dining List (prior cruise only) (organized by Luckymomoftwo)

B2B Gift Exchange (aka FE) (prior cruise only) (organized by Luckymomoftwo)

Illuminations Pontoon Boat Cruise at EPCOT (extra cost, filling boats of 10 people for the night of Sept 22nd) (organized by clayfolks)

.................... 99% certain I have all the latest information correct, except as noted
.................... = Inaugural Event/Service for the SSMCs
.................... Red = Change from last posting
.................... Orange = Older change(s)

Thank you very much to those above who work extra to make our cruise experience more enjoyable!!!
Please let me know if I should add/subtract your name or other details. Thanks

Thanks to HoosierJohn for compiling the list above.
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LOGO

As some of you may have already noticed, there is a 2011 DVC Cruise logo. To put the logo in your signature:

Copy the following link: (Right Click on the image and click copy)

Go to User CP
Select Edit Signature
Paste the link in the box where you want it to be in your signature.
Preview your signature (if you want).
Select save signature
Viola! You are done.
IF you are just joining us here is the links to previous threads:

Thread #1 : http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2568122
Thread #2 : http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2574177
Thread #3 : http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2582792
Thread #4 : http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2603586


OUR WEBSITE & FACEBOOK GROUP
We have our very own website where we can submit photos and cruise information to help us to get to know one another. So, please stop by to view our 2011 Members Cruise Website. Of course, it is not the official one. This website was specifically designed for us DISers. If you would like to be included in the gallery on the website, please send the following info to:

member2011@hutsellhobbies.com
•Dis name of anyone in your party that has one.(We want at least one person from each group to be an active Dis member)
•Real names of eveyone in your party and relationship(husband, wife, daughter, etc..)
•Cabin number (optional)
•Birthdays of everyone in your party (so we can celebrate on the thread)
•Anniversary date (so we can celebrate on the thread)
•Year you bought into DVC and where you own
•Early/late dining seating
•Show seating time (new for the Dream)
•Button? yes or no (specify who is getting one) This is in case we get someone to make buttons
•Photo (.jpg or .gif please so we can get to 'meet' you and your family)(optional)

FACEBOOK

SS Member Cruise Facebook Group

Here is the link to the 2010 Member Cruise Group on Facebook: 2010 Disney Vacation Club Members Cruise Group.

STATEROOM ASSIGNMENTS
If you are not on the list please either send me a PM or send an email to member2011@hutsellhobbies.com


DECK 1

DECK 2

TheGeddings - 2006

DECK 5

SMJJ - 5030

DECK 6

Havana - 6046
FaithTrustnPixieDust - 6074
SteamBoat209 - 6076
GoofTroop716 - 6088
DisneyIsHome - 6156
gdulaney and xabearx (Ginny and Andy Dulaney) - 6170
LuckyMomOfTwo / SteamBoatWillyNilly - 6650
Calypso726 / W@LL-E - 6678

DECK 7

RevRuss - 7110
TIGGERmetoo - 7124
ncmom2Four - 7531
DisRailFan / MouseFan64 - 7536

DECK 8

CarolAnnC - Deck 8
Smilis - 8066
dlwharp - 8180
DVC Deernut - 8532
DizDragonFly - 8568
Truffle - 8656

DECK 9

Hoosier John / laradenise - 9020
FriendOfPluto - 9086
Bearpele - 9098
MikeNY - 9114
MEAGON2222 - 9530
Lilliansmommy - 9560
S_Quennbee2002 - 9587
gdoll - 9598

DECK 10

beeadude - 10096
Friends of Mickey - 10502
Time2go2Disney / Time4DisneyNow - 10552
Tis2bear - 10638
JOHNHORAZ - 10644

DECK 11

DECK 12

mlholster - 12516

Pre & Post Cruise Stays
Before Cruise

DisRailFan / MouseFan64 - Disney Dream 7536 - B2B Cruise (3 Day)

After Cruise



FISH EXTENDER EXCHANGE SIGN UP:
Thanks to LuckyMomofTwo for taking care of the Fish Extender Exchange.

Send an Email to SSMemberCruise2011@Yahoo.com
Please list the following:

1. Your DISboard name.
2. Stateroom Number
3. Names, ages and gender of everyone in your stateroom that will be participating in the FE Exchange.

Once I receive your email, I will send out a list of participants. PLEASE check the list to make sure I have your information correct. Some people make personalized things with names on them and I'd hate to spell someone's name wrong and not know it. Or I'd really feel awful if I have your stateroom number wrong and you don't get any FE gifts at all! So, please double check my list when I send it. THANKS!!

This will only be my THIRD FE Exchange. There are always questions such as "Is there a price minimum or maximum?" "Do we give one gift for each stateroom or one gift per person in each stateroom?" "Do we give a gift each night or just one night?"

SO, my answer to all of you is this: It's entirely up to you. If you guys want to set some minimum/maximum amounts, per stateroom or per person gift, that's entirely up to all of you. I think everyone just does what they're comfortable with and everyone is always happy to receive gifts no matter how big or small! (Am I right?) Also, in my opinion, homemade gifts are the best!

One last note: IF we find out that there will NOT be FISHIES outside our stateroom door, I suppose we'll change the name of the "extender exchange" to whatever it is.
Participating in the Fish Extender Exchange is completely optional. Feel free to do or spend whatever you're comfortable with. As for the Fish Extender itself, some people buy them, others want to make theirs, whatever you choose is fine. The same rule applies to the "goodies"! You can buy or make them!

What is a fish extender exchange?

If you're not familiar with what a fish extender exchange is, check out these links:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639

DIS MEET
DIS Meet - Sailing Day:

Ok starting to get some details on where we can meet onboard. These are the three venues that according to DCL do not have anything planned during boarding: District Lounge or Skyline Lounge or 687 Lounge These all appear to be about as large as the Promenade Lounge was on the Wonder.

Meeting time will be at 3:00 PM so that we can get through everything planned and get to our rooms for the 4:00 Muster Drill.


The Elizabeth Swan & Pirate Game
On the 2008 Member cruise thread Gary (OKWMember) came up with the pirate game where each 100th post got a pirate (). To add more fun, each 99th post got an Elizabeth Swan bride. This game was played in the 2009 Member Cruise thread and was so much fun. It really got people chatting. When will you get an or a ?

Every 99th post = 1 ES bride
Every 499th post = 2 ES
Every 999th post = 3 ES

Every 100th post = 1 Pirate ()
Every 500th post = 2 Pirates
Every 1000th post = 3 Pirates

We'll have a prize for the DISer with the most pirates and the most swans at the onboard DIS meet.

PORT CAMERAS
Some people like to view the Disney ships leave port. As the time was getting closer to our sail away date last year, some posters in the '09 thread would log on every Sunday to watch the Disney Wonder sail away. So, if anyone is interested in watching the Wonder or Magic sail away, here are the port cameras:

Port Canaveral Webcam
Two Palms Webcam
Ron Jon Resort Webcam
Cocoa Beach - Port Canaveral Webcam
Raddison's Webcam

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Passports - do I need one?
Having a passport is ideal. However, a birth certificate with a valid photo ID will be permissible.

From DCL website:
Passport Information

Guests are responsible for obtaining proper documentation to board the ship. U.S. Government passport requirements continue to change; therefore, we strongly encourage Guests of all ages to have a valid U.S. passport for all cruises. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you're traveling.

For air travel, however, the deadline was January 23, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are required to carry a valid passport after the effective date.

From Dept. of Homeland Security website (thanks eroinm (Michael)):
How will the final WHTI requirements affect passengers going on cruises?
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by DOS, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport when you dock at a foreign port, depending on the islands or countries that your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruiseline to ensure you have the appropriate documents for the stops you’ll be making on your cruise.

What have other members cruises been like?
The organizers (WDWLVR & MarkRG) of our 2009 members cruise thread developed a website specifically for the cruise. Now, I am not that talented. However, for reference I will list it here. It also has trip reports from 2003, 2005, 2006, & 2007 member cruises as well as tips for cruisers.

2009 Members Cruise website

You may also view information about the 2010 cruise at:

http://www.hutsellhobbies.com/disney/dvcMember

When can I book excursions, reservations at Palo, and/or register the kids for the kids' clubs?

120 days before the sail date if you are a Platinum Castaway Club Member (sailed with DCL 10 or more times)
105 days before the sail date if you are a Gold Castaway Club Member (sailed with DCL 5 or more times)
90 days before the sail date if you are a Silver Castaway Club Member (sailed with DCL once before)
75 days before the sail date for everyone

When is Pirate Night?

Pirate night on most cruises are the Night of our visit to Castaway Cay, this past year it was on Monday Night.

If there is anything else anyone wants to post on here please let me know. More to come as pictures of the ship finally come out. I will add pictures from the ship sometime in late May as MouseFan64 and I will be sailing on the Dream on May 15th, 2011.

 

[robynchic]

Since we started a new thread, I'll repost in here-

My parents have booked rooms on property for our entire party (parents, brother, SIL, DH and me) the night before the cruise so we can use the bus to get to the port. The last time my parents went on a DVC members cruise, there was a special event the night before for people going on the cruise.

My mom knows Pleasure Island is closed (that's where the event was), but she's wondering if they've held events every year since.

TIA!

 

[friends with mickey]

Just checking in to say Hi and now it is a new thread

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Since we started a new thread, I'll repost in here-

My parents have booked rooms on property for our entire party (parents, brother, SIL, DH and me) the night before the cruise so we can use the bus to get to the port. The last time my parents went on a DVC members cruise, there was a special event the night before for people going on the cruise.

My mom knows Pleasure Island is closed (that's where the event was), but she's wondering if they've held events every year since.

TIA!

We were only on the very first member's cruise in 2003 and then the 2010 member's cruise. I didn't hear anything about a special event the night before for either one. Hopefully someone on here can answer that question for you....or maybe DVC MS could answer it. I'm wondering, though, are you sure it wasn't just a DIS meet or was it actually organized by DVC?

 

[robynchic]

We were only on the very first member's cruise in 2003 and then the 2010 member's cruise. I didn't hear anything about a special even the night before for either one. Hopefully someone on here can answer that question for you....or maybe DVC MS could answer it. I'm wondering, though, are you sure it wasn't just a DIS meet or was it actually organized by DVC?

It was definitely organized by DVC- the reason I'm asking instead of my parents is because they aren't on this board! And I doubt DIS would be able to close down Pleasure Island to permit entry only for the cruise guests!

 

[dvc deernut]

JUST SAYING HI FROM SUNNY HOT BOCA. OH WAIT, JUST SAYING HI FROM COOL SOMETIMES RAINY COLL BOCA

 

[dvc deernut]

WE ARE 3 HOURS FROM WDW AND ONLY 40 MIN FRO TERRIE AND WALLY

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

It was definitely organized by DVC- the reason I'm asking instead of my parents is because they aren't on this board! And I doubt DIS would be able to close down Pleasure Island to permit entry only for the cruise guests!

Oh wow!! They closed the entire Pleasure Island?! How cool would THAT have been to be there!!! Yeah, that definitely sounds like something DVC would organize and not a group of DISers. I don't think we have that much pull at WDW.

 

[dvc deernut]

WENT TO THE HUGE LIQUOR STORE TO STOCK UP ON RUM THEY WERE GIVING FREE SAMPLES OF FLORIDA WHISKEY AND BROWN COW RUM. MMMMMMMM GOOD, HOPEFULLY I CAN GET MY MICKEY OF RUM ON THER SHIP TOMORROW. CANT BELIEVE THE SIZE OF THIS STORE.

 

[peloha86]

Wow, thread #5!! Holy Moly...

For our Daniel-san fans out there

Daniel: Hey, what kind of belt do you have?
Miyagi: Canvas. JC Penney, $3.98. You like?
Daniel: [laughs] No, I meant...
Miyagi: In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants.
[laughs; then, seriously]
Miyagi: Daniel-san...
[taps his head]
Miyagi: Karate here.
[taps his heart]
Miyagi: Karate here.
[points to his belt]
Miyagi: Karate never here. Understand?

Hey! How can we forget one of our special pirates?! Even my kids like him...

Ok, I've just dated myself. Can't wait to see POTC 4 We were at Universal Studios Hollywood last year, we saw the outside of the set.

Have a nice day everyone! Going to work...

 

[DizDragonfly]

Hey! How can we forget one of our special pirates?! Even my kids like him...

Ok, I've just dated myself.

Oh man, I loved that show!

I keep waiting for someone to ask who my favorite New Kid on the Block was.

 

[disrailfan]

Since we started a new thread, I'll repost in here-

My parents have booked rooms on property for our entire party (parents, brother, SIL, DH and me) the night before the cruise so we can use the bus to get to the port. The last time my parents went on a DVC members cruise, there was a special event the night before for people going on the cruise.

My mom knows Pleasure Island is closed (that's where the event was), but she's wondering if they've held events every year since.

TIA!

We have been on the DVC member cruise for the last 4 years and I would have hoped that as attached as we are to DVC and Disney that we would have know there was a party.

Don't understimate the DIS, they have pulled off some pretty amazing things recently including a DIS cruise.

 

[mlholster]

Hey friends saw a black Cadillac today with WI. plates that said DVC. Anyone here on the boards? It was at Costco in Melrose Park IL. Thought that was neat as ours reads DVCBLT9. We get a lot of comments on it.

 

[M & N Potter]

Hello thread number 5!

 

[lpotter]

Hey friends saw a black Cadillac today with WI. plates that said DVC. Anyone here on the boards? It was at Costco in Melrose Park IL. Thought that was neat as ours reads DVCBLT9. We get a lot of comments on it.

That would be a cool plate!!! Too bad someone already beat me to it!

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

I was supposed to post this yesterday, I am so sorry!!! I hope you had a wonderful anniversary!!
​

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MICHAEL & NANCY!!!!
(M & N POTTER)​

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Happy Belated Birthday (2/12) to 2Princess & 2Pirates DS!!​

 

[Hoosier John]

I was supposed to post this yesterday, I am so sorry!!! I hope you had a wonderful anniversary!!
​

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MICHAEL & NANCY!!!!
(M & N POTTER)​

Happy Anniversary Michael & Nancy !!!

 

[Hoosier John]

Happy Belated Birthday (2/12) to 2Princess & 2Pirates DS!!​

Happy Birthday to Steve & Kristin's Dear Son !!!

 

[lilliansmommy]

Hey everyone!! Happy Sunday!!