So who's going on the DVC Cruise in 2/2003 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Ashley'sDad

08-15-2002, 06:52 PM

I know that I might get flamed for this, but I am going on the cruise. I think it sounds like fun to be on board with nothing but DVC Members, and a great first cruise experience for my daughter.

Luckily, I have the points to "splurge" on this cruise. Is it more expensive than usual? Yup. Do I mind? Nope. I want the "special" experience.

I look at this is a fun group activity that DVC is offering. I don't think DVC "owes" me any special rates. I even went back and checked the card they sent. Nope. Nothing about special rates in there. They made the offer, and it's up to me to decide if I want to take it.

Go ahead and flame me for supporting the cruise. Me and the peanut are excited and can't wait to make our reservations.

POOH&PIGLET

08-15-2002, 06:53 PM

No - I'm not a sucker. :mad:

GCM13

08-15-2002, 06:57 PM

We will not be going on the member cruise. I was trying to work it out and talk DH into it until I saw the cost. It's too bad, it sounds like it would be a lot of fun. They don't have to give us a discount, but why charge us that much more than any other cruise at that time?

LisaR

08-15-2002, 06:59 PM

I think the poll should have given you different choices to get a better picture of "why" people picked "no" Maybe something like this:

1. Planned on going on the cruise and will still go now that I have seen the amount of points/cash.

2. Planned on going on the cruise and decided against it because of the amount of points/cash.

3. Wouldn't have gone on the cruise no matter what the cost/points.

By the way, I would have picked #2. I would have loved to go and was ready to change our entire vacation plan for next year until I saw the cost.

Lisa

buck4568

08-15-2002, 07:41 PM

[ I don't think DVC "owes" me any special rates. Go ahead and flame me for supporting the cruise. Me and the peanut are excited and can't wait to make our reservations. ]

In retrospect, and after letting my initial anger pass I have to agree. We have been somewhat spoiled with the perks that Disney used to offer to members like the free park pass and a few others that escape me right now, lol. But the initial reason we joined was to be able to have a nice place to stay that was bigger than a hotel room, on WDW property. A place that we could use anytime of the year. If you choose to stay on weekends you pay more points for that. If you want to go on a special cruise you pay more points for that.

With 60,000 members I'm sure they will have no trouble filling the ship. We went on the 10th anniversary cruise and had a great time with the 1000 members that made that trip. And if we had not booked a 4 day in May 03 we may have been making the call on Aug 24th.

So, I respectfully withdraw my BOYCOTT vote and to all those who do go on this cruise I wish you all a wonderfull time.

LisaR

08-15-2002, 07:57 PM

Ashley's Dad,
I would never flame you for deciding to go on the cruise! I am sure you will have a great time.

I, for one, do not think DVC owes me anything. I did, however, think that the rates would be the SAME as the current rates for that period not MORE! All the DVC members that I have met have seemed very nice but I am not willing to spend more points to be with them!

Have a great time!

Lisa

Ashley'sDad

08-15-2002, 08:45 PM

I am sorry if my post sounded angry. I guess I just got a little worked up over nothing. I just kept seeing posts about how people who would take the cruise are suckers, and I took it personally. But, you know what? I guess I can be guilty of the same thing. The guy next door just bought a Jaguar. As soon as I saw it I thought "Who would pay that much for a car?" I guess I thought he was a "sucker".

My wife used to insist that experiences are more important than things. She used to tell me that things wear out, but experiences last forever. So, I always try to honor her memory by spending time with my family, and making sure that my daughter gets to experience all the great things her Mom would have wanted her to. When we first got married, my wife kept driving this beat up VW bug just so we could afford a Cruise (I had to duct tape the rear view mirror back on the car once a week!). That's just how she was.

Well, I hate to say it, but my Dad would agree with you all! He thinks traveling and spending so much time and money at Disney is silly. But, this is just the way I have decided to go.

So, I am really sorry if I came off like an ogre. Really.

scootersmom

08-15-2002, 09:12 PM

We really only considered this very briefly, and had decided against it even before the points/cash amounts were posted. Not that it doesn't sound like fun, but we'd have to revamp our other travel plans to have the points available for it.

Ashley'sDad, hope you have a great time and will be watching for a post afterward so we can hear all about it.

WDWLVR

08-15-2002, 09:16 PM

Josh,

We'll be there with you! When we first heard about it I got really excited and went into super planning mode figuring what we could afford based on looking at the current 2003 points. I too was hoping for lower points and was a little disappointed when I saw the chart today. I also was hurt by everyone saying anyone who is going is a sucker. Then I got to thinking why I got so excited in the first place.

My DH and I already have a 7 day cruise planned for May and were going to use most of our 2003 points for a Dec. visit to WDW in 2003. When we heard about this cruise and the 2 days at Castaway Cay I thought it would be a great winter getaway. This cruise will be different and so the few extra points they are asking it worth it to me. Normally we would get a Navigator's Veranda (that's what we did on the Wonder this past May and what we are doing on the Magic next May). Based on the points we are going to have to do an Oceanview stateroom. Something new for us and for 4 days I don't have to have a veranda (despite what my tag line says).

The beauty of DVC is that everyone can use their points as they see fit. Some want to trade out, some want to stretch them to the absolute limit and get the most they can, some want to do things they normally wouldn't be able to do. This is how we are choosing to use them.

#1Mouse

08-15-2002, 09:27 PM

Ashley'sDad you didn't come off sounding like an ogre or angry - you did sound determined to have a good time with your daughter. The great thing about DVC is you can use your points anyway that makes you happy. I too believe that DVC doesn't owe us deep discounts on cruises, but it's just disheartning that they would increase it just for that cruise. I'm sure there were people expecting it to be discounted, so it was a double whammy when they found out the prices/points were even more.

I hope you and your daughter have a great time on that cruise making wonderful memories!!!!
Have Fun!!!!!

Johnnie Fedora

08-15-2002, 10:47 PM

We cruised the 7 day in 2000. On the ship with us was a large group of AARPers. I wonder if DCL offered them a HIGHER $$$ rate for their cruise??:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Somehow I doubt it AARP wouldn't even consider offering it too their members. If they did, it must have been because of all the extra costs incurred......You know, those AARP tee shirts and all the additional bingo games.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

This is truely a dissapointing offer.

:( :( :( :(

CarolAnnC

08-15-2002, 10:55 PM

My wife used to insist that experiences are more important than things. She used to tell me that things wear out, but experiences last forever. So, I always try to honor her memory by spending time with my family, and making sure that my daughter gets to experience all the great things her Mom would have wanted her to

I agree with you totally here. Travel is my one luxury. I love traveling with my loved ones and the memories will last a lifetime. :) :)

baileybrad

08-15-2002, 11:08 PM

We always shop for the best deal while weighing quality with value. I would never purposely pay more for something that I could do at a time of my own choosing for less cost to my family. This goes for pretty much anything. Not trying to be argumentative but I do not see the attraction of cruising with only DVC members on-board. We vacation for our family not for the "make-up" of the other guests/visitors. Not anything to get worked up about. Just a simple business/personal decision that everyone will make for themselves.

Regina

08-16-2002, 06:43 AM

Ashley's Dad, it sounds as if your wife was a very insightful, amazing woman.

If all goes according to plan, I am looking forward to meeting you and that special little girl of yours.

MarkRG

08-16-2002, 06:50 AM

Dis Meet! Dis Meet!

We're going to go for it. (I voted) I think my DW Mary spelled it out better than I ever could. If anyone so upset about it thinks it's just going to be another cruise, you really don't know Disney, do you?

kamgen

08-16-2002, 07:38 AM

I don't think anyone here is trying to flame anyone. I really wanted to go. We look at the experiences we have together as a family as the most important things. That is why we joined DVC and travel so much. Still, I feel like they think we are stupid or something. I have cruised 3 times on DCL with another one in October. I can have the cruise experience with my family the week before or after and SAVE money or points. That savings will go towards another experience. So, I look at this the way I always plan our vacations. Why spend a lot of money on one trip when you could divide it up on two. :)

I agree with Johnnie...this is a disappointing offer. :(

I hope everyone has fun. If I thought it was a good deal, I would bite. But it isn't....so I won't.

Kamy

sumessefui

08-16-2002, 07:59 AM

I voted no, but that was because we have no plans to ever do the cruise. We became members solely to use the DVC resorts. We can get very good trips elsewhere through the military travel program and are really not cruise people.

LisaR

08-16-2002, 08:18 AM

Just an FYI: My sister is not only a travel agent but she is a cruise specialist. She ONLY books cruises for groups. She has occassionally booked entire ships for something specific. Normally, however, she books huge blocks of rooms for the group participating in the "special" cruise. The cost for the "special" cruise is ALWAYS higher then what the rest of the people on the ship are paying. HOWEVER, there are reasons and those reasons are stated up front. Most of what she books is with singers/actors, that type of thing. So, the guests get a special concert while on board. They get an autograph signing session. THey get dinner (as a group) with the VIP people on board....usually every night. While there are other people on the ship who have paid less, they would not be admitted into any of these functions because they do not have the special wristband.

The thing that bugs me about the DVC cruise is that so far, the only thing to makes it different or special from any other cruise is 2 days at Castaway Cay. I am one that feels that having a boat parked instead of at sea is going to be CHEAPER. Plus, guests are going to spend MORE money on Disney's own island. If they gave a list of reasons why the price was more up front, then it would make more sense.

If MS arranged a DVC member only week at all DVC resorts (no cash paying customers allowed) but made the points higher then normal for that time frame, I wouldn't go to that either.....unless they could give me some really good incentives for using more points then the week before.

Again, to those of you going, I am sure you will have a great time. For us, I would rather not spend the extra points. Just another reason DVC is so unique and great.

Lisa

madcoco

08-16-2002, 11:39 AM

Yes we are still going and paying cash.It so happens to work out perfect as it is the same time as our neice and nephew's wedding in CocoaBeach and we are already in FL at that time. We gave them points for 5 nights at the BCV for their honeymoon. I suggest that all people who have a problem to please write a letter to Disney voicing your disproval. After sitting back and reading some of the posts. I really don't think it is proper to call us suckers for going.People go around like nuts paying $$$$ for pins pay $$$$ for exclusive events. Wait in lines for hours for a pin. We mind our own business.

WDWLVR

08-16-2002, 12:05 PM

Madcoco,

I couldn't agree more. This cruise isn't for everyone, no one thing is. I just don't get the people who have to try and make themselves feel more important by saying nasty things about those who are going. Unwise spending, suckers, stupid, etc.

Everyone spends their points their own way. I've seen people spend tons of points to spend a night in the Plaza in NY. Is that how I would use my points, no. If they had a great time with it more power to them. Same way I feel about this cruise.

Thankfully I'm glad that many people aren't going - gives us a better chance of getting in.

Just getting two days at Castaway Cay to enjoy with my DH makes it special enough in my book. Anything DVC wants to add to make it fun is just gravy at this point.

anniet

08-16-2002, 12:21 PM

I just voted No, but that's because we have ressies at WLV for 1/21 through 1/31 already and that will be our first trip home. My heart leapt when I saw the dates of the cruise, but then I remembered I won't have the points to make it happen, and since I'm financing DVC I don't have the cash either. I was a little disappointed to hear that Disney is charging more (points and cashwise) but I figure they will probably be doing something special on board or on the island for DVC members. Would have loved to have gotten to know other DVC members on this cruise, but this time around it just wasn't meant for us. Hope everyone who goes has a great time.

:wave:

Regina

08-16-2002, 12:47 PM

Everyone spends their points their own way. I've seen people spend tons of points to spend a night in the Plaza in NY. Is that how I would use my points, no. If they had a great time with it more power to them. Same way I feel about this cruise.

Very well said, and this is from someone who spent "tons of points" for one magical night at the Plaza.;) ;)

I didn't join DVC so that I can spend all of my vacations in a OKW studio from Sun - Thurs during the Adventure Season. You never know what lies ahead. For us, this is a great opportunity to squeeze in a bonus trip together. I'm looking forward to creating new memories with my family.:) :) :)

doubletrouble_vb

08-16-2002, 01:04 PM

I said no because I bought DVC primarlily to use at Disney.

If I had the points and the time to spare I would look at my options and make a choice for a vacation. Under those conditions I might choose the cruise....I also might choose to go rafting on the Colorado.

I really don't understand these posts that are upset with DVC when they alter something that isn't what we bought. If they can book a full boat with this point set up...then they are a business and should go for it. The people who get on the boat will have a great trip and those who don't...will do something else. If DVC doesn't get enough occupancy for this trip...then oh well they take a bath or cancel the cruise. It could also mean they will simply drop the cruise option altogether next year because it isn't cost effective.

zulaya

08-16-2002, 01:23 PM

I think what people are most upset/frustrated/whatever word you want to describe it as - is that this cruise is significantly more expensive. Is it special? Sure it is - it's exclusive to DVC members. But people wonder - what am I paying for? I think if DVC came out and said that there were going to be special events or something else included with this cruise, people might not be as negative about it. I think the lack of informatino on DVC's part is part of the problem. If they released more details, then people might (or might not) be able to say, " Oh, well for that I would do it." Just my observations so far.

erikthewise

08-16-2002, 01:31 PM

I couldn't go on this cruise if I wanted to; job commitments prevent it. I think it would be fun, and I hope those who do go have a great time!

If I could go, the cost would almost certainly convince me not to. I'd be very happy with an ordinary 4-day cruise at a more reasonable price.

However I can't get excited about bashing DVC. I would love to have them play Social Director and put together nice group outings like this at bargain prices, but can we really *expect* that!? I don't think so.

Obviously they love to have us spend points on cruises, and one doesn't have to be a cynic to see their motivation for this cruise as providing us another opportunity to do so. But I don't see how it could benefit anyone for this to cruise to be a flop, or to rub it in their faces.

BriarRosie

08-16-2002, 05:20 PM

Well, I received the invitation in the mail yesterday, and I was amused because I'm already booked on the Magic for the 7 day Western on 1/18-25.

If I hadn't been booked on that cruise, I would have considered going on the DVC cruise.

Ashley'sDad

08-16-2002, 10:39 PM

To Everyone on the board - If me and the peanut don't get to meet you on the cruise, then I hope we get to see you at Disney!

You will recognize me by the ice cream stains on my shirt, and the Ariel doll in my hand. (It doesn't do much for my reputation, but peanut likes me to carry Ariel when she gets tired. What's a father to do!)

DVC1996

08-16-2002, 11:26 PM

Originally posted by zulaya
But people wonder - what am I paying for? I think if DVC came out and said that there were going to be special events or something else included with this cruise, people might not be as negative about it. I think the lack of informatino on DVC's part is part of the problem. If they released more details, then people might (or might not) be able to say, " Oh, well for that I would do it." Just my observations so far.

The itinerary of activities for the DVC 10th Anniversary Cruise was not complete until we boarded the ship. I guess I have more trust in DVC than others do having been on the cruise in April. The cruise was such a huge success and it was clearly evident that members and DVC management wanted to do another cruise. Gosh....we wanted a 7 day Members Only Cruise but I guess a 4 day with 2 days at Castaway Cay is better than nothing. My most honest opinion is that it will be "SPECIAL" just because other DVCers are on board.

DVC1996

08-16-2002, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by baileybrad
Not trying to be argumentative but I do not see the attraction of cruising with only DVC members on-board. We vacation for our family not for the "make-up" of the other guests/visitors. Not anything to get worked up about. .......

Being rather shy,I never expected that I would enjoy the April Members Only Cruise as much as I did. A very pleasant surprise! Don't knock it till you try it;)

baileybrad

08-17-2002, 12:16 AM

DVC1996,
Not sure what your exact point is but we went on 5 cruises before we had little ones. The make-up of the passengers was all over the place. We had a great time with all of our dinnermates. We enjoyed some folks more than others....same, I'm sure for them. What made our cruises great was each other, the stops, the ship, etc. The fact that all of the people on a particular cruise belong to the same timeshare does not and should not make a cruise any more or less pleasant. Just because folks have the same taste in vacation real estate does not make them a better or worse shipmate. If someone wants to pay a higher cost to go on such a cruise.....have fun but it does nothing to necessarily make for a better cruise. In this particular case, it just makes it more expensive.

DVC1996

08-17-2002, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by baileybrad
DVC1996,
Not sure what your exact point is ..........

My point is that I respectfully disagree with your point of view. Our experience from the DVC 10th Anniversary Cruise is that cruising with other DVCers can make a cruise "special" and a truly unique and unforgettable experience. :D

sgtpet

08-17-2002, 12:39 PM

Amazing nearly 88% of DVC members are not going on this cruise. The 12% that plan to go will definitely be enough to sell this out right away. My understanding is the Wonder holds approximately 2,500 people. At 12% of 60,000 members will give you 7,200 people. With that you could fill almost 3 ships.

They could have doubled the points. I guess they know what they are doing. Throw out a few vauge words (special) and people want to go.

Good for DVC. I wish all of you a great trip and I hope you are spoiled rotten by them because I think DVC members deserve that.

baileybrad

08-17-2002, 08:02 PM

DVC1996,
And how have you found other cruises that you have taken? Were they not also "special"??? And I bet what made them so was your family. There does not have to be one other single DVC group on a cruise ship to make it an "unforgetable experience". As DVCers we all can choose to spend more points to cruise with DVCers only if that is what floats our boats. That has been my stance in all of my posts on this subject .....go for it, but the majority of folks (many of them fellow DVCers) on these boards agree with me.

MarkRG

08-17-2002, 08:37 PM

Sgt, I find your working that out simply fascinating, and just reinforces how difficult it will be to get on this cruise, even with all the vocal naysayers on this board.

I would give you more information on the subject. I wouldn't call the decision just based on what the website and postcard and even what DVC1996 has had to say about it. I do remember the trip reports from the April DVC members cruise. I remember absolutely glowing reports on it. That alone is enough motivation for me. Not everything is about the price tag :D

I would expect this one to be a good bit more than even that one was, being it'll be all members only.

Now, about gettting more information, for me that would take away a good deal of the magic of Disney if all the details of the itenerary were divulged before the actual trip. I think enough has been given in that there will be 2 separate days at CC, and the fact it will be a very member oriented cruise. Any further details about what they're going to do different for us members should remain a surprise till the very last minute.

DVC1996

08-17-2002, 08:37 PM

BaileyBrad.......It doesn't matter to me whether or not others agree with me or not. Everyone has to make the decision that is best for their family and vacation style. You are entitled to your opinion and if the majority on this board agree with you then that's fine. I didn't know this was a contest of some kind. I thought posters wanted to know how the previous DVC cruise was and I gave my honest opinion since I went on the April cruise. In fact....dh stated today that the best part of the cruise was meeting with other DVCers since he personally doesn't care for cruising and would rather spend his vacations on land. So, once again, different strokes for different folks. I think enough has been said on this topic from me.:D Peace.

trishy

08-17-2002, 10:45 PM

For some reason I couldn't post a vote, but we're a NO for the same reason as other post'rs - not wanting to spend more points for basically the same cruise. I don't feel an extra day at CC and/or spending 4 days with only DVC members constitutes paying more for the cruise than the cruisers prior to and after this "special" cruise.

anniet

08-18-2002, 05:20 AM

Just an interesting FYI

I counted 28 people who posted a comment to this board. I broke them down into the following categories based on their comments

A.) 9 aren't going cuz their mad as the hatter about the number of points

B.) 10 aren't going, but wouldn't have gone anyway

C.) 5 are going. (have a great time!)

D.) 4 posted pretty even-handed comments so I couldn't tell if they were going or not. (which makes me believe they are probably in categories B or C and just don't want to get flamed)

Just thought I'd share.

Have a great day!

Laurajean1014

08-18-2002, 01:48 PM

We're going. The points or costs involved in paying for our vacations is not the primary reason for our vacations. I guess that's why I purchased in DVC in the first place.:D

Luv2Dream

08-18-2002, 02:09 PM

We're on the fence about this one. I actually haven't even looked at the points/cash posting yet, but I've been reading all these comments. My initial thought was that it would be a great introduction to cruising for my 5yo DD. It would also be a good test for my DH who has developed motion sickness. We have previously cruised 3 times but that was before the incident which has caused this motion sickness. Anyhow, I'm now going over to the posting about the points and points. Which side of the fence do I fall on? I'll let you know.

goofy4wdw59

08-18-2002, 04:02 PM

Initially, DH & myself were very interested in going on the DVC 4-day cruise & changing our Jan. 2003 vacation plans. It sounded great--for DVC members only and 2 days at Castaway Cay! BUT...when it was posted that not only was the point cost MORE, the CASH price would be MORE than a value-season 4-day cruise,...well, we decided we would not do it.
Yes, we were somewhat disappointed! I'm guessing that Disney Cruise Line may not have sold out this cruise anyway (early Feb) and, IMHO, if they wanted to make a specialty DVC cruise really "special", they would NOT have charged DVC members MORE. If we are going to pay for many of the "extras" that they are adding, it didn't seem so special to me. Again, just my opinion, but, it didn't seem special enough to me/our family to change our future plans.
For those that choose to do it, I sincerely hope you all have a great time.
I'm hoping that they won't be able to sell this DVC cruise out as easily as they are planning--but, it appears there could be enough willing to pay that it may sell out on Sat. August 24th. I don't like that DVC members as a group may be that predictable! I'd like to see more REAL "specials" for DVC members in the future, but, I don't have expectations--if we get some perks, great! After all...I know, I know--I bought an interest in DVC accomodations--that's all.
If this cruise doesn't sell as quickly as planned, DVCers that are reserved to go may only benefit as they may actually reduce the cost/add more extras? I hope that they do give more to the DVCer's that are going--as I think they've probably paid for it!!

dvc_bwv

08-18-2002, 08:38 PM

At first I was very excited about the DVC cruise as I've been trying to get DH to go on a cruise for some time. We were actually going to go, but then I realized that the timing isn't great with regard to my job. It just isn't good timing as it falls during tax season and that's not good for me, so we are unable to go. If the timing was different as far as my job, by all means we would be there, but I had to vote no on this one.

BCVOwner2002

08-18-2002, 09:09 PM

Count me out. Although it would be a great way to celebrate DS's birthday on February 2nd, we can't pull him from school/hockey for this. Also, we have already made arrangements for our first trip home in June 2003. We would like to cruise in 2004 so if Disney decides to have another DVC members only cruise that fits into our crazy schedules we would do it in a heartbeat! Hope all those that do go on this cruise have a great time and will love to hear all about it upon your return.

sgtpet

08-20-2002, 12:34 PM

bump

travelbug

08-20-2002, 03:34 PM

I won't be going on the cruise, first because I can't get away that week anyway and second because I already have plans for my points next year that I don't want to change. If my vacation time were more flexible and if I did have the points available, I think I'd cruise either the week before or the week after when I could do so for less points.

Do I fault anyone else who is choosing to go? Absolutely not. I appreciate when others respect my right to make choices without being criticized. Likewise, I respect all of you and your right to make choices with your points that will give you enjoyment. That's the fun of being a DVC owner - weighing all the factors and then putting those points to work in a way that will bring each of us the most pleasure. We all weigh the factors differently and bring our own viewpoints to the process, and that's okay too. (Wow, this paragraph sounds like touchy-feely mumbo jumbo.
:rolleyes: But it's what I think, so I'll leave it as is.)

This DVC cruise has certainly caused some interesting conversation here on the boards. Never a dull moment! ;)

DVC1996

08-20-2002, 04:48 PM

I finally cast my vote today as a "No" even though I feel it will be worth the extra points and would love to go again. We are currently point poor and cash poor after two vacations already this year and another WDW vacation with my sister scheduled in October. My only "negative" about this cruise is it being in February. I would have preferred a warmer month since I am a "southern girl" who doesn't swim unless it's really hot! Also....my Use Year is in March and if it had been in April I could have borrowed pts for the cruise. For those of you going......I am sooooooo jealous and hope you have a truly magical cruise!

KarenNY

08-21-2002, 08:09 PM

I voted no, even though I would love to go on the cruise with some of my favorite DVC people. But I don't have anyone to cruise with and don't want to pay the high cost of a single room. I hope everyone who goes has a fabulous time creating wonderful memories.

DBorges

08-21-2002, 09:24 PM

We are going!!!!!!!! I think it will be a blast

sanddune

08-22-2002, 09:07 AM

It's a pirate's life for us!! Ahoy, Mateys!! See you on deck!

gary in florida

08-22-2002, 02:10 PM

I haven't voted yet because I'm not sure if we're going. I booked this cruise in Feb 2002, payed the "regular" price thru DU. Waiting to hear from them as to what our position is, they are out till Monday, 8/26. If I keep my current ressies and price, the answer will be yes, if they want an additional amount the answer will be a "NO" with an explanation to Disney as to why.

goofy4wdw59

08-22-2002, 03:07 PM

Gary in Florida --

Keep us posted on what happens to you--I'm curious to know how this situation is handled. Hopefully, you will get the lower rate that you have booked! Good luck to you:D

richym1

08-22-2002, 04:02 PM

We're going! And by the looks of it, so are a bunch of our freinds! It's going to be a blast with 2 days at Castaway Cay! This is only available to DVC members, and that's special enough for me. Life is too short to be wringing our hands about what is fair and what is not. Good luck to everyone booking this weekend!

normr

08-22-2002, 10:47 PM

I never saw how many points it was costing? anyone care to tell?

Shontell_Crawford

08-23-2002, 06:58 AM

Normr -
Here is what MS sent me via e-mail:
Below are the charts for the Member Cruise:
Reservation Point Chart for Member Sailing February 2, 2003 - Disney Wonder - 4
Day Cruise.

Category 3-One bedroom suite with verandah- 283
Category 4-Deluxe family stateroom with verandah-166
Category 5-Deluxe stateroom with verandah- 139
Category 6-Deluxe stateroom with verandah- 131
Category 7-Deluxe stateroom w/ Navigator verandah- 124
Category 8-Deluxe oceanview stateroom- 116
Category 9-Deluxe oceanview stateroom- 106
Category 10-Deluxe inside stateroom- 96
Category 11-Standard inside stateroom- 88
Category 12-Standard inside stateroom- 88

Reservation Points are per person for 1st and 2nd passenger based on double
occupancy.

Additional adult age 13 and up - 56
Additional Child age 3-12 - 49
Additional Child age 2 and under - 15

One Reservation Point is equivalent to one allotted Vacation Point. Reservation
Points per person are based on double occupancy and apply to 1st/2nd Passenger.
All travel packages are subject to availability.

The full terms and conditions of The Disney Collection program are located in
the Disney Vacation Club travel program section of the Member Benefits
Guidebook. They are an integral part of the program and govern the information
found in these Reservation Point Charts. Please review them carefully before
booking any of these travel packages.

Right to change itinerary/detention:
Disney Cruise Line may in its sole discretion and without prior notice change,
substitute, postpone, cancel or deviate from any scheduled sailing, itinerary or
call at any port, and may substitute another vessel for the ship, and shall not
be liable for any loss or damage incurred by guest as a result of any such
change, substitution, postponement, cancellation or deviation. The guest shall
pay any and all expenses incurred if a guest is detained on board ship or
elsewhere at any stage of a voyage because of quarantine, port regulations,
prevailing applicable law, illness, or other cause.

Cash would be:
Category 3-One bedroom suite with verandah- $2249
Category 4-Deluxe family stateroom with verandah-$1353
Category 5-Deluxe stateroom with verandah- $1143
Category 6-Deluxe stateroom with verandah- $1091
Category 7-Deluxe stateroom w/ Navigator verandah- $1033
Category 8-Deluxe oceanview stateroom- $970
Category 9-Deluxe oceanview stateroom- $865
Category 10-Deluxe inside stateroom- $813
Category 11-Standard inside stateroom- $760
Category 12-Standard inside stateroom- $760

Additional adult age 13 and up - $429
Additional Child age 3-12 - $377
Additional Child age 2 and under - $114

CarolAnnC

08-23-2002, 08:15 AM

Thanks Shontell! Great info to have on hand for tomorrow morning! :) :)

erikthewise

08-23-2002, 08:57 AM

In case anyone is interested,

Using points for adults is generally a better deal than using points for children. Children rate about $7.60/pt, while the adult comparison is about $8.30/pt. (Extra adults come out the same as children.)

Generally for adults, points are a worse deal in the lower-numbered categories as compared to the higher-numbered categories.

normr

08-23-2002, 02:23 PM

We recently did a 7 day on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas and people are telling us who have done both that we would be very disapointed going on the Disney Cruise, I'm not talking about the time length difference but in the quality of the ship, the cabins, elevators, can anyoe else give us their view?

Autumngirl

08-23-2002, 02:47 PM

I definitely don't agree and we don't even have kids!

I've been on 4 different cruise lines...INCLUDING Royal Caribbean (which IMHO was horrible!) and if I'm going to do a caribbean cruise again.... it's going to be Disney. The service is above reproach, the food was better than average, the cabin I was in was GREAT- 2 Half bathrooms, King size bed and a SOFA! All in the same room! Definitely not like my experience on other cruise lines. The ship is SPOTLESS and being cleaned constantly. There wasn't one thing that I asked for that they didn't accommodate. They even refunded my excursion when there was a thunderstorm... just try that on another cruise line! Unless things have dramatically changed, there were no refunds for any reason.

Granted the elevators are a little small, but with that much food on board, using the stairs did me good! :D

Now if you're looking to gamble on board, you'll be disappointed, but other than that....I thought it was the best!

This is just my humble opinion.

DBorges

08-24-2002, 10:52 AM

I got the res this morning i was caller number three I am in room 6560 mid ship on deck 6....

I can not believe the people that are discontented with this it is going to be fun no matter ..

Why become crabs over the small things in life

Can not wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sprhnl

08-24-2002, 05:28 PM

Just wondering. I tried to dial in today to find out but busy tone greeted me each time I dialed.

Wayne

Donna

08-24-2002, 05:54 PM

The points have been posted on one of these threads, but they're also on the member website all this past week.

brigao

08-24-2002, 06:02 PM

I made our reservations today. I couldn't pass it up as the first day of the cruise (2/2) will be my daughter's 5th birthday! Tell me that she isn't getting a GREAT birthday present!!

Yes, it is a lot of points but two days at Castaway Cay and not bothering with Nassau is a plus to me and will be a BLAST!

MarkRG

08-24-2002, 06:16 PM

Very cool! Welcome Home/Aboard!

madcoco

08-24-2002, 06:28 PM

Guess we got really lucky based on wait times reported today. Started at 556PST 4x on the 800 got in on the first ring on the toll number.Don't know if it was because we were using cash instead of points (or maybe Castaway Club)but we were off the phone by 610am. Gave them our stateroom request and Castway #,they asked a few questions.Gave them the checkcard info. Was on hold for app 3 minutes. MS came back with confirmation # and room #(7570) and that was that.
first day of the cruise (2/2) will be my daughter's 5th birthday! brigao: That is a wonderful gift for your daughter!Hope to wish her a HappyBday on board.Our niece is getting married in Cocoa Beach on 2/1 We ended up giving them points to use at BCV for their honeymoon. This cruise couldn't have had better timing.:D

mrsdon

08-25-2002, 08:21 AM

Dborges
I think we're going to be hall mates.
We got room 6078.
I cant wait to meet everyone
Debbie

brittsmum1998

08-25-2002, 11:03 AM

Brigao...we'll be celebrating our DD's 5th birthday also! Although it isn't really until 2-23 but we also couldn't pass up the chance to celebrate on this wonderful cruise. What stateroom are you in? We are on deck 5....cabin 5127 (I think) My daughter being an only child will be THRILLED when she sees all the other kids her age! I think she will be one of "those" children who cry when its time to leave the activities ;) . Looking forward to meeting everyone. Kim

brigao

08-25-2002, 12:46 PM

We are in cabin 8020 (Deck 8) - it should be fun to meet everyone there!:)

minimahaki

08-26-2002, 02:34 PM

WERE GOING
I think the primary reason were going is because we didn't get to vacation in 2002 and this was the greatest reason to take a Feb. Vacation (the only winter vacation we had was spending NY's eve at WDW 1995 into 1996). WE HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH POINTS !
Lauretta :cool:

slc224

08-26-2002, 10:28 PM

We won't be going. :( I do not like taking my children out of school any more than is necessary. However, it sure sounds like fun. I don't think any of you are 'suckers' that are going. Sometimes it is nice to splurge on the things you love to do. Anyway, all of you that are going have a wonderful time!:D

gary in florida

08-27-2002, 01:49 PM

A few have asked how DCL/DVC handled my situation - I had booked on the 2/2/2003 cruise on Feb 7, 2002 - then it was decided to make the cruise DVC only (I'm a DVC member). I am "kicked" off the cruise - I had a cat 10 stateroom, secret porthole.
The way they handled it was to upgrade me to a cat 8 stateroom. I still do not have a confirmation of my date, but I'm looking at 2/9/2003.

brittsmum1998

08-27-2002, 02:56 PM

Gary, just curious....did they offer you a cabin for the Member Cruise or did they actually refuse you? I personally think they should have honored your ressie unless it was your choice not to go on the Members Cruise, and when did they call you w/ your upgrade info and date change?

madcoco

08-27-2002, 03:09 PM

Gary:Sorry to hear about your situation and glad to see they are trying to clear it up.Hope it works out well for you in the end.:DMaybe a little shipboard credit could help as well for having you redo your plans:D. My DA' niece and her husband had a Cat6 booked the 1st of May this year and they had it taken away by a celebrity that booked most of the boat.(Can't remember who it ended up being, think it had something to do with the Backstreetboys or Nsync) They gave them Cat 5 (no real difference) with shipboard credit at the same rate over Easter.

gary in florida

08-27-2002, 03:09 PM

I booked thru a travel agent - they contacted me today - they were closed last week. There was no discussion regarding if I wanted to go on the 2/2 cruise - just what alternate date did I want to go.
I really don't mine, being retired we can go at anytime, it's just the way it was done. We had booked a year in advance, and being DVC members we should have had a choice.

goofy4wdw59

08-27-2002, 05:14 PM

Thanks for the update, Gary in Florida. I had posted on another thread (I think on the cruise board?) that I was curious to know how they would handle this for you.
IMHO, you weren't treated very well--especially that you are a DVC member booked well in-advance. (Those "secret porthole" rooms are very popular/hard to get!)
I think your travel agent/DVC/DisneyCruise (whomever this applies to?) should have offered you the cat. 8 on the member cruise, or honored your original booking/cat and cost.
Enjoy your cruise whenever you are able to re-book it!--DVC "specialty" Cruise or not!! ;) :cool: