Made it through on first try [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Shontell_Crawford

08-24-2002, 08:46 AM

Well, I took the plunge even though I don't have a confirmed cabin mate...Got 7505!
By the way, if you ever wondered what the fee is to change someone on your reservation, it's only $75 up until 60 days before departure, then it's the $75 plus fedex documentation fees. Not too bad, I thought.

Anyway.....whoo hoo.....let's cruise!

See you all onboard,
Shontell

Cap

08-24-2002, 08:49 AM

Lot's of busy tones on 800#. First try on 407# got into line. Total time = 44 minutes, 24 on hold, and 20 to complete booking.

Got First choice Cat 6, Starboard side, aft Cabin 6624.

Efficient and very polite MS, as usual.

Our 35th anniversary will be on 2/03, so this should be a wonderful cruise.:D

MarkRG

08-24-2002, 08:57 AM

Got thru about 8:15, and just finished!!! We're in! Cabin 7502, exactly what we wanted!!!

If anyone wants the pic below, permission is given to steal the link! :D

http://pages.prodigy.net/gums_eight/siglinepic.jpg

1disfan

08-24-2002, 09:07 AM

What is complete 407 number?
Thanks

Donna

08-24-2002, 09:11 AM

407-566-3800

WDWLVR

08-24-2002, 09:24 AM

As DH (MarkRG) posted we had about 15-20 minutes of frantic busy signles, followed by 20 minutes on hold, and then 20 minutes to finalize the reservation. We got our first choice of a Category 8 which is what we wanted based on the points usage for next year.

First time in this category and I'm anxious to try it.

Good luck to everyone else trying to get through. Can't wait to meet all of you on the cruise.

cherylp3

08-24-2002, 09:36 AM

finally -on hold yay - will update

Did they charge the $75 fee??

Cheryl

WDWLVR

08-24-2002, 09:39 AM

No $75 fee unless you change the reservation later. Good luck!

CarolAnnC

08-24-2002, 09:40 AM

For this Member Only cruise they are waiving the $75 booking fee. However, if you make any changes to your ressie, up to 60 days prior to the cruise, you will pay a $75 fee to do so. I understand within the 60 day window you will be charged that plus an additional fedex fee.

brittsmum1998

08-24-2002, 10:23 AM

On the phone beginning at 9am just got off at 11:20...got deck 5, cat 11 Room 5127. DH is worried about back of boat...I'm just happy we got something. Now I only have 34 pts till 9-2004 :( but at least we'll have two weeks in January. Good Luck everyone.

TnRobin

08-24-2002, 10:41 AM

brittsmum - I love the back of the ship. It is very peaceful. Not a lot of traffic. Also looks like you will be near the Theater. It is great to leave the theater and just walk down the hall to your room. you will love that location.

#1Mouse

08-24-2002, 10:48 AM

We changed our minds a couple of days ago and decided to go on the cruise. My DH started calling at 8:55 this morning. He was calling on our phone line and our fax line. When I got home at 9:45 he was still trying. So I used our company's phone line and my cell phone - we were actually using 4 lines trying to get through. It was a site - of course the kids think were nuts! I saw the post about the 407 # and decided to try it. It took me about 10 minutes of dialing to get through and finally did at 10:24. By 11:00 everything was booked and we are ready to go!!! We got Cabin 7552.

This will be our first cruise and we will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary!!!! :Pinkbounc

Can't wait to meet everyone from the Dis boards!!

cherylp3

08-24-2002, 10:50 AM

finally got through cat 11 - 7121 yahoo!!!

Cheryl

CarolAnnC

08-24-2002, 11:02 AM

Congratulations to all who got through thus far!! To those that have not, don't give up! They are swamped, but keep trying and you should have success!!

Keep us all posted... :) :)

DVC1996

08-24-2002, 11:11 AM

Congratulations to everyone so far! I am so jealous cause I wish we had the points to go again but I'm also very excited for all of you. You are going to have a great cruise:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

1disfan

08-24-2002, 11:13 AM

Took an hour and 45 minutes but finally got through.

Cabin 2086.

Jenny0725

08-24-2002, 11:18 AM

We are in rooms 7005 & 7007. We are traveling with my parents. We were all at the same house trying to call in on 3 cell phones and one house phone. Only one of us got through at 9 am. We were on hold for 20 minutes and they weren't even sure if they had any catagory 10 rooms left!

My mother is concerned about having rooms in the front of the boat. Can anyone comment on the amount of movement in this area?

We will be traveling with my DD (5) and my second DD who will be celebrating her first birthday on the cruise!

Jen

poohstx

08-24-2002, 11:20 AM

Finally got through at 12:14PM after 1,552 tries (194 minutes X 8 tries/min). The current wait time on hold is greater than 30 minutes, so I'm not done yet! I'm on my third rechargeable phone, so I hope it doesn't die before the reservation is made. Will update later with the good news. :Pinkbounc

CarolAnnC

08-24-2002, 11:31 AM

Hang in there Poohstyx! You are almost there!!

Jen, I have sailed in the forward part of the ship, right across from the forward elevators, in fact. I loved it there!! It was very accessible to the ship's stores, the adult nightclub area and the Walt Disney Theatre. Easy access to the adult pool and Common Grounds too. I truly believe there is no "bad" location on board the Disney ships, anyway, LOL!!! :)

brittsmum1998

08-24-2002, 11:39 AM

Thanks Robin, makes me feel alot better. What about motion? Me & DH don't get sick but I'm not sure about DD who is 4. This will be her first cruise. I hope its not too rocky.

iluvdisney

08-24-2002, 11:56 AM

Been trying since 9:00 and finally got a ringing and on hold at 11:35 - just finished talking with a real castmember - Mikela (I think) and we are booked! :Pinkbounc It took a good 20 minutes, at least, to do all the booking - she was so sweet - answered any questions I had and still had a sense of humor - what a morning it must be working there! We had 3 phones going at the same time - 2 cells and our home phone - got thru on the 407 number. :Pinkbounc got category 11 and I think our room is 6019 - I'm just so happy that I am now bouncing off the walls!!! Keep trying everyone!!!

RRBB

08-24-2002, 12:09 PM

DH called first thing this morning from work. He said it took him about 45 minutes to get through on the #800. But we're booked in Cat 6 and ready to go. Well except for plane reservations, but that's a minor detail. :)

poohstx

08-24-2002, 12:11 PM

Cast member picked up at 12:49pm after 35 minutes on hold, and the booking took about 18 minutes! How many days until 2/2/2003? :D

sanddune

08-24-2002, 12:42 PM

Hi! Started calling at 9:00. Booked at 12:20. We're in room 8566. Husband,Me,DS-11,DS-8,& DS-4. Hope everyone gets a room!! Can't wait for The cruise to start!! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

nicurn

08-24-2002, 01:05 PM

I'm so excited! We're going too! My husband got through this am at 8:59 (I of course was asleep since I worked last night) Anyhow we are in 6580 so he's happy because it has a veranda and he can read his book and "look over the ocean". It's going to be my husband and myself and our dd age 7 1/2. Can't wait to actually meet all you guys! :D maggie

TnRobin

08-24-2002, 02:04 PM

Great news everyone. Keep it coming

As for the motion in aft, midship and forward sections. I have stayed in all of the above. I have heard you get less motion in the midsection of the ship, but I really couldn't tell the difference. I get sea-sick very easily, but with a daily dose of Meclizine, I was ready to go each day.

iluvdisney

08-24-2002, 02:42 PM

Hope we see a posting from doc and reg soon - hope they make it onboard!:cool:

Regina

08-24-2002, 05:03 PM

I was traveling. DS interns with the Carolina Panthers during training camp and they took him to the pre-season game against the NE Patriots. After the game, he came with us and we all stayed at the Marriott in Providence, RI.

It's been a loooooong time since we stayed in one hotel room. (DVC has spoiled us.;) ) We didn't get to bed until after 1:30am, and I hardly slept a wink because a. I was a wreck about making the cruise call and b. I stupidly had a cup of coffee at 11:00pm. What was I thinking!!:confused:

I went into dialing mode at 8:58am. BUSY!!! :( Darn it, no redial on hotel phones.:mad: I kept dialing and dialing. DH brought me coffee while DS and DD were pretending to sleep. at 9:14 "WHAT'S THIS? THE RECORDING!!!:) "

I hum along to Beauty and the Beast, the old Illuminations soundtrack, Kiss the Girl, Tiki Room.......and then, at 9:35, I got a person!! YAY!!!:p :p In exactly 25 minutes, I got my category 6 starboard stateroom.

And all I kept thinking was how did everyone else make out. So glad to see such happy news!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

MarkRG

08-24-2002, 05:12 PM

Regina, that's EXACTLY the scenario my DW had calling in, including the on-hold music, the only difference is the phone here could redial.

Glad to see so many are going to get to go! Anyone heard from Doc?

CarolAnnC

08-24-2002, 05:21 PM

Ty for the Member Cruise logo Mark!! :) :)

MarkRG

08-24-2002, 05:26 PM

You're welcome! And thank you for the constant updates all day on how the deal was going! :D Sounds like it'll completely sell out by Monday!

DBorges

08-24-2002, 06:36 PM

I was caller #3 this morning at 9:01 a.m.

And I am sure you all are as psyched as I am.

Got just what I wanted category 6 with a verandah that sleeps 4!

Room number 6560!

Can't wait until Feb 2nd!!!!!

Hope to see you all there.

And how sweet it was not to pay the $75.00 fee.

Enjoy all.

Dave:Pinkbounc

#1Mouse

08-24-2002, 09:46 PM

Poohstx that magic number to start counting down is 161 (not counting today).

We are trying to decide if we should fly into Orlando on 2/2 or if we should fly in the day before. If we fly Spirit the flight comes in around 10:30 AM. Is that plenty of time to collect our luggage and make it to the Port? After the cruise we are going to stay at WDW through Sunday. Someone pinch me - I must be dreaming!!!!

We are soooooooo excited.

poohstx

08-24-2002, 11:08 PM

#1 Mouse - last October we flew down on Southwest from Albany, arriving at 10:30am. We boarded the Disney Cruise Line bus and made it to the Port Canaveral Terminal in plenty of time. Actually, we were in the line before they opened the gangway to start boarding the ship. I guess the only concern would be the weather in February may not be as predictable as October.

You really have much later in the afternoon to board, as the first thing you do when boarding is have lunch!

WDWLVR

08-25-2002, 06:04 AM

Since we are coming from Chicago and flying out of O'Hare we decided to fly in the day before. In fact when we were talking about the cruise last week DH suggested that we go ahead and make reservations at the Raddison for 2/1 which I did. That way we can enjoy the day at Cocoa Beach and know that the Wonder is only 10 minutes away on Sunday morning.

The weather in February is too unpredictable to chance a same day flight for us.

TnRobin

08-25-2002, 06:15 AM

It rarely comes a blizzard in Tennessee in Feb but we will probably fly down the night before. The one time we flew down the day of the cruise, I was exhausted by the time dinner arrive and did not make it to the party that night.

RRBB

08-25-2002, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by #1Mouse
If we fly Spirit the flight comes in around 10:30 AM. Is that plenty of time to collect our luggage and make it to the Port? If you plan to fly the same day and take the Disney bus to the port, then you won't have to worry about collecting your luggage. Just make sure you have the Cruise Tags on your luggage before you check it (the tags that are provided in your travel docs), and they will collect it and take it directly to the ship and your cabin for you.

DBorges

08-25-2002, 10:06 AM

I thought transfers were not included

poohstx

08-25-2002, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by DBorges
I though transfers were not included

The transfers are not included, but may be purchased through MS once your airline reservations are made. They suggest arriving at MCO before 12 noon to make sure you make the boat before it sails.

DVC1996

08-25-2002, 04:16 PM

Another tidbit of information you may want to check on, especially if you are staying at OKW prior to the cruise. For the April cruise, they called me about a week before the cruise, and said there would be a bus available for transfers between OKW and the port. They normally don't run to OKW but were doing this for the April cruise. I'm thinking there have always been DCL buses for the other resorts but I'm not positive about this. We didn't take advantage of this service since we were driving to the port and staying at the Radisson.

CarolAnnC

08-25-2002, 04:28 PM

When I was at OKW in July, I saw the Cruise Line bus taking passengers on there. I spoke to the DCL rep and she informed me that indeed they do stop now at OKW to take on passengers and have been doing so for a couple of months! Good news!!

poohstx

08-25-2002, 06:11 PM

From the Summer 2002 Vacation Magic
-------------------------------------------------
Beginning July 1, 2002, Members taking a Disney Cruise Line vacation can transfer from Orlando International Airport to Disney Vacation Club Resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort and from these resorts to the cruise terminal in Port Canaveral. The cost is $19.00 per person from the airport to the resort and $24.00 per person one-way to or from Port Canaveral. Visit dvcmember.com for motorcoach departure times. To purchase ground transfers, contact member services.

Sue

TnRobin

08-25-2002, 06:21 PM

Yes they now offer transfers from the DVC resorts. It was in the lsummer or spring vacation magic. Let me go look at the price.

****Pooh beat me to it - Thanks Pooh*******

#1Mouse

08-25-2002, 08:00 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm glad WDWLVR and poohstx made the comment about the weather. Coming from the Detroit area, February could be anything ranging from a nice mild 40 degrees to a full blown blizzard. I think we will fly in the day before and stay at the Radisson. I thought I read somewhere that the Radisson has a shuttle to Port Canaveral is that true?

Another question - will it be necessary to rent a car at MCO and drive to the Radisson or is there a shuttle for that too?

Beth

08-25-2002, 08:21 PM

Hi everyone!!

I just got back from a short getaway weekend at the beach.

I got on the phone around 8:57 - also a phone with no redial ... AARRGGHH!! At least the number to MS is easy to dial!!

With one or two short breaks to get a drink - I finally got through around 10:15 - on hold for about 20-30 minutes - off the phone around 11:00.

But we got exactly what we wanted, and can't wait to see you all there!!

WDWLVR

08-25-2002, 10:48 PM

#1 Mouse - the easiest way to do it is get a one-way rental from Avis. They have a drop off at the Radisson and you can then take either the Radisson shuttle or the Avis shuttle. We did it in May and it was great. We used the car to do a little sightseeing, dinner at Grills to watch the Magic leave on Saturday night, and then a quick trip to Publix to pick up pop & water.

madcoco

08-26-2002, 01:57 AM

Hi Beth.Great to see you guys made it!:D

MrsQ

08-26-2002, 03:00 PM

Congrats to all. We are on west coast and started calling at 6am on 2 pay phones and a cell phone and it took 2 hours and 10 minutes to get through and then we had to hold for 25 minutes. Oh well, another story but we are booked.

Shontell_Crawford

08-27-2002, 09:06 AM

Wow! MrsQ gets the devoted DVC member of the month award...up at 6am and on 2 pay phones and a cell phone for a 2 1/2 hour wait.

You deserve the cruise of a lifetime!!! I look forward to seeing you.

Best regards,
Shontell

Minnie*Mouse

08-27-2002, 10:11 PM

We were on the island of Martha's Vineyard and began calling at 9:00 using 2 cell phones. I finally got through at 10:30...another 35 minutes on hold and 'yes, a castmember'. After a few questions, going over what category and availability, all of cat. 6 mid-ship was gone--which I couldn't believe and a bit disappointed! He finally came back and gave me a range of staterooms both forward and aft. I, looking at the DCL book I gave him a stateroom number, he put me on hold to confirm w/DCL. After about 30 minutes, I thought it was rather a long wait time, but I didn't dare touch my cell phone in fear I would lose the connection. All of a sudden my phone rang, on the other line someone else. I suddently realized we had disconnected!! Oh no, here I go again through the whole ordeal...I try again only to deal w/more busy signals--the whole time praying that he had actually put that stateroom on hold for me. Well, it's now 11:55, another castmember completes my reservation and had many apologies from the other castmember who accidentally disconnected. I was on the phone for 3 hours, boy, did my ear hurt!!!

He had actually called my house to try to complete the reservation. But know what's strange? He left me a message to please call the 800# to complete the reservation. No direct number or anything like that??? I was so frantic about losing that stateroom that I even called DCL to see if they could see if I had a reservation, but that date was completely blocked from their system that morning.

Well, all in all, I did get a category 6, but not the stateroom I wanted. We will be in starboard forward and I really wanted starboard mid-ship. The first castmember I spoke to said mid-ship booked up within 45 minutes. Oh well, at least I'll be on the ship!

M*M
;)

CarolAnnC

08-27-2002, 10:15 PM

I have sailed in category 6 Forward, and I adored the area! I was actually directly across from the Forward elevators and loved being so convenient to the Walt Disney Theatre, the nightclub district, the Spa, the shops, the adult pool, and Common Grounds for my teens.

I truly believe there are no "bad" rooms on board the Disney Ships. I often say I would be happy sleeping in a lifeboat if it meant I was onboard!! LOL!!

Welcome Aboard Minnie!!

debkay

08-27-2002, 10:27 PM

M*M,
What you reported in your post sounds almost like what happened to us. I started calling at 8:57am Saturday. Constantly redialing. Finally got through at 11:15 am. Then I was on hold 45 minutes, finally speaking to "Jerry" at noon. Was this the man helping you also? I asked for a catergory 6 veranda and he came back from speaking to DCL with cabin 5126. I said, "Deck 5, what happened to deck 6?" Jerry said that was all sold out. So we took 5126 finishing up about 12:15 pm. Well....at 1pm, Jerry called our house and said he found us a veranda on deck 6, forward, starboard side. I said OK, we'll take that cabin. Since then, I have thought it very strange to say the least, that he would call us back after helping so many different members. How could he remember us? Right now I anxiously the paperwork to be sure that we do have a deck six veranda.:confused:

brittsmum1998

08-27-2002, 11:05 PM

WE had Jerry too! We are in 5127. He called me back about 10 mins after I got off the phone w/ him to tell us that if we changed ressies, cabins etc there would be a 75$ charge. I wondered also how he could call back for that when they were so busy all day. He never asked which cabin I wanted just the deck and category.

bonzie1

08-28-2002, 12:03 PM

I started calling at 9:04... that was my first mistake. I was hitting redial again + again. THe phone would ring, and I'd get excited only to find out "this is a recording... please hang up and try again!" anyway, at 2:00 I finally got put on hold. 25 minutes later I got a great CM but cat 6 + 7 were long gone by then (sigh) We ended up in cat 5 for more points, and right by the front elevator. Rm #7516. I originally wanted Cat 6 starboard mid ship. My husband really wanted a veranda... so we took the cat 5 room (only 11 points left for 2003!!!) But... we're GOING and we are excited! We should put together a list and room numbers... maybe we could get a group of tables together when dining??? See everyone there!

Minnie*Mouse

08-28-2002, 04:36 PM

I think the CM I spoke to was Jerry. He just asked what category I wanted, but never asked if I was looking for a particular stateroom. I told him which one I wanted, he put me on hold and told me all the mid-ship rooms had been taken, and gave me a range to choose from. The second time on hold was when he disconnected me. He seemed to be very vague throughout the whole process.

I also felt he truly lacked the Disney personality, he seemed to rush through everything--not friendly at all, but I understood given the number of calls they must have received.

You're right, CarolAnnK, the lifeboat would be fine. Thanks for the encouragement!

M*M :D

I just reviewed my voice mail and the castmember was Randy, not Jerry!

TnRobin

08-28-2002, 07:53 PM

Carol is right about the convienence of being located in the forward section of the ship. It makes it really easy to get back to your room after a swim in the adult pool, after the evening shows or a late night at the club. We especially like our stay at forward, one afternoon when Matt was in the club, we noticed the jacuzzi in the adult pool area vacant. We hopped down two flights, changed to bathing suits and were in the jacuzzi within a few minutes.