DCL Fantasy Navigator s Finally Goes Hi-Tech

[Coldflame]

Hmmm... the gentleman I spoke with at DCL last week was the one who told me this as he used to work for Disney at WDW but left and went to work for DCL. He actually gave me the name of the company that employees him, which I won't share per his request. According to him, they operate 'under the Disney umbrella' but were not owned by Disney. Perhaps what he meant was not 'a wholly owned subsidiary'? That would fit with your statement as well.

DCL outsources certain parts of their operations. For instance, their ground transportation is actually owned and operated by Mears. Perhaps their ship maintenance staff is also outsourced. But I know that their core staff (steering crew, management and dinning) are Disney employees, as per conversations I've had with some of them, and go through quite a rigorous hiring process.

 

[DIScover]

DCL outsources certain parts of their operations. For instance, their ground transportation is actually owned and operated by Mears. Perhaps their ship maintenance staff is also outsourced. But I know that their core staff (steering crew, management and dinning) are Disney employees, as per conversations I've had with some of them, and go through quite a rigorous hiring process.

Sorry for jumping in here; I was hoping we could keep this forum post responses about the DCL Mobile App and leave this subject matter to another discussion thread.

However there have been some pretty strong statements made about DCL and who owns it so I feel somewhat responsible in correcting some possible misstatements.

I am in complete agreement with Coldflame. DCL is owned by the Walt Disney Corporation and should be looked at no differently than companies like ESPN, ABC (the TV network), Touchstone Pictures, Marvel, Lucas Film etc. Make no mistake; and without quoting all legal mumbo-jumbo that backs up my statement...DCL is part of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division of The Walt Disney Corporation

For any doubters or the misinformed, you can read the official Disney Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Financial Report And Shareholder Letter

http://cdn.media.ir.thewaltdisneycompany.com/2012/annual/10kwrap-2012.pdf

Sorry to get so formal.

Like Coldflame mentions, there are companies that provide staffing services for DCL and the ships; this is common in every type of industry. So your statement that your friend made is plausible. He/she may not be an actual DCL employee, but most likely a "contracted" employee from a staffing or service firm who receives compensation and benefits through a 3rd-party. But I assure you he/she (and the company he/she work for) ultimately reports to a DCL, WDPR, and TWDC. The employees at Senses would be a good example of this model.

And now that that's settled (if its not, lets start another discussion thread)...How about that App... Its cool right?

Can't wait to use it on my March Dream Back-2-Back and September 7-day out of San Juan on the Magic.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I generally keep my phone off at cruise time. What happens if i turn it on doesn;t a data plan kick in and I have to pay verizon for that feature.

thanks for the help

That was going to be my question - you beat me to it!

Thank you, OP for this awesome post!

 

[thedonduck]

Hmmm... the gentleman I spoke with at DCL last week was the one who told me this as he used to work for Disney at WDW but left and went to work for DCL. He actually gave me the name of the company that employees him, which I won't share per his request. According to him, they operate 'under the Disney umbrella' but were not owned by Disney. Perhaps what he meant was not 'a wholly owned subsidiary'? That would fit with your statement as well.

With whom did you speak? I can tell you that the CMs that work at port are not employed directly by Disney. These CMs do not get the same benefits as CMs at the Parks or other various places. I know this because my MIL works for Disney and was looking to go to work at port, but was told she would lose her benefits (for the parks, etc.) because they are not employed by Disney directly. So if that is the person you were talking with you are correct. The CMs on the ship themselves get different perks than those in the Parks (which makes sense), but they are still employed under the Disney umbrella. The ships as far as everything I have ever read are DISNEY'S ships.

 

[Postal68]

I'm afraid my phone plan's roaming will automatically kick in if I turn my phone on. How could you use this app without having that happen???

 

[mhconley]

That was going to be my question - you beat me to it! Thank you, OP for this awesome post!

The phone needs to be in airplane mode, that turns cellular data off. You then turn wifi on. Your provider charges you for cellular data, not wifi data.

Martin

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[mhconley]

I'm afraid my phone plan's roaming will automatically kick in if I turn my phone on. How could you use this app without having that happen???

See my post above. Roaming is cellular, not wifi.

Martin

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Postal68]

The phone needs to be in airplane mode, that turns cellular data off. You then turn wifi on. Your provider charges you for cellular data, not wifi data.

Martin

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

That's what I figured but I tried it before my post and when I switch my phone to airplane mode and wifi automatically disconnects

Never mind I got it

 

[perfectmatch300]

Your UPDATE was funny. I am happy for your tablet; getting to go on its first cruise. I am also happy for all electronic gizmos that get to take cruises and be useful to their owners. "Kinda-like" Andy's toys; right?

DIScover

Glad you enjoyed that. Definitely like Andy's toys. I hadn't thought of it that way.

Tonight my tablet & I are way too excited to sleep! We will be boarding the Fantasy in just a few hours. Thanks to your very informative post, I am very excited to try out this app on our cruise. We might even let my iphone join the party, but since the tablet is much easier to read from & is not on any cell or data plan, it will get the most use.

Thanks again for your help. Without having read this post I probably wouldn't have tried to use the app, now I can't wait to see how it works!

 

[bobyetman]

Does anyone know if they are continuing with the use of the App on current cruises? I'm trying to decide if I need to install the app for my upcoming November cruise. Also, any rumors on an iPad version that takes advantage of the extra screen real-estate?

 

[Donald_Quackers]

Does anyone know if they are continuing with the use of the App on current cruises? I'm trying to decide if I need to install the app for my upcoming November cruise. Also, any rumors on an iPad version that takes advantage of the extra screen real-estate?

I know it'll be ready for my December cruise, not sure when before that though. I would say chances are good.

I'll ask my source about an iPad version.

 

[BCV23]

What a great review, DIScover! We were on the same cruise and I loved using it especially for meal times, menus and port schedules. Since we were on the Fantasy for the first time, the deck plans were useful for me as well.

I marked just ok on the review sheet as it did seem fairly limited but in retrospect should have marked it higher since I used it so often and did enjoy it. I need to rate it on my phone.

Coldflame, I need to read your explanation, too.

What's everyone's guess as to whether the Magic will offer it when it returns next month?

 

[MRAven]

Thank you for this review

 

[tinkerone]

so, does this app work in the terminal? it would be a great way to start while you wait.

 

[DIScover]

so, does this app work in the terminal? it would be a great way to start while you wait.

Yes, when the Fantasy is docked you should be able to connect to the Guest WiFi (DCL-Guest) and the Navigator for the entire itinerary should be available to you while you are in the terminal.

DIScover

 

[Coldflame]

Yes, when the Fantasy is docked you should be able to connect to the Guest WiFi (DCL-Guest) and the Navigator for the entire itinerary should be available to you while you are in the terminal. DIScover

Can confirm. We sailed the 14th app was ready to use as soon as we boarded and were heading up to Cabanas for lunch.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

Update: app to go live next weekend for Fantasy, with the Dream following soon after, then Magic and Wonder (she needs some wifi work first).

Also, most of the suggestions are on the boards for future revisions, including a tablet optimized version.

These are all rumors, BTW.

 

[Bear3412]

So now more folks to bump into, with their heads down, focused on their little screens. Just like on the road.

No but seriously, sounds like a wonderful addition if it functions well.

 

[jlemieu1]

The android version was just updated.

• KIDS’ MENUS – Check what’s on the kids’ menu before you dine. You’ll know what’s planned for big and little alike!
• VACATION COUNTDOWN CLOCK – Set the clock and get your luggage ready—you’re going on a cruise!
• PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS – Experience your Disney cruise with an even faster, more full-featured on board app!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.disney.cruise.sept_goo&hl=en

 

[torontodisneyfan]

I have not searched the App Store yet, but should I assume I would have to change to the US version of the store from the Canadian?