ª"˜˜ª¤.¸Team August 2013 Thread! (Part 2)¸.¤ª˜˜"ª&#9733

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Thanks for repsonding. Last time, which was the only time I have done online check in, I did get both my requests. However, I felt like once we arrived at the hotel we just got our cards and were sent on our way. I did miss the extra explanation of the resort. I didn't know if that was just the way that particular CM handled it or if that was a regular thing.

We do online check-in and still get the explanation of the resort. Had you stayed at that resort before? Sometimes they ask if this is your first time at the resort, which if it is, may prompt them to explain things in more detail. Don't hesitate to ask questions, even with online check-in. If you want them to explain dining options or pool hours, feel free to direct the conversation. Sometimes, if a cast member sees the guest is chatty, they may be chatty as well. Obviously, every cast member is different, but I don't think our check-in experience has been downgraded by doing online check-in, only enhanced!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Just a couple of days before we can do online check-in!

I need your opinions - my Dad wants to know what Disney and/or Pixar films he should watch to refresh his memory before our trip. Are there any that he really should see to make sure he understands everything? My Dad is mostly familiar with classic Disney movies and the older Disney World movies like rides like Pirates of the Caribbean. He hasn't seen all the new stuff. Thoughts?

That's a really interesting question. I would probably answer in relation to the rides or restaurants he might experience. For example, Finding Nemo is helpful if you plan on doing the Nemo ride and watching Beauty and the Beast will help explain the architecture behind the village and castle. Those are a couple of movies I would recommend!

 

[pigletto]

Just a couple of days before we can do online check-in!

I need your opinions - my Dad wants to know what Disney and/or Pixar films he should watch to refresh his memory before our trip. Are there any that he really should see to make sure he understands everything? My Dad is mostly familiar with classic Disney movies and the older Disney World movies like rides like Pirates of the Caribbean. He hasn't seen all the new stuff. Thoughts?

I think Monsters Inc., Toy Story, and Cars are great movies and will definitely be fun to watch to get used to the new Pixar characters.

 

[FlaNani]

61 Days and counting!!!
Is anyone else staying at OKW the week of the 25th?

 

[pigletto]

Bleh. The exchange rate isn't as good right now as it has been for my last few trips. I was charged an extra $44 to make a $600 payment on my card. I still have $1300 to pay so another $88 or so. Somehow I forgot to figure this in to my trip totals. It's not a huge deal, and could absolutely be worse, but it's kind of annoying.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Bleh. The exchange rate isn't as good right now as it has been for my last few trips. I was charged an extra $44 to make a $600 payment on my card. I still have $1300 to pay so another $88 or so. Somehow I forgot to figure this in to my trip totals. It's not a huge deal, and could absolutely be worse, but it's kind of annoying.

Doesn't that stink? I have watched our dollar sinking a little bit more each day and have been very grateful that we have pretty much all of our trip either already paid or converted to cash and sitting in our USD bank account. Our only outstanding variable is our rental vehicle, so even if the slump hangs on its a minimal expense ($245 or less).

Hopefully it will pull itself up again within the next little while! That said, DH works in auto parts manufacturing so their bottom line benefits when our dollar is low. I guess there's a bright side to everything .

 

[thetorit]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...disney-updates+(Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

 

[pigletto]

Doesn't that stink? I have watched our dollar sinking a little bit more each day and have been very grateful that we have pretty much all of our trip either already paid or converted to cash and sitting in our USD bank account. Our only outstanding variable is our rental vehicle, so even if the slump hangs on its a minimal expense ($245 or less).

Hopefully it will pull itself up again within the next little while! That said, DH works in auto parts manufacturing so their bottom line benefits when our dollar is low. I guess there's a bright side to everything .

None of trip money is converted so this is going to hurt a little bit. Hopefully it's back up before we convert the 1500 we're bringing for incidentals etc. For as often as we are in the States I really should have a USD account.

My dads company bills in American since most of their clients are American.. so this is good family news.. just not good Pigletto news

 

[Pirate princess 2]

We do online check-in and still get the explanation of the resort. Had you stayed at that resort before? Sometimes they ask if this is your first time at the resort, which if it is, may prompt them to explain things in more detail. Don't hesitate to ask questions, even with online check-in. If you want them to explain dining options or pool hours, feel free to direct the conversation. Sometimes, if a cast member sees the guest is chatty, they may be chatty as well. Obviously, every cast member is different, but I don't think our check-in experience has been downgraded by doing online check-in, only enhanced!

Thanks for the thoughts. I had a feeling it was just a bad check in. We had not ever stayed at that resort before. We usually try a different resort every time. I think I will do online check in.

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...disney-updates+(Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

Wow that is terrible, but I suppose it happens everywhere. Disney does such a great job of making people feel comfortable that it is very easy to let your guard down. I usually lock anything of value in the safe, if it's not coming with us that day. However, I have never locked up medications. I wouldn't even have thought to do that.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...disney-updates+(Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

I saw this, which is one of the reasons we usually only have mousekeeping come through once during our stay. We also lock everything we can in the safe, even papers that may have our names and addresses and reservation information on them!

 

[pjstevens]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...disney-updates+(Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

I'm way to 'trusting' and often leave my laptop out on the table. My meds are usually in the pill thing on the counter. Thankfully we've never had any problems.

 

[Megs114]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Disney_World_housekeeper_arrested_for_theft.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+disney-updates+%28Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com%29

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

I am wayyyyy too trusting when we are there. My husband, not so much lol. Everything is locked away. I usually thought he was overreacting but I guess I owe him an apology now lol

 

[joshsmom]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Disney_World_housekeeper_arrested_for_theft.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+disney-updates+%28Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com%29

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

I remember the first time I actually had a laptop to take down, I was worried about it. Everyone on here said its perfectly safe, they leave theirs sitting out, no problems. I was still worried, so I locked it in my suitcase everyday. Not that it is foolproof, but I felt better knowing it was out of sight. DS has a TON of medication for his kidney issues. We lock those away too--even though they usually are not desirable to drug addicts. I don't think they would get a high off anti rejection meds and high blood pressure meds. But I might be wrong!!!!

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Disney_World_housekeeper_arrested_for_theft.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+disney-updates+%28Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com%29

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

I just read this, we usually lock anthing that will fit into the safe and have a lock for our suitcases for anything else. Not the best strategy though we've never had anything go missing! This year we're only bringing small electronics and they'll fit into the safe, my camera will be with us most times so no worries there and we don't carry any prescription that anyone else would find interesting so no worries there!

 

[squirrel4569]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Disney_World_housekeeper_arrested_for_theft.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+disney-updates+%28Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com%29

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

This is one of the main reasons why I don't let housekeepers into my room, even at Disney. I used to travel for work and had a bunch of stuff stolen out of my room once and that was an expensive enough lesson for me. That wasn't at Disney but people are people and sometimes will do unsavory things. What I've found most often is that housekeeping will often bring extra towels and toiletries to your room when you are there if you request it and at Disney they often leave a bag of stuff on the door if your do not disturb sign is on the door. Unless something has gotten really dirty I just like to keep to myself.

My wife likes to have housekeeping come at least once during the week when we are staying somewhere. To appease her I will lock up, hide or take whatever I don't want to lose. Last year we had our car so we put electronics that weren't going into the park with us in our car.

 

[chuckinthechat]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Disney_World_housekeeper_arrested_for_theft.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+disney-updates+%28Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com%29

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

Sadly, as disappointing as this is, I am not at all surprised. I see it every day at work so it is sadly just a fact of life.

You can only control certain things make sure valuables are locked up etc. and that should be enough to not tempt most people

 

[CerysG]

Bleh. The exchange rate isn't as good right now as it has been for my last few trips. I was charged an extra $44 to make a $600 payment on my card. I still have $1300 to pay so another $88 or so. Somehow I forgot to figure this in to my trip totals. It's not a huge deal, and could absolutely be worse, but it's kind of annoying.

I was reading the business news yesterday on CBC and it sounds like its going to stick around this mark for a while. I've paid off the trip except for our hotel at Universal and that's done after we stay, and got some cash but I guess I'll just have to pay a bit more for the rest of it. Still it's way better then it was a few years back when it was 68 cents!

 

[CerysG]

Anyone else see this?:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...disney-updates+(Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)

I know I'm guilty of letting my guard down in Disney - what do you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe while on vacation?

We put all cash and documents in the safe. Stuff like computers and electonics I put in a suitcase and lock it. If guess I figure that if it housekeeping and they wanted to take something it would be easy to pick up stuff so not likely to try to get in a suitcase. If it was someone who broke in then I guss they would toss the room and get into suitcases. I'd be more worried about stuff like our passports as I've heard of people having those taken and its a pain to get them replaced quickly. We don't have many meds and those we do aren't worth stealing. I suppsoe the best thing is make it the least tempting as possible as lets face it the people working in hotels aren't exactly making a lot of money and it must be hard sometimes to see all these people who can afford a trip to Disney when you couldn't.

 

[pigletto]

I was reading the business news yesterday on CBC and it sounds like its going to stick around this mark for a while. I've paid off the trip except for our hotel at Universal and that's done after we stay, and got some cash but I guess I'll just have to pay a bit more for the rest of it. Still it's way better then it was a few years back when it was 68 cents!

I know! Can you imagine? We simply couldn't travel to the States at that rate!!

I am looking at about an extra $200 in exchange fees. Not the end of the world, but it does force me to cut back somewhere because we have two trips this year and the vacation budget is what it is. I can't justify the upward creep in any category.
It's pretty easily shaved from the miscellaneous category or I can easily drop the extra OOP table service we had planned. Not too big of a deal but never fun.

 

[akclayton]

Hello All!!!

I'm back to the threads after being off for a while. I just booked DH, niece(8), nephew(10) and myself for an August 17-21st trip. I'm super excited. I didn't we'd be going back to Disney until this fall for the Halloween party that we hadn't even booked yet. We were planning on taking a summer trip to San Antonio and Dallas. When I told DH how much money it was going to cost he got a little :eek. He didn't say anything else about a vacation for a couple of weeks. Then a few weeks ago, he said, "how much would it cost to go back to Disney. you know they'd rather go back there anyways." (We took them last June.) I got super excited. I'd rather go no where else. After a few days of , I gave him the numbers. Much to his surprise it was about the same. Then again.. I don't hear anything from him about it anymore. (He's a man of few words.) This past weekend, I told him.. If we are going to go, we need to make reservations now before 1. things start booking up or 2. the prices go up to where you don't want them for where we want to stay. Well.. He gave me the go ahead yesterday to go ahead and book it but to make sure that we can cancel a few days prior to in case a hurricane is scheduled to come through. Seriously...... ??????

The plan...

Leave our home, south of Houston, early afternoon of the 16th. Take our time, arrive at our resort Port Orleans - French Quarter close to lunch time if not earlier on Saturday, the 17th. If our room is ready, Great! Take a nap. If not, off to the Animal Kingdom we will go. We will close out the day here. Probably grab a bite to eat back at the resort and either call it an early night or let the kiddos have some pool time. Sunday, the 18th.. Head to Epcot then close out the night at MK with EMH. Monday, the 19th.. Hollywood Studios all day. I'm determined to get to Fantasmic! I've been to Disney probably 8 times and I've never been to Fantasmic. Tuesday, the 20th.. Magic Kingdom until around 6:00. Then head to Trails End Buffet for a 6:45 ADR. Close out the evening at Epcot. Wednesday, the 21st.. Request a late checkout. Head to Animal Kingdom which as EMH and stay until around lunch. Head back to the room, shower and get in more relaxed clothes so that we can start out trek back home. DH thinks we can make it back home without stopping to sleep. I'm already suggesting us stay between Tallahassee and Pensacola and get up the next morning to finish our journey.

I think this sounds like a good enough plan. What about y'all? I would've rather flown but the airline tickets would've been $200 less than our whole trip. No thank you!!!