~ºoº November 27, 2010- Western Magic! ºoº~

[sdlong329]

what kind of FE thing are you organizing? I'm sure I'll want to participate but I'm clueless.

--Random gifts of kindness. Little surprises stuffed in the pockets, delivered throughtout the cruise. Those with craft skills often make things ... others will order small gifts tailored to Disney, Disney Cruise Line, or their own home town.

 

[thepeacekeeper]

Just a note about pre-cruise accomodations, in case anybody needs a suggestion. I recently booked the Country Inn & Suites for a total of $60.48 per night including tax, (2 nights), on Priceline. We are coming in on Thanksgiving Day cuz I'm hoping that will be a slightly more tolerable travel day. As of now we are supposed to get a room with a queen bed, bunk beds and a sofa sleeper. Sounds great and it's very close to the port. They have breakfast too.

 

[DLW8]

Just a note about pre-cruise accomodations, in case anybody needs a suggestion. I recently booked the Country Inn & Suites for a total of $60.48 per night including tax, (2 nights), on Priceline. We are coming in on Thanksgiving Day cuz I'm hoping that will be a slightly more tolerable travel day. As of now we are supposed to get a room with a queen bed, bunk beds and a sofa sleeper. Sounds great and it's very close to the port. They have breakfast too.

WOW - that is a great deal. I am thinking we may come in on Turkey Day as well if flights are lower.

So are you renting a car to get from MCO to the hotel and then dropping it at port? I don't know what to do about a hotel for the prenight...was considering just staying at MCO Hyatt to make life easier for me.

 

[sdlong329]

Country Inn is a 2.5 star hotel in CAPE Canaveral, with a convenient location to Port Canaveral, as it is one of only two or three nearby. It is an ideal location for DISers to meet pre-cruise. For those flying into MCO, you can pick up a rental car - then drive to Port Canaveral. There are a few rental car facilities in Port Canaveral (I forget which ones). When you are checking into rental cars, make sure they have shuttle service, to drop you off at the Port, or your hotel, once you turn in the car. I *believe* the Country Inn *MAY* have a rental car agency on site ... can someone confirm?

If you are a party of two or less, it can be cheaper to stay near the airport, get a hotel shuttle back to the airport, then take DCL shuttle bus from MCO airport to the Port on embarkation morning. If you have four or more, the cost of the DCL shuttle to the Port can add up fast. Then again, remember that the DCL shuttle adds convenience, in that you do not need to handle your luggage. If you stay at Port Canaveral hotel, you have to schlep your luggage.

The Hyatt Orlando Airport is another great choice, and is a 4 Diamond hotel (I believe it's 4 star or higher). For those who have access to a Costco, I understood there was a program to purchase a coupon or pre-purchase a one night stay, for the equivalent to $99 for one night. I do not have access to any other promotion. I understand DCL will pick up your luggage (from your room?) the morning of embrakation.

Another option is the Crowne Plaza - Orlando Airport (Hazeltine Drive). Rack rate is often over $200 per night, though November rates are usually under $100 per night. Many of the airline staff stay at the Crowne Plaza, which, to me, means it is a good value. I checked online - did not see a rating, but believe it's probably 3.5 stars. Crowne Plaza offers a free shuttle to and from the airport, and are conveniently located to local restaurants as well.

--Steven Long

 

[MinnesotaMouse]

Thanks for all the packing advice!! Maybe I can implement some of those ideas. My husband is not impressed with the tuxedo idea, so I'm thinking we'll be putting the guys in shirts & ties (are jackets a MUST--??)

I have also been trying to figure out where to stay pre-cruise. We usually fly Sun Country out of Minneapolis, but I don't want to fly out on Saturday morning cruise day and take the chance of a blizzard/flight delay! The flight schedules won't be out for several months yet....and if it's cheaper to fly ON Thanksgiving Day, then that's what my family of four will do. But then I need to stay TWO nights pre-cruise. I'm out of DVC points (used them all up for this cruise) so we would be on our own. Though these other hotels sound great, I can't imagine staying anywhere other than a Disney resort so we could conveniently "do a park" on Thanksgiving Friday, they could handle our luggage, transportation etc. Not sure if I should make reservations somewhere (CBR is our *favorite* non-DVC property) for Thursday & Friday nights and then just cancel if we have to.....or what.....what to do, what to do.....I'm thinking out loud....babbling....babbling....

 

[thepeacekeeper]

We haven't decided what we are using for transportation to the port yet. We would love to spend some time at WDW, but with the holiday crowds and extra expense we decided to focus on the cruise and just relax and play around in the port area for the 2 days prior to sailing. We are traveling with 3 other folks, so we might splurge and get a roundtrip limo and split the cost! Based on what I've seen I believe a limo is cheaper than Disney transportation, but definitely more expensive than a car rental. Country Inn & Suites does have a shuttle to the port. They also provide a FREE shuttle to area restaurants and attractions within 3 miles of the hotel; a nice plus. Last year I got the Comfort Inn next door to Ron Jon Surf Shop for $48.00 a night. It was OK for 1 night, but I would rate it no more than 2 stars in my opinion. The Hyatt MCO looks awesome, but I got such a good deal near the port we decided to go with that.

 

[sdlong329]

My husband is not impressed with the tuxedo idea, so I'm thinking we'll be putting the guys in shirts & ties (are jackets a MUST

--Men are required to wear a jacket in Palo's. As for Formal Night, and semi-formal night in the main restaurants, many men wear a Tux, but a suit is perfectly acceptable. At the very least, I would suggest wearing a sport jacket with a collared shirt and tie. Anything less, and I personally believe DH will stick out like a sore thumb. Those in jeans typically opt for Topsiders during formal night. Have you considered renting a Tux while onboard? It's a hoot, and the pics turn out grrrreat as well!

Steven Long

 

[thepeacekeeper]

--Men are required to wear a jacket in Palo's. As for Formal Night, and semi-formal night in the main restaurants, many men wear a Tux, but a suit is perfectly acceptable. At the very least, I would suggest wearing a sport jacket with a collared shirt and tie. Anything less, and I personally believe DH will stick out like a sore thumb. Those in jeans typically opt for Topsiders during formal night. Have you considered renting a Tux while onboard? It's a hoot, and the pics turn out grrrreat as well!

Actually, guys can wear a jacket or a dress shirt. I didn't wear a jacket last January and had no problems. Saves a little room in the ol' suitcase if you don't need a jacket too! We ate at Palo on formal night and nobody gave me the "stink eye" for not wearing a tux. In fact the last time I wore one of those was 20 years ago when I got married. The folks that take the time to dress up do look great.

 

[sdlong329]

Actually, guys can wear a jacket or a dress shirt. I didn't wear a jacket last January and had no problems. Saves a little room in the ol' suitcase if you don't need a jacket too! We ate at Palo on formal night and nobody gave me the "stink eye" for not wearing a tux. In fact the last time I wore one of those was 20 years ago when I got married. The folks that take the time to dress up do look great.

Jackets have always been requested / required. Guests have been lax. More recently, management has been making sure men wear jackets (moreso, depending on the Palo's manager). I didn't say anything about stink-eye for nor wearing a tux. A tux is not required, however, if you wear a dress shirt (no tie or jacket), you WILL be turned away, or given a jacket to wear. Wearing appropriate attire is a sign of respect. I wouldn't expect anyone to bring a 5 year old child to Palo's, nor would I expect anyone to scream or carry-on incessantly inside of Palo's. WHY? Proper behavior and respect for others. Why is dressing appropriately any different?

 

[Fourgolds]

We booked this cruise over a year ago, but just got off the Wonder this morning after a 3 night "taste" of Disney cruising and can't wait until November. We learned sooo much about Disney cruising, including this board.

Besides our family, we are cruising with 2 other families, making or party a group of 12.

myslef, DW Fara, DD7 Marin, DD3 Riley

We are looking forward to hearing from everyone and finding out what else we need to learn for this cruise. We have been to all the ports before, but are looking forward to experiencing it with our kids.

 

[thepeacekeeper]

Jackets have always been requested / required. Guests have been lax. More recently, management has been making sure men wear jackets (moreso, depending on the Palo's manager). I didn't say anything about stink-eye for nor wearing a tux. A tux is not required, however, if you wear a dress shirt (no tie or jacket), you WILL be turned away, or given a jacket to wear. Wearing appropriate attire is a sign of respect. I wouldn't expect anyone to bring a 5 year old child to Palo's, nor would I expect anyone to scream or carry-on incessantly inside of Palo's. WHY? Proper behavior and respect for others. Why is dressing appropriately any different?

That's strange, must be something new. The Palo section on the DCL website clearly says "dress shirt or jacket" and when I wore a dress shirt without a tie or jacket I had nothing at all said to me and I was not turned away, (Jan 2009). If the dress code said a jacket was required, then I would have worn one. I don't think I was being disrespectful when I was following the guidelines set forth by Disney themselves. Not trying to be argumentative, but that is my personal experience. I'm sure nobody wants to lug around any more clothing than they have too! I'll certainly keep an eye on the website for any changes between now and our sailing date.

 

[thepeacekeeper]

Where is everyone else staying for pre-cruise lodgings? As I mentioned before we are at the Country Inn & Suites.

 

[J&K'sPrincessMommy]

hi Everyone!

We just added my mom to our ressie- so we are now a party of 6 across 2 SPH rooms. Now I just have to email to get on the FE list

Before the cruise~ we are looking into the Hyatt at MCO...

 

[mousebrat]

We will stay at the Hyatt MCO as well. It is the most convenient for us with our 2 little ones. We bought a certificate off the Hyatt website (as we didn't want to risk priceline/hotwire) for $135. We've stayed there 3 times and it is the best for us.

As for Palo, my hubby wore his sport coat and dress shirt (not tie) to Palo on our 12/3/09 cruise. I don't remember what others had on. I know that I wore a nice sweater and nice slacks (no dress this time around).

 

[thepeacekeeper]

The Hyatt looks like a great place to stay. I don't know anything about it. It seems like it would be pretty busy.

 

[sdlong329]

That's strange, must be something new. The Palo section on the DCL website clearly says "dress shirt or jacket" and when I wore a dress shirt without a tie or jacket I had nothing at all said to me and I was not turned away, (Jan 2009). If the dress code said a jacket was required, then I would have worn one. I don't think I was being disrespectful when I was following the guidelines set forth by Disney themselves. Not trying to be argumentative, but that is my personal experience. I'm sure nobody wants to lug around any more clothing than they have too! I'll certainly keep an eye on the website for any changes between now and our sailing date.

That was one year ago. I was on the ship 12/09. Like I said, I guess it depends on the Manager. That aside, feel free to scale back at home, but please do not quash the evening for others.

LUG AROUND? Heck, if everyone thought that was, we'd all show up with one t-shirt, one under-shirt, one under-shorts, and one pair of socks. It'd absurd to think you're LUGGING AROUND a TIE or a JACKET. Heaven forbid! You are on a 5-star ship - please act like it. If you are on a 3.0 - 3.5 star ship, or on a 3-4 day cruise (withouth formal events), feel free to be as casual as you like.

As I also may have mentioned, DCL used to have Casual, as well as Cruise Casual. Cruise Casual is NOT listed anywhere on the 14 day TransAtlantic - but Casual is prominent. Are you being scarcastic when you mention LUGGING around a tie or jacket? Do you feel the same way about lugging around more than one t-shirt, one polo-shirt, one under-shirt, onr pair of socks, or one under-shorts? Why lug around more than you need? Heck, you can wear a jacket or tie 2-3 times on a 4-day cruise. That's probably the most use you will get out of a t-shirt, or other undergarments.

People are spending $5 - $40K on a cruise, then get hyper about wanting to be comfortable? If your clothes fit properly, any fashion should be comfortable. Heck, a swimsuit is comfortable, but just not proper on formal night, not at Palo's. Dress however you prefer, but if you can't bring yourself to pack a tie or jacket, consider amending your luggage selection to a slightly larger piece. I ue a garment bag - no issues. I even bring it on 4 day cruises, though I have only been on two cruise of that short length.

Enjoy the day, enjoy the evening, enjoy the ambiance. You can wear anything you want to Applebees or McDonalds. Treat the restaurants, and those within the restaurants with respect. Is ths least anyone can do.

Steven Long

 

[DLW8]

We will stay at the Hyatt MCO as well. It is the most convenient for us with our 2 little ones. We bought a certificate off the Hyatt website (as we didn't want to risk priceline/hotwire) for $135. We've stayed there 3 times and it is the best for us.
QUOTE]

Can you give me more info on where you got this off their site? TIA...

 

[J&K'sPrincessMommy]

info on Hyatt's Stay Certificates:
https://www.certificates.hyatt.com/products/CertsStay.aspx

I started a thread on the Dis about it back in the fall...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2304912

Looks good to me

But the values are pricing at about $141 a night aswell....

 

[DLW8]

What do you mean the values are $141 a night? At Disney? We are coming in late on Friday (or that is my plan), so staying at the Hyatt at the airport is just convenient....I just don't want to chance flying in the day of the cruise in case of bad weather between CT and FL.

The AAA rate is $151 plus taxes, so the stay certificate of $141 (including shipping) is still a bit of a better deal. I know people have gotten the Hyatt for less on priceline or Hotwire, but I have never used them and I know you can't cancel. If for ome reason, we can't take the cruise, I'd hate to be out that money as well.

Thanks for your info!

info on Hyatt's Stay Certificates:
https://www.certificates.hyatt.com/products/CertsStay.aspx

I started a thread on the Dis about it back in the fall...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2304912

Looks good to me

But the values are pricing at about $141 a night aswell....

 

[thepeacekeeper]

I know people have gotten the Hyatt for less on priceline or Hotwire, but I have never used them and I know you can't cancel. If for ome reason, we can't take the cruise, I'd hate to be out that money as well.

I'm sure you could tack on travel insurance to cover you in case you have to cancel your room. I'm drawing a blank right now, but for some reason I seem to remember it was fairly cheap if purchased directly from Hotwire or Priceline as part of your package. Just something to keep in mind. The bad thing about some of those deals is they only guarantee a room for 2 adults, so you have to keep up with what they offer. I personally haven't had a problem contacting the hotel directly after getting a bid and making arrangements for the 4 of us. Guess I've been lucky that way.