09/18/11 - DVCers Take Over the Dream (S.S. Member Cruise 2011) - Thread #4

[Hoosier John]

It is only march and you have surpassed last years members cruise post by a ton.

Just wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone. We are going on the Dream Aug. 2nd and are super excited. Could not get the time off from school to do the members cruise this year.

I will probably check in from time to time to say hello.

Scott

Howdy Scott!!

Were you on the 2010 SSMC? We were, but I wasn't on DISboards then. It would be great to have you here. Maybe you can give us some last minute tips before we sail.

 

[Hoosier John]

Hey everyone!! Back from WDW a few hours ago.

Had a great time. Great weather and wonderful drinks!!! Boardwalk Villas might be my new favorite place to stay. Loved it!! Of course, had to make a trip to Jelly Rolls. Tommy, one of the musicians, called me up on stage because he saw me dancing at my table. I had to lead the place in a rendition of Ike and Tina Turner's, "Proud Mary"!! That was a treat for the eyes, I tell ya. Glad to be home. I missed Lilly so much...and Jim too, of course. Exactly 19 days and I will be back!!!! Can't wait!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Kelly

Wonder if it's on YouTube yet?

Boardwalk is where we got hooked on DVC. I really like the place, but Lara would rather see the new facilities. They seem to build them as fast as we can get back there.

I forget why you were there without Jim and Lilly, was this a girls trip?

 

[Truffle]

It would make us happy campers

Isn't that George and Stacey? Would that make it a group marriage?

 

[Carmouse10]

Gosh, I got so busy with other stuff yesterday I forgot to post my update...

I have booked all of my transportation and lodging now!!!

I need to wait a short time to book my WDW ADRs and "excursions" and then wait a long time until I can attempt to get my DCL "fun stuff" booked also.

Well, if all else fails at least I know I will be going from here to there, have a place to sleep there, have my tix to go to the parks, and be able to ride on the pretty boat. Oh yea, I can also come back home too...

I guess if my ADRs or "excursions" fall thru I will be forced to just sit at the bar and try to figure out something fun to do. Wait a minute, if I am already at the bar, what more is there to figure out?

 

[DizDragonfly]

What time are we allowed on the ship

I think the port opens at 10 am and it sounds like they start boarding about 11:30 am or so. I'm hearing stories about long long long lines and wait times at the port though. I'm keeping a close eye on the cruise board for updates.

 

[DizDragonfly]

Thank you!

They sell dried mushrooms in a half gallon jug here. There are about 5 kinds of mushrooms in it, and after re-hydrated, they add a lot of mushroom flavor. I would say about half way between our button mushrooms and wild mushrooms (for those who hunt mushrooms). The jug costs about $15, but it will last a long time.

Oh YUM!! One of the three best things I've ever eaten was at Napa Rose (Disneyland - GCH). The chef described it as Mushrooms, mushrooms and more mushrooms. It was divine!! I've always liked mushrooms, but this was amazing!

 

[DizDragonfly]

I have booked all of my transportation and lodging now!!!

I still need to book our rental car, but our other transportation is taken care of. It feels great to get those details hammered out, doesn't it?

 

[Carmouse10]

I still need to book our rental car, but our other transportation is taken care of. It feels great to get those details hammered out, doesn't it?

Yes maam!

I have been going nuts because JetBlue only was accepting reservations up to September 6. Of course, I could not make Magical Express reservations or car service reservations to get to and from my home airport until I could book my flights.

JetBlue opened the next booking window at 0900 Eastern, I had my flights booked at 0904

 

[smjj]

Well, it looks as if all is falling into place. We booked our hotel near the airport yesterday. We picked Crowne Plaza Hotel - Orlando Airport(1.5 miles). The last time we stayed at the Marriott and I wanted to stay again but the boss wanted to try something different. Has anyone stayed there before. It looks nice and got good ratings but you know how those ratings are...smjj

 

[smjj]

I think the port opens at 10 am and it sounds like they start boarding about 11:30 am or so. I'm hearing stories about long long long lines and wait times at the port though. I'm keeping a close eye on the cruise board for updates.

If I remember the last time when we checked in they gave us a card with a number on it. You were not to get in line until your number was called. That has been 5 years now and I am certain they have a different way to board now or would guess they do anyway....smjj

 

[DizDragonfly]

JetBlue opened the next booking window at 0900 Eastern, I had my flights booked at 0904

I wanted to do the same with Southwest. Unfortunately I was waiting on those flight awards. I didn't get my first pick for the return flight because there were no more award seats left, but I still got my days ... and they were almost free, so I can't complain too much.

 

[DizDragonfly]

If I remember the last time when we checked in they gave us a card with a number on it. You were not to get in line until your number was called. That has been 5 years now and I am certain they have a different way to board now or would guess they do anyway....smjj

I think the procedure is basically the same ... but with a LOT more people involved. I've heard there is a line to get into the building, then a line to get through security, then a line to check in and then everyone _stands_ around for a good long time (because there isn't enough seats) and then you get to stand in line to board.

 

[smjj]

I think the procedure is basically the same ... but with a LOT more people involved. I've heard there is a line to get into the building, then a line to get through security, then a line to check in and then everyone _stands_ around for a good long time (because there isn't enough seats) and then you get to stand in line to board.

You would have thought with them adding a much larger ship, they would have expanded the waiting area as well. I have not been to the terminal in 5 years now so we will see. I think we are going to try and get there as early as boarding permits to maybe beat the crowd but everyone is probably thinking the same thing...smjj

 

[DizDragonfly]

You would have thought with them adding a much larger ship, they would have expanded the waiting area as well. I have not been to the terminal in 5 years now so we will see. I think we are going to try and get there as early as boarding permits to maybe beat the crowd but everyone is probably thinking the same thing...smjj

I guess when you do online checkin, they now give you a "port arrival time". But, as of yet, they aren't enforcing it. So, if your port arrival time is at noon and you show up at 10 am, they are still letting you in the building. I'm not sure they ever will enforce it either. I think it's just to try to discourage everyone from showing up at the same time.

 

[peloha86]

I still need to book our rental car, but our other transportation is taken care of. It feels great to get those details hammered out, doesn't it?

Yes it does!

Well, it looks as if all is falling into place. We booked our hotel near the airport yesterday. We picked Crowne Plaza Hotel - Orlando Airport(1.5 miles). The last time we stayed at the Marriott and I wanted to stay again but the boss wanted to try something different. Has anyone stayed there before. It looks nice and got good ratings but you know how those ratings are...smjj

It looks reputable, is it pre or post cruise stay? If it's for one night, you should be ok. If you don't like the room, let the manager know, hopefully they can accomidate you by changing rooms or giving you some type of credt.

Gosh, I got so busy with other stuff yesterday I forgot to post my update...
I have booked all of my transportation and lodging now!!!
I need to wait a short time to book my WDW ADRs and "excursions" and then wait a long time until I can attempt to get my DCL "fun stuff" booked also.
Well, if all else fails at least I know I will be going from here to there, have a place to sleep there, have my tix to go to the parks, and be able to ride on the pretty boat. Oh yea, I can also come back home too...
I guess if my ADRs or "excursions" fall thru I will be forced to just sit at the bar and try to figure out something fun to do. Wait a minute, if I am already at the bar, what more is there to figure out?

There is always food and libations.
I think we should all try the "Mixology" class on the Dream, sounds like fun!
Link:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2653138

 

[friends with mickey]

Isn't that George and Stacey? Would that make it a group marriage?

If it is a group marriage, we can do the vow renewals on the Dream. Lets see I vow to keep doing Disney trips and cruises to keep us happy campers.

 

[Truffle]

If it is a group marriage, we can do the vow renewals on the Dream. Lets see I vow to keep doing Disney trips and cruises to keep us happy campers.

I could sure go for that!

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

There is always food and libations.
I think we should all try the "Mixology" class on the Dream, sounds like fun!
Link:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2653138

Wow - that sounds like fun. I wonder if they will offer it.

 

[DizDragonfly]

Wow - that sounds like fun. I wonder if they will offer it.

I want to do that one and the Martini tasting too.

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

I think the procedure is basically the same ... but with a LOT more people involved. I've heard there is a line to get into the building, then a line to get through security, then a line to check in and then everyone _stands_ around for a good long time (because there isn't enough seats) and then you get to stand in line to board.

Yep...that about sums up our experience for last years member cruise! LOL I'm sure with the bigger ship it is a nightmare. We've already discussed waiting until closer to 1:00 to arrive at the terminal. That way the big crowd level should be much more manageable by then.

I guess when you do online checkin, they now give you a "port arrival time". But, as of yet, they aren't enforcing it. So, if your port arrival time is at noon and you show up at 10 am, they are still letting you in the building. I'm not sure they ever will enforce it either. I think it's just to try to discourage everyone from showing up at the same time.

I don't know how they could possibly enforce this due to people getting there by so many different modes of transportation. Disney Cruise line bus, renting a car, renting a limo, driving yourself, and then there's the possible traffic jams to take into consideration. Nah...I don't really think that will ever be really enforced. I'm sure they've got something planned to update the terminal to accommodate the extra passengers. At least I hope so!!