1/22/2006 Roll Call for Wonder Cruisers

[kellib36]

OK I have decided to go ahead and take this cruise! So it looks like you are stuck with me! [/QUOTE]
Oh yeah!!!! PAR-TY!!!!

Although, I had to fork over my CC for $1000 to pay the deductible on my car on Tues! I'll tell you what! That hurt something fierce paying that much money for something that wasnt Mickey related! Yikes!

I've had to do that too...$1000 is a LOT...at least that was before my cruise habit kicked in....

Anyways, my TA told me there is a parking increase at the port in case you all havent heard. It is not $12 a day fro those who drive (like me)....

Dang! I guess they REALLY want you to take the bus!!! Guessing those towncar services are getting excited!!!

 

[num1tigerfan]

HI guys! OK I have decided to go ahead and take this cruise! So it looks like you are stuck with me! Although, I had to fork over my CC for $1000 to pay the deductible on my car on Tues! I'll tell you what! That hurt something fierce paying that much money for something that wasnt Mickey related! Yikes! Anyways, my TA told me there is a parking increase at the port in case you all havent heard. It is not $12 a day fro those who drive (like me)....

I think we are likely going to get a one way rental from Disney to port and then another one way back to MCO so we don't have to pay for parking. I quoted it with several companies online with discounts mentioned on mousesavers and it was cheaper than the bus, cheaper than a towncar and allows up the ability to stop off and pick up somethings for our cruise. It was only about $35-$40 + tax. Then of course we need 2 car seats which is $7/day but it still comes out cheaper. Our return floight home isn't until after 3:30 so we might stop off and see Kenedy space center or the ocean since we will have our own car.

 

[kellib36]

I think we are likely going to get a one way rental from Disney to port and then another one way back to MCO so we don't have to pay for parking. I quoted it with several companies online with discounts mentioned on mousesavers and it was cheaper than the bus, cheaper than a towncar and allows up the ability to stop off and pick up somethings for our cruise. It was only about $35-$40 + tax. Then of course we need 2 car seats which is $7/day but it still comes out cheaper. Our return floight home isn't until after 3:30 so we might stop off and see Kenedy space center or the ocean since we will have our own car.

Julie, That's what we usually do, too. Too convenient not to, even though we are only 2~~I can't imagine the savings for a family over the bus. Adding in the flexibility and unless you are really nervous about finding your way or something, the only way to go for a lot of people. We just go through the main rental places and pick whichever has the best deal. I'm a member of Budget's Fastbreak Club and National's Emerald Isle, but sometimes you get a surprise and one of the others is even cheaper. Never had a problem with any of the shuttle busses going either way. All wonderful clerks and drivers at each place.

 

[num1tigerfan]

Julie, That's what we usually do, too. Too convenient not to, even though we are only 2~~I can't imagine the savings for a family over the bus. Adding in the flexibility and unless you are really nervous about finding your way or something, the only way to go for a lot of people. We just go through the main rental places and pick whichever has the best deal. I'm a member of Budget's Fastbreak Club and National's Emerald Isle, but sometimes you get a surprise and one of the others is even cheaper. Never had a problem with any of the shuttle busses going either way. All wonderful clerks and drivers at each place.

Thanks for the info on the shuttles to port for the rental acencies!! That is nice to know. Last year I actually drove to Orlando from Iowa (22 hrs) by myself with my 2 teenagers (not going on cruise) and got around fine do driving doesn't bother me at all. I guess I am cheap, but I think spending 3-4 times more than the cost of a rental for a bus ride or town car service is just silly unless driving really makes you nervous. I can use that money for extras on the cruise. The only thing I am not sure of is how to get to the car rental place from disney. I think I will rent at one of the downtown disney hotel locations. From our hotel I will just hop on the downtown disney bus, once there I will walk to the rental acency (hotel) pick up the car then go back to Pop Century and get DH, kids and luggage. Have you ever done this before?

 

[MelissaE1]

Well, hello everyone. Feels like I've been gone for ages. We had a good time on our cruise, although I was pretty disappointed in how Disney handled the change of itinerary, etc. Oh well. They have a chance to make up for it in January. <g>

Mickey Minder, so sorry to hear of you having to cancel. Hope you get the health issues resolved quickly, and you'll be rebooked in no time.

Karin, the Eastern itinerary is great to do if you've never done it. The first time we had a great time and really enjoyed the extra sea day. IMHO the excursions for kids are much better on the Western though. If you are a beach person Orient beach in St. Martin is beautiful, I can send you pics if you like. I also hear St. John is amazing. I don't think you can go wrong either way for your first 7-day.

Dzneprincess, glad to hear you are still going with us after all!!

 

[kellib36]

The only thing I am not sure of is how to get to the car rental place from disney. I think I will rent at one of the downtown disney hotel locations. From our hotel I will just hop on the downtown disney bus, once there I will walk to the rental acency (hotel) pick up the car then go back to Pop Century and get DH, kids and luggage. Have you ever done this before?

Actually, kinda, yes, we have....can't remember the details of why now, but I thnk it was because whatever company we used to the airport didn't have a loc in Cocoa Beach. We ended up driving to get the 2nd car with the first, and then dropping off the 1st. Drove the 2nd car to Cocoa Beach and dropped it off for the cruise. My best advice is to make sure whichever company you use has a loc where you want to go.....REALLY wish I could remember the specifics~~guessing it'd make me look a little smarter.....oh well, I know a hopeless case when I see it!! I'd go for taking a bus to whichever hotel you're going to....Most of the DD hotels aren't too far to walk, but the sidewalks don't go that way......

 

[num1tigerfan]

Actually, kinda, yes, we have....can't remember the details of why now, but I thnk it was because whatever company we used to the airport didn't have a loc in Cocoa Beach. We ended up driving to get the 2nd car with the first, and then dropping off the 1st. Drove the 2nd car to Cocoa Beach and dropped it off for the cruise. My best advice is to make sure whichever company you use has a loc where you want to go.....REALLY wish I could remember the specifics~~guessing it'd make me look a little smarter.....oh well, I know a hopeless case when I see it!! I'd go for taking a bus to whichever hotel you're going to....Most of the DD hotels aren't too far to walk, but the sidewalks don't go that way......

I think I will either rent from Avis which is located at the Hilton downtown disney or Budget which is at the Doubletree guest suites downtown disney. Both have locations at Port with shuttles and both seem to be around $50 which is including tax and toddler seats. I will just have to figure out where they are from the bus drop off at downtown disney.

 

[kellib36]

I think I will either rent from Avis which is located at the Hilton downtown disney or Budget which is at the Doubletree guest suites downtown disney. Both have locations at Port with shuttles and both seem to be around $50 which is including tax and toddler seats. I will just have to figure out where they are from the bus drop off at downtown disney.

Those are the two we use the most.....I think the cheapest we've gotten for one day rental is $39..no extras ike children's seats....

 

[num1tigerfan]

Those are the two we use the most.....I think the cheapest we've gotten for one day rental is $39..no extras ike children's seats....

Thats rate seems about right. Ours just has the toddler seats added. I just hate spending $9/day *2 for toddler seats when we have them at home. I keep telling myself it is not worth the $18 each way ($36 total) to drag ours along. Anyway it doesn't look to difficult to do, I will just have to ask which way to walk when exiting the bus.

 

[dzneprincess]

hmm... I have just had a brain storm idea....how I am going to recoup my $$$ from the deductible! I am going to run Amanda's shuttle service on the mornig of our cruise! WOOHOO! I have an expedition! I can pile em in!!!!!!!!!!!! I say...hmmmmm.....$20 PP?? Sound reasonable??!!?!?! I will get ya from MCO/WDW property OR PC!!! Whos signing up first?!?! LOL

 

[dzneprincess]

OH yeah almost forget the real reason I was on the thread here are my pics from my girls only trip to F&W from 10/20 thru 10/25....AKA Hurricane Wilma trip!!!!!!!! HAHA I am the shorter fatter meaner one in the pics ;-p http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?&conn_speed=1&collid=211734082103.481029700303.1130735495131&mode=fromsite

 

[kellib36]

OH yeah almost forget the real reason I was on the thread here are my pics from my girls only trip to F&W from 10/20 thru 10/25....AKA Hurricane Wilma trip!!!!!!!! HAHA I am the shorter fatter meaner one in the pics ;-p http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?&conn_speed=1&collid=211734082103.481029700303.1130735495131&mode=fromsite

That link isn't working for me this morning....I'll try again later....but are you sure its right? Thanks! Glad to hear you're back and ready for more adventure!!!

 

[num1tigerfan]

That link isn't working for me this morning....I'll try again later....but are you sure its right? Thanks! Glad to hear you're back and ready for more adventure!!!

I can't get the link to work either, but I'd love to see the pictures. As far as being a shuttle service......sorry but we'd fill up the car and there wouldn't be any room for you and that would be so sad....:-( We couldn't have that!

 

[dzneprincess]

well dang I just cleared my cookies and tried it and it worked for me...what happens when yall do it??

 

[dzneprincess]

ok try this one
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c...j&x=0&y=-v9crkz

fixed link I hope!

 

[kellib36]

ok try this one
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c...j&x=0&y=-v9crkz

fixed link I hope!

This one works....gotta get back to the front door! Thanks!

 

[num1tigerfan]

ok try this one
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c...j&x=0&y=-v9crkz

fixed link I hope!

I am trying to open it on my apple ibook and it just keeps taking me to the kodak welcome member sign in page. I will try to open it on my Sony desktop and see if it works. Maybe it is just because my laptop is an apple.

 

[kellib36]

I am trying to open it on my apple ibook and it just keeps taking me to the kodak welcome member sign in page. I will try to open it on my Sony desktop and see if it works. Maybe it is just because my laptop is an apple.

Nope, not your computer....when it opened a new screen I assumed it was working....when back to check after the trick or treaters stopped and saw that that's where it had taken me also....

 

[Tahoe]

Hi, Karin! Sorry it took me so long to respond. We've been out of state for most of the week. I didn't want to haul the laptop for the few minutes each day I knew I'd have, so I went cold turkey!! (It was awful!!!)

My pic is just one of the stock photos on the boards, but it has fond memories for me! It's the Hulk roller coaster at US IoA. Keith and I went on it while I was "on the patch" and he wasn't.....we found out who the real ride wimp is....after that, I had to start sharing my patches for a couple days!!!

My TA sent me last week....just an idea for people in Nassau. I'm not sure how long they've been doing this.

>>Junkanoo is a loud and boisterous national festivity loosely derived from African customs. It takes place in January and in June, and the rest of the year is spent getting ready for it. Although the exact origins are unknown, it is thought to have its roots in slave celebrations on their only days off of the year. To celebrate, they decorated themselves with costumes made of paper.
Today, organizations may take a year to create their costumes, still of paper but much of it specially imported from Europe. Those fabulous costumes are on display at the Junkanoo Museum you will visit.

Your guide, Arlene, is a one-of-a-kind find. She is an incredible talent on her own and her knowledge, not just of Junkanoo and the culture of the Bahamas but of all facets of the island, is unbelievable. She will relate to all ages and will entertain rather than teach. With her, you will visit an authentic junkanoo "shack" in the historic district of Nassau, where she grew up. You will also participate in a Junkanoo workshop where you and your family will be able to create something - a hat or an ornament. Then, using native instruments like goatskin drums, cowbells and conch shells, you'll create Junkanoo music.

A 'must' stop for families and visitors who want to experience the 'true-true' culture of the Bahamas!

The cost is $35 per person.<<

Okay Kelli, so I thought your Hulk picture was some kind of modern art structure out in the cornfields somewhere! It was so small, I just couldn't tell! And the Junkanoo workshop/tour is exactly the kind of cultural experience we're looking for. Thanks! Now, this isn't a Disney excursion, right? I can't find it on the excursion page. Where did you TA find it? I will search shoretrips.com in the meantime.

I can't believe we did this, but yesterday we upgraded to category 3. They had two left when the TA called. I thought it would be too risky to wait until we checked in at the port. This was meant to be a surprise for my husband, but I blew it and had to confer with him. The one we chose is aft. I'm nervous now that I'll be more seasick. We had a midship room before. What are your experiences with being aft?? I have heard good things about the location, but not much about rocking. Anything in particular that we should make sure we do since we are now in concierge? We are looking forward to having a full room service breakfast in the mornings.

Halloween's now over--we are getting so close!

Karin

 

[dzneprincess]

OK guys! One last shot! Sorry! http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=2p9p07cn.64zcnw7j&x=0&y=-v9crkz