11/06/11 Dream 4 Day

[ACDSNY]

We'll miss the Hawaii cruise in Oct 2012 since we're going to Aulani DVC on Oahu, Kauai and Maui in January 2012. I can't wait to see the new Aulani resort.

After the three trips below I think I better stay home for a while.

 

[iankh]

Have you heard that DCL is doing an October 1012 cruise to Hawaii??? Platinum and gold CC memebers can call DCL, their travel agent, or DVC and book starting today. Silver/general public booking starts Monday.

Anybody sitting on a dummy cruise...transfer it to that puppy, even if you're not sure you'd be able to go!!!

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I thought about it but decided against it. Simply not enough vacation, plus it's all accounted for now.



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[bellebud]

we're doing the Comfort Suites too. I planned on just taking a taxi. Although I must admit, I'm a little nervous from things I've read about the area (not Atlantis itself, but just getting there).

I read somewhere that you have to go and checkout from the Comfort Suites after your time at Atlantis... anyone know if that's true? Or can we check in, check out, then spend the day at the Atlantis, and go directly back to the ship?

DD and I did more FE shopping today (but she thinks it's for a Christmas mail swap). That story is actually working pretty well... I keep telling her the items must be smallish since we're mailing them, so it doesn't cost too much to mail. I'm just trying to keep luggage space down.

So now I'm thinking I may have to order a "real" FE if the space it's hanging is small. I was just going to use a Mickey tote bag. But I guess that's not "fun" anyway... those FE's are CUTE! (I can't make it myself - I'm crafty-challenged! And I can't have my dd help me, because she doesn't know we're going).

Oh, what problems we all have!

 

[ACDSNY]

we're doing the Comfort Suites too. I planned on just taking a taxi. Although I must admit, I'm a little nervous from things I've read about the area (not Atlantis itself, but just getting there).

I read somewhere that you have to go and checkout from the Comfort Suites after your time at Atlantis... anyone know if that's true? Or can we check in, check out, then spend the day at the Atlantis, and go directly back to the ship?

So now I'm thinking I may have to order a "real" FE if the space it's hanging is small. I was just going to use a Mickey tote bag. But I guess that's not "fun" anyway... those FE's are CUTE! (I can't make it myself - I'm crafty-challenged! And I can't have my dd help me, because she doesn't know we're going).

Oh, what problems we all have!

We're doing the Comfort Suites too and from what I read we can check in and out at the same time so we don't have to go back at the end of the day.

I craft challenged too so I ordered our FE from Ebay.

I'll take these kind of problems any day over the realities we must sometimes go through in life.

 

[dthogue]

we're doing the Comfort Suites too. I planned on just taking a taxi. Although I must admit, I'm a little nervous from things I've read about the area (not Atlantis itself, but just getting there).

I read somewhere that you have to go and checkout from the Comfort Suites after your time at Atlantis... anyone know if that's true? Or can we check in, check out, then spend the day at the Atlantis, and go directly back to the ship?
QUOTE]

I did read too that you can check in and check out at the same time. I am nervous too about the transportation issue - I'm ok getting there, but I'm gonna worry all day about getting back to the ship - I think we are planning on leaving about 5pm to make sure we make it back by 7pm. I did see some cruises stay at Nassau til 2am - I'm hoping we might be one of them and then I won't worry as much.

We're doing the Comfort Suites too and from what I read we can check in and out at the same time so we don't have to go back at the end of the day.

QUOTE]

Glad to see that you read that as well - I was thinking though for all the fees they are charging us I want to go and see my room and use it some way

 

[ladybug23]

We are doing the Comfort Suites too, we got the AAA rate of $135.00/night. Our total is 195.20, but I'm not sure that that includes the $12.95 surchage, all their charges confuse me, so I am planning about $250.00 total just to be safe. We plan to take a taxi from the ship - I read its $4.00/pp. I know there is at least one other family doing this as well.

Pirate night is Tuesday evening - Castaway Cay day!

Thanks for checking on the FE for us!!!

Tammy - My estimate does include the $17.95 surcharge per person, so yours probably does too. Here is what the reservation said:

Estimated Total: $414.00 (US Dollar) including taxes of: 18.00%, 17.95 PER PERSON PER DAY (This was for 2 rooms at $145 each, 4 people in each room)

Please note:Must have one adult 21 years or older in each room. Energy surcharge: 12.95 per person per night. Housekeeping gratuities: 5.00 per person per night These are additional charges not included in nightly estimated total and must be paid directly at the hotel. Persons 16 and older are charged as adults. 3rd/4th person charged 40.00 per night + tax and service charges

So I am guessing it is the "unknown" fees that we have to worry about. I remember reading a lot of reviews on this and seem to recall the the $17.95 per person is most if not all of the fees - but I do think you are smart to anticipate more fees. I will keep that in my head too. Reality is that it is still cheaper than doing the excursion through DCL. It is almost like buy 1 adult and get the rest of your family for free! LOL. The 3rd/4th person surcharge is for adults only - they will not charge you this if your 3rd/4th are children. I DO remember reading that one everywhere.

Happy Saturday! Yeah - need this after the week I had at work. Really can't wait to be waking up in FL 6 weeks from right now!

 

[iankh]

Tammy - My estimate does include the $17.95 surcharge per person, so yours probably does too. Here is what the reservation said:

Estimated Total: $414.00 (US Dollar) including taxes of: 18.00%, 17.95 PER PERSON PER DAY (This was for 2 rooms at $145 each, 4 people in each room)

Please note:Must have one adult 21 years or older in each room. Energy surcharge: 12.95 per person per night. Housekeeping gratuities: 5.00 per person per night These are additional charges not included in nightly estimated total and must be paid directly at the hotel. Persons 16 and older are charged as adults. 3rd/4th person charged 40.00 per night + tax and service charges

So I am guessing it is the "unknown" fees that we have to worry about. I remember reading a lot of reviews on this and seem to recall the the $17.95 per person is most if not all of the fees - but I do think you are smart to anticipate more fees. I will keep that in my head too. Reality is that it is still cheaper than doing the excursion through DCL. It is almost like buy 1 adult and get the rest of your family for free! LOL. The 3rd/4th person surcharge is for adults only - they will not charge you this if your 3rd/4th are children. I DO remember reading that one everywhere.

Happy Saturday! Yeah - need this after the week I had at work. Really can't wait to be waking up in FL 6 weeks from right now!

I believe there are additional housekeeping fees that that add on when you get there, however I have also heard they will waive these if you tell them you will not go to the room and checkout immediately.



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[iankh]

OK, I mean it, No more messing about. Today's the day I scope out the situation with the tails and see if I can find all the pieces.

I also had a pretty disturbing dream about trying to check in for this cruise and being delayed and then not having all the paperwork printed out. Plus Jackie was in it too connected with something about an old suitcase full of vintage photographs.

I think this just signals that the past week was horrendously stressful for me and ended at 6PM with a debacle. This is just a sign that I need a vacation and I need it NOW.

 

[ladybug23]

OK, I mean it, No more messing about. Today's the day I scope out the situation with the tails and see if I can find all the pieces.

I also had a pretty disturbing dream about trying to check in for this cruise and being delayed and then not having all the paperwork printed out. Plus Jackie was in it too connected with something about an old suitcase full of vintage photographs.

I think this just signals that the past week was horrendously stressful for me and ended at 6PM with a debacle. This is just a sign that I need a vacation and I need it NOW.

Sorry about the stressful dream! Like you need that on top of already being stressed and in need of a vacation??

Oh, and what do you mean scope out the situation with the tails? Did I miss something? Not quite sure what you are referencing there.

Leslie

 

[iankh]

Sorry about the stressful dream! Like you need that on top of already being stressed and in need of a vacation??

Oh, and what do you mean scope out the situation with the tails? Did I miss something? Not quite sure what you are referencing there.

Leslie

We're doing Remy on the 3-night after this 4-night cruise. They require jacket and tie. I have strong opinions about the silliness of a dress code. So I've decided that we will adhere to the policy by being ridiculously overdressed. I call it passive-agressive evening attire. It's as much work to pack a business suit as it is to pack full tails and honestly the tails and cutaway are much more comfortable.

I don't believe in quietly blending in.

The challenge was locating all the pieces (bow ties, studs, cufflinks, tux shirts) and also making sure nothing needed to be dry cleaned,


Luckily I found it all, though it was a bit of an archeological dig. Also nothing needed dry cleaning. All hanging in dry cleaning bags in garment bags.

NOW I think I'm all ready for the cruise.




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[bellebud]

I have strong opinions about the silliness of a dress code. So I've decided that we will adhere to the policy by being ridiculously overdressed. I call it passive-agressive evening attire.

I don't believe in quietly blending in.

The challenge was locating all the pieces (bow ties, studs, cufflinks, tux shirts) and also making sure nothing needed to be dry cleaned,.

no top hat??? how about a cane? Now that would send a message!!!!

 

[bellebud]

so, in front of me, right now, on my diningroom table, are piles of things I've bought for FE's. I was going to start bagging them, but then I thought about the cookie dough I bought today, and had to make that first. Then I thought "what will I do while I'm eating my cookie dough? I'll check the Dis!" So I'm eating cookie dough, looking for more ideas on FE's, and I'll soon be bagging the start of each cabin's bag.

Now to think of what to tell dd the cabin number is for. I'll have each disser's name on a label on the bag, but of course I need the cabin numbers.

She's being suspiciously quiet when we shop for the FE's (the cruise is a surprise, so she thinks it's an xmas exchange we're mailing), and she's asked if we're doing anything when we go to Orlando for our medical conference (the 2 days before the cruise). When I tell her we can't vacation because daddy had no coverage at work, she just says "oh, ok"... that's SO not like her. She should be nagging me about staying in Florida. She's onto me!! BUT, I'm guessing she thinks we're going to Disney or the Keys. I don't think she'd guess a cruise.

DS10 LOVES army trucks and always says he wants a Hummer when he's older. I'm going to look into having a stretch Hummer pick us up at our hotel we'll be in the morning of the cruise. I'd love the driver to get out of the car (truck) with a sign w/ my kids first names on it. I think they'd faint! But we'll still tell them we're just going to the airport. Then we'll just pull up to the port. I'm so excited to surprise them.

OK, now to get to bagging the FE's... fun, fun, fun!

 

[ladybug23]

She's onto me!! BUT, I'm guessing she thinks we're going to Disney or the Keys. I don't think she'd guess a cruise.

DS10 LOVES army trucks and always says he wants a Hummer when he's older. I'm going to look into having a stretch Hummer pick us up at our hotel we'll be in the morning of the cruise. I'd love the driver to get out of the car (truck) with a sign w/ my kids first names on it. I think they'd faint! But we'll still tell them we're just going to the airport. Then we'll just pull up to the port. I'm so excited to surprise them.

OK, now to get to bagging the FE's... fun, fun, fun!

LOL - Bellebud.... My DS9 is so onto me too. Keeps asking too many questions. AND - too cool on the surprise limo ride to the port. They will be blown over! I think we are telling our kids everything when they get home from school on Friday 11/4 - because our flight to MCO leaves at 8:30 that evening. So they will have approx 2 hours to let it sink in before we have to leave for the airport.

Now, I am not really sure how I will pull off "packing" for the trip ahead of time. I am thinking I will need to keep the spare room locked - yeah, not suspicious, right? lol. Maybe I will tell them mommy has another business trip and that is why the luggage is out. Hmmmm.....summer clothes will not be in use, so they won't notice the shorts and stuff that I pack.

Ian - ahhh, yes - I gotcha on the tails. I remember you saying that, but since I didn't have context with your comment today it went right over my head. LOL. So what is your opinion on Remy's? I am having a hard time swallowing the $75 per person surcharge. I just can't imagine..... and then leave a tip on top of that. I guess I am a sheltered person - but I would love for someone to tell WHAT the big deal is. I am not exactly a cheap person, but really having a hard time wrapping my head around that price.

Leslie

 

[ibouncetoo]

Last Call for anyone who wants to join us in the FE Exchange - our cutoff date is this Sunday, September 25th.

If you would like to join us please email me the following info:

Dis Name
Cabin Number
names of the adults in your party
names and ages of the children in your party

In your subject line please put 11/6 Dream FE Exchange (I am also organinzing the exchange for the 11/10 cruise as well).

Thanks

Tammy, how many cabins are we up to now? Have friends who may be joining in...I've told them they have to post by tomorrow to get in the group!

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[iankh]

no top hat??? how about a cane? Now that would send a message!!!!

We'll just be wearing classic black mouse ears.

Ian - ahhh, yes - I gotcha on the tails. I remember you saying that, but since I didn't have context with your comment today it went right over my head. LOL. So what is your opinion on Remy's? I am having a hard time swallowing the $75 per person surcharge. I just can't imagine..... and then leave a tip on top of that. I guess I am a sheltered person - but I would love for someone to tell WHAT the big deal is. I am not exactly a cheap person, but really having a hard time wrapping my head around that price.

Leslie

I guess I'll find out. It's the same chefs who do Victoria & Albert's in the Grand Floridian and I've always want to eat there. Though expensive I'd like to try it, at least once.

I gave myself an onboard credit, so it's essentially paid for now.

As far as tipping, I'm not sure. I think I ready what people are tipping but I've completely forgotten what is customary for Remy. I'll either have to research again or post.

Better yet, I could dig out my Excel spreadsheet (if I saved it) that I created when I was trying to project out how much we'd spend on the B2B so I could figure out what sort of credit to put on the cabin for each cruise.






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[rtobe]

Last Call for anyone who wants to join us in the FE Exchange - our cutoff date is this Sunday, September 25th.

If you would like to join us please email me the following info:

Dis Name
Cabin Number
names of the adults in your party
names and ages of the children in your party

In your subject line please put 11/6 Dream FE Exchange (I am also organinzing the exchange for the 11/10 cruise as well).

Thanks

I sent you an e-mail but forgot a few things -- DIS Name is Rtobe

I am interested in 11/6 and 11/10 sailings (yes - doing back to back)

 

[rtobe]

Tammy, how many cabins are we up to now? Have friends who may be joining in...I've told them they have to post by tomorrow to get in the group!

.

I'm one of those friends ... I sent a note. Thanks Jackie. And THANKS!!! Tammy for organizing.

 

[dthogue]

Tammy, how many cabins are we up to now? Have friends who may be joining in...I've told them they have to post by tomorrow to get in the group!

.

I'm one of those friends ... I sent a note. Thanks Jackie. And THANKS!!! Tammy for organizing.

We now have 20 cabins particiapting with a total of 37 people.

Hi Ros, I got your email and will email you back shortly! Welcome to our group!

 

[dthogue]

so, in front of me, right now, on my diningroom table, are piles of things I've bought for FE's. I was going to start bagging them, but then I thought about the cookie dough I bought today, and had to make that first. Then I thought "what will I do while I'm eating my cookie dough? I'll check the Dis!" So I'm eating cookie dough, looking for more ideas on FE's, and I'll soon be bagging the start of each cabin's bag.

Now to think of what to tell dd the cabin number is for. I'll have each disser's name on a label on the bag, but of course I need the cabin numbers.

She's being suspiciously quiet when we shop for the FE's (the cruise is a surprise, so she thinks it's an xmas exchange we're mailing), and she's asked if we're doing anything when we go to Orlando for our medical conference (the 2 days before the cruise). When I tell her we can't vacation because daddy had no coverage at work, she just says "oh, ok"... that's SO not like her. She should be nagging me about staying in Florida. She's onto me!! BUT, I'm guessing she thinks we're going to Disney or the Keys. I don't think she'd guess a cruise.

DS10 LOVES army trucks and always says he wants a Hummer when he's older. I'm going to look into having a stretch Hummer pick us up at our hotel we'll be in the morning of the cruise. I'd love the driver to get out of the car (truck) with a sign w/ my kids first names on it. I think they'd faint! But we'll still tell them we're just going to the airport. Then we'll just pull up to the port. I'm so excited to surprise them.

OK, now to get to bagging the FE's... fun, fun, fun!

Great job so far keeping the secret - hopefully you are just reading her signals wrong and think she knows about the "extras" after the conference. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you are able to surprise them - its such a great feeling. Your DS is gonna LOVE it if you get a hummer, heck I would love it! That will be awesome!!!!

LOL - Bellebud.... My DS9 is so onto me too. Keeps asking too many questions. AND - too cool on the surprise limo ride to the port. They will be blown over! I think we are telling our kids everything when they get home from school on Friday 11/4 - because our flight to MCO leaves at 8:30 that evening. So they will have approx 2 hours to let it sink in before we have to leave for the airport.

Now, I am not really sure how I will pull off "packing" for the trip ahead of time. I am thinking I will need to keep the spare room locked - yeah, not suspicious, right? lol. Maybe I will tell them mommy has another business trip and that is why the luggage is out. Hmmmm.....summer clothes will not be in use, so they won't notice the shorts and stuff that I pack.

Leslie

Hang in there Leslie, only 6 more weeks - you can do it. Packing is hard though - when we surprised my DD I remember trying to buy clothes for dinner - I bought what I thought she would like, but I was way wrong. She wore what I packed, didn't fuss about it, but never wore the clothes again (and immediately changed after dinner was over) oh well, I tried and she looked cute

 

[geffric]

Well, checked the flights for this trip, checked old key west, added magical express,now we need to get from old key west to port and back again..with a stop at harry potter on Thursday...