20050514..May 14, 2005...Official Check in Disney's 1st 14 Day thru Panama Canal

[JenKatt]

Linda, Jeff and I are positive that it is illegal not to allow service dogs.

 

[jin diesel]

Lynda, I found this info for you: http://www.gdu-cal.org/law_cal.html

Assuming that the information on that site is current, you and Cash can not be denied access into any business or facility, including a hotel, in California.

I always stay at the Tropicana Inn & Suites across the street from Disneyland (it's right along the crosswalk). If the folks at the Candy Cane Inn are jerks, check with the Tropicana . It's cheap and it's closer.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. That kind of stuff really makes me mad!

EDITED TO ADD: I just checked the rates online and the Tropicana is $89.00 bucks a night for May 2005. I am staying there next month for only $69.00 a night, so obviously they've inflated the prices for next year. But it's a still a bargain for that area.

 

[Scott H]

Lynda,

I also did some quick research and placed a couple of calls and learned that you and Cash can not denied anywhere. The business that does so can be subject to State and Federal fines. Here the state fine is $750.00 per occurrence.

www.ADA.gov was a very good source. The Govenor's office here was a great help.

 

[JenKatt]

We leave for our Western cruise tomorrow, be back in 2 Sundays.....

 

[jin diesel]

Jen, I was wondering about that! I couldn't remember if you were sailing on the 2nd or the 9th.

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Scott H]

Jen and Jeff have a great trip.

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by Scott H
Lynda,

I also did some quick research and placed a couple of calls and learned that you and Cash can not denied anywhere. The business that does so can be subject to State and Federal fines. Here the state fine is $750.00 per occurrence.

www.ADA.gov was a very good source. The Govenor's office here was a great help.

Awww.....You guys are SO good to me....
I know what the CC inn said is completely illegal...and, yes, there was no misunderstanding... They said NO Service Dogs... This happens sometimes regardless of the law.

I have contacted an ADA consultant to jump on CC Inn. But I think I'll stay at the Tropicana, as you suggested, Scott...Thanks for the tip...Like the CC Inn, it's within scootering distance of D-land... You know me an' my scooter...zip, zip....

Thanks again for the info!

 

[karaeric]

SandraLee, I asked that very same question about tips on another thread, and someone was very kind to point me to the cruise tip calculator! It's very cool, you just pick the Disney Cruise line, tell it how many days and how many in your party, and it comes up with your totals! Here is the link - Cruise Tip Calculator

And no, rcostello, you are totally normal to us - or at least me. I have the spreadsheets going for two cruises now!

Cheers, Kara

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by videogal1
But I think I'll stay at the Tropicana, as you suggested, Scott...

Lynda,

It was me that suggested the Tropicana It is TOTALLY within zipping distance for you and Cash. It's certainly not fancy, and it is definitely a step down from the accomodations on the ship, but you can't beat the location or the price. We've stayed there twice and are going back for #3 next month because it's so cheap and so close.

Did you call them yet? I hope they are nicer about Cash than the CC Inn...

 

[jin diesel]

Kara, that calculator was right on. THANKS!

I keep hearing over and over about how the service is so great that people often over tip. So I have a few questions about that for those you that have tipped extra in the past:

When you tip "extra", do you use a set amount for everyone across the board. For example, do you tip the head server, room host, etc an even $50 (for example). Or do you adjust the amount according to the person's "position"?

Do you base the amount of your extra tip on the number of people in your stateroom? For example, would you tip an extra 20 per head (meaning a total tip of $60) to the room hostess, head server, etc.?

Why does eveyone ignore the dining manager, and what is a recommended tip amount?

Do you just tip extra according to preference. For example, "Hey I really like the assistant server - I'm giving him an extra $80"?

Whew! OK, that's your homework for this weekend!!

 

[Scott H]

Sorry Jin,

I am going to play hooky this weekend.

 

[Az Pirates]

Jin,

Not a tip expert here - but since Scott's playing hooky...

I would think you'd just go extra for anyone who went beyond what you expect in terms of service. Then I'm sure whatever you feel is appropriate would be appreciated.

I know I've seen comments from some who did not tip the dining mgr. because they said the only time they ever saw him was on the last night when he was making the rounds of the tables - but then I've read comments from folks who went on the galley tour (I think that's what it's called) who said that they were amazed at how much he really does to make the whole dining room run smoothly - even if he never makes it to individual tables.

Tips will definitely be a big chunk of change for our crew!



Non-tip comment:

I know Jeff and Jen are heading out on their cruise - but just had to send out a HUGE thank you.

Even in the middle of all kinds of weather troubles and getting ready to cruise, Jeff took the time to let my DS's Flat Stanley co-pilot the monorail with him.

Tanner got Stanley back today along with a letter, some really fun pictures and an official co-pilot license!
He is sooo excited! He actually said he can't wait for the weekend to be over so he can show everyone at school.
This is a good thing!

Thanks so much Jeff and Jen - You're awesome!!

 

[BobandLee]

<center>WONDERful and MAGICal morning here in Indiana. Don't know how many nice days are left. Anyway, I noticed that the thread dropped to the second page so I decided to give it a bump! </center>
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<marquee behavior="alternate" scrolldelay="125"><font size+2 color=red> We Can't Wait For Our 14 Day Disney Panama Canal Cruise </font></marquee>

 

[Scott H]

Done Playing Hooky, working on house cleaning, vehicle maintenance and getting ready for work next week and trip to SLC for dental work.

Tips - I think they are very individual, and are entirely up to the person giving them. Personally I would like it if the tips were included with the cost of the cruise, thus no worries. But till then we usually tip the recommended amount or higher depending on the service.

Looks like snow is headed our way. yech. This is a bad sign for an early case of cabin fever.

Working slowly on Path Between the Seas, it is very well written, I am taking notes and will put together a cliff notes style paper to bring on the cruise. I find the history of the canal very amazing.

Hope all had a great weekend.

 

[moocow35]

Hi everyone!

Glad to see this thread has gotten more lively since last week. I just got in from a very productive trip to Tallahassee. Soon, I will be a Florida homeowner, the deposits are made, and options are all selected. They say closing will be approximately Sept 2005. I hope it is sooner, at least mid August when DD has to be back there for school.

Jindy, I always tip based on the recommended amount, and tip more for anyone who has gone over and above. This always has been my stateroom host (except one time, I never got mints, towel animals or ice!)

Lynda, I am sorry you have to go through all of this, just for a room. The Tropicana looks nice, I would definately go with them!

Robin

 

[karaeric]

I agree with everyone on the tipping - you control how much each person gets, so if you receive some of that magical above-and-beyond service from one person or several, you can tip above the recommended amount for that person or people.

I tend to be in the "low tip" category for Dining Room Managers. I have been on two Disney cruises. On one, the manager only visited on the last night. I felt a lot like he was looking for his tip, so I didn't feel that he should get one - just me. On the second cruise, the manager made an effort to stop by at least once a night to make sure we were getting the best service and that our servers were fulfilling our every wish - he got a tip for sure. I know there are likely going to be a lot of behind the scenes things the manager does to make meals go smoothly, but the cruise line also compensates them better for that work. Agreed, they still rely somewhat on tips, but I believe strongly that part of being a manager is getting out there to make sure the guests are getting the full experience.

Just my 2 cents...I know tipping is a very important part of the cruiseline staff's compensation, so we are usually very good tippers. We often bring wine on board with us, and if there is any unopened at the end of our cruise, we always leave it behind for our cabin steward - usually the person who makes the biggest impression on me.

Cheers, Kara

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by jin diesel
Lynda,

It was me that suggested the Tropicana It is TOTALLY within zipping distance for you and Cash. It's certainly not fancy, and it is definitely a step down from the accomodations on the ship, but you can't beat the location or the price. We've stayed there twice and are going back for #3 next month because it's so cheap and so close.

Did you call them yet? I hope they are nicer about Cash than the CC Inn...

Hi Jindy..
Sorry about the ref. mixup...(My name is Lynda and I'm an idiot....)

I got a price from the CCI without them knowing about Cash and they are charging $10 more for the accessible rooms than the standard rooms...ANOTHER NO-NO and they denied saying Cash wasn't welcome when my ADA specialist called them...I reported them to Disney as they are one of the "Good Neighbor Resorts" and will deal with their lawbreaking when I get to California in May. My TA called the Tropicana and THEY want over $100/night so I'm still doing research. I don't know if the Tropicana is charging more for their accessible rooms or if they think they can turn away Service Dogs but I'll sure find out...You have been SO helpful! Are they charging you that much? I see that they serve a continental breakfast but that's a lot of money for a muffin and oj......Onward and upward....

 

[videogal1]

Hi Jindy
Well, tonight I made an on-line reservation at the Tropicana for $79 at a AAA rate...I have a feeling that they, too, are trying to charge my TA more for accessible rooms...The law says that a hotel is required to provide rooms for people with disabilities at all price ranges as rooms provided to the general public. If they choose to make
all of their accessible rooms deluxe-level rooms that is their prerogative. It is not their prerogative to charge people with disabilities for that choice.
They are required to provide an
accessible room at the price you would be paying if you did not need a wheelchair accessible room.
I wonder what they'll do when I show up with Cash......

 

[videogal1]

Hi Jindy
Well, tonight I made an on-line reservation at the Tropicana for $79 at a AAA rate...I have a feeling that they, too, are trying to charge my TA more for accessible rooms...The law says that a hotel is required to provide rooms for people with disabilities at all price ranges as rooms provided to the general public. If they choose to make
all of their accessible rooms deluxe-level rooms that is their prerogative. It is not their prerogative to charge people with disabilities for that choice.
They are required to provide an
accessible room at the price you would be paying if you did not need a wheelchair accessible room.
I wonder what they'll do when I show up with Cash......

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by videogal1
Hi Jindy
Well, tonight I made an on-line reservation at the Tropicana for $79 at a AAA rate...I have a feeling that they, too, are trying to charge my TA more for accessible rooms...The law says that a hotel is required to provide rooms for people with disabilities at all price ranges as rooms provided to the general public. If they choose to make
all of their accessible rooms deluxe-level rooms that is their prerogative. It is not their prerogative to charge people with disabilities for that choice.
They are required to provide an
accessible room at the price you would be paying if you did not need a wheelchair accessible room.
I wonder what they'll do when I show up with Cash......

Lynda,

You did EXACTLY what I was going to tell you to do!!! LOL!!

The thing is, most of these Good Neighbor Hotels have cheaper rates if you go directly through their websites as opposed to using a TA or online travel website like Expedia. You will ALWAYS get a better price by booking online.

If you want, I can call them (pretending to be booking for next year or later this year or whatever) and mention that I already have a reservation but just wanted to give them a heads about having a service dog and I will let you know what they tell me.

From everything I read, it IS illegal for them to charge you more for Cash - but I think some places try to get around it by saying "ANIMALS REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT" or something like that. But you know better than that!!

Anyway, give me a little time, and I promise at some point today or this evening I'll call and find out for you and report back!!!

-jindy