6/13/2009 Western on Magic- Our Cruise Chat Continues!

[momtomari]

so i was like wow the thread jumped 10 pages today must have been a lot of conversation.... then i looked and seen that there were cabin assignments. excited to see some people got cat 9 upgrades i signed on but only got a cat 11. congrats to all you that got upgrades to cat 9, we will be sailing there next year for the eastbound transatlantic. however for this cruise we got a cat11 stateroom 6502. This is my 4th cruise in a year and the first time I have gotten upgraded even though its not a great upgrade. It really is a luck of the draw just disappointing knowing that people who have never cruised before have been upgraded to cat 9 with the porthole.

 

[sinnika]

so i was like wow the thread jumped 10 pages today must have been a lot of conversation.... then i looked and seen that there were cabin assignments. excited to see some people got cat 9 upgrades i signed on but only got a cat 11. congrats to all you that got upgrades to cat 9, we will be sailing there next year for the eastbound transatlantic. however for this cruise we got a cat11 stateroom 6502. This is my 4th cruise in a year and the first time I have gotten upgraded even though its not a great upgrade. It really is a luck of the draw just disappointing knowing that people who have never cruised before have been upgraded to cat 9 with the porthole.

Our first cruise, we were upgraded from a cat 9 to a cat 6 on the Eastern in 2005. We found out at the port. It was a great upgrade, and a great way for DCL to get us to come back, although we didn't rebook on board. We had a cat 6 booked for this cruise - military rate was $4500, but the bargain cat 12's were too good to pass up! I don't regret my decision for a moment, and I'm happy with my assigned cat 12. I think upgrades are more the exception than the norm for repeat cruisers! (other than the cat 12 to 11's).
WOWWWW!!!! 4 cruises in 1 year!!!! Awesome!!!!

 

[momtomari]

Our first cruise, we were upgraded from a cat 9 to a cat 6 on the Eastern in 2005. We found out at the port. It was a great upgrade, and a great way for DCL to get us to come back, although we didn't rebook on board. We had a cat 6 booked for this cruise - military rate was $4500, but the bargain cat 12's were too good to pass up! I don't regret my decision for a moment, and I'm happy with my assigned cat 12. I think upgrades are more the exception than the norm for repeat cruisers! (other than the cat 12 to 11's).
WOWWWW!!!! 4 cruises in 1 year!!!! Awesome!!!!

thats what i got was a cat 12 to cat 11. im happy with my room number its just interesting that they wouldnt upgrade a repeat cruiser higher.

 

[triplefigs]

so i was like wow the thread jumped 10 pages today must have been a lot of conversation.... then i looked and seen that there were cabin assignments. excited to see some people got cat 9 upgrades i signed on but only got a cat 11. congrats to all you that got upgrades to cat 9, we will be sailing there next year for the eastbound transatlantic. however for this cruise we got a cat11 stateroom 6502. This is my 4th cruise in a year and the first time I have gotten upgraded even though its not a great upgrade. It really is a luck of the draw just disappointing knowing that people who have never cruised before have been upgraded to cat 9 with the porthole.

Since I think we are the only 1st time cruisers who were upgraded to a porthole, I presume your comment was directed at me. I am not sorry we got a good upgrade. I am saddened that not everyone did, feel horrible that anyone is upset over their assignment, and I know that you have spent a lot of $$ on cruises this year. I am sorry that you feel like you were overlooked. But that is no reason to single us out and try to make me feel guilty. I persoanlly think DCL is BRILLIANT for upgrading 1st timers. There is a much higher chance that we will book that Category or higher next time.

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

I persoanlly think DCL is BRILLIANT for upgrading 1st timers. There is a much higher chance that we will book that Category or higher next time.

I agree with you. This has happened to us at the resorts. We were upgraded to conceige once. I would have never booked it before that. But I have since booked it twice. Once was for one night and the other time was for three nights. I still do not think I would do it for a whole week.

 

[Disney Fans]

Ok, I have been out tonight shopping and now know what I am making for family for each cabin for the FE!! I can't wait for you all to see them, they are so so cute and very Disneyish!! Is that a word? Disneyish! Well it is now!!

 

[Brooklyn]

Since I think we are the only 1st time cruisers who were upgraded to a porthole, I presume your comment was directed at me. I am not sorry we got a good upgrade. I am saddened that not everyone did, and I know that you have spent a lot of $$ on cruises this year. I am sorry that you feel like you were overlooked. But that is no reason to single us out and try to make me feel guilty. I persoanlly think DCL is BRILLIANT for upgrading 1st timers. There is a much higher chance that we will book that Category or higher next time.

I can see how you would think that this is directed at you. I don't think she meant it that way. I think it is just hard to swallow. I was at the DMV with my mom when I got the first email saying that they got 2 CAT 9's side by side on deck 2....I got super excited. Maybe too excited. Then my morning was not going so well, I got home and checked the computer. I was BEYOND disappointed when I saw 10XX and then I looked and we did not even get windows. I know it was a crap shoot but still hard to swallow. So MANY people got deck 9 and side by side. I am thrilled to pieces for you, especially getting connecting rooms. Connecting is something I did not want and I am thrilled that you got it! I think it is just hard to swallow. Maybe our expections or hopes were just higher then they should be. I don't think it was directed at you as much as DCL...why would they now upgrade me, some who had cruised before higher then someone who didn't??? I do however understand your point of sucking you in!!! LOL

So I don't think it was you. I am sure there are many others who are first time cruisers who got great upgrades too. I think it is just the principle of it all vs anything.

It is the same as if I would have stayed in 2 11's and I found out that you paid $1,500 less then me and got 2 9's. I understand how and why DCL does this CAT 12 thing but sometimes I wonder if it is fair????? If it was based on something, ie who booked first, etc...Then MAYBE I could understand. The fact that there is really no system to it is what bugs me. I was booked b4 Disney Fans friends and IMO they got a better room then me. Others may not agree bc we are in a 10 vs and 11 but decks seem to mean more to me then the room itself..again my opinion.

I think the fact that we spend so much time on these boards planning, etc shows how dedicated and committed to our vacation. I think when you get what you want or better you are on cloud 9...when you are disappointed then it is like a punch in the gut! That is how I felt all day! I however an getting SUPER excited about my CAT 10. It is the layout I want, a double steamer trunk in each and they both sleep 4. I am not thrilled about deck 1 but after a day of being disappointed I am now excited!!!

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

Ok, I have been out tonight shopping and now know what I am making for family for each cabin for the FE!! I can't wait for you all to see them, they are so so cute and very Disneyish!! Is that a word? Disneyish! Well it is now!!

Works for me. So you are teasing us. Kinda like dangling a carrot in front of a horse. Well time to shut down and head to bed.

 

[triplefigs]

I can see how you would think that this is directed at you. I don't think she meant it that way. I think it is just hard to swallow. I was at the DMV with my mom when I got the first email saying that they got 2 CAT 9's side by side on deck 2....I got super excited. Maybe too excited. Then my morning was not going so well, I got home and checked the computer. I was BEYOND disappointed when I saw 10XX and then I looked and we did not even get windows. I know it was a crap shoot but still hard to swallow. So MANY people got deck 9 and side by side. I am thrilled to pieces for you, especially getting connecting rooms. Connecting is something I did not want and I am thrilled that you got it! I think it is just hard to swallow. Maybe our expections or hopes were just higher then they should be. I don't think it was directed at you as much as DCL...why would they now upgrade me, some who had cruised before higher then someone who didn't??? I do however understand your point of sucking you in!!! LOL

So I don't think it was you. I am sure there are many others who are first time cruisers who got great upgrades too. I think it is just the principle of it all vs anything.

It is the same as if I would have stayed in 2 11's and I found out that you paid $1,500 less then me and got 2 9's. I understand how and why DCL does this CAT 12 thing but sometimes I wonder if it is fair????? If it was based on something, ie who booked first, etc...Then MAYBE I could understand. The fact that there is really no system to it is what bugs me. I was booked b4 Disney Fans friends and IMO they got a better room then me. Others may not agree bc we are in a 10 vs and 11 but decks seem to mean more to me then the room itself..again my opinion.

I think the fact that we spend so much time on these boards planning, etc shows how dedicated and committed to our vacation. I think when you get what you want or better you are on cloud 9...when you are disappointed then it is like a punch in the gut! That is how I felt all day! I however an getting SUPER excited about my CAT 10. It is the layout I want, a double steamer trunk in each and they both sleep 4. I am not thrilled about deck 1 but after a day of being disappointed I am now excited!!!

I totally see your point, and as you can see by every post I've made today, I am extremely sorry that anyone here is disappointed by their assignments. But I am not going to lie and say I am not thrilled with our luck. I am going to enjoy it this time as I don't know if we will cruise again and with the extremely high prices of DCL, doubt we would be able to book an outside cabin.

I personally am very jealous of anyone that can cruise DCL numerous times or every year. With 3 kids and SUPER high medical bills for DS, this cruise is a once in a lifetime for us and the ONLY reason we are cruising is the super low Cat 12 prices.

 

[Brooklyn]

I totally see your point, and as you can see by every post I've made today, I am extremely sorry that anyone here is disappointed by their assignments. But I am not going to lie and say I am not thrilled with our luck. I am going to enjoy it this time as I don't know if we will cruise again and with the extremely high prices of DCL, doubt we would be able to book an outside cabin.

I personally am very jealous of anyone that can cruise DCL numerous times or every year. With 3 kids and SUPER high medical bills for DS, this cruise is a once in a lifetime for us and the ONLY reason we are cruising is the super low Cat 12 prices.

I am happy for everyone with great upgrades.....I just wish it was me!!!

I can only imagine how hard it must be with 3 and medical bills. We are so blessed to have DH in the military. I never thought I would say that until I had a kid with special needs. They have been amazing and I there is no way we could afford half of her bills if we did not have the support of the military. So I deal with the multiple deployments and living apart knowing that my family is taken care of!

Enjoy your CAT 9's! Everyone who got one! I am excited for all of you!

 

[Morgey24]

to all!

I don't think the comment was specifically posted at you triplefigs(about you guys being first timers and being upgraded to connecting 9s). Being in the boat of those who got yucky assignments (due to the TA messing up our ressies as far as I am concerned) I feel other's pain.

I am now thinking that I really don't like this whole Cat 12 thing because, by definition, 50% of the folks "lost" in their minds when they got inside rooms. Everyone dreams and dreams big, but it's the random nature that is what bugs me. I woke up this morning thinking -- even before I step foot -- that I will never cruise DCL again because of the *pit of the stomach* feeling that this has given me. Believe me, I live in Orlando and know plenty of Cast Members who sail for ridiculously low rates ($199 for 3 nights or $399 for 7 nights) who get pretty much "best available cabin" (they may not know until port, but they almost always wind up in a verandah). I even told DD last week that she was going to see a part time job at WDW when she was old enough so that we could get CM rates (too bad Orlando is big and WDW is about 45+ minutes away!!!)

I do agree that the 2 cabins of friends who just booked last week and who woundup with 4 side by side cabins on Deck 6 made out FAR FAR better than Brooklynand I haven't seen a single cabin of 2 sailing alone get anything higher than a 11. (I guess DCL believes that parties of 2 do not need a split bath -- they must not have teen girls at home!)

That being said, I am going to try (Disney Affirmation needed again) to change my lousy attitude, which is being misdirected towards my TA, who probably thought she was trying to help. Just having a bad year so far -- no raises at work, no bonuses, last month I took a softball to the side of my face while at DD's practice (thrown by a 12 y.o. who weighs more than me!!!) and have a fractured (it's more pushed in/depressed for those medical folks) cheeckbone and conscussion and a broken pair of really good Ray Bans...), and lots of other cruddy things happen. I just wanted some pixie dust, ya know?

I showed DD the cabin on the deck plan and she said "cool, I love inside rooms, I can sleep all day" and I thought, "ok, buck up and put on a smile."

 

[Morgey24]

PS, y'all, it's

39 DAYS!!!!


which is the exact number at which I have stopped aging!!!
:

(that's big for you, Diane, may you stay 39!!!)

 

[DisneyBaby2004]

Ok, I have been out tonight shopping and now know what I am making for family for each cabin for the FE!! I can't wait for you all to see them, they are so so cute and very Disneyish!! Is that a word? Disneyish! Well it is now!!

Everyone is suddenly getting these brigt ideas - I hope something creative pops in my head. I am not super excited about mine yet, they are a work in progress. Please send some creative pixe dust my way

 

[BethA]

we would prefer not to have an assigned day for FE. If we add someone on-they may not get the same gift, since mine might ot still be available.

Do we have any idea how many people want to join?

 

[Paula13]

to all!

I don't think the comment was specifically posted at you triplefigs(about you guys being first timers and being upgraded to connecting 9s). Being in the boat of those who got yucky assignments (due to the TA messing up our ressies as far as I am concerned) I feel other's pain.

I am now thinking that I really don't like this whole Cat 12 thing because, by definition, 50% of the folks "lost" in their minds when they got inside rooms. Everyone dreams and dreams big, but it's the random nature that is what bugs me. I woke up this morning thinking -- even before I step foot -- that I will never cruise DCL again because of the *pit of the stomach* feeling that this has given me. Believe me, I live in Orlando and know plenty of Cast Members who sail for ridiculously low rates ($199 for 3 nights or $399 for 7 nights) who get pretty much "best available cabin" (they may not know until port, but they almost always wind up in a verandah). I even told DD last week that she was going to see a part time job at WDW when she was old enough so that we could get CM rates (too bad Orlando is big and WDW is about 45+ minutes away!!!)

I do agree that the 2 cabins of friends who just booked last week and who woundup with 4 side by side cabins on Deck 6 made out FAR FAR better than Brooklynand I haven't seen a single cabin of 2 sailing alone get anything higher than a 11. (I guess DCL believes that parties of 2 do not need a split bath -- they must not have teen girls at home!)

That being said, I am going to try (Disney Affirmation needed again) to change my lousy attitude, which is being misdirected towards my TA, who probably thought she was trying to help. Just having a bad year so far -- no raises at work, no bonuses, last month I took a softball to the side of my face while at DD's practice (thrown by a 12 y.o. who weighs more than me!!!) and have a fractured (it's more pushed in/depressed for those medical folks) cheeckbone and conscussion and a broken pair of really good Ray Bans...), and lots of other cruddy things happen. I just wanted some pixie dust, ya know?

I showed DD the cabin on the deck plan and she said "cool, I love inside rooms, I can sleep all day" and I thought, "ok, buck up and put on a smile."

You poor thing! Better days to come! Isn't that just like a teenager to think they will sleep all day on a cruise that cost money! I told DD, wrong-o-buck-o, not happening! 9:00am is the latest! Now watch, I'll eat my words & I'll sleep in one day!

 

[djd7292]

I don't think the comment was specifically posted at you triplefigs(about you guys being first timers and being upgraded to connecting 9s).

I am now thinking that I really don't like this whole Cat 12 thing because, by definition, 50% of the folks "lost" in their minds when they got inside rooms. Everyone dreams and dreams big, but it's the random nature that is what bugs me. QUOTE]

Donna ~ I totally agree.

Denise ~ I would never have guessed she was talking about you.

I think Disney makes a game out of cat 12 GTY; sell a room that only sleeps 3 to a family of 4 or 5... cuz they know there will be some winners & some losers. And the losers will try to upgrade at port! Thus spending more money. I wish we could ALL have the rooms that we want (a verandah/balcony upgrade would have been extremely nice ~ Walt, can you help me on this! ) But in reality we are ALL winners....

OK, so now that we have all ranted & raved about our room assignments... LET's GET ON WITH OUR CRUISE PLANNING!!!!

Jayde & I found the cutest Joe Boxer bags at Sears; her's is multi-colored & mine is red w/orange accents. But we still have a lot more shopping to do!

 

[DisneyBaby2004]

It looks like Mexico is coming off of lock down. What do you think of are chances of still going to Mexico?

 

[BethA]

Even though it is opening things up-I hope we do NOT go there. Certainly they are in a hurry to get the economy rolling again. We have no idea how many unreported cases there are.

We will not get off there and are hoping for another stop instead.

Is there anyone here who has cruised with a motorized wheelchair-I have to rent something for my mom and she hated the manual last time because she was dependent on someone all the time. She is not very good at driving a scooter. Are the motorized wheelchairs any easier to manuever?

 

[Brooklyn]

It looks like Mexico is coming off of lock down. What do you think of are chances of still going to Mexico?

They are lifting the travel advisory?

Even though it is opening things up-I hope we do NOT go there. Certainly they are in a hurry to get the economy rolling again. We have no idea how many unreported cases there are.

We will not get off there and are hoping for another stop instead.

Is there anyone here who has cruised with a motorized wheelchair-I have to rent something for my mom and she hated the manual last time because she was dependent on someone all the time. She is not very good at driving a scooter. Are the motorized wheelchairs any easier to manuever?

DCL better have a back up plan bc I think there is a lot of us who will not be getting off! Hopefully they offer some more activities for those who decide to stay on board. At least in the kids clubs and stuff.

 

[sinnika]

I don't think the comment was specifically posted at you triplefigs(about you guys being first timers and being upgraded to connecting 9s).

I am now thinking that I really don't like this whole Cat 12 thing because, by definition, 50% of the folks "lost" in their minds when they got inside rooms. Everyone dreams and dreams big, but it's the random nature that is what bugs me. QUOTE]

Donna ~ I totally agree.

Denise ~ I would never have guessed she was talking about you.

I think Disney makes a game out of cat 12 GTY; sell a room that only sleeps 3 to a family of 4 or 5... cuz they know there will be some winners & some losers. And the losers will try to upgrade at port! Thus spending more money. I wish we could ALL have the rooms that we want (a verandah/balcony upgrade would have been extremely nice ~ Walt, can you help me on this! ) But in reality we are ALL winners....

OK, so now that we have all ranted & raved about our room assignments... LET's GET ON WITH OUR CRUISE PLANNING!!!!

Jayde & I found the cutest Joe Boxer bags at Sears; her's is multi-colored & mine is red w/orange accents. But we still have a lot more shopping to do!

I don't feel like a loser because I got assigned to a cat 12. I got what I paid for. I feel like a winner because I only paid $2100 to cruise for the 3 of us! I'm also thrilled that we are paying $110 a night at the S&D. (thank you, Stephanie!!!) Will I be upset if someone gets the Epcot view, and I get the parking lot view? Heck no! Most of us are after the deal here. I'm still looking for those $49 flights from Orlando to Baltimore on June 23rd. (I got them for $69). I would book another cat 12 gty in a heartbeat. That is, as long as DH is not on the cruise. He wants the cat 1! So we meet in the middle and get the cat 6.

I took DD and DS to get some more things for the cruise this weekend. DD found a cute 1 piece at Old Navy. She'll need that for the water parks if she goes on any of those fast slides! I've been looking with DS for nice trunks. He's lean and the men's section at most stores don't carry his size (XS) and the kids section trunks are not his style. Any suggestions? I've been to Target, American Eagle, Aeropostale, and Abercrombie. DD is going to help DS pack. She's already picked out her wardrobe for the whole week. We also got snorkel masks and tube thinggie for them. I figured we could rent the fins there. They are responsible for packing it in their suitcases. I don't miss those days when I had to do the packing for everyone!