8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #10

[got2travel]

Hey folks - just wanted to say I'm back. Had a good time in Vegas but a great time hanging with Todd and his family. DS says that was his favorite part of the trip.

Very eventful day today. Dad had surgery, was in and out before noon. Everything went okay. Only thing is he's going to be crankier than usual for a few days. I turned in all my stuff at work and got my final paycheck. Well, not final, I don't get my severance check until next month. Finally told DS about the job situation a few days ago but it finally hit him today when I was talking about my final day. He says I'm not allowed to work some junky job like McDonald's or Albertsons (sorry Todd, he got that from Dylan's job). With all that going on, I totally forgot about a Dr appt. Hope I can get us back in before my medical runs out.

I'm actually going to try to catch up now....get prepared for Groundhogs.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

mmmm yeah...i got yelled at big time... not fired...yet...

Making me wait a week to find out...

Apparently my computer was being "watched" for the last three weeks.

Our HR security people said "hi" and apparently want to sign up for my trip...

(ok i made up that last part)

I'll miss you all terribly all day...everyday... until the trip.... I'm not allowed anything...no before no lunch no nothing..

No Internet COLD TURKEY

Did i ever mention i hate my job and my boss is an ADD?

Hope they're reading my posts...

Boy do i need an IPHONE or a crackberry....(They can't track me there)

Hey wait...i have a library a block away from work....hmmmm



see above

K don't they know that we DISers are the ultimate multitaskers. I know for a fact that our IT department keeps records on everyone. Most people in the pharmacy are on all day long so I am not at the top of the list. I usually have 3-4 windows up at once with at least 2 being used for drug information. I always refresh them regularly while I am DISing so it look like I am working. I am still waiting for the the day that the DIS is blocked. Most of us bring our laptops to work so that we can connect to one of the free networks they provide for the patients. Then I can surf anonymously at lunch time and on breaks.

 

[got2travel]

Yes, you can pick up any phone in the parks or hotels and make ressies but I have to tell you I have never had good luck doing that.

I've been able to get just about everything I wanted same day, except Blue Bayou. Granted that was not in the middle of August, but was during Spring Break.

We'll be at DL for 3 nights - arriving late on Thursday. We are planning on seeing all we can at DL and DCA in 2 days with 4 kids, 2 little ones. Our plan is to eat counter service on land to save time and money. Any recommendations are appreciated....

Honestly counter service at DL in the middle of the summer will not save you time. Maybe a little money but not time. The lines can take up to 45 minutes just to get a burger and fries. You'd be better off leaving the park and going to IHOP, Mimi's Cafe or McDonald's right outside the park. There's a Denny's there too, but it's extremely slow. A good choice would also be White Water Snacks by the Grand Californian pool. I've never seen it crowded and for a resort counter service, the prices are very reasonable.

.....and TV's in the bathroom stalls (a man's dream john - TV playing sports 24/7). At least the one in WDW does.

Yep, Anaheim location has TVs in the bathrooms too.

 

[junesgoofy]

I am trying to get caught up - but needed to post to request prayers for my family. I just got a call from my cousin - my 20 year old 2nd cousin was just killed tonight in a car accident. Don't have details beyond that, but everyone is in shock. She was a really smart girl who had many high level goals she wanted to achieve. Ironically her grandfather on her dad's side just passed away last week. Thanks in advance for the prayers.

So sorry to hear this. I will pray for you all.

 

[Joan1]

Out of 7 cruises, this one last week was the first one that I've not had concierge. Once in the Walt, once in the Roy, twice in a Cat 2, and the others Cat 3's. Never have I heard from concierge before the cruise. BUT...they are now accessible to us before the cruise. We can now e-mail or fax them ahead of time. They never used to have that info available either. I'm guessing that if you contact them ahead of time with a dining request, they would call you or your TA about it. But, the dinner seating isn't done normally until the week before the cruise, so the other family really got an early call about that.

None of the rotations on our 7 night cruise went in order, as stated above (PLAPLAPLA etc)

The 6:15 and 8:15 rotation was LAAPLAP. And the others were mixed up like that, too. With three dining times and 3 restaurants, they can't do the standard LAP/PLA/APL rotations.

Maybe this is something new because they have been in suites before on the magic and never received a call. I did read on the boards here that the dining for the 7nt Mexico cruises were repeating some in the middle as you stated but I also read that the WB cruisers had the regular 3 restaurants, repeat same 3 restaurants, etc. So maybe only the 7nt ones changes for the summer. Anyway my friend emailed me the information after they got off the phone with concierge because we are linked for dinner seating and they wanted to let me know which time they requested.

Sorry, I know I don't post much here I was just trying to be helpful and post information I thought everyone would like to know

 

[got2travel]

We're a cat 12 GTY and hoping for an upgrade...



Well we have to do Casey's in every MK Type park we go to (Disneyland, Tokyo DL, MK) and we also always do Award Weiners and the Corn Dog King. We were VERY disappointed last time we went with Casey's... No more fries. Only choices were chips (the cheap Lay's) and apple slices. Every time we asked for the apples they were out! We'll also eat at anything else that sounds good and is close when we get hungry.

You can tell them you don't want the chips or apples and they will take $1 off the price. At least I know they do this at the corn dog places.

Thanks for sharing the Legoland pic's - guess it means that I don't have a choice but to go there now. DH and DS would never forgive me if we didn't. We've pretty much firmed up our CA plans, just finalizing the food now. Hitting Legoland the afternoon of 8/14 after we arrive. CA on the 15th and DL on the 16th. We're doing breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen one day, have to go to the Rainforest at DTD - think we're going to do that on the 16th for an early lunch. It's dinner on the 16th and lunch on the 15th that have me stumped right now.

In DCA, I like Wine Country Trattoria (table service) or White Water Snacks (counter service actually in the Grand Californian but there's access directly from DCA next to the rapids ride).

Be sure to make a PS for Rainforest but you have to call them directly, DL doesn't make ressies for it.

This is news to me, thanks for the tip! If I get a FP, how long do I have to wait before I can get another?

Any other great DL tips? I know WDW like the back of my hand, but I haven't been to DL in years. I'm feeling like a fish out of water.

Another question, I read (I think on allearsnet) that you cannot have a small child in your lap for Toy Story Mania. Do you know what the procedure is here? Should we make this our first stop of the day or should we run to Nemo first?

Some great DL info can be found on the Pirate Zone

It's in the Disneyland Hotel, I think.



Sssshhh... We like to keep that a secret That's the case for both WDW and DL. Also, you can use FPs on different days too as long as it's after the time. I've only seen them check a couple of times and it was super busy then.



Does Toy Story Mania have FPs? If it does, I'd go to Nemo first. In fact like someone else said, you can go do Nemo at DL park opening and then go over to CA to do Toy Story mania. I haven't been since late last year, before Toy Story Mania so I don't know about small children.

I would not try using the FP on a different day. I've seen people get turned back. That is totally against the rules. CMs are told not to enforce the end time, but they are told to enforce the date.

Wait, there's a Casey's in DL???

Our DL dining plans are pretty much all set. I have us booked for

Goofy's Kitchen (dinner and brunch)
Café Orleans lunch - we have outside seating for this one. Since the CM asked if we inside or outside seating I assume it's guaranteed.
Story Teller's Café breakfast
Steakhouse 55 dinner
Blue Bayou dinner
Plaza Inn breakfast

Looks like good plans to me.

Casey's is called Coca Cola Refreshment Corner at DL. Hot dogs, chili in a bread bowl, Mickey pretzels, yummy!

 

[silmarg]

DLR Dining Ressies are done:
13th - Arrive 2:30pm - Dinner Goofy's Kitchen
14th - Breakfast at Storytellers, Dinner at Blue Bayou
15th - Breakfast at PCH Grill, Dinner at Ariel's Grotto
16th - Breakfast at Plaza Inn, Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen.

Interesting how the Phone reps say 90 minute time limit at the buffets... is this a west coast thing?

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

DLR Dining Ressies are done:
13th - Arrive 2:30pm - Dinner Goofy's Kitchen
14th - Breakfast at Storytellers, Dinner at Blue Bayou
15th - Breakfast at PCH Grill, Dinner at Ariel's Grotto
16th - Breakfast at Plaza Inn, Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen.

Interesting how the Phone reps say 90 minute time limit at the buffets... is this a west coast thing?

When I asked about this I was thinking that they don't want you to eat too much of their food, but in reality it was that people were camping out at the tables for hours just to visit with the characters. Several times we have been there and some of the characters change/swap out. We are just a bunch of table hogs out here in CA.

 

[silmarg]

I figure a cab would run $50... and assume I can get a car for only a bit more... Plus we can do thie pitstop/shopping thing?

Which rental car company has a return on or near DLR?

I have my mojo today... Gotta keep cracking!

 

[Diznyfan68]

In DCA, I like Wine Country Trattoria (table service) or White Water Snacks (counter service actually in the Grand Californian but there's access directly from DCA next to the rapids ride).

Be sure to make a PS for Rainforest but you have to call them directly, DL doesn't make ressies for it.

Thanks Monica! I called Rainforest today and got that settled. I have been eyeing Wine Country Trattoria and I think I'm definately going to add it to the list for Saturday night dinner.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Vegas - you sure deserved some fun.

 

[DisneyVegas1]

Hey folks - just wanted to say I'm back. Had a good time in Vegas but a great time hanging with Todd and his family. DS says that was his favorite part of the trip.

Very eventful day today. Dad had surgery, was in and out before noon. Everything went okay. Only thing is he's going to be crankier than usual for a few days. I turned in all my stuff at work and got my final paycheck. Well, not final, I don't get my severance check until next month. Finally told DS about the job situation a few days ago but it finally hit him today when I was talking about my final day. He says I'm not allowed to work some junky job like McDonald's or Albertsons (sorry Todd, he got that from Dylan's job). With all that going on, I totally forgot about a Dr appt. Hope I can get us back in before my medical runs out.

I'm actually going to try to catch up now....get prepared for Groundhogs.

Glad your home , glad you had a great time , Happy to hear your Dads okay , Good , now you got more free time to get on the 5 day and tell Trevoy not to worry Dylan calls it a junky job too ..(but its his first one and he is earning money) Cause I am tired of giving it to him

 

[Diznyfan68]

I figure a cab would run $50... and assume I can get a car for only a bit more... Plus we can do thie pitstop/shopping thing?

Which rental car company has a return on or near DLR?

I have my mojo today... Gotta keep cracking!

You are on a planning role!

Alamo has an office right in DTD. We are using them - picking up at LAX and returning the morning of the 16th (we only need the car for the 14th and 15th).

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Thanks Monica! I called Rainforest today and got that settled. I have been eyeing Wine Country Trattoria and I think I'm definitely going to add it to the list for Saturday night dinner.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Vegas - you sure deserved some fun.

The Wine Country Trattoria has become our #1 spot for lunch over the last year. You can dine inside or out and really gives you a nice relaxing break. The food is really yummy too.

Hey folks - just wanted to say I'm back. Had a good time in Vegas but a great time hanging with Todd and his family. DS says that was his favorite part of the trip.

Very eventful day today. Dad had surgery, was in and out before noon. Everything went okay. Only thing is he's going to be crankier than usual for a few days. I turned in all my stuff at work and got my final paycheck. Well, not final, I don't get my severance check until next month. Finally told DS about the job situation a few days ago but it finally hit him today when I was talking about my final day. He says I'm not allowed to work some junky job like McDonald's or Albertsons (sorry Todd, he got that from Dylan's job). With all that going on, I totally forgot about a Dr appt. Hope I can get us back in before my medical runs out.

I'm actually going to try to catch up now....get prepared for Groundhogs.

Glad to hear your dad made it through surgery OK.

 

[got2travel]

Meal plans at DL...

Since we are only there for 2 days (Fri & Sat) and want to see as much of DL and CA as we possibly can, we are only doing 1 sit-down meal (Blue Bayoo with DISers! ). I'm hoping to be able to get something really quick at the HoJo in the morning (like a muffin or bagel) and am planning on counter-service for everything else.

Thanks for the DL tips posted earlier. I'm panicking a little about how we are going to see all that we want to see in only 2 days in the crowds and heat of August My current plan has us getting there before open each day. On Friday, we'll run for Tomorrowland and on Saturday we'll run for Adventureland.

For the DL veterans out there - how "must do" is Nemo? It sounds like it will eat up a lot of time (even first thing in the morning) and I'm wondering if it is really worth it. Although I would love to ride the subs again after all these years, I'm just not sure the nostalgia is worth waiting in line for the first hour we are at DL! I suspect that if we use that hour to hit Tomorrowland and Fantasyland that we can get a lot accomplished that will take hours to do later in the day...

Pamela

I'd say it's not a must do when you have limited time. It really is upgraded from the old subs, but still the same squished sardine can ride.

ACTUAL CRUISE INFORMATION ALERT

Dining rotation - as per a call from concierge
Repeating every 3 nights

5:30 and 8pm - LAP LAP, etc
5:45 and 8:15pm - APL APL, etc
6pm and 8:30pm - PLA PLA, etc

Am I counting right? Pirate Night in Parrot Cay for early?

OK, so if Captain's dining is 6pm, (and I'm doing this right!) that puts us in Lumier's for both formals & semi, and Parrot Cay for pirate night!

PERFECT!

Yep, guess I am counting right.

Well the strap on one shoe actually broke off and that's the shoe that shrunk worse. I'll just keep wearing them and maybe they'll stretch back out. Thanks!



Me too! I always take my rings off before hiking and swimming and housework and anything like that. Course the bad part is that I forget to put them back on....

I saw someone already told you. But I emailed and got a replacement strap for a Disney croc, even had the Disney stamp like the original broken one. And found a link on the Crocs website for replacement snaps. I didn't count them, it just looks like someone grabbed and handfull and threw them in the bag.

Hi everyone


Ok some actual questions..if we want to go to blue bayou is it a must to make a ressie?


For those who have done Nemo...how close are the quarters? Esp if you are NOT a tiny person???I can remember doing Leagues and being a bit uncomfortable because of the tight quarters (can get a little minor claustraphobic in really tight spots)

I was bummed I missed the MA meet..:-( I want to meet more people (in person!)


Did I miss the bracelet sign up/order?

Chrissie

Yes for BB you must have a ressie. And I've never been able to get same day ones. Or even allowed to wait in line.

The subs are a tight fit.

 

[junesgoofy]

Papers & drawings from the kids are hung all over my kitchen.

I hang the kids artwork on the garage walls. People have walked by and stopped to look and tell me what a great idea that is. We like seeing what one child makes and then the other children make the same thing when they get to that grade. It's really cool. We even brought the artwork from our KC house to our new house here in Denver.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Let me see if this works, spread sheets do not transfer well to the DIS.

Dining Rotation Early

 

[Diznyfan68]

The Wine Country Trattoria has become our #1 spot for lunch over the last year. You can dine inside or out and really gives you a nice relaxing break. The food is really yummy too.



Glad to hear your dad made it through surgery OK.

Thanks Roger - I'm calling tomorrow to see what I can get for dinner on the 16th.

 

[junesgoofy]

I give my mom a hard time about Francie (Barbie's cousin and the only *Barbie* doll I ever owned). I owned 1 doll, a lot of clothes all in a shoebox. I had it since I was about 7.... (I got Francie because she had brown hair like me). When I was in 6th grade we moved from New Orleans to San Diego. I had the doll in NO....we arrive in SD and I no longer have it!!! She told me they couldn't move everything (the Navy moved us). That was the ONLY thing I owned except my clothes & my jewelry box.... Between that and getting rid of my Mary Poppins doll when I was 7 and we moved to NO (in a case with ... I think 2 outfits) she's lucky I speak to her. We must all have the same mother!

I still have my 'Sunshine Family' and their house! I thought I had gotten rid of them and my mom was th one that freaked out. I did eventually find them.

 

[smeecanada]

Do you know if anything was ever found out about the use of car seats and/or seat belts on the bus?

Thanks,
Kim

Once the contract is signed for which bus company we are going with. We'll iron out the little details.

 

[junesgoofy]

How often are tips adjusted? IMO the Disney cruise staff more than deserve this 10.1% raise.

Okay, only my crazy accountant husband would know this exact amount!