8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 15

[radioclash2]

Another 24 hours and not a peep from DCL. I would quote my letter or the e-mail addresses, but they have all been deleted.

things that make you go hmmmmm...

 

[magiroux]

things that make you go hmmmmm...

I agree

 

[tom31b]

If the Pirate Zone Website is to be an arm of a DIS Cruise Meet thread, I think this may be a "slippery slope" you are sliding down...JMO

Tom, not a web developer either, but if you need some extra hands to gather info to be consolidated for the website, I would certainly be more than happy to help, OK? You are just one person - we don't expect you to do it all!!

I wouldn't post anything that I (considering my occupation) wouldn't feel comfortable with. I'm not saying I would post, just would look and see if it was appropriate.

Since you volunteered.....

This is the list that used to exist on page one

I have highlighted in blue those who have volunteered to continue on, I have highlighted in red those names I either don't know or that I am not sure desire to continue on that port and green those that I am not sure about either way (in other words, I need to reach out to them).

Research ports for excursion & historical information. Several DISers can work on each port. This information will be posted on our website.
Disney Land area -- atakaratemom, cinderella mom, GoofyontheHiSeas, captaincrash
Port of Los Angeles -- A Little Pixie Dust
Cabo San Lucas -- atakaratemom
Puerto Vallarta -- atakaratemom, DisneyMom13
Acapulco -- pdarrah
Panama Canal -- m&m's mom
Cartagena -- faireygod mother, KAB407, GSCM_DisneyScout
Aruba -- Dizneyfan68, PBader, disneypilots
Port Canaveral / Orlando area --


so....., if you would like to volunteer... feel free to pick a port and research away!!!


(of course, then there's crash.... I just couldn't give him a color, he's part of everything all at the same time, plus I don't want to be the subject of his next image search....)

 

[atakaratemom]

I just checked the Pirates Zone web site ---

Mary (atakaratemom) and Susan (geffric) have signed on to organize a Wenchs' Afternon Tea.
Looks like we might have the beginings of a committee!!!

I had volunteered to organize a Wench's tea, but I will have to leave that to others now as unfortunately we have cancelled our reservation for the Repo cruise. My son is starting high school next year and while initially I thought he would be able to miss a couple of days I didn't realize that it would impact his beginning practice with the boy's water polo team. Practice will begin a couple of weeks before school and he would miss all of it if we went on the cruise. We just think that would be too detrimental for him.

It was a hard decision, but we felt it was best for our family. I hope all of you have a really wonderful vacation!

 

[Grandma x3]

I have not had the opportunity to see if everyone who had signed up for some of the committees is still interested, so lets not hold anyone to them until they are confirmed....
Thanks

Oh no, Tom - I just don't want to step on anyone's toes!!! You know, march in and take over!! Since I've just put together these events of the Med repo I'm offering to do the same for us here.

 

[tom31b]

Oh no, Tom - I just don't want to step on anyone's toes!!! You know, march in and take over!! Since I've just put together these events of the Med repo I'm offering to do the same for us here.

I was going the other way with this, you can see that Mary has had to cancel, so I didn't want people furthering her as a volunteer until she had a chance to announce it in her own time.

 

[Grandma x3]

I had volunteered to organize a Wench's tea, but I will have to leave that to others now as unfortunately we have cancelled our reservation for the Repo cruise. My son is starting high school next year and while initially I thought he would be able to miss a couple of days I didn't realize that it would impact his beginning practice with the boy's water polo team. Practice will begin a couple of weeks before school and he would miss all of it if we went on the cruise. We just think that would be too detrimental for him.

It was a hard decision, but we felt it was best for our family. I hope all of you have a really wonderful vacation!

Oh Mary -
I was really looking forward to meeting you!! But I sure understand - I can't bring my 2 older grandkids because they start school the last week of Aug. - and DGD Melissa is starting high school & she said its Really important to be there the first day. (needless to say she is Really excited about high school!)
Family comes First!!!!
Perhaps you could join the "mini-meet" w/ Captain Jack next March at DL???

 

[Joel110]

I received a response from the Panamal Canal Authority. While they couldn't respond to specifics, they did confirm that the new per berth method was "replacing" and not in "addition" to the old method. Here's the response:

From our Office of General Counsel, attorney (name deleted) has
responded to your information request:

This is in response to your inquiry regarding payment of tolls by the M/V DISNEY MAGIC for her transits through the Panama Canal.

First, we must inform you that our regulations prohibit us from providing information regarding our customers to third parties, therefore, we are unable to provide you with a response to your specific inquiry regarding payments by the DISNEY MAGIC to the ACP.

Concerning, the new per berth option, ACP's new regulation regarding tolls for passenger vessels based upon maximum passenger capacity replaced the existing tonnage basis system under certain cases only as stated in Agreement No. 140 of June 2007.

We hope this responds to your inquiry.

Regards,

(Name Deleted)
Panama Canal Authority
Corporate Communications

I still haven't received any notice from my TA or DCL that our fare increased. I made an online payment through my TA's website today specifically to see if there would be some type of data exchange between my TA website and DCL website that would end up reflecting the charge. I would participate in the e-mail campaign to DCL, but I wanted to wait until I'm actually hit with the charge before I complain about it.

My TA gave us a $100 OBC and will rebate $200 after the cruise as an incentive to tranfer the ressie to him. The commissionable fare for our cabin is $4,200. The general commission is 10% (Maybe they get volume kickbacks too ), but our TA basically gets $420 and is rebating/refunding $300 back to us already. That's $120 to share between the agent and agency. It was unbelievably generous of DU to offer double OBCs, and I would greatly appreciate my TA if they offered too, but I won't issue the challenge. I work in sales/marketing, so I can appreciate that he has to make something.

On a related note, we applied for Life Insurance for my wife because she loss her group benefits when she was laid off. We received a note declining her coverage because of her plans to travel to Colombia .

 

[atakaratemom]

Oh Mary -
I was really looking forward to meeting you!! But I sure understand - I can't bring my 2 older grandkids because they start school the last week of Aug. - and DGD Melissa is starting high school & she said its Really important to be there the first day. (needless to say she is Really excited about high school!)
Family comes First!!!!
Perhaps you could join the "mini-meet" w/ Captain Jack next March at DL???

Thanks Chris! I am hoping to make the meet in March and hopefully get a chance to meet up with some of my pals here who come out early to spend a few days at DL before the cruise. That way I can wish you all a Bon Voyage!

 

[Grandma x3]

Thanks Chris! I am hoping to make the meet in March and hopefully get a chance to meet up with some of my pals here who come out early to spend a few days at DL before the cruise. That way I can wish you all a Bon Voyage!

Oh - Excellent!!! I do hope you can be there in March. Perhaps a Champagne Bon Voyage in August!!! While you may not be joining us on the cruise - you're still part of the Pirate Crew/Family!!!

 

[micmse2003]

The waitlisted people's reservations were held prior to 1/31 but TAs weren't notified until that day. DCL no longer has a waitlist for categories other than suites, but they did have a waitlist for a while for this cruise on all categories. This is why some TA's got reservations "before" 1/31. I had many booked prior to 1/31 (none on this date), but I didn't get notification that they were booked until 1/31.

Tier pricing is based on how full the ship is. As the ship fills up, the price goes up. On most cruises this takes days, months or more to go up. On this one, it went to the top tier within hours and then sold out.

Thanks for all the info Tracy!!! You are great!!!

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen!
I'm home from my trip to Nebraska to visit family.
What's new and exciting here??

Hey Stace, Glad you are back!! Nothing too exciting except the $100 per berth charge added on to all our TOAL bill

We've been to Disneyland many times, so going for two days will be enough. We really wanted my MIL to get to enjoy Disneyland since she's never been.

I think it sounds great but we would only have one day and I am not that young to do both parks in one day!!

..the way we saw it,"one took what they could get"...on the 31st.
why ?...our dcl cruises/trips....have been the cornerstone in our family's
traditions since the we been together....these vacations have alot
values to us. [even our early ones ...when we just visited for a day
or 2]. however, i am assuming- most are doing their disney's vacations
for the same reasons. any ways, those are the people we like sharing
our cruises with...except..for 's..we to share. into
reality...those are fightin words.

I am very generous except when it comes to I do not share

For us, there is no need to stay onsite. That's because we are there 3-5 times per year. Except this year, we let our AP's expire due to this year's and next year's cruises.

Staying onsite at DL is not as beneficial as it is in WDW. Plus many offsite hotels are a closer walk to the parks than the Disney hotels. And often much cheaper.

We have stayed at each of the Disney hotels though so here's my thoughts.

Grand Californian - you absolutely cannot get closer to the parks. In fact much of it is in California Adventure. I love to lounge next to the grand fireplace in the lobby, even if I'm not staying here. The rooms are the smallest of the 3 onsite hotels. They seem quite dark too, probably because of the earth tones in the decorating. The pool is nice and does have a slide but not whimsical like the others. In fact, the entire hotel doesn't have much of a Disney feel to it in my opinion. There is a character breakfast with Chip n Dale at Storyteller's Cafe. Haven't done this one, but it gets great reviews.

Paradise Pier - this is the 'budget' hotel, not that it's really a budget, but it's usually the least expensive. The rooms are good sized and have lots of Disney touches. I haven't experienced the renovations to the pool, but they did add a slide and it looks like a lot of fun. This is the farthest hotel from the parks. I personally would not stay here again. I'd rather save my money and stay closer offsite. The character breakfast here is Lilo and Stitch. We didn't like this one. It was poorly organized and didn't have much variety in the food.

Disneyland Hotel - my favorite of the 3. It's the original after all. The rooms are good sized. I've heard reports of small rooms, but we've never had one that seemed cramped. There is a border around the top of the rooms. If you leave the lights on all day, you will have glowing pixie dust at night. The Neverland Pool is a lot of fun. Perfect setting for pirates of all ages. Goofy's Kitchen is here and has brunch and dinner character meals. This is our favorite character meal. We prefer brunch instead of dinner. The food and character interaction seemed better, plus it's less expensive. We usually get a late seating, depending on park opening, usually about 11:30 or 12:30. Grab a light breakfast, hit the park at rope drop, then when everyone else starts waking up and coming in the park, we're leaving for a break at Goofy's.

For offsite hotels, our favorite is Carousel Inn, right across the street from the entrance. Decent sized rooms, great service, and free breakfast. Their suites are also nice. Other options we consider if Carousel is full or higher priced are: BW Park Place Inn, Camelot Inn, Tropicana Inn, Dessert Inn & Suites, Howard Johnsons and Candy Cane Inn. Actually haven't stayed at Candy Cane but do consider it for each trip, it just always ends up being more expensive than my other choices.

Thanks for all the info Monica. I found it very informative!! Maybe the year after our TOAL iI will venture to DL!!!

By the way, Guess what finally arrived? Yep my passports!! It took 16 weeks and several phone calls

 

[MrsScooby]

I wanted to know how you are feeling. I hope your strength is back to normal!!!

Not quite back to normal, but better than before. Now I'm trying to loose weight
Thanks for asking though

I miss so much just popping in on these boards

Happy Belated Birthday!!

 

[m&m's mom]

Oh no, Tom - I just don't want to step on anyone's toes!!! You know, march in and take over!! Since I've just put together these events of the Med repo I'm offering to do the same for us here.

Well, pencil me in and we can do a final volunteer list in 6 months or so. Even if there are 3 of us (you, me and geffric) we can get it done.

 

[micmse2003]

Initially I was thinking why would Dreams take money out of their pocket to off-set something that was clearly a DCL issue?

Since there may be some future converts this is still a good move, but the bottom line is there is no immediate financial benefit to Dreams so I have to say Kudos Dreams

I agree Dreams was very generous.

Just a quick "drive by" posting - my connection is sort of "spotty" and mildly fustrating here... but ...

... in todays' emails I noted my TA just matched the DU deal! So our cabin credit is just like them AND I have her superior (expert) personalized service too!

Thanks Barb!!!

Cheers!!!!

I am happy for you Tom!!! Are you going to Aloha Stadium Sunday??? Think of me.

When we booked the TOAL we booked while onboard the Magic. We have sailed with DCL twice before and always booked directly with them and had them make all our airfare and hotel arrangements. This time was no different and we opted to fly in a day early (arriving on the 16th) and stay at the LAX Marriott. I know we also have transfers included as well. We were thinking of going to CA a few days earlier - my SPT will actually become a ST on August 14 so we thought we would fly in a couple of days early and stay at Hojos (already have the room reserved).
SO.........my question is....
Do you think DCL would fly us in a few days earlier like on the 14th - skip the Marriot, we would get a taxi to Hojos from the airport and back to catch our transfer to the port on the 17th. This way we can do 2 days at the parks for my ST birthday. Did DCL offer anything like this before on the last canal crossing? Anyone know? THANKS!

I would ask to speak to a supervisor. I am sure it can be arranged.

I have a Mickey Print Shop that can print labels!! I am not sure if it even made anymore? Did I hear you are organizing a ladies luncheon for us on the EB????


Mickey Print Shop???? I think I should try the stickers - when I find out where I can find Disney/Mickey stickers that is!

Yeah, I'm more than willing to organize Palo Brunch/Tea for the Wenches. I think someone already offered way back when. But, I do know the ropes now so 2nd time around it should be a lot easier!!

You are a sweetie Chris

We don't have a web developer, just some poor sucker who is keeping the previously created content somewhere close to up to date. I'm sure if you pm'ed stuff to him, he might consider putting something up.

I do not know of any poor sucker but I do know a very nice guy who helped pick up the pieces.

I had volunteered to organize a Wench's tea, but I will have to leave that to others now as unfortunately we have cancelled our reservation for the Repo cruise. My son is starting high school next year and while initially I thought he would be able to miss a couple of days I didn't realize that it would impact his beginning practice with the boy's water polo team. Practice will begin a couple of weeks before school and he would miss all of it if we went on the cruise. We just think that would be too detrimental for him.

It was a hard decision, but we felt it was best for our family. I hope all of you have a really wonderful vacation!

Oh Mary, I am so sad I am not going to meet you and your lovely family. Whatever is best for your children is the right decision. Parents do make lots of sacrafices for the love of their children. You will be missed.

 

[magiroux]

I do not know of any poor sucker but I do know a very nice guy who helped pick up the pieces.

 

[micmse2003]

Not quite back to normal, but better than before. Now I'm trying to loose weight
Thanks for asking though

I miss so much just popping in on these boards

Happy Belated Birthday!!

I am glad you are doing better!!!(at least a little) It just takes time. I lost a total of 53 pounds in the last two years. Another 30 to go! I walk 5 miles a day. I am more healthy than I was 15 years ago!!! Keep thinking positive. Thanks for the birthday wishes!!!!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I'll make you a deal, I'll PM you with the name of my TA if you PM me with the names of the ones you know have offered. Deal?

I don't mind PMing you the info about the other TA's. Is it supposed to be top secret or something? I'm asking because that's the feeling I'm getting from you on this post. So I'm a bit confused why we'd need to make a deal. I'd say it here if the TA's names wouldn't be filtered- which some of them (or all of them?) might. I'll pm you.

My TA is a private lady that I guarantee you no else is using. She is extremely good though. Last year in Alaska we were so confusing. All 31 of us were coming from separate airlines, separate cities, very confusing combinations of family members in 16 different cabins. She handled everything w/out a single hitch and we each (including kids) got a $50.00 credit and she paid for a private cocktail hour for all of us.
So, I feel it would be wrong to ask her for an additional credit. These days TA's do not make a ton of commission anymore. I want to keep in her very good graces. Seriously, that would be almost half her commission if she credited me $400.00. Yal are just going to be in the spa or bar more than me.

That kind of personalized service is worth it's money in gold.
I don't know how much commission my TA is making but I also don't know what pricing tier I received nor is there any way for me to figure out if I even got the 10% off that I was supposed to get off that pricing tier (whichever one I received when they transferred my dates to this cruise) because I rebooked onboard and then switched the dates to this cruise. No way for me to tell what pricing tier, no way for me to tell if I got the 10% off. All I know is if I got the 10% off I was nowhere near tier 1 pricing- that's for sure. I don't see how DU and the other TA's could give every single bit of their commission back either- so I have to think they get more commission than 10%. Also some people are spending more (commissionable fare) for verandah categories and/or multiple rooms (or both, like ourselves). Surely DU isn't giving away every bit of their commission by increasing the onboard credit???

Clean out your pm box.....

it is full....

I cleaned it out. Sorry I didn't realize it was full. I sure wish there was a way to get more in there! Such a small limited amount allowed in there and I really like to keep some of the old PMs so I can remember who I talked to about what-yanno?

 

[magiroux]

I wouldn't post anything that I (considering my occupation) wouldn't feel comfortable with. I'm not saying I would post, just would look and see if it was appropriate.

Since you volunteered.....

This is the list that used to exist on page one

I have highlighted in blue those who have volunteered to continue on, I have highlighted in red those names I either don't know or that I am not sure desire to continue on that port and green those that I am not sure about either way (in other words, I need to reach out to them).

Research ports for excursion & historical information. Several DISers can work on each port. This information will be posted on our website.
Disney Land area -- atakaratemom, cinderella mom, GoofyontheHiSeas, captaincrash
Port of Los Angeles -- A Little Pixie Dust
Cabo San Lucas -- atakaratemom
Puerto Vallarta -- atakaratemom, DisneyMom13
Acapulco -- pdarrah
Panama Canal -- m&m's mom
Cartagena -- faireygod mother, KAB407, GSCM_DisneyScout
Aruba -- Dizneyfan68, PBader, disneypilots
Port Canaveral / Orlando area --


so....., if you would like to volunteer... feel free to pick a port and research away!!!


(of course, then there's crash.... I just couldn't give him a color, he's part of everything all at the same time, plus I don't want to be the subject of his next image search....)

I will research and try to put together as accurate a list as possible for the website, Tom .

FYI - "lemon chiffon" just doesn't show up too well, or are you just afraid of CC - teehee

 

[Grandma x3]

Well, pencil me in and we can do a final volunteer list in 6 months or so. Even if there are 3 of us (you, me and geffric) we can get it done.

Hey Coral,
Yes, we Can get it done!!! I'll report back how it all worked out on the Med Repo. Gosh - I'll take pictures too!!

(On the med repo I am the entire committee!!)

 

[got2travel]

Another 24 hours and not a peep from DCL. I would quote my letter or the e-mail addresses, but they have all been deleted.

what do you mean? You didn't save them or they were deleted in the thread? If deleted, then why? I don't understand why that would be against the rules.