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

[Sarangel]

WOW! You guys have it MUCH better than us Chicagolanders! I'm in the far West suburbs which is cheaper than closer to the city - but the BEST we've seen anywhere recently was 3.029 - most stations are between 3.089 and 3.159. This is a major improvment over a few weeks ago when the best was about 3.239 and I saw as high as 3.399!

So far, I haven't seen a satisfactory answer on why Chicago area prices are so much higher than other parts of the country.

Pamela (pdarrah)

I dunno. San Francisco seems to have Chicago beat. I filled up this morning at Costco for $3.149 for regular. That's the lowest it's been in a while.

 

[got2travel]

I also just recieved an email from my TA. She states they haven't recieved "official" word from DCL. I wonder if DU has recieved official word or just doing damage control before hand? I dunno.....

Chrissie

I didn't clarify whether it was official word or not, but I am not with DU, I'm with a different TA, and still got informed of the $100 increase. So it's not just DU.

 

[magiroux]

Good Morning EB Thread!

I downloaded the DIS Unplugged podcast this morning, and guess what? Our firestorm over the DCL $100 fee is their #1 story . . .

Everyone should download and listen to it today!

Even if you don't have iTunes or an iPod, you can listen to a live stream online - oh, and follow the link to vote for them as the best travel podcast!

Thanks guys for making an issue of our problem with DCL!

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=158

Thanks for directing me to this "unplugged" thingy. Something else Disney that I am now addicted to .

My nephew Charles Robert was born at 8:10pm this evening weighing in at 7 pounds even. My brother forgot to tell Hazel how long the baby was. The mother baby and mother are doing fine.

Congratulations, Uncle Andy & Aunt Hazel

 

[got2travel]

WOW! You guys have it MUCH better than us Chicagolanders! I'm in the far West suburbs which is cheaper than closer to the city - but the BEST we've seen anywhere recently was 3.029 - most stations are between 3.089 and 3.159. This is a major improvment over a few weeks ago when the best was about 3.239 and I saw as high as 3.399!

So far, I haven't seen a satisfactory answer on why Chicago area prices are so much higher than other parts of the country.

Pamela (pdarrah)

Wow, I feel better. I'm near San Francisco and always thought we were the highest. At least we squeaked below 3 this week.

 

[magiroux]

Mary Ann remember that the Panama Tax fee would not have shown up on our personal tax bill. When we booked this cruise in January PC was charging DCL per tonnage not per passenger. Therefore it would be included in our ticket price not as a tax. And by the way $54.24/pp X 2500 passengers still comes out to $135,600 for 5 ports, that would be $27,120/port for ~8hrs of docking.

OK then, I was confused from the start. I was thinking that this was included as part of that GVT Tax/fee line item all along.

And, now Joel110's breakdown perhaps makes more sense. He asked specifically to have the charges for the ticket price broken down if I understand him correctly.

 

[DisneyVegas1]

Okay ...2 weeks to go until we leave for Barcelona for the Med Repo and Panic is starting to set in ...We havent started to pack yet , My Sweet Melissa's Pirate costume still being sewn ....errrrr Still waiting for DS's tux to come back from getting some alterations ....And I havent got my Mag signs done yet ....Well the good thing is that the Facial hair is coming in Just fine ...LOL

 

[goofyforlife]

Joel110 - just curious, does it list $1412 on the Gvmt Taxes & Fees line item of your confirmation. I only ask becuse my states $162.72 which breaks down to $54.24/pp, exactly what Roger's does.

Here's the breakdown from my TA for us.

$1570 for passengers 1 and 2, plus $299 port charge and $54.24 tax.
> > $169 ins.
> > $59 transfers
> >
> > Passenger 3: $900 plus $299 plus $54.24
> > $99 ins.
> > $59 transfers

So our port charges were $299 already (i think that's the part increasing)

and Tom....i already listed my list of demands to get booted....

If they want to take me up on it....So be it.

 

[Verandah Man]

It's a good thing I don't have any stress in my life. My brother Pete called me around 11am asking if I had heard from my mom. I told him no, then asked why. Pete told me that my mom had just had a car accident and totaled her car. My mom got a little banged up and shaken up but no serious injuries were reported. I got to talk to my mom a few minutes ago and she said that left knee went into the dashboard. She was still at the scene of the accident when I called and the police were still there getting their report, so I couldn't talk to her for very long. Once I know more, I'll let everyone know. In the meantime, please send prayers, good thoughts and her way. Thanks so much, you guys are the best!!!

 

[DisneyVegas1]

It's a good thing I don't have any stress in my life. My brother Pete called me around 11am asking if I had heard from my mom. I told him no, then asked why. Pete told me that my mom had just had a car accident and totaled her car. My mom got a little banged up and shaken up but no serious injuries were reported. I got to talk to my mom a few minutes ago and she said that left knee went into the dashboard. She was still at the scene of the accident when I called and the police were still there getting their report, so I couldn't talk to her for very long. Once I know more, I'll let everyone know. In the meantime, please send prayers, good thoughts and her way. Thanks so much, you guys are the best!!!

 

[pdarrah]

OK - this isn't DIS related, cruise related or even panama canal related!

Has anyone here built a deck in the last few years? If so, did you use wood (ie cedar) or composite (ie trex, ChoiceTec, etc) decking? We are about to build an all new deck and would love some first hand opinions. DH usually tends to the traditional and is leaning toward cedar, but the idea of not having to stain/sealcoat and all the other maintance also sounds good. Composite, of course, costs quite a bit more, but if it lasts longer with less effort it could be worth it. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Pamela (pdarrah)

 

[sk8ingmom]

Drive by posting...

I'm still alive. We've been sitting on the floor and sleeping on air mattresses for 10 days now. Our 'stuff' will finally be here tomorrow. We like our house, we love our neighborhood. We are close to Chesapeake Bay, lots of trails and a dog park. George Washington is our neighbor. Other than that - you can just take the rest of this place! Good golly is it hot. And crowded. I just cringe every time someone tells me that their commute is "only" and hour. UGH! DH started work and s it, we pretty much knew that would happen.

The boys seem to like it here but they are a bit lonely. DS8 randomly became obsessed with playing lacrosse about 2 months ago. I have no idea where it came from, but we're in the right place for it now. He's going to a lacrosse day camp all next week. DS7 chose a drama camp (he's our diva) At least they won't have to sit around and watch me unpack all next week.

I skimmed enough to see there is a new random $100 per person tax on TOAL. Lovely. I guess I'm going to have to get me one o'them nifty job thingies I've heard so much about lately.

I've had a few interviews that seem to have gone well, now I wait...

Anyway, I came into the library to pay bills & I wanted to pop in and say "Hi"
My goal is to have the wireless network set up in the house in time for chat next week!

 

[tom31b]

OK - this isn't DIS related, cruise related or even panama canal related!

Has anyone here built a deck in the last few years? If so, did you use wood (ie cedar) or composite (ie trex, ChoiceTec, etc) decking? We are about to build an all new deck and would love some first hand opinions. DH usually tends to the traditional and is leaning toward cedar, but the idea of not having to stain/sealcoat and all the other maintance also sounds good. Composite, of course, costs quite a bit more, but if it lasts longer with less effort it could be worth it. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Pamela (pdarrah)

Love the artificial stuff! Easier to work with than wood, doesn't warp, doesn't need maintenance, no bugs, .......

 

[tom31b]

Drive by posting...

I'm still alive. We've been sitting on the floor and sleeping on air mattresses for 10 days now. Our 'stuff' will finally be here tomorrow. We like our house, we love our neighborhood. We are close to Chesapeake Bay, lots of trails and a dog park. George Washington is our neighbor. Other than that - you can just take the rest of this place! Good golly is it hot. And crowded. I just cringe every time someone tells me that their commute is "only" and hour. UGH! DH started work and s it, we pretty much knew that would happen.

The boys seem to like it here but they are a bit lonely. DS8 randomly became obsessed with playing lacrosse about 2 months ago. I have no idea where it came from, but we're in the right place for it now. He's going to a lacrosse day camp all next week. DS7 chose a drama camp (he's our diva) At least they won't have to sit around and watch me unpack all next week.

I skimmed enough to see there is a new random $100 per person tax on TOAL. Lovely. I guess I'm going to have to get me one o'them nifty job thingies I've heard so much about lately.

I've had a few interviews that seem to have gone well, now I wait...

Anyway, I came into the library to pay bills & I wanted to pop in and say "Hi"
My goal is to have the wireless network set up in the house in time for chat next week!

Glad to see you are doing well, will keep our fingers crossed on that job thingy.....

 

[sk8ingmom]

Glad to see you are doing well, will keep our fingers crossed on that job thingy.....

BTW -

mot gis ecin

 

[goofyforlife]

Pete told me that my mom had just had a car accident and totaled her car.

Oh Andy...you're right no stress at all. Plenty of and PD and prayers heading your way.

Has anyone here built a deck in the last few years? If so, did you use wood (ie cedar) or composite (ie trex, ChoiceTec, etc) decking? We are about to build an all new deck and would love some first hand opinions.

Hi Pamela....my DH built our 300 sf deck mostly himself over late fall/early winter '05.... (digging foundations, concrete, lumber, everything) It was pretty challenging because it is off of our kitchen and 10 ft above ground level.

I think Cedar will weather pretty good.

We bought our regular P/T wood at Lowes and i am really NOT impressed by how it's weathering. I've heard from many (builders included) that when they switched how they treat lumber 3 yrs ago....The new stuff is not doing well. (twisting/cracking/bowing) I have several boards that i'd love to replace already. i know we need to look into sealing it this year and i'll see how that goes.

As for composites.... My neighbor has that kind. His was done about a year before ours and doesn't look that great right now (faded,etc) but it's not warping at least. I was thinking of replacing at least the top of our railing with the composite since ours seems to be twisting so bad.My DFil replaced his stair treads to his porch with a composite and some of it has split in half already too.

 

[Sarangel]

It's a good thing I don't have any stress in my life. My brother Pete called me around 11am asking if I had heard from my mom. I told him no, then asked why. Pete told me that my mom had just had a car accident and totaled her car. My mom got a little banged up and shaken up but no serious injuries were reported. I got to talk to my mom a few minutes ago and she said that left knee went into the dashboard. She was still at the scene of the accident when I called and the police were still there getting their report, so I couldn't talk to her for very long. Once I know more, I'll let everyone know. In the meantime, please send prayers, good thoughts and her way. Thanks so much, you guys are the best!!!

Thinking good thoughts in your mom's direction, Andy.

OK - this isn't DIS related, cruise related or even panama canal related!

Has anyone here built a deck in the last few years? If so, did you use wood (ie cedar) or composite (ie trex, ChoiceTec, etc) decking? We are about to build an all new deck and would love some first hand opinions. DH usually tends to the traditional and is leaning toward cedar, but the idea of not having to stain/sealcoat and all the other maintance also sounds good. Composite, of course, costs quite a bit more, but if it lasts longer with less effort it could be worth it. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Pamela (pdarrah)

I used to work for a 'green' architecture firm, and they were all in favor of the Trex decking (I dimly recall that it may be made out of recycled materiel, but don't quote me).

Drive by posting...

I'm still alive. We've been sitting on the floor and sleeping on air mattresses for 10 days now. Our 'stuff' will finally be here tomorrow. We like our house, we love our neighborhood. We are close to Chesapeake Bay, lots of trails and a dog park. George Washington is our neighbor. Other than that - you can just take the rest of this place! Good golly is it hot. And crowded. I just cringe every time someone tells me that their commute is "only" and hour. UGH! DH started work and s it, we pretty much knew that would happen.

The boys seem to like it here but they are a bit lonely. DS8 randomly became obsessed with playing lacrosse about 2 months ago. I have no idea where it came from, but we're in the right place for it now. He's going to a lacrosse day camp all next week. DS7 chose a drama camp (he's our diva) At least they won't have to sit around and watch me unpack all next week.

I skimmed enough to see there is a new random $100 per person tax on TOAL. Lovely. I guess I'm going to have to get me one o'them nifty job thingies I've heard so much about lately.

I've had a few interviews that seem to have gone well, now I wait...

Anyway, I came into the library to pay bills & I wanted to pop in and say "Hi"
My goal is to have the wireless network set up in the house in time for chat next week!

Yay. At last you're getting settled. Hope all goes well for you & your family.

 

[goofyforlife]

BTW -

mot gis ecin

Hey M's alive..... The DC boogieman hasn't grabbed you yet... Or isn't that coyotes out where you are...

 

[buckifan]

Pamela....I would recommend option C--A paver patio. We have a wood deck off of our house (made of Thomsonized PT wood), and I hate it! I have to seal it every year. And we used the composite decking for hand rails, and I don't think that looks good anymore either. We put in a paver patio a few years ago off of the deck, and I love it! No maintenance! We plan to rip out the deck in a couple of years, and put another paver patio in it's place. If you want it to last, I say that is the way to go.

Hey M! I have 2 pictures of your neighbor in my wallet! And sadly, nothing else!

 

[tom31b]

BTW -

mot gis ecin

sknahT
esle enoemos morf ti elots I

 

[Joel110]

Wow, what a difference in taxes we have. I booked online through DCL 1/31 am and printed out the itemized bill at the end which give me a per passenger charge and taxes. We have a Cat 9 2A 2C and our Government taxes and fees total is $216.96 (Total for 4 of us).

Here's the breakdown from my TA for us.

$1570 for passengers 1 and 2, plus $299 port charge and $54.24 tax.
> > $169 ins.
> > $59 transfers
> >
> > Passenger 3: $900 plus $299 plus $54.24
> > $99 ins.
> > $59 transfers

So our port charges were $299 already (i think that's the part increasing)

and Tom....i already listed my list of demands to get booted....

If they want to take me up on it....So be it.

Sorry...have to actually work once in awhile


I was also told $299/person for port fees + $54.24/person taxes. Multiplied out by 4 equals $1,412.96. So, now Disney says it's $399/person port fees + $54.24/person taxes, or $1,812.96 for family of four.

This is from my invoice:

Below is the total cost summary for your vacation:

Your Price: $4,200.00
Taxes and Port Charges: $1,412.96
Processing Fee: $19.95
Insurance: Not Purchased


Total Price: $5,632.91