April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[goofy4tink]

Congrats on the house closing, the successful surgery, the new lists for DH's..... So much going on here, I can hardly keep up with everyone.

Is anyone going to the parks after the cruise? We had planned on it but all of these people on the DIS with their "don't go during Easter" posts are scaring me. I know it's a holiday weekend and it will be really crowded. I'm expecting that. Our kids are up really early anyway, so we'll get there early for EMH on Friday. But I'm still nervous thinking about it! Oh well. A crowded day in Disney is better than a day of working, right?

We are!! Yep, we expect it to be crowded, but like you said...a crowded day in Disney....
We'll be in Epcot/DHS on Thursday and then over to MK/AK on Friday. Heading over to Tampa to visit my ds and his wife on Sat after a nice breakfast at Tusker House with Donald!!!!

 

[jilljill]

Congrats on the house closing, the successful surgery, the new lists for DH's..... So much going on here, I can hardly keep up with everyone.

Is anyone going to the parks after the cruise? We had planned on it but all of these people on the DIS with their "don't go during Easter" posts are scaring me. I know it's a holiday weekend and it will be really crowded. I'm expecting that. Our kids are up really early anyway, so we'll get there early for EMH on Friday. But I'm still nervous thinking about it! Oh well. A crowded day in Disney is better than a day of working, right?

Being that Easter is so late it may not be as crowded as prior year's when it's earlier in the month. We've done Easter week the last few years and don't find it all that bad. We've found worse weeks in the summer, and I'm not going to mention the Christmas week crowds .

 

[jilljill]

Pershing's (Sue) “Girls Night Out 11pm Night Club Tour”
April 17th 11Pm Meet at Skyline /11:15 Move to Evolution
April 18th 11PM Meet at Pink/11:15 Move to D Lounge
April 19th 11PM Meet at 687/11:15 Move to District Lounge
April 20th 11PM Meet at Meridian (Deck 12 Aft)

Here's the link to the Dreams' Interactive Deck Plans so you can peruse Deck 4 and see where the club's are. http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-cruise-line/images/deckplan-DisneyDream.pdf

My picture doesn't seem to be working so I re-typed some of the info.

I thought we'd meet in the smaller clubs due to noise levels and move to the bigger ones. The last night may be iffy with the whole packing issue.

I'll be there early at 10:45 with a flyer in the middle of the table.

Any thoughts so far?

I thought I had read that Meridian was only open and available to guests dining in Palo and Remy. You might want to check that out in case you need to revise your crawl.

 

[Deb T.]

help!! yesterday I tried to add my daughter to the stingray adventure. I also cancelled her and I from parasailing but I did not calcel my son. Now it is saying I have one saved activity- stinray and it wont show me who, it also will not allow me to book other excursions. any idea what to do?

I'm not sure... have you tried calling DCL for help? While you're logged in, look for the phone number that's for website/internet issues and they should be able to help straighten things out for you.

So, if I may reiterate for clarity, you can book on the cruise for any date just to hold and then if you find that they are running a special you can switch to that date and still get the 10% ? They will allow more than one discount? Wow! I have always booked everything myself, do you use a TA?

When you talk with the onboard booking agent, you can tell her you want to book a dummy date to use in the future. You'll actually be booking a real reservation for a real date, but far in the future. Then, when you find a cruise you really want to book, you can change the "dummy reservation" that you made onboard to the new date/itinerary and still receive all the perks of booking onboard. The tricky thing is to keep an eye on that fake reservation date so that by the 90-day pay-in-full date you either have another cruise booked, move the dummy date to later, or cancel and get your deposit back.

Some discounts can be combined, but not all. Basically, Disney allows one "Disney" discount - ie. from booking onboard OR Disney VISA. But, you can tack on other "outside" OBC's, like from a travel agent. For the 4/21 cruise that we booked during our cruise last spring break, we got a 10% discount on the cruise fare, paid half the deposit amount, and we're receiving DCL's Onboard Booking Credit of $200 PLUS a Dreams Unlimited OBC of $100. For this cruise (which was booked through Dreams Unlimited and without the benefit of a dummy date) we're receiving DU's OBC of $100 PLUS the "Booking Online" OBC of $25 because DU booked it online PLUS the Disney VISA OBC of $50 because we paid for everything with our Disney VISA.

We started using DU a few years ago mostly just to get their OBC and have been very pleased. Due to DCL's new "agent commission" rules, in order to receive DU's maximum OBC you have to name them as your travel agent when you book onboard and are still on the ship. DCL sends them a note and you should also contact DU as soon as you get home to verify. Our DU TA is Kelsie Johnson, and she is very sharp! She was able to get our DS booked on the sold out 4/21 cruise just last week!!!!! You will still get all of DCL's mailings and final documents directly from DCL, but any questions or changes in your reservation need to be done through the TA.

Is anyone going to the parks after the cruise? We had planned on it but all of these people on the DIS with their "don't go during Easter" posts are scaring me. I know it's a holiday weekend and it will be really crowded. I'm expecting that. Our kids are up really early anyway, so we'll get there early for EMH on Friday. But I'm still nervous thinking about it! Oh well. A crowded day in Disney is better than a day of working, right?

It will definitely be crowded! But you've got the right attitude! A good strategy is to arrive at the EMH park about 30 minutes before they open because they will start letting guests through the turnstyles early (but stopping them once they're inside until the "rope drops"). It is critical to hit all of the "most popular" attractions first, before the non-resort guests are allowed in. Also, utilize FastPasses as much as possible. We always make sure to get the next set of FP's as soon as they are available (check your FP stub to see what time you can get new ones) and definitely get new FP's before using the existing FP's. Good luck! If you'd like, pm me the park you're going to and which rides/attractions you want to be sure to do and I'd be more than happy to customize a schedule for you!

 

[castlegazer]

Pershing's (Sue) “Girls Night Out 11pm Night Club Tour”
April 17th 11Pm Meet at Skyline /11:15 Move to Evolution
April 18th 11PM Meet at Pink/11:15 Move to D Lounge
April 19th 11PM Meet at 687/11:15 Move to District Lounge
April 20th 11PM Meet at Meridian (Deck 12 Aft)

Here's the link to the Dreams' Interactive Deck Plans so you can peruse Deck 4 and see where the club's are. http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-cruise-line/images/deckplan-DisneyDream.pdf

My picture doesn't seem to be working so I re-typed some of the info.

I thought we'd meet in the smaller clubs due to noise levels and move to the bigger ones. The last night may be iffy with the whole packing issue.

I'll be there early at 10:45 with a flyer in the middle of the table.

Any thoughts so far?

Oh, Pershing, I thought it was only going to be one night of bar hopping. I can not do multiple nights, one will be a miracle for me to pull off but is an absolute goal to do because its so rare to see the bars for me also. I also don't think there is any way I can do it the first night out nor the last night, so I guess that only leaves two nights to plan to meet up with whoever can do that night. Can we maybe whiddle it down with the nights planned so more people are likely to show up? I am worried that everyone gets so caught up in what happens on the cruise and gets exhausted that if its an every night thing, people will tend not to come. It also gives me an excuse to the husband - "honey, it's the only night I can do this, so please stay with the kids tonight while I go out and have fun! You can have some other night off!" Its a tough sell to begin with in my household under the best circumstances.

What do you think?

 

[guarn3md]

Congrats on the house closing, the successful surgery, the new lists for DH's..... So much going on here, I can hardly keep up with everyone.

Is anyone going to the parks after the cruise? We had planned on it but all of these people on the DIS with their "don't go during Easter" posts are scaring me. I know it's a holiday weekend and it will be really crowded. I'm expecting that. Our kids are up really early anyway, so we'll get there early for EMH on Friday. But I'm still nervous thinking about it! Oh well. A crowded day in Disney is better than a day of working, right?

We are headed to WDW after the cruise!!! I know it will be crowded but I also went 4th of July week last and two years ago Thanksgiving week. It is crowded but I go with Tour Guide Mike's or Touring plan's best/avoid park and it's all good!! AND like you said - A crowded day at Disney is better than any other kind of day! We will be at Epcot on Thursday and MK on Friday. Driving north on Saturday so we can get home for Easter w/ my DH!
Debbie

 

[Deb T.]

Oh, Pershing, I thought it was only going to be one night of bar hopping. I can not do multiple nights, one will be a miracle for me to pull off but is an absolute goal to do because its so rare to see the bars for me also. I also don't think there is any way I can do it the first night out nor the last night, so I guess that only leaves two nights to plan to meet up with whoever can do that night. Can we maybe whiddle it down with the nights planned so more people are likely to show up? I am worried that everyone gets so caught up in what happens on the cruise and gets exhausted that if its an every night thing, people will tend not to come. It also gives me an excuse to the husband - "honey, it's the only night I can do this, so please stay with the kids tonight while I go out and have fun! You can have some other night off!" Its a tough sell to begin with in my household under the best circumstances.

What do you think?

I believe the Girl's Night Out Nightclub Crawl was always designed to be a nightly event, and whoever can come on any given night is welcome.

 

[curlybop]

Now I feel better that I'm not the only crazy one. We are planning MK on Thursday and Friday. It will be the first trip for both of my girls (8 & 2). The youngest could care less, but my oldest will flip when she finds out. Once she knows about the cruise, she will think that is all we are doing. I'm not telling her we are headed to WDW until we get there. Surprise, surprise, surprise!

 

[mommybean]

We're heading to the parks after the cruise too!! I can't wait!!

I found a GREAT coupon this morning!!! 25% off dining with the purchase of an entree!!!! And it just happens to be good for our trip!!

http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.c...blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/dwc019389.pdf

Be sure to print off several!!

 

[Deb T.]

We're heading to the parks after the cruise too!! I can't wait!!

I found a GREAT coupon this morning!!! 25% off dining with the purchase of an entree!!!! And it just happens to be good for our trip!!

http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.c...blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/dwc019389.pdf

Be sure to print off several!!

WOW! Thanks so much for sharing!! That is a great coupon!!! Where did you find it?

 

[mommybean]

WOW! Thanks so much for sharing!! That is a great coupon!!! Where did you find it?

It posted to my Facebook wall At first I tough I read something wrong - lol - I've never seen a dining coupon before!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...P=SOC-DPFY11Q2TwitterDisneyParks01-04-11@0008

 

[guarn3md]

I know so many of us are headed to WDW after the cruise...wanted to share
I got an email from Mousemisers this morning about a new discount 25 - 30% off room only reservations at deluxe and deluxe villa accomodations. I just called my TA and she was able to apply the discount for the Friday night. It saved my $100 since I am staying at the Poly and the discount is only 25%. I am considering switching to Yacht Club because the discount is 30%. I am still holding out hope for an AP rate! And I am a little surprised about the dates with this discount starting on April 22nd and going through Easter - why didn't the discount include the couple days before??? So now there is a discount out till the 16th and then nothing for the 17th - 21st and discount picks up again on the 22nd. This doesn't make sense to me. Oh well... $100 saved is good!
Oh and the dining coupon link can be found from Mouse misers too - that was also in my email. I printed two of the coupons.
Debbie

 

[castlegazer]

I believe the Girl's Night Out Nightclub Crawl was always designed to be a nightly event, and whoever can come on any given night is welcome.

Ooohhhh, my bad! Sorry Pershing. carry on. I will try to figure out which night works. Thanks for organizing.

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh, Pershing, I thought it was only going to be one night of bar hopping. I can not do multiple nights, one will be a miracle for me to pull off but is an absolute goal to do because its so rare to see the bars for me also. I also don't think there is any way I can do it the first night out nor the last night, so I guess that only leaves two nights to plan to meet up with whoever can do that night. Can we maybe whiddle it down with the nights planned so more people are likely to show up? I am worried that everyone gets so caught up in what happens on the cruise and gets exhausted that if its an every night thing, people will tend not to come. It also gives me an excuse to the husband - "honey, it's the only night I can do this, so please stay with the kids tonight while I go out and have fun! You can have some other night off!" Its a tough sell to begin with in my household under the best circumstances.

What do you think?

That was my thought as well. I will definately be there for at least one night, and possibly two. I'm getting too old for this out late stuff every night!!!

Ooohhhh, my bad! Sorry Pershing. carry on. I will try to figure out which night works. Thanks for organizing.

 

[alenushka]

Hi all
I was reading today's chat, and realized that since we added an extra day to our trip (my wonderful husbands's idea ) - I did not make any plans for dining We started single digits count down to our tip - 9 days , and I don't think I will have any time to research dining threads...PLease, please, please let me know your recommendations for Disney dining OUTSIDE of parks. I know that most places are most likely completely booked, but may be we will be lucky because 4/12 is not their prime time.

 

[lildeb724]

alenushka:

What hotel are you staying at? I think that would help guide me. I have reservations at Sana, Cape May cafe, Shulas, Flying Fish...What are you interested in? Kids? Ages? A Car? I can help with a little more info

 

[alenushka]

alenushka:

What hotel are you staying at? I think that would help guide me. I have reservations at Sana, Cape May cafe, Shulas, Flying Fish...What are you interested in? Kids? Ages? A Car? I can help with a little more info

We are staying in Hard Rock Hotel, we have a car and are willing to drive any place Disney, our DD is 10 and she likes to eat "out" anywhere, we need to make reservations for dinner on 4/12 after we are done with the parks, may be around 7-8 pm. Thank you!

 

[Deb T.]

I just read this in a brief TR on the main cruise page and thought those of you who are wanting to book Palo and/or Remy onboard would want to know

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2691581

Note new procedure for obtaining Palo/Remy ressie: As soon as you board, there was a table set up directly to the left and up three stairs with representative from Palo and Remy with lap tops. Promptly at 1:00, I was able to book at Palo table for our at sea day at 6:00. It was a snap. This was the very first day for this procedure.

 

[jilljill]

We are staying in Hard Rock Hotel, we have a car and are willing to drive any place Disney, our DD is 10 and she likes to eat "out" anywhere, we need to make reservations for dinner on 4/12 after we are done with the parks, may be around 7-8 pm. Thank you!

You can make Disney dining ressies online now which makes it so much easier to find a place. You can pick what type of places you are looking for, or by location, and all open choices will appear. I find that easier to do than to think which place I want and then go to book it and find that it's unavailable.

There are plenty of places where you are staying, not sure I'd want to drive over to Disney at that time of night just for dinner but that's just me. There's also many places along I-Drive and even up towards the outlets and the mall where Bass Pro Shop is.

 

[jilljill]

The 25% off-time dining coupon:

They offered this couple during Christmas week as well. I have printed off a ocuple of them to use and then found they were all over the parks - on the time sheets and even printed on some register receipts.

Make sure you read the bottom of all receipts since they sometimes offer other coupons for shopping during certain hours and specific locations.