April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 3

[gydell]

Tina - Big Shanty was wonderful but no hush puppies....

 

[castoff]

So now I have changed my mind

In Maui we are not doing Hana Picnic and would like to to the Iao Valley and Plantation Tour. So I sure hope DCL gets the computer fixed so we can book it!

If not, I would go with the Ocean Center one, but would prefer the Iao Valley. This way we can go to the Luau.

I am sure I will change my mind again

Debbie

I changed my mind several times before I decided on everything. If you wan't the Iao Valley one just call DCL after your booking window opens up and they can put it on your reservation.

Hope they open up some more brunch times especially if we are not able to do a group brunch.
Hope to get the early Arizona and City Tour
Hana Picnic
Canyon tour

If by a small chance you can't book Palo on line don't fret you will be able to book on board. The last 15 day cruise I was on EVERYONE was able to get something because of ALL those sea days.

I haven't been on the boards recently. Hope all of you had a good holiday season.

Want to give you an update on the shirt process.

I sent Becky our 50% down payment and closed the orders. I received a number of requests for shirts and have had to advise these individuals I would put them on a waiting list.

I received copies of the design film from the factory asking for final approval. The artwork the artists sent was beautiful, and I posted the images. I was not pleased with the film: The resolution was poor on the pictures in the lei and I didn't like some of the color saturation. After multiple exchanges, I spoke with the owner of the company. He assured me the film was not of good quality only because it had been copied numerous times before I received it. He assures me he is confident the quality will be good and will refund us 100% if we are not satisfied. I was satisfied with this agreement -- and don't know whether there is anything more we can do at this time.

They are hoping to have the fabric to me by end of month.

Then I received a notice that the company would only be sending shirts that passed 100% inspection, and that due to the quality control issues they may have up to 10% of the orders they cannot fill. After a heated exchange on this issue, the bottom line is we will get our full order, at 100% quality, or we can cancel all of it with a full refund due. They have agreed and will make sure they have enough over-runs to get 100% filled. I have advised them that if they have over-runs that are beyond our current paid total, we have a waiting list that could buy some or all of them.

I plan to use the US Postal Service to get the shirts to you. I have set up an account and have input the mailing addresses into their automated system. The USPS rejected or changed several to meet their standardized format. I will be sending out e-mails to everyone with a copy of the USPS label and your order info for you to review. You only need to respond if there is a problem so PLEASE read it carefully and let me know if I need to override anything. I'll also let you know when the packages are mailed and how you can track the delivery.

This all has been an enormous challenge for someone who does not work in sales, marketing, or art. I hope and believe that everything has been anticipated and dealt with.

Val & Bob

Thanks Val for the update. Wow that sounds like a big headache to me. I don't think there is anything more you can do. Thanks

 

[castoff]

Tina - Big Shanty was wonderful but no hush puppies....

Oh so glad you found it !!!! I will let Chuck know. I miss that place. Sorry about the hush puppies, I don't care for them myself. I love the barbecue though !

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I would rather keep the kids and the adults separate. When I first offered this, I had mixed workshops and this did not really work out for me. On the Panama Canal cruise I did separate adult and kids workshops and this worked much better. You are of course welcome to keep your daughter company if she is attending a kids workshop. I had a bunch of mums coming along to the kids' workshop with their kids to watch.



That is most certainly possible.

Corinna

YEAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Thank you for the emails that I received. I saw many tried to send me a PM but my box was full. I emptied my PM box so whoever needs to PM me can. Since the majority of people want to stay at the DoubleTree in San Pedro, we decided to stay there too.

Who's interested in doing a "Minnie" Dis Meet on the 28th? Let me know and I'll see what can be arranged. I'm so excited that I don't want to wait until I get on the cruise to meet everyone when we can meet whomever the night before.

Bev

Hi Bev, even though I'm not part of the group rate.....I had already booked the Doubletree and got the same price except for a dollar or so......I booked really early......so I just left the ressie the same. But I would love to do a "minnie" meet on the night before. I remember talking about doing this a while back and I think we decided that we could meet right in the hotel. They have a nice outdoor patio area. Is this still what you are planning or do you have something else in mind? Either way, count me and DH John in for some fun.

 

[disneycruisegal]

Val...you rock!!

We are staying at the Mariott at the airport on the 28th but would be willing to catch a cab over to where ever the "Minnie" meet would be. It sounds like fun and would be nice to meet some DISers before the cruise.

Starting to get really excited for this cruise. The fact that we can book excurions just one week from now is verrrrry exciting!




Lissa

 

[CarolAnnC]

So now I have changed my mind

In Maui we are not doing Hana Picnic and would like to to the Iao Valley and Plantation Tour. So I sure hope DCL gets the computer fixed so we can book it!

If not, I would go with the Ocean Center one, but would prefer the Iao Valley. This way we can go to the Luau.

I am sure I will change my mind again

Debbie

We took the Ocean Center (due to issue with Iao Valley not being able to be booked) but are happy with this choice. We will also be at the luau that evening.

I thought at one point someone mentioned about having a group vow renewal at some point in Hawaii. Is anyone coordinating this? If so, can you post any of the details that have been set up? We are going to be celebrating our 40th anniversary on this cruise and would so like to participate in a vow renewal.

I asked about this a week or so ago but nobody posted in response. We are up for it though as we are celebrating our 8 year anniversary April 11.

 

[Lizzy'sMom]

Val...you rock!!

We are staying at the Mariott at the airport on the 28th


We are also staying at that hotel on the 28th - we fly in at about 1ish - would love to see who else is staying there how are you getting to the port? Are you doing Mickey's Bus? (thats what my Lizzy calls it! hahah)

Andrea in vegas

 

[OH 6]

Hi All!

Working on plans still for port days. Did someone mention that the I'olani Palace was open the Sunday were are in Honolulu? I see on their site that they are closed on Sundays - except for the 1st Sunday of the month for 'locals'. Guess that means that DCL's excursion there that day is 'exclusive?

We have a room at Aulani booked and a rental car, so we had hoped to do the Palace early in the day and then spend the rest of the day at Aulani, but if the palace is not open, I guess we'll save that for another trip - always have to leave something to see the next time.

Any news on FE yet? Hope we're still doing 'groups' for the FE. Wanting to get started on them - this set requires some pre-work - we're trying to do 'practical but fun.'

We leave on Wed for FL - on the Dream on Thurs with Mike's parents and some friends...and just booked a weekend for Flower and Garden Festival in March at WDW. I had to buy 2 extra days of vacation this year - but it's worth it...

 

[Lizzy'sMom]

Hi All!

Any news on FE yet? Hope we're still doing 'groups' for the FE. Wanting to get started on them - this set requires some pre-work - we're trying to do 'practical but fun.'

I would also like to know about the FE stuff I have not been in a group that splits it up before, and would like to know if it is split into groups if we can have a "do all" we LOVE doing the FE - my daughter LOVES to come back to the room to see whats in the fish - even if it just a handful of candy, or some hairbands or a magnet - so i would like to have "large" group
I'm wondering if we have a cutoff date yet? i have decided what i am doing for my FE and am excited to get started but wanted to have an approximate # to start on

Thanks!

Andrea

 

[valbob89]

Sorry I haven't responded to the questions regarding the vow renewal reception but I just got caught up on my Boards reading today.

Happy Goofy and I have exchanged PMs about the possible vow renewal.

I have been in contact with both Disney Fairytale Weddings, with the Special Events people at DCL, and talked with a few people while on the Wonder in October.

The Disney Fairytale Weddings people aren't interested in doing a 'group' vow renewal. All they could offer is the regular vow renewal at $1,500 per couple. Each couple would get a cake, a flower arrangement and a bottle of champagne and the Captain would perform a ceremony. They will not develop accommodations for a group event.

DCL would help with a 'reception' if we have 25 or more people interested. They would reserve a lounge, probably Studio Sea, in the afternoon of a sea day. They would provide whatever food and drink we want, we could have a cake and champagne for example. We could decorate with some banners I have had made, as long as we leave the place like we found it. I spoke to the tech guy on the Wonder and we can bring music and he'll set it up. I've drafted up a Hawaiian-theme vow renewal ceremony we can use. We wouldn't have the captain, though. We would get our own officiant and photographer. This would cost no more than $25 per person - less if we wanted less.

So, my concern is this would not be a private vow renewal moment and people looking for that special event would be very disappointed.

What I do see it being is a moment for us to stop and tell our significant other "Thank you - you're the most important part of this wonderful vacation, and I want to let everyone know that is what I feel." Do we need to be in Studio Sea to do this? Do we need to be with other couples to do this? Of course not, but I think it would be nice and could be special.

Let us know if you think we should proceed with planning this. Your input on what you would want it to be will determine whether we plan a shared experience or each make our own special arrangements.

Charlotte aka Happy Goofy - I hope you will post your thoughts on what we have exchanged regarding the vow renewal planning.

 

[MrsMork]

Sounds like the telephone game to me. Sadly I didn't get any PM'S. Still waiting though........

I have not received the PM yet either, but will pass it along as soon as I do. Only to one person though, of course!!

 

[Pixiegran]

I also would really like to know how the FE's are going to work. I need to start asap on my gifts but I need to know how many adults, kids cabins etc. I haven't seen threebrits post in a long time, is she for sure still leading this?

 

[JLSE50]

I haven't been on the boards recently. Hope all of you had a good holiday season.

Want to give you an update on the shirt process.

I sent Becky our 50% down payment and closed the orders. I received a number of requests for shirts and have had to advise these individuals I would put them on a waiting list.

I received copies of the design film from the factory asking for final approval. The artwork the artists sent was beautiful, and I posted the images. I was not pleased with the film: The resolution was poor on the pictures in the lei and I didn't like some of the color saturation. After multiple exchanges, I spoke with the owner of the company. He assured me the film was not of good quality only because it had been copied numerous times before I received it. He assures me he is confident the quality will be good and will refund us 100% if we are not satisfied. I was satisfied with this agreement -- and don't know whether there is anything more we can do at this time.

They are hoping to have the fabric to me by end of month.

Then I received a notice that the company would only be sending shirts that passed 100% inspection, and that due to the quality control issues they may have up to 10% of the orders they cannot fill. After a heated exchange on this issue, the bottom line is we will get our full order, at 100% quality, or we can cancel all of it with a full refund due. They have agreed and will make sure they have enough over-runs to get 100% filled. I have advised them that if they have over-runs that are beyond our current paid total, we have a waiting list that could buy some or all of them.

I plan to use the US Postal Service to get the shirts to you. I have set up an account and have input the mailing addresses into their automated system. The USPS rejected or changed several to meet their standardized format. I will be sending out e-mails to everyone with a copy of the USPS label and your order info for you to review. You only need to respond if there is a problem so PLEASE read it carefully and let me know if I need to override anything. I'll also let you know when the packages are mailed and how you can track the delivery.

This all has been an enormous challenge for someone who does not work in sales, marketing, or art. I hope and believe that everything has been anticipated and dealt with.

Val & Bob

Wow -- I am so sorry this was so much hassle!! We do so appreciate all your efforts and, as Tom just said, "she'll probably never volunteer to do this again."

Thanks ever SO. MUCH. !!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Sorry I haven't responded to the questions regarding the vow renewal reception but I just got caught up on my Boards reading today.

Happy Goofy and I have exchanged PMs about the possible vow renewal.

I have been in contact with both Disney Fairytale Weddings, with the Special Events people at DCL, and talked with a few people while on the Wonder in October.

The Disney Fairytale Weddings people aren't interested in doing a 'group' vow renewal. All they could offer is the regular vow renewal at $1,500 per couple. Each couple would get a cake, a flower arrangement and a bottle of champagne and the Captain would perform a ceremony. They will not develop accommodations for a group event.

DCL would help with a 'reception' if we have 25 or more people interested. They would reserve a lounge, probably Studio Sea, in the afternoon of a sea day. They would provide whatever food and drink we want, we could have a cake and champagne for example. We could decorate with some banners I have had made, as long as we leave the place like we found it. I spoke to the tech guy on the Wonder and we can bring music and he'll set it up. I've drafted up a Hawaiian-theme vow renewal ceremony we can use. We wouldn't have the captain, though. We would get our own officiant and photographer. This would cost no more than $25 per person - less if we wanted less.

So, my concern is this would not be a private vow renewal moment and people looking for that special event would be very disappointed.

What I do see it being is a moment for us to stop and tell our significant other "Thank you - you're the most important part of this wonderful vacation, and I want to let everyone know that is what I feel." Do we need to be in Studio Sea to do this? Do we need to be with other couples to do this? Of course not, but I think it would be nice and could be special.

Let us know if you think we should proceed with planning this. Your input on what you would want it to be will determine whether we plan a shared experience or each make our own special arrangements.

Charlotte aka Happy Goofy - I hope you will post your thoughts on what we have exchanged regarding the vow renewal planning.

Val, that looks like a HUGE undertaking, for a self made event. I think for us (35 continuous and 42 intermittant years) we do not need to be in Studio Sea north with other couples. They'll bring us some kind of cake at dinner on the day we designated as our anniversary, and that will be sufficient. Thanks for going to all the trouble of scoping it out!

As far as FE's go, we did groups on the Transatlantic. IT was a huge hassle for the girl who arranged them, and it turns out, more than half the participants belonged to all the groups by choice. (6 groups of 25 cabins each only actually were 66 cabins total)

Happy Day, all!

 

[Lexa]

I can't remember who was in charge for FE...is this person still on this cruise? But would also like to know what and how we are gonna do this.....

 

[Lexa]

So what is the latest you can get off the ship on last day?

 

[Happy Goofy]

I sent Val a PM but I will restate what I told her. I don't think people expect an intimate religious ceremony. Val Had an Hawaiian one that I think fit the occassion- it was a simple Hawaiian one expressing love . It would give us Disboarders celebrating a special anniversary to share an event eith each other.
If we do the renewel with the $25 cost maybe we would arrange to have dinner that day in the private dining room at Palo.

 

[disneycruisegal]

Val...you rock!!

We are staying at the Mariott at the airport on the 28th


We are also staying at that hotel on the 28th - we fly in at about 1ish - would love to see who else is staying there how are you getting to the port? Are you doing Mickey's Bus? (thats what my Lizzy calls it! hahah)

Andrea in vegas

We are doing Mickey's bus. We've never been to LA before and thought it would be better to just let Disney make the arraingments for us. We will being getting in around 10am LA time. If you also wanted to hop over to the Double Tree to meet the other DISer's we could share a cab.

 

[Lizzy'sMom]

We are doing Mickey's bus. We've never been to LA before and thought it would be better to just let Disney make the arraingments for us. We will being getting in around 10am LA time. If you also wanted to hop over to the Double Tree to meet the other DISer's we could share a cab.

We havent decided if we wanted to do a Limo or Mickey's Bus - haha
There are 5 of us (myself and DH, our 7 year old dd, and my parents)
i'm not sure what the plans are for arrival day yet I know we are all so excited i keep looking at the countdown and SOOOOON we will be in only double digits! hahaha

Andrea