August 2, 2011 disney dream

[swissgirl66]

Hi Rob, we might consider this too, what port arrival time do you have. We have 11am and I assume, that we might not even be able to get near the port, due to the traffic jam. But would the shuttle bus be able to get near the entrance? Did you talk to the "park&cruise" people?

Sunny greetings from Captiva Beach

We have an online port arrival time of 10:30-11:00 as well. I don't think that I am even going to attempt entry until 11. Also, this is the first time we have had to park, as all the times in the past had been dropped off, since we lived right near the port. So, we are trying out the Park and Cruise (www.parkcruise.com) this time. I got an online booking of 4.99 a day with gated parking and free shuttle to the port. There lot is on Merritt Island just across the Banana river bridge.

 

[Dizzyworld]

Its nice I don't have to call you Dizzy

I was thinking the same thing!

Sadly the name does fit much of the time.

I will be the one with the nice tan sitting with the guy with the blinding white arms.

Love it!

 

[Rob_Misses_Fla]

Hi Rob, we might consider this too, what port arrival time do you have. We have 11am and I assume, that we might not even be able to get near the port, due to the traffic jam. But would the shuttle bus be able to get near the entrance? Did you talk to the "park&cruise" people?

Andrea,
I would think that because they are a shuttle bus doing a drop off, that hopefully traffic for drop off may not be too bad. I will call them tomorrow and see if they have any insight on how things will go on 8/2 and let everyone know. Our arrival is 10:30-11, so I plan to be at park&cruise lot by 10:30.

 

[DVC4US]

8 Days!!!

 

[Rob_Misses_Fla]

Andrea,
I would think that because they are a shuttle bus doing a drop off, that hopefully traffic for drop off may not be too bad. I will call them tomorrow and see if they have any insight on how things will go on 8/2 and let everyone know. Our arrival is 10:30-11, so I plan to be at park&cruise lot by 10:30.

Ok, Just got off the phone with park & cruise, they received a memo from the port indicating not to drop off DCL passengers prior to 11am starting 8/2. So they suggested that we not even get to their lot till 11. I am going to split the difference and be at their lot at 10:45.

 

[DVC4US]

I'm loving the daily countdown!

I guess I can comment from the "DCL bus from resort to port" perspective if I can figure out DH's phone. I'm wondering if we will have an even later than usual pick up time. I'm scared of mobs of angry people. I personally for once am in no rush and will just go with the flow. Now watch something will happen to make me mad

Thanks! On some of our previous cruises we had someone do a countdown and I thought it was a great idea, so I decided to do it for this cruise.

That would be great if you can post your experience.

Anyone who wants to post their experience but doesn't have access to a phone or computer just find me. I will have both my phone and laptop and since I am a suite guest I get 100 free minutes online.

 

[DVC4US]

Ok, Just got off the phone with park & cruise, they received a memo from the port indicating not to drop off DCL passengers prior to 11am starting 8/2. So they suggested that we not even get to their lot till 11. I am going to split the difference and be at their lot at 10:45.

At least it sounds like DCL is trying to notify the parking lots around the terminal and other transportation options. I'm just kind of surprised that they are not doing anything to notify the cruisers. The biggest ones it could affect are those driving their own cars to the port, like us. If I wasn't on the DIS Boards I would be arriving at the port at about 10am.

 

[Dizzyworld]

At least it sounds like DCL is trying to notify the parking lots around the terminal and other transportation options. I'm just kind of surprised that they are not doing anything to notify the cruisers. The biggest ones it could affect are those driving their own cars to the port, like us. If I wasn't on the DIS Boards I would be arriving at the port at about 10am.

I don't get this either. DCL makes sure I get other notices so why couldn't they just mail or robo call people. There was plenty of time. And I still wonder how we will be effected doing the B2B? I really feel sorry for the CMs working that day dealing with all the guests who don't know about the change. They are going to have to deal with a lot of angry people. On the other hand wasn't there something about easing into this change on the first few cruises which I would understand that if people showed up earlier than their appointed time they would allow them in this time or something like that? It goes back to basically no change at all. I think DCL is "hoping" people will show up at their appointed registered time.

 

[DVC4US]

I don't get this either. DCL makes sure I get other notices so why couldn't they just mail or robo call people. There was plenty of time. And I still wonder how we will be effected doing the B2B? I really feel sorry for the CMs working that day dealing with all the guests who don't know about the change. They are going to have to deal with a lot of angry people. On the other hand wasn't there something about easing into this change on the first few cruises which I would understand that if people showed up earlier than their appointed time they would allow them in this time or something like that? It goes back to basically no change at all. I think DCL is "hoping" people will show up at their appointed registered time.

Shirley - this is what I have been saying all along. DCL did a terrible job of notification and even after several complaints they still haven't done anything. I agree they are "hoping" that people will show up at the correct time. When you talk to them on the phone it's like, "everyone will show up at the correct time so there will be no problems". I'm like, what planet do you live on and have you ever been to the port at 10am? Disney is always about making people happy so what do you think will truly happen to a family with young children who get dropped off at the port at 11am but have a port arrival time of 1pm?

 

[Dizzyworld]

Shirley - this is what I have been saying all along. DCL did a terrible job of notification and even after several complaints they still haven't done anything. I agree they are "hoping" that people will show up at the correct time. When you talk to them on the phone it's like, "everyone will show up at the correct time so there will be no problems". I'm like, what planet do you live on and have you ever been to the port at 10am? Disney is always about making people happy so what do you think will truly happen to a family with young children who get dropped off at the port at 11am but have a port arrival time of 1pm?

I agree this isn't going to go well. Poor communication. DCL living under too much pixie dust to understand what you and I have been saying. I understand it is not a DCL decision but thinking it will all work out just fine is crazy when you are talking about 4000 people who have been planning for close to 2 years for some groups. If I was a CM, I'd take off that day. I just think it is going to be crazy and nasty if DCL does try to impose the new time. My time still says 10:30 AM. Just hope it doesn't add rain to that day! I'd still like to know where the "holding area" is going to be?

On a lighter note, I can't believe that the next time the Dream goes out, my family will be on it. After making the reservation on day one almost two years ago, I can't believe it is time to pack. All door signs are finished. If it wasn't for having deadlines, I don't think I'd get anything done. We just got a Remy reservation. Still not sure if I want it? I've been on the fence about this restaurant since it was announced. Since the menu has changed a little, now I'm interested. I'll think about it later.

 

[rjpete]

I looked at the weather, it will be a wet one for this cruise!
Now you guys will get to experience what i live with every day.

 

[Dizzyworld]

I looked at the weather, it will be a wet one for this cruise!
Now you guys will get to experience what i live with every day.

Not sure where you live, but here in Maryland they have predicited up to a 75% chance of rain in my area over the last few days, and not a drop showed up. So I will hope the weather people continue this winning streak.... of being wrong. However, if it does rain I hope it is after the sail-away party. We've only experienced it being moved inside once. There were too many people in such a small space and this was on the Magic. I can't even begin to wonder what it would be like on the Dream?

 

[DVC4US]

7 Days!!!!!



(OT - Teal is the color for Ovarian Cancer. "It whispers so listen" )

 

[scooter7487]

I looked at the weather, it will be a wet one for this cruise!
Now you guys will get to experience what i live with every day.

Shhh I looked too and they are all over the place with weather. We expect afternoon t-storm daily at wdw but am praying for no rain on cruise. First time for kids and with the money we are all spending let's hope and pray for nice weather!

 

[DVC4US]

I agree this isn't going to go well. Poor communication. DCL living under too much pixie dust to understand what you and I have been saying. I understand it is not a DCL decision but thinking it will all work out just fine is crazy when you are talking about 4000 people who have been planning for close to 2 years for some groups. If I was a CM, I'd take off that day. I just think it is going to be crazy and nasty if DCL does try to impose the new time. My time still says 10:30 AM. Just hope it doesn't add rain to that day! I'd still like to know where the "holding area" is going to be?

On a lighter note, I can't believe that the next time the Dream goes out, my family will be on it. After making the reservation on day one almost two years ago, I can't believe it is time to pack. All door signs are finished. If it wasn't for having deadlines, I don't think I'd get anything done. We just got a Remy reservation. Still not sure if I want it? I've been on the fence about this restaurant since it was announced. Since the menu has changed a little, now I'm interested. I'll think about it later.

I agree with you Shirley. Things could be crazy next Tuesday and hopefully rain won't get added to the mix. I don't think the B2Bers have anything to worry about but it will be interesting to see how they handle you guys. Here's a little pixie dust hoping for no rain and a smooth embarkation for all.

It's hard to believe it is finally here! Two years in the making and you guys will be on the next sailing of the Dream. We have a reservation at Remy and can't wait to check it out. We are trying to work it out so we can eat there with TA and his wife. Good luck with everything and we will see you next week!

 

[DVC4US]

For everyone trying to meet for the Sail Away party on Deck 12.

We don't have matching shirts this time so you won't be able to find us that way. I will be wearing a lime green shirt, black flip flops, and either jean shorts or black shorts. There will be 9 of us(unless Alyssa is down dancing on the stage) and it will include me, my dad, Brittany(22), her boyfriend and his family. If you look back at the pictures I posted from our Christmas cruise, everyone in those pictures will be on this cruise except my mom, and we have added 2 young adults.

 

[JMTStone]

We will be on a plane headed to Florida in 48 hours. I'm wrapping up things at home. I will be sending my work email address and phone number to participants as I will have my Crackberry with me until we push off.

We will be using Disney Transportation from the resort to the ship. My boarding time on my documents say 10:30 - 11:00 AM. I'm interested to see what our actual arrival time is. I'm going to "go with the flow". Hopefully I'll have enough valium left over from the "In-Laws" portion of the trip....

My secret day-after the cruise night at BLT may have been ruined. Stupid me, I signed up for the resort updates via mobile phone. Since my husband has Verizon, I put his phone number in there (there are more features with Verizon). Maybe he won't notice since he gets multiple communications. One from Beach Club Villas... one from Bay Lake Tower. Cross fingers! I'd hate to keep the secret all this time just to be ruined by stupid technology.

 

[Deb in IA]

Have a safe trip, Melissa! Jennifer and I finished up our FE gifts, finally!

We will catch you at the Bon Voyage meet at 3, Leilani, then go to the Sail Away party on Deck 12, Starboard side.

We just got back from our annual Chinese Family Camp vacation. This was started 53 years ago by a group of Chinese famililies who had immigrated to the Chicago area, and wanted a summer camp experience, to have fun together while sharing some of our cultural heritage. I started attending this camp as a pre-teen 40 years ago, and now bring our kids there! Over the years, it has grown to include non-Chinese spouses and more recently, adoptive families. Here is our website: http://www.giantbrain.com/fc/

And here are some pictures of our family:

DH Eric, during the education program, portraying Lord George McCartney, who was rejected by the Qing Emperor and was sent back to England.

Only picture I could find of DS Mark. Eric is at far right, Mark directly in front of his in the yellow shirt, and Jennifer on the floor in front of Mark.

Yes, we have a weakness for sweets!

Jennifer and me, goofing around with props during the Dance Party night!

Jennifer, doing the "Travolta" with some younger "cousins".

Jennifer, on the left, with a young friend.

Eric and Mark (out of the picture) won the water balloon toss contest at Field Day!

Group picture.

We got home yesterday afternoon, and this morning, Eric and the kids left for the Royal School of Church Music chorister summer program at St. Louis. They will be there until Sunday, and we leave on an 8:30 am Monday flight for Orlando!!! I will stay at home and get packing and housework done!

 

[Deb in IA]

I agree with you Shirley. Things could be crazy next Tuesday and hopefully rain won't get added to the mix. I don't think the B2Bers have anything to worry about but it will be interesting to see how they handle you guys. Here's a little pixie dust hoping for no rain and a smooth embarkation for all.

It's hard to believe it is finally here! Two years in the making and you guys will be on the next sailing of the Dream. We have a reservation at Remy and can't wait to check it out. We are trying to work it out so we can eat there with TA and his wife. Good luck with everything and we will see you next week!

Well, I'm looking at it like this: If we all survive the embarkation process, we will all have something to talk about at our meet!

When are you going to Remy, Leilani? We will be there 7:30 on Thursday.

 

[scooter7487]

For everyone trying to meet for the Sail Away party on Deck 12.

We don't have matching shirts this time so you won't be able to find us that way. I will be wearing a lime green shirt, black flip flops, and either jean shorts or black shorts. There will be 9 of us(unless Alyssa is down dancing on the stage) and it will include me, my dad, Brittany(22), her boyfriend and his family. If you look back at the pictures I posted from our Christmas cruise, everyone in those pictures will be on this cruise except my mom, and we have added 2 young adults.

I know a couple people that have matching shirts! if you are in mco on Wed. around 3:45 you will see coachycp and scooters family in matching shirts. Men in gray Mickey and ladies in red. We will be free for pictures while waiting for magical express. We will be at the kingdom after we check in to take a group picture. I am sure doug and I can come up with matching shirts for sail away day. I thought i would wear my I'm with stupid shirt but then what would doug wear just kidding my friend. Maybe we could wear our baseball coaches uniforms.

Safe travels to everyone!