August 20, 2005 - L.A. to Port Canaveral - Eastbound Repo Cruise - The SHIP OF FOOLS Part 2

[ivanova]

The Holiday Inn is supposed to have transpot as part of the package we are booking with the TA. If you book directly with them, they do offer transport to the ship. We don't know what kind it is yet, but we will probably hear from our wonderful TA about it soon.

I spoke with Janis recently.

The hotel doesn't book shuttles this far in advance (I guess we're a bit OCD for them ) but she will need to know around August 1st who will need the $3 per person shuttle from the San Pedro HI to the cruise terminal. Since we'll have our behemoth vehicle there we won't need to use the shuttle, but I know most people will....

AIRFARE we're looking at booking group airfare for our return flight home from Orlando. Currently $137.70 one way per person from Orlando to LAX on United. You need a group of 10 people to do the group rate thing, we've got 13 tentatively lined up right now (poor United Airlines). The beauty of group booking is you pay a $40 per person deposit now, and pay the full airfare 30 days before you fly (so roughtly August 1st) and then you get the deposit back after you've completed your travel.

 

[mississaugamom]

I would love to give a tour family by family, but I am afraid of the "walking by population of china syndrome" that was posted earlier (i.e. I would never be able to leave). So I just got a D70 for Christmas as well, so I can get pictures developed that are 20x30, which will be just like being there.

Wow - that D70 is one popular camera!!!

Arlene

 

[mark & sandra]

Melinda you're a computer dummy!!

 

[mark & sandra]

Melinda, Lou didn't say no!! He said he'd have to limit it. (that means no members of the sisterhood) Lou what time is the poker game starting?? We just got a D70 also, maybe we can get the wives to become roaming photographers, we'll set up a portable docking/printing station and make a little emergency (see Cohiba's and Blue Label) cash!!...Mark

 

[izzinmac]

I see "Waterworld" dropped off page 1. I guess everyone has already met their weight loss goals. Good work!

 

[kmiles]

So I just got a D70 for Christmas as well, so I can get pictures developed that are 20x30, which will be just like being there.

Damn. You see, I get a nice camera and now everyone has to be a follower! Geesh! Not a moment of peace around here.

Congrats on the new camera, Lou. It's a real beauty, huh? The only problem is that I want more and more accessories to go with it. What's your equipment bag look like so far?

Mine:

D70 (duh!)
Kit lens
SB-600
Nikkor 50mm 1.8 (an excellent lens for only $100!)
Nikon remote

I'm looking to buy a nice tripod next. Have to make up my mind on which one I want. I also would love to have the Nikkor 60 or 105mm macro, the 70-300 AE lens, and the 10.5mm fisheye. I'm dreamin' though. I'll probably get one or two on my list before the cruise.

Oh well! It's fun!

 

[3kidmom]

Hi Everyone.
I have a question reguarding rates on this Cruise. I'm hoping someone will have some tips to help me get this straightened out!
I booked our rooms for this cruise the first day. I've been so excited as this is really a trip of a lifetime for my family! In between now and they day I booked We had a family tradgedy. My Dad, a seemingly healthy guy, only 53 years old, had an unknow annuersim (where's the spell check )
Our lives turned upside down that day. As well as my Mom, who was very dependant on him. Anyway, I thought, great, we have two rooms, I'll look into adding her to the trip. It will have been over a 14 months by the time we set sail and will be a great way for her to see part of the world with us and the Grandkids.
I called my travel agent and asked her to check the rates. It was only $800 to add her because we have a family of 5 and adding another adult bumped my oldest kid to the 3rd passanger rate.
We talked it over as a family, I got back in touch with the agent (2 months later) but by then the price had over doubled!
OK, I know that happens as cruises get closer. HOWEVER, if you are all in the same room, I was under the impression that your rates were locked in to that structure. As it turns out, that IS how it was. BUT Disney changed their policy lately. Adding a passanger goes at the current pricing tear.
Does anyone out there have any experience or advice?
I'm an absolute Disney fan. We spent our honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, we go once a year or so to Disneyland. I want the Disney magic to continue for me. We've never even been on a curise before and I've been so excited. But by the time all is said and done we will be spending $10,000 on this cruise. Any ideas out there? I want to go so badly, but the reality is starting to settle in.

Thanks for listening!

 

[kmiles]

Lou what time is the poker game starting?? We just got a D70 also, maybe we can get the wives to become roaming photographers,

Are you kidding?!?! The D70 is built for a man. Much, much too complex for a woman to handle.

 

[kmiles]

<marquee><b> Welcome 3kidmom! </b></marquee>

 

[kpgclark]

If your TA told you that it is probably true. The rates have gone up considerably. For example, if there were cabins available to upgrade to now even if you booked the first day you'd have to pay the difference from day 1 price to todays rate. I think Disney knows they can sell the rooms easily now since they have a long wait list.

 

[mark & sandra]

Kathy, sorry about your problems. Are you sure that Disney/ TA can't grandfather your booking to the old system?? Since you booked and reserved prior to the change. Can you TA change your ressie to state a TBA passenger onto your ressie?? Hope to see you aboard. and by the way WECOME to our thread. Have you read the whole thread yet?? We aren't allowed to answer your questions until you have!!(Just kidding)...Mark

 

[mississaugamom]

I see "Waterworld" dropped off page 1. I guess everyone has already met their weight loss goals. Good work!

Not so fast, Bucko!

 

[3kidmom]

Thanks for the welcome!

Yeah, I understand how the upgrade part works. I just thought that adding someone to an already existing reservation, would keep the pricing structure as it had been. And this appears to have been the case untill about 9 months ago. At least the way I understand it. I've tried calling them myself even, but I can't get them to budge. ARRRR.

 

[3kidmom]

I read up any time I can! But my daughter keeps begging me to get off so that she can play Toontown!

And I am probably driving my poor travel agent nuts. I've asked her at least 3 times to check again. And called Disney myself. However, they won't discuss the specific reservation with me because I booked with the travel agent. I think I might keep trying untill I get the right person. You never know! I woudn't push to hard except that if they changed the policy AFTER I made our reservation, they should honor it the way their policy was when I made my booking. And I need to convince my husband that Disney magic lives on and they aren't just a gigantic corp.

 

[winotracy]

I've tried calling them myself even, but I can't get them to budge. ARRRR.

Welcome Kathy! Don't call -- write them a letter. You get more results that way. Explain your situation clearly and calmly and set forth how the situation should be resolved. It may take a few weeks for them to get back to you, but they will. Good luck!

Tracy

 

[winotracy]

Update on the wine tasting list:

Winotracy (2)
Kmiles (2)
Winnyis (2)
piglet33 (2)
Bmwdsny (2)
mississaugamom (2)
Mom2Belle&PeterPan (1)
ca-disney-dad (1)
DisneyElf (2)
Sandygirl (2)
WideAwake (1)
Mark&Sandra (3)
Carolsherman (?)
Luv2Dream (2)
eye R.N. (?)
ehtpnt (4)
NYGiantsRule! (?)
YrMajesty3 (?)
paulcrsb (2)
EileenAmI (2)
rsschneck (4)
Otisp (2)
Denise W (1)
Jazzman (1)
Grumbo (6)
DenverVal (2)

Any more for the wine tasting?

Tracy

 

[3kidmom]

I'm on the phone with them right now, off to a supervisor. I'm not expecting to have much luck, but I will let everyone know if I do.

I'll take your advise and write. That's a great idea. Sometimes just that added personality can help.

I'm completely obsessed with this cruise. I can't wait! And I love the idea of getting to meet and recognize people in advance! Apparently I'm not the only one out here!

 

[Bmwdsny]

Are you kidding?!?! The D70 is built for a man. Much, much too complex for a woman to handle.

Listen to this one!!

WELCOME3kidMOM...
yes, if you add on another person you will pay at current rate..I was going to switch my kids to my parents room to pay cheaper..(cat6 to cat11) and it is in fact, more $$$. Disney figures there is a big wait list and will not allow any changes. Must got these ideas from the airline company!! But it doesn't hurt to write to them... (good thing i change from Cat 8 to Cat 6 10 days later after the open reservation and got locked into the 1st day rate!!
Smart move on my part!!

Melinda, Lou didn't say no!! He said he'd have to limit it. (that means no members of the sisterhood) Lou what time is the poker game starting?? We just got a D70 also, maybe we can get the wives to become roaming photographers, we'll set up a portable docking/printing station and make a little emergency (see Cohiba's and Blue Label) cash!!...Mark

I suppose you would want the Sisters to be cocktail waitresses and lights up your cigars!! NOT!!!!!

Darn, Anyone know what page are my eeayor list??

 

[kmiles]

Oh, I found this to be very funny...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=709227

 

[mississaugamom]

Oh, I found this to be very funny...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=709227

They're worrying about TWO sea days?!? Obviously, none of them are cruising with the Ship of Fools!

Arlene