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

[Denine]

Bob, Amanda and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Andy: Sorry you won't be with us. We were looking forward to meeting you.

I hope everyone else is doing OK.

Grumbo: Welcome back!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Originally posted by DenverVal
Welcome back! How was Greece? You lucky duck, you!

Many thanks, hot, sunny, did I say hot, it was All inclusive and the meals all buffet style, like topsiders and on par with it.

On the beach, kids had a wonderful time, it had a pirate ship playground and large pool.

Kids found out the full 2005 trip there and are now looking forward to it.

Last few days noticed Airforce planes in the sky, whilst we were a distance from Athens they were taking few chances for the Games.

Did I say it was hot.

(Sorry to here of everyone elses problems, and hope it all works out for you, I have just had a change of job and for a short time cancelling the cruise was a consideration).

Tommorrow is my one year mark, as before the cruise I fly to Las Vegas, and the flight is booked for the 11th August 2005.

 

[invaderzim]

Andrew DEREK UK

You already booked your air for August 2005? I thought you couldn't do that until 11 months out.

 

[Bmwdsny]

Hi everyone!!

I haven't been here in a while and took the time to read the last 8 pages....I got a new kitten sitting here on my lap now, no name yet, but got him 36 hours ago. My good friend rescued him from a construction site in West Orange, NJ, stucked under the wheel of the garbage truck, almost squash, but not quite!! poor kitty!! They called me and asked me if i would take him since they have 4 big dogs and at first i said no, since i have 2 cats already, (both 13 years old) but when my DH and I saw the little guy, we fell in love with him and took him home!! YIKES!! 3 cats here in our brand new house!!! He is about 3 to 4 months old. He is so sweet and loves to sit on my lap now!!! My 2 other cats, hissed for about a day, but are beginning to adjust, but they just don't know what to make of him because he LOVES to play and they are just too old to play!!! But my kids love him since they never experience having a kitten since we got both cats right after we were married. It is fun to watch the kitten and my older cats adjusting to each other!!.


OK...

My goodness, so many news!! I had to write on paper pads as i was reading each post!!

Anmanda, Bob, sorry to hear the loss of your family member. My prayers and thoughts are with you and family.

Grumbo, glad to hear you had a great vacation. I have to show the picture of Meagan to my DD, Brianne. (she is away at camp now)

Andy, Andy, Andy, you dissapoint me!!!! I was so looking forward to meet you and Hazel!!! But i understand!! It just that I can't beleive so many people are cancelling and i feel like i just beginning to know you all so well. But, like we all said in the very beginning, you never know what the next year will bring...I do hope i get to meet you Andy, at another cruise or at the Dismeet in Allentown next July.

 

[Bmwdsny]

ooops, Sorry, didn't see you Andrew Derek UK,

Welcome back!! I would love to see Greece and be there for the olympics!!

Today is the one year mark that i will be leaving for CA to DL and Newport Beach before the panama cruise!!

Yeah, how did you get the flight for next year already??? I have to wait another month yet...

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Amanda and family, we were sorry to hear of your loss.

Andy, what can I say? I am so disappointed about not meeting you. You are the perfect son. It is too bad that their aren't more "children" out there willing to help their parents like you. Thanks for all the work you put towards this cruise. Now I am kicking my self for not buying the iron on transfers from you!!

It has been a very mild summer in heat and a very wet one too. It has helped us out so much from our drought.

Bmwdsny, it only takes a quick peek for us to fall in love with a kitty, too. We kept a real little one that someone dumped in our backyard. She was much too young to be able to climb our 6 foot fence. We rescued another one that was found on a loaded semi from MN. She made it alive from MN to here in CO.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Originally posted by invaderzim
Andrew DEREK UK

You already booked your air for August 2005? I thought you couldn't do that until 11 months out.

You are correct for normal bookings made direct to the airlines it is usually 11 months out. However, I booked the DCL and DL part with Dreams and booked the flights and other accomodation through a UK 'holiday' company selling package holidays, who are a sister company of a well known UK>USA Airline.

They have arranged 'open jaw' flights, out to Las Vegas and back from Orlando, and my accomodation in LV, Hollywood, and Anahiem, just before DL.

There is a cost for the 'unsued' two weeks, when I do not use their services, but, I benefit as a frequent user on a 10% discount, that covers any additional cost, and I only have to pay a deposit now rather than full cost.

They were most helpful, as Iwas rather worried about the flight home, as its the weekend before UK Children go back to school, so it will book up fast. I was on this flight in 2003, and people had to use the flight attendants seats as it was over booked.

Booking with dreams I can take advantage of the good USA dollar rate now.

I have also prebooked a grand canyon flight, but am leaving my options open for a possible internal flight from LV to Burbank, and then car hire for a week, depending on all of that loverly traffic in LA!!

Only negative is all of the long haul operators are adding a £5>£12 per person fuel surcharge at this time, on each flight.

 

[Bmwdsny]

Ok guys i need your help...

Since today is the one year mark that i am leaving to CA, this is serious business for me....

I was going to stay at one of the DL hotels using the DVC points but after researching what the points will cost us, my DH does not want to use the points, since we frequently to to WDW and wants to save it...PLUS, my parents are going too so that means i have to get them a room, so that is double points and it is pretty high per night for a standard view in PP. soooo what i am asking you is that where are any of you planning to stay outside DL?? I know there are some hotels across the street from the park...Anyone know which are the good ones to stay at?? I would like to get the prices and stuff and compare to the points at DL hotels vs. staying outside and pay with cash.

Also, DVC iinformed me that if i use the points for DL and somehow i or my parents canceled in the next year, i cannot use those points for any of the DVC resorts but only for outside of the DVC resorts...which i don't want to take that risk. That too many points to lose....

 

[disney3144]

Sorry to hear of your cancellation Andy. But as everyone else has already stated....family DOES come first! But I WILL see you next week on our 8/21 cruise. Just remember...keep smiling.

Jennifer

 

[mickeyfan1]

Originally posted by Bmwdsny
Ok guys i need your help...

what i am asking you is that where are any of you planning to stay outside DL?? I know there are some hotels across the street from the park...Anyone know which are the good ones to stay at??

I have stayed at the Fairfield Inn, which is directly across Harbor and to the left as you leave the main gate, a very easy 15 minute tops walk. I have stayed at the Residence Inn, a very long walk, but they have a free shuttle that runs all day. I have been in the Jolly Roger and the Park View, they are dumps. I have also been in the lobby of the GC and the Disneyland Hotel, both are pricier but all Disney. If you go to Disney.com and click on the Disneyland link, there are links to all the "Good Neioghbor Hotels". DLR/DCA are very small when compared to WDW, and there are tons of Hotels and motels all around. I have heard good things about the Candy Cane Inn, also. I opted for the Marriotts because I stayed on points at the Fairfield and earned points at the Residence Inn. If I was going again, I would probably stay with the Marriott group. Or spring for Paradise Pier, the third Disney Hotel. (Great views)

 

[wide awake]

We stayed at the Candy Cane a few years ago. It was fine...clean, convenient, and reasonable.

Verandah Man and Rae...sorry you both had to cancel.

 

[Luv2Dream]

Andy, So sorry that you had to cancel. I wish you the best and can't wait to get the chance to finally meet you in person someday. We'll miss you around here.

 

[invaderzim]

We're staying at the Anabella Inn. Heard good things about it from two different TA's who have sent clients there and they were very pleased.

 

[rsschneck]

Fairfield Inn is nice! Across the street.

Carousel Inn is YUCK! Do not stay there!

Residence Inn needs updating. Stayed there is 1993 and it was nice. Stayed again in 2002 (I think) and it was getting very run down! 2 blocks away and the shuttle is a van that holds like seven people at a time.

Best Western is okay.

The Hilton at the convention center VERY NICE! A couple of blocks away but they use big shuttle buses to transport people.

DL hotel was okay and it has been renovated since we stayed there in 2000.

GC would be my top choice. Quite expensive though. Convenient!! Beautiful!!!

 

[paulcrsb]

Roxann - Thanks for the hotel tips! We currently have a reservation at Paradise Pier but the thought of spending all that money for just a few days before the cruise may make us reconsider where we stay!

Paul

 

[Bmwdsny]

Thanks to lots of you for the hotels suggestions...I am going to look into it. Since i am only staying 3 nights in DL before heading to Newport Beach for the week, it may be worth it to pay the cash for a cheaper hotel right outside DL than to use my DVC points for the DL hotels!!

Keep em coming if you know any more hotels, good ones as well as bad ones!!

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Melinda,

Bob (Izzinmac) is making arrangements for booking a block of rooms at the Ho Jo's in Anaheim for any DISers intreseted. The hotel is located a short 7 min walk from DL maingate. They are also looking to provide a shuttle service from the hotel to the port on cruise day (nothing concrete yet). The gentleman at the Ho Jo's has been very helpful. I believe the block of room is being planned for the week prior to the cruise (August 15 - 20, 2005) but I am pretty sure if you want "in" on the DIS deal you could make similar arrangements for the time you would be staying in that area. If you are interested in the information I have, send me a PM and I'll provide you the contact info.

This offer is available to EVERYONE!! The more folks we get to stay at the Ho Jo's, the cheaper it will be for all of us.

 

[Bmwdsny]

Originally posted by EmmasGrammy
Melinda,

I believe the block of room is being planned for the week prior to the cruise (August 15 - 20, 2005) but I am pretty sure if you want "in" on the DIS deal you could make similar arrangements for the time you would be staying in that area. If you are interested in the information I have, send me a PM and I'll provide you the contact info.

Thanks EmmasGrammy, (dont' know your name!) That sounds good except one thing...I am planning to go to DL from 8/10 - 8/13/05...Not sure if the Disdeal will apply to those dates. I will be in a Newport Beach timeshare from 8/13 - 8/20.


UNLESS.....oooh here is a thought....Maybe i will go to Newport Beach FIRST then DL so i can go to DL just before the cruise....Now, that is a thought...HMMMM...let me think a bit.... If i checked out on that Sat the 20th from DL, will there be a shuttle available from DL to the cruise??? I will have a car during the Newport Beach week. I have no problem switching the week for the Newport Beach since i am using marriott Rewards points for it anyhow and it is still early yet to make ressies....
Now, what to do, what to do??? Oh, boy, i am going to drive my DH crazy now..... Got my brain wheel going now!! LOL!!!

Oh but wait, the only thing is that i will have a wash and dryer at my timeshare and plan to do a complete wash just before the cruise....Oh dear,,,this is driving me nuts!!! I am going food shopping now and i have to think this out now.....

 

[UMTerp]

DL Hotels - I would not recommend the Holiday Inn Express. Stayed there last summer and had a bad experience with known maintenance problems and poor customer service.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Melinda,

Sorry for not including my name! It's Lynda.

Anyhow Ho Jo's has a deal for anyone that books through the "mouseinfo.com" website. It will cover the dates you mentioned, but... if you could change your travel plans and go to DL just before the cruise and do Newport earlier, you could get the block of rooms with us fellow DISers and perhaps we could have a "mini-meet" at the hotel. Barbara (momtobelle&peterpan) has offered to try to obtain discounted tickets to DL (if they are available) with her annual pass holders plan.

Go to your "thoughtful place" like Pooh Bear and decide if you are interested in the Ho Jo's stay then let us know if we can help you find a hotel deal. I am sure there would be laundry facilities available at the Ho Jo's or pretty close in the area.

I know what you mean about feeling alittle crazy because we are at the 1 year out mark. I keep getting this feeling that I need to be making reservations and getting my flights booked, etc. When what I should be concentrating on is our daughters wedding on May 14th, 2005 (which is the date the Magic is sailing out of FL for the west coast cruises. When the repo cruises were 1st announced we wanted to do the FL to CA cruise, but our DD got all upset that we would miss her wedding. {not very likely....however.... I could save alot of headaches!! LOL})