August 20, 2005 - L.A. to Port Canaveral - Eastbound Repo Cruise - The SHIP OF FOOLS Part 3

[NYGiantsRule!]

I have a long way to go to 1,000, but this makes 500.

Nice coverage of DL this morning on "Good Morning America". Next week we will be down to double digits in our countdown.

 

[kmiles]

Sorry, but what is a "soft opening"?????

Soft Opening is a term used at the theme parks to describe periods during which new attractions are operating but are not advertised as being open.

They use them to allow guests on new attractions while they work on bugs, make sure everything is running as it should be, testing attraction elements, etc.

 

[invaderzim]

Soft Opening is a term used at the theme parks to describe periods during which new attractions are operating but are not advertised as being open.

They use them to allow guests on new attractions while they work on bugs, make sure everything is running as it should be, testing attraction elements, etc.

Is this on certain days of the week they are doing this -- or just sporadically?

 

[kmiles]

Soft Openings for attractions vary greatly and are generally not advertised. With Soarin' at Epcot, for example, they would sometimes open the attraction to guests for part of a day, a few hours, or not at all. At other times they would schedule a Soft Opening like they did for Annual Passholders but it is never a guarantee that the attraction will be running.

As far as the "soft opening" for the new DCL website, I think the Cast Member was just joking. Although, some functions may be off and on while they get everything worked out with it.

 

[DisneyElf]

I think the site is up now 24/7 -- but they do have some bugs -- last night I tried to get in and couldn't. The system couldn't find my ressie.

Today -- no problem. Though the CM said to book with them on the phone vs. doing it through the website. There my still be a bug there.

 

[RobinMarie]

I called the Castaway Club -- to get Benita & my #'s. Had a nice conversation with the cm, who told me -- they are doing a "soft" opening - and not to post it on the DIS boards

OOO you rebel, you posted it!

 

[piglet33]

Over the weekend I was going over all my confirmations between the websites and my paper copies. I couldn't find my reservation on Holiday Inn's website anymore, and that got me worried so I called them. I found out the there was a mistake on their website when I booked our suite. I paid $75 per night and was told they forgot the leading "2" so it should have been $275 per night instead. I was then told that they have to honor the price that I reserved and my reservation is still valid. I'm happy since that's more money for pins and drinks!

Looks like Holiday Inn seems to be having problems with pricing on their websites. Especially when there another pricing error and people got rooms for the Holiday Inn near Disney for .93 and $1.18 per night. They also told the people that booked them that they have to honor that price.

Looks like they need better proofreaders before they put the prices up on their websites.

 

[DisneyElf]

OOO you rebel, you posted it!

Couldn't resist -- plus I didn't have the heart to tell them it's all over the reg. cruiseline board

 

[invaderzim]

I agree, Renee. When this was booked ONE YEAR AGO I had no idea of what to expect from the DISBoards or our Cruise Meets thread. Nearly 16,000 posts later, we have shared our excitement and anticipation for this cruise, vacation plans, information about ourselves, both highlights and sad moments affecting us, and become an extended "family" and support network for each other.

Instead of just being passengers on this adventure with our immediate family and groups, we're now sailing with many friends who we just haven't met in person yet!

Thank you for an exciting year of wonderful opportunities getting to "know" all of you. I'm thrilled to be sharing this "Cruise of a Lifetime" with so many very special people.

Arlene

Arlene:

Ditto....ditto....and ditto. VERY nicely put. I agree wholeheartedly. I cannot believe I booked on May 5, 2004 -- who knew we'd be so involved a year later.

BOY are we going to crash and burn upon return! We're all going to need rehab for DisBoard and planning withdrawal.

 

[kmiles]

We've coined the term PCDS, or, Post Cruise Depression Syndrome.

It generally hits us while we're pulling away from Castaway Cay. It's all down hill from there.

 

[invaderzim]

Oh, I get it.....

Thanks Kmiles!


Well, I did it -- I took the plunge and finally made a decision about whether to go to the Angels vs. Red Sox game while we're there. It really shouldn't have been that hard since I am a diehard RS fan (took it with me from Rhode Island when I moved to NJ), but I was wishy-washy about giving up a night at DL to go to a game. But hey -- I may NEVER be this way again at the same time the RS are -- so it really was a no-brainer. Got three tickets for Thursday night's game. The seats aren't bad -- Section 426 between home and first (closer to left field to see Johnny Damon ). They were only $20 each plus fees. I didn't think that was too bad.

So, another think to check off

 

[mickeyfan1]

Renee, you are a bargain hunter!

Back from the last errand before the trip (I hope). Got Pete National Treasure DVD for his birthday, think I will give it to hime tomorrow so we can watch it before we leave, early by a few hours but that's OK.

Down to 19 lanyard payments to come in, not bad. I will not be online whilst we are gone, I hope that thosed remaining will be in my mail pile when I return on the 12th. I will be ordering for all those who asked, and will have a few extras, I am sure that I will be able to sell them to envious Fools.

 

[RobinMarie]

Arlene:

Ditto....ditto....and ditto. VERY nicely put. I agree wholeheartedly. I cannot believe I booked on May 5, 2004 -- who knew we'd be so involved a year later.

BOY are we going to crash and burn upon return! We're all going to need rehab for DisBoard and planning withdrawal.

It's all set, just book the 8/19/06 with the rest of us, problem solved!

 

[DisneyElf]

Congrats KMILES on hitting 1000


Have a great vacation - Marsha!

 

[piglet33]

It's all set, just book the 8/19/06 with the rest of us, problem solved!

Or book the 10/14/06 Cruisetoberfest Cruise that double dips to CC and goes to Costa Maya.

 

[piglet33]

CONGRATULATIONS ON #1000 KMILES!!!!

 

[mississaugamom]

It's all set, just book the 8/19/06 with the rest of us, problem solved!

Or book the 10/14/06 Cruisetoberfest Cruise that double dips to CC and goes to Costa Maya.

Decisions, Decisions ... I Don't Know What To Do!!!!!

Arlene

 

[piglet33]

Decisions, Decisions ... I Don't Know What To Do!!!!!

Arlene

Book them both!!!

 

[Luv2Dream]

Congratulations, Kmiles, for hitting the big 1000 !!!

Tracy, I'm so glad your mom is okay and kicking you out and all. She's still on the prayer list though.

Mel, I'm so glad you're back. It just hasn't been the same without you.

Robin, the original Rebel gal, you're off the hook, my friend. So glad, so glad.

Barbara and Donna, you lucky gals. I wish I were you. Please give us detailed reports..........especially if JD is there.....oh, my heart is aflutter !!!!

 

[Luv2Dream]

Arlene, Since both Mary and Victoria will be on the 8/19/06, I feel it is your motherly duty to book this cruise......the girly reunion is just too good to pass up.