Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[michellert]

Michelle Excursions through cruise ships are generally higher priced than if you book them through the source. Typically it was done to offer you some security that if you are on a cruise ship excursion, you were guaranteed that they would watch out for you or not leave you behind. But on 2 DCL excursion that I was on, I am not sure they would be able to tell if we were there or not. If we didn't make it back to the ship, they would probably check with the venue to see if we were still there or not.

Hopefully you can still convince your DH to still go.

Thanks! That makes sense. I mentioned the open bar and he is now leaning towards "yes"

 

[michellert]

We cruise in 8 months!! (And this is my 500th post - I'm a 'veteran'!)

Awesome, 8 months is WAY better than 9!!

 

[Susiesark]

I will add you to my prayers.


I never heard from the company, I figure this is why. I will still try and see if we can book through them independently.

Yes, please! If they'll take a group, please count us in for 4.
And prayers are always welcome
And how do I change my darn counter that I misspelled?!

 

[M2DD's]

OMG- I'm trying not to panic but DH(cory) is in a meeting right now at work and they just told him that no one can take a vaction after march of 2011

He works for a big company(caterpillar) in managment but the union workers are threating to stike and not resign there contracts so instead of negotiations they take all the office workers and have them to do the union work DH was already given an exemption for this because of medical reasons. He is going to talk to Hr in after his meeting but there not going to care

I'm trying not to cry and I know that there could be worse things to happen but its just so disappointing I can't imagin how disappointed my girls are going to be.

We did purchase trip insurance so I'm wonder if we just decide to keep this booked and wait to see if they strike if we can get our money back. I suppose its lucky we didn't by our airfare yet. Plus IDK how expensive it will be to by plane tickets last minute

 

[mariag481]

We can meet you there! Send me a PM with your number. Since you are staying at the hotel, get to the DCA entrance in the Grand by 9:15 to go in early to get your tickets for WOC. Be sure to have your room key or they will not let you in. If you can't make that, be at the main entrance of DCA by 9:30, and you can get your tickets at the Grizzly River Rapids fastpass line. It doesn't take too long if you get there between 9:30-9:45. We were at DL this morning. Super hot and super crowded. Not a good combination Start collecting those fastpasses early!

Unfortunately, I can't send a private message yet (or at least it's telling me I can't) because my post number is so low. I can send you a message on facebook! Thanks again for all of the good tips!

 

[MousseauMob]

Okay the math is totally not working for me on the Pirate Adventure on DCL. They say it is 3.5 - 4 hours - but then they say 90 minutes out 2 hours beach and 90 minutes back... that's 5 hours minimum in my book.

OMG- I'm trying not to panic but DH(cory) is in a meeting right now at work and they just told him that no one can take a vaction after march of 2011

Crossing my fingers for you!

 

[szubieta]

Could this be one same ship that both Disney and the Independent company use? And DCL just does a buy-out of their pirate ship? Or are there two (or more) completely different pirate ships?

I believe it's the only one. I haven't seen anything else.

OMG- I'm trying not to panic but DH(cory) is in a meeting right now at work and they just told him that no one can take a vaction after march of 2011

We did purchase trip insurance so I'm wonder if we just decide to keep this booked and wait to see if they strike if we can get our money back. I suppose its lucky we didn't by our airfare yet. Plus IDK how expensive it will be to by plane tickets last minute

That really SUCKS! Prayers for you all too!

Okay the math is totally not working for me on the Pirate Adventure on DCL. They say it is 3.5 - 4 hours - but then they say 90 minutes out 2 hours beach and 90 minutes back... that's 5 hours minimum in my book.

Crossing my fingers for you!

I did the math too after reading the excursion info. I believe that DCL has a type o.

Maybe they will have 2 excursions that if it's only 5 hrs.

 

[kjwemett]

OMG- I'm trying not to panic but DH(cory) is in a meeting right now at work and they just told him that no one can take a vaction after march of 2011

He works for a big company(caterpillar) in managment but the union workers are threating to stike and not resign there contracts so instead of negotiations they take all the office workers and have them to do the union work DH was already given an exemption for this because of medical reasons. He is going to talk to Hr in after his meeting but there not going to care

I'm trying not to cry and I know that there could be worse things to happen but its just so disappointing I can't imagin how disappointed my girls are going to be.

We did purchase trip insurance so I'm wonder if we just decide to keep this booked and wait to see if they strike if we can get our money back. I suppose its lucky we didn't by our airfare yet. Plus IDK how expensive it will be to by plane tickets last minute

Sending a prayer your way. And yes flights are usually much higher at last minute.

 

[M2DD's]

Thanks for all the support

HR basically said were "SOL" but they will pay for our cruise since it was booked before today(if they strike) and if we had already purchased airfare they would of paid for that He also told DH since he was already exempt from "shop" work he should talk to his direct supervisor who said "he thinks" he should be able to go(which to me is not a clear answer) so after I got done panicing I started to think a liitle clearer and though we should book are airfare with southwest(even though there not the cheapest or closest airport) and if we *do* have to cancel the cruise at least we will get a full credit of our airfare to use in the next yr.

What do you guys think? Should we risk it or just cancel all together? I thought worst case senerio if airfare is way to high we can drive the 30hrs and cut DL out of the trip

The contract has to be signed by Feb 28,2011 and they may give them a few wks more so we won't know anything till middle of March

On another note I looked quickly through the excursions and noticed Cabo isn't up

 

[Susiesark]

OMG- I'm trying not to panic but DH(cory) is in a meeting right now at work and they just told him that no one can take a vaction after march of 2011

He works for a big company(caterpillar) in managment but the union workers are threating to stike and not resign there contracts so instead of negotiations they take all the office workers and have them to do the union work DH was already given an exemption for this because of medical reasons. He is going to talk to Hr in after his meeting but there not going to care

DH is not supposed to be back from Afghanistan until the end of April, but we have "a child getting married on April 16" That's our story and we're sticking to it. Otherwise, Laura, it can be just us moms and our kiddos! Here's an idea: Your DH says you are invited to come to our family wedding on April 16. CAN'T get out of i!

 

[Susiesark]

Unfortunately, I can't send a private message yet (or at least it's telling me I can't) because my post number is so low. I can send you a message on facebook! Thanks again for all of the good tips!

I sent you a PM.

 

[szubieta]

Cabo's up!

They have a pirate ship but it really doesn't sound as nice.

If we can, I'd rather do the PV pirate excursion and stick to the swimming with the dolphins in Cabo. Would also like to see Cabo Wabo and the Giggling Marlin in Cabo too.

 

[Susiesark]

Who here is booking Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan? Nothing sounds terribly exciting in Manzanillo yet. Has anyone done anything there in the past?

 

[Travelbee]

You can pick up the meals early. It either starts at 11 or 1 for meal pick up. I can't remember. When you pick them up they are packaged really nice and they give you a bottle of soda of your choice. We picked ours up around 5pm bc that is when we got there for the day. It is def the way to go when watching WOC. I loved the tote bags we got for ordering the meals online too!

They have been selling out of the meals about 1-2 weeks in advance so I would try to buy them a few weeks before.

Thanks for the info Stephanie. I was hoping to get the meal package for 8/27 since our passes are good again... but they are sold out. We'd have to wait until September...

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

And how do I change my darn counter that I misspelled?!

Unfortunately the only way to fix it is to delete the one you have and then go make a new one.

What do you guys think? Should we risk it or just cancel all together? I thought worst case senerio if airfare is way to high we can drive the 30hrs and cut DL out of the trip

Sorry to hear about your DH's problems at work - I really hope that things work out so you can go on the cruise! IMO, I think you should hang on to the reservation as long as you can in hopes that everything works out. You can always cancel with a full refund up to the "pay in full" date.

Who here is booking Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan? Nothing sounds terribly exciting in Manzanillo yet. Has anyone done anything there in the past?

We're already booked with Randi! In Manzanillo I can recommend the turtle sanctuary excursion. Doesn't look like DCL is offering it but I saw it on shoretrips.com

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

I need an opinion from anyone who's stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel (or anyone else who'd like to chime in ). I got a great deal of $228/night (plus taxes, fees, etc) for 4 nights at GCH for our Veterans' Day trip to DLR, but that's still double what it would cost to stay at Candy Cane Inn. We've never stayed on property before and love CCI, but it seems like a shame to pass up a chance to stay at GCH. But is it worth double the cost? We're get-there-before-the-gates-open kind of people, so I know we'd take advantage of the extra early entries, and it would be nice to be so close, but still, double? I think I really need someone to tell me it's worth it - Disney enablers, help me out please!

 

[Susiesark]

I need an opinion from anyone who's stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel (or anyone else who'd like to chime in ). I got a great deal of $228/night (plus taxes, fees, etc) for 4 nights at GCH for our Veterans' Day trip to DLR, but that's still double what it would cost to stay at Candy Cane Inn. We've never stayed on property before and love CCI, but it seems like a shame to pass up a chance to stay at GCH. But is it worth double the cost? We're get-there-before-the-gates-open kind of people, so I know we'd take advantage of the extra early entries, and it would be nice to be so close, but still, double? I think I really need someone to tell me it's worth it - Disney enablers, help me out please!

I have friends that stay at the Grand about every other month, wouldn't stay anywhere else, including DLH and (especially) Pacific Pier. And that's a great price. But I've only heard good things about Candy Cane Inn. You'll have to allow extra time coming and going to the parks, though.

 

[lucky1]

I need an opinion from anyone who's stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel (or anyone else who'd like to chime in ). I got a great deal of $228/night (plus taxes, fees, etc) for 4 nights at GCH for our Veterans' Day trip to DLR, but that's still double what it would cost to stay at Candy Cane Inn. We've never stayed on property before and love CCI, but it seems like a shame to pass up a chance to stay at GCH. But is it worth double the cost? We're get-there-before-the-gates-open kind of people, so I know we'd take advantage of the extra early entries, and it would be nice to be so close, but still, double? I think I really need someone to tell me it's worth it - Disney enablers, help me out please!

Love the GCH!!!! We would stay there every time if we could get a deal like that. How did you arrange that?

Here is my feelings after staying in both CCI and GCH. I would stay at GCH for that cost. (But remember you will have to pay for parking at maybe $10/day) You are much closer the parks. You will get early entry every day that it is offered. Plus you have the Disney feeling inside the hotel. There is story time next to the fireplace. Balcony in your room. In CCI it is more Motel style. Beside you have to do it once. Think about going home after a day at the park and instead of having to wait for the CCI shuttle or hoofing it back along harbor, you stroll back through DDT or DCA to get back to your room. Plus if you do Grizzly Rapid, if you want to go and change, you will be a hop skip and jump from your room.

Does that help?

 

[MousseauMob]

Who here is booking Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan? Nothing sounds terribly exciting in Manzanillo yet. Has anyone done anything there in the past?

We booked with Randi's. I read DCL's excursion and it sounded a lot like Randi's, does anyone know if it's the same?

What do you guys think? Should we risk it or just cancel all together? I thought worst case senerio if airfare is way to high we can drive the 30hrs and cut DL out of the trip:

If they are willing to pay for the cruise if it's cancelled and you can shift the airfare to a different trip if needed, I might hold on to the ressie for a bit longer and see how you feel.

I need an opinion from anyone who's stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel (or anyone else who'd like to chime in ). I got a great deal of $228/night (plus taxes, fees, etc) for 4 nights at GCH for our Veterans' Day trip to DLR, but that's still double what it would cost to stay at Candy Cane Inn. We've never stayed on property before and love CCI, but it seems like a shame to pass up a chance to stay at GCH. But is it worth double the cost? We're get-there-before-the-gates-open kind of people, so I know we'd take advantage of the extra early entries, and it would be nice to be so close, but still, double? I think I really need someone to tell me it's worth it - Disney enablers, help me out please!

This is tricky, I'm actually debating the opposite. We've always stayed at GC since it was built, but are considering staying either at DLH or off site to save some money in April. GC is a beautiful hotel, and you can't beat that back entrance in CA. My favorite part is not worrying about getting soaked at GRR because it's such a quick jaunt back to the room to change if needed. Some of our favorite things were in the concierge lounge, the storytelling at night with the kids in the PJ's and the wonderful macaroons! Yum!!! I think they might do this in the lobby as well, but I haven't made that one before.

I had always done the Resort view but last time I did a DD view and sitting on our balcony watching the fireworks was awesome. They also do some fun things in the hotel, my DS and I took a washcloth folding class - you know like towel animals only smaller, it was ran by the maids and really fun. They also had this cool Chef class he took that was awesome, but my favorite was the early Build a Bear entry. Only hotel guests can sign up and they let you in an hour before entry to shop with NO crowds. I think we had 6 kids last time with parents and the store all to ourselves.

Anyway, if money isn't an object (and it sounds like you have a good deal), it would probably be good to do it just for the experience. On the other hand, if it means not staying as many days as you want to, because they are so much more than CCI, then it might be better not to.

Since we're talking about hotels, the latest one I was looking at was Park Vue Inn? Has anyone stayed there? I need two rooms and with the cruise and everything, I just really don't want to spend that much. I'm looking at it for proximity, but I'm worried I'll be disappointed, because I am a bit picky about hotels. Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[szubieta]

I need an opinion from anyone who's stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel (or anyone else who'd like to chime in ). I got a great deal of $228/night (plus taxes, fees, etc) for 4 nights at GCH for our Veterans' Day trip to DLR, but that's still double what it would cost to stay at Candy Cane Inn. We've never stayed on property before and love CCI, but it seems like a shame to pass up a chance to stay at GCH. But is it worth double the cost? We're get-there-before-the-gates-open kind of people, so I know we'd take advantage of the extra early entries, and it would be nice to be so close, but still, double? I think I really need someone to tell me it's worth it - Disney enablers, help me out please!

The price is the current rate for room only. I'd say if you like what you've seen if you toured it. GO FOR IT!!! We LOVED staying at the GCH but haven't stayed there in years because it is so expensive. We would stay there again in a heartbeat but like saving a little by staying at DLH. Since you love to get into the parks early...having DCA literally only steps from your room is fabulous. The pool, IMHO, isn't that great, but it does have a slide and the waters wet. The view, if you get a park view is wonderful. There is a small balcony I used when JoJo took a nap. If I remember right the standard rooms have a window with trees.