"Double Dip Delight" 09/27/08 - Take 2 with Link to Original Thread!

[MagicMe]

Janet and I, with my sister and nieces, are trying to get to Stingray City booked independently at Grand Caymen (10 AM) and the dolphins at 11 AM again booked independently (This is confirmed and paid for).

Lois

Lois,

Did you book the dolphins at Cozumel? Did you book indepenant or through DCL? Although I've been on two 4-day cruises, I never booked an excursion and I'm nervous about booking outside DCL. But, we definitely want to book a dolphin encounter (my Mom really wants to try this) and I was at a Birthday party last night talking to a couple who did a western on another ship and they kept talking about how I'd be crazy to book through the ship since it's so much more $$. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Congrats to all of you who have reached the T-105 milestone and have yet one more thing marked off your to-do list!

 

[Grandma4ever]

Lois,

Did you book the dolphins at Cozumel? Did you book indepenant or through DCL? Although I've been on two 4-day cruises, I never booked an excursion and I'm nervous about booking outside DCL. But, we definitely want to book a dolphin encounter (my Mom really wants to try this) and I was at a Birthday party last night talking to a couple who did a western on another ship and they kept talking about how I'd be crazy to book through the ship since it's so much more $$. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Yes we booked this independently. This is the first time I have tried this and I am terrified. I have read that it is OK and most do well. I wish I knew how to post a link but I don't so I will need to rely on another to do that for you.

The reason I booked independently was we wanted to do more than an encounter. We booked the royal swim. It was still a bit of money. One of the disadvantages of this is you will be charged the cost when you book. If you book through DCL you will be charged when you complete the excursion.

There is a level of security when booking with DCL. So if that makes you feel more comfortable that may be the way to go even though you could save a little booking directly. Remember that this is a vacation and at times it make sense to spend more if it will lessen the stress and increase your abilty to enjoy. I will know more after this vacation as I have three excursion over two weeks booked directly with the vendors. Hopefully not a BIG mistake. Hope this helps in making you decision. Lois

 

[Grandma4ever]

I haven't said this for awhile:One day closer and still counting!!!!

I am at 98 days. It will be here before we all know it. Anyone already got your suitcases out and have begun to pack?

 

[MagicMe]

Thanks Grandma4ever - I still might stay with DCL just because I don't want to stress my Mom out about not making it back to the ship.

Okay - for all those that booked at 105 - I noticed that you stated that you tried to book for another stateroom at the same time. My question is that I have two staterooms that are linked. My stateroom is CC but the other stateroom is first-timers. Since we are linked (I can pull both reservations up under my login since I booked both), at the 90-day mark will it be possible for me to book 4 of us on an excursion (through DCL) or will I only be able to book for the CC stateroom? I really want all four of us to be able to go at the same time. If this is not possible, I may have to look independent.

 

[nenner1]

Julie, we're bringing radios too...one reason is b/c we have two staterooms across the hall from each other. We haven't bought them yet though. Any suggestions under $20 range, anyone? (I have to go cheap...we just paid off our balance *AGAIN* last night...had to choke up $653 more....but for an additional stateroom, not too bad if I do say so myself!!) So now I can do the paid-up happy dance yet again!!

Like many of you I am leaning towards Stingray City in GC...we plan to book independently. Soon. Have read good things about Capn' Marvins...who else is everyone booking with or do you recommend? I read a TR yesterday where the ppl brought a 9 month old with them...in the water with the rays. So if I can't get FR that day...I *could* bring Sarah....(not 100% sure yet that I WANT to, but its a thought.) The big issue is FR, the times..ugh.

We still have NO idea what we will do in Cozumel...Ron wants to do the Dune Buggies. Anyone done that?? Independently or w/DCL? I want to do Xcaret but I'm gonna have to fight for it, lol.

Palo...brunch and dinner still to figure. Well the brunch is a no brainer, whichever day is still open. Dinner? Pretty much the same. I know the sea days are gonna fill up quick. Ron does not prefer Lumiere's (gasp!) so we will probably try to get one of the first three nights and then call to request the rotation that makes that the Lumiere's night. Plus I have to book FR first, so it depends on what's open there. Sigh.

I keep trying to convince my mom to come with us. Told her we already have an extra room and all she has to pay is her fare and tips...and she said she doesn't have the cash right now. Eh. Gonna have to work on her!!!

 

[MagicMe]

I am at 98 days. It will be here before we all know it. Anyone already got your suitcases out and have begun to pack?

Well I'm still in triple digits but time is beginning to fly by My travel companions (the second cabin in my group), however, will be heading down to WDW for a few days so they have reached double digits at 98 days!!!! (do you see that TheDisneyGirl02????).

Course, they also have another trip to WDW (traveling with her family) before the SEP trip so they have plenty to keep them busy!!!!! I'd be jealous but frankly WDW in August is just way to hot for me anymore. But, since they have two teachers in the family, they have to keep it in the summer.

 

[Grandma4ever]

Thanks Grandma4ever - I still might stay with DCL just because I don't want to stress my Mom out about not making it back to the ship.

Okay - for all those that booked at 105 - I noticed that you stated that you tried to book for another stateroom at the same time. My question is that I have two staterooms that are linked. My stateroom is CC but the other stateroom is first-timers. Since we are linked (I can pull both reservations up under my login since I booked both), at the 90-day mark will it be possible for me to book 4 of us on an excursion (through DCL) or will I only be able to book for the CC stateroom? I really want all four of us to be able to go at the same time. If this is not possible, I may have to look independent.

I think you will need to book the second stateroom at the 75 day mark, but since they are both under your name you may be ok. I was faced with that last year (ressies linked but book under different names) and it really freaked me out. But it all worked out and I was able to get all 5 of us booked on all the excursion we wanted at the times we wanted.

I would recommend that you book the ones that you can at 90 days out and then add the others at their window. It seems that the biggest issue is Palo and unless you need more than 4 seats you can book for everyone on your ressie. Just can't do it for the excursions. Might want to call your TA or DCL to ask them what your options are. Lois

 

[lenzs4]

Thanks Grandma4ever - I still might stay with DCL just because I don't want to stress my Mom out about not making it back to the ship.

Okay - for all those that booked at 105 - I noticed that you stated that you tried to book for another stateroom at the same time. My question is that I have two staterooms that are linked. My stateroom is CC but the other stateroom is first-timers. Since we are linked (I can pull both reservations up under my login since I booked both), at the 90-day mark will it be possible for me to book 4 of us on an excursion (through DCL) or will I only be able to book for the CC stateroom? I really want all four of us to be able to go at the same time. If this is not possible, I may have to look independent.

I took my parents on one of my Dis Cruises and they were first timers and I was CC and I was able to book for them and they got the CC stuff just like we did - since they were under my ressie. The ship just considered them CC members....

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Well I'm still in triple digits but time is beginning to fly by My travel companions (the second cabin in my group), however, will be heading down to WDW for a few days so they have reached double digits at 98 days!!!! (do you see that TheDisneyGirl02????).

Course, they also have another trip to WDW (traveling with her family) before the SEP trip so they have plenty to keep them busy!!!!! I'd be jealous but frankly WDW in August is just way to hot for me anymore. But, since they have two teachers in the family, they have to keep it in the summer.

I'll just keep thinking 98 more days since work is going soooooo slowly today! I can't believe it's not noon yet!

 

[pfishgirl]

I need a little advice please... help

Palo..
I have a fax into Palo for a group dinner for 11 adults... but she said it is not guaranteed.. so when my 90 day mark comes what should I do? I don't want to not book Palo and have DS mad at me cause he is FINALLY able to join us.. He has been waiting several years now to be 18.. but at the same time if I book something.. Will that create a problem if we get the 11 people together in the back room for dinner?

 

[anewmac]

Anyone also bringing two way radios?

We have the ones with 10 channels each with 99 security pins.
So essentialy 1000 channels.
Last time they worked pretty well.

We could establish an open DIS channel to update on important things like

-Free drinks at Art Auction
-Two for one drinks on deck from select waiters
-Free drinks at Captain Gala
-FatCat winning jackpot bingo and buying drinks

I like the direction you are going with this.... *note to self bring walkie talkies to keep up with FatCat!

 

[Selket]

Anyone also bringing two way radios?

We have the ones with 10 channels each with 99 security pins.
So essentialy 1000 channels.
Last time they worked pretty well.

Can you share what kind of radios they are?

I looked at some at Amazon.com that claim "10 billion channels" but someone posted in the comments that they didn't work well on the cruise ship. I don't know enough about the radios to tell if that type works with your type, etc. Do they have unique pin codes so I'd have to know your code to talk to you rather than just my other radio? (not like I'd expect we'd have long conversations - LOL! I was just curious! The "Dis" channel sounds like a great idea! )

My younger son is a type 1 diabetic and it would definitely be nice to be able to communicate with my husband on the ship regarding his care.

 

[videoman]

I faxed Palo a special request for the back room for dinner for 11 people, since we will be celebrating 2 birthdays and 1st time cruisers. I even offered to pay for the 12th seat if needed to get the room.

Today I got a call from DCL, no promises but she needed more information, guests names and preferred times, 6pm or 845pm.

So tomorrow Hubby will fax the added info and Maybe we will have a Palo Dinner for 11 at 1 table and Not 4 tables somewhere in the room

That sounds great....could you pm the fax/phone number

charlie

 

[videoman]

Anyone also bringing two way radios?

We have the ones with 10 channels each with 99 security pins.
So essentialy 1000 channels.
Last time they worked pretty well.

We could establish an open DIS channel to update on important things like

-Free drinks at Art Auction
-Two for one drinks on deck from select waiters
-Free drinks at Captain Gala
-FatCat winning jackpot bingo and buying drinks

I can see that I already have a drinking partner!!!!!!!1

charlie

 

[videoman]

I took my parents on one of my Dis Cruises and they were first timers and I was CC and I was able to book for them and they got the CC stuff just like we did - since they were under my ressie. The ship just considered them CC members....

We are trying to do the same thing....book another couple w/us for Palo. How did you do this? Did you do it online or call...if called...what is the # as the dis rep i spoke w/didnt know what i was talking about.

charlie

 

[shoes99]

Originally Posted by pfishgirl
I faxed Palo a special request for the back room for dinner for 11 people, since we will be celebrating 2 birthdays and 1st time cruisers. I even offered to pay for the 12th seat if needed to get the room.

Today I got a call from DCL, no promises but she needed more information, guests names and preferred times, 6pm or 845pm.

So tomorrow Hubby will fax the added info and Maybe we will have a Palo Dinner for 11 at 1 table and Not 4 tables somewhere in the room
*********************************************************Great job Stacy. Thanks for doing all the hard work, now all we have to do is show up.
Last Sept we were fortunate to be travelling with a party that had a cat 3, so he was able to get us a table for 7 at Palo and we all sat together at both brunch and dinner.
On another sailing we were with a group of 20+, so most of the folks fit into the back room, me and Uncle Bud and another couple had a table nearby.
Both experiences were great.
Aunt Michele

 

[lenzs4]

I can see that I already have a drinking partner!!!!!!!1

charlie

I usually book everything online. I was able to check a box to include them since we were linked together. I did nto have any problem linking excursions or dinner. When I do have a problem with online, I call 1-800-449-3380 and they fix it for me.
On that note, I do remember that when I originally booked, I put me in one room and DH in the other and then when we got home, I changed the names on the reservation to my family in one room and my parents in the other - so that may be why we were linked and all listed as CC members.

 

[Magic3forme]

We will have 2 way radios with us too. We are always up for free drinks.
We are stopping before the cruise to get some beverages too.

We are hoping to dine with another couple at Palos... any volunteers??? It was more fun with 4 rather than 2.

We booked indepently for the Dolphin Excursion also. They were very friendly and helpful on the phone.

 

[FatCat]

Two way radios.

You can buy any brand two way radios.

The trick is you want to get the ones with security channels.

The cheaper ones will have 10 channels.

You then pay for

size
security channels
range

At minimum get the ones with the security channel.

We will establish public DIS channel like 9 - 27 or something where
9 is the channel
27 is the pin

Mine worked great all over ship. They worked from the ship to where I think Hadley secrec CC spot is.

I agree that the ones without the security channels may not work so well.
I have cobra ones that at this point are over 2 years old so I can only imagine they are better and cheaper now.

We can even use them for pre-cruise drinks by the pool.

They were great for us because our youngest at that time still napped.

Had to catch up with the boyz for cubans and cognacs