Dr. Jones and the Spitting Camel - Link to Alaska Cruise TR 9/18

[natebenma]

Congrats on your upcoming cruise! It sounds divine!

I am so happy to hear about your super experience with the Yacht Club checkin. The CMs at the resort are really first class! It seems like a beautiful room with decent views for a "standard".

The rooms at Y&B were recatagorized for view beginning Jan 1- "truth in booking" and that view would now fall into the "garden view" category. Standard views at the Yacht and Beach club are now officially guaranteed to be "yucky" either roof tops, dumpsters or parking lots.

Looking forward to hear how your ambitious morning works out!

 

[Native NYer]

I couldn't add him, Sandie would have to so I really had no idea at that point if it would be a problem but they were able to tell me that 1) there would be a second bed in the room so at least we were covered there and 2) that he would need a room key to get into the pool so it would have to wait until they arrived. Which was not a surprise....but still a bummer.

You really got a helpful CM. It would have put my mind at ease knowing that the second bed was in the room. The rooms at YC are just so beautiful. I love the bed linens. I saw photos of the old decor on AllEars and it was just so UGLY!

I saw the CMs checking room keys at SAB when I was at the YC in November. It was too cold (for me, anyway) to try SAB, but am looking forward to it in August. I can't wait for your SAB updates.

Do you recommend bringing any sand toys for my nephews?

 

[eandesmom]

thats right i remember reading that a while ago i just forgot about it...thanks for writing it again and explaining it to me.

No worries, I have new readers and they wouldn't remember the why so I'm glad you mentioned it, plus it reminded me about the king versus 2 queen bed stress!

I'd clearly blocked that from my mind.

Congrats on your upcoming cruise! It sounds divine!

Very excited about it!

I am so happy to hear about your super experience with the Yacht Club checkin. The CMs at the resort are really first class! It seems like a beautiful room with decent views for a "standard".

The rooms at Y&B were recatagorized for view beginning Jan 1- "truth in booking" and that view would now fall into the "garden view" category. Standard views at the Yacht and Beach club are now officially guaranteed to be "yucky" either roof tops, dumpsters or parking lots.

Looking forward to hear how your ambitious morning works out!

Funny, now that you mention it, I take it back. Our room was officially "garden" not standard BUT garden meant standard, with all of those lumped together. Of course I'm sure that garden view costs more now. UGH on the standard view.

The CM's, at both the BC and YC were top notch, across the board. Five star in my book. Some of the best customer service I've ever had!

That reminds me of yet another stress on that check in, which was the one day tickets being on those room keys, I forgot about that, which explains how the whole thing took an hour, which, in looking at my pictures it did (see here is where notes would be good lol)

After I got my coffee I had them pulled off and put on to paper tickets so someone wouldn't accidentally use them (and since Jeff STILL doesn't know we have them lol) which took a little bit as the CM didn't know how to do it, or that you even could. She got another one who helped her through it and ended up thanking ME as I'd helped her learn how to do something new!

You really got a helpful CM. It would have put my mind at ease knowing that the second bed was in the room. The rooms at YC are just so beautiful. I love the bed linens. I saw photos of the old decor on AllEars and it was just so UGLY!

Seriously, the remodel of the rooms is what sold us, I couldn't think of staying anywhere else!

I saw the CMs checking room keys at SAB when I was at the YC in November. It was too cold (for me, anyway) to try SAB, but am looking forward to it in August. I can't wait for your SAB updates.

Do you recommend bringing any sand toys for my nephews?

Yep, they definitely check!

Did you change your trip to a split stay for August? I don't think I knew that. BLT and YC? or BC?

The kids meals from Hurricane Hannah's come in a sand pail with a shovel so just get one or two on day one. Plus there are often abandoned ones. You can bring more of course but that was plenty for Eric and saved the packing space. They also come in one at the water parks, we actually saved Eric's from TL, not knowing they'd have them at HH so we ended up with 2 or 3 by the end of the trip.

 

[natebenma]

The kids meals from Hurricane Hannah's come in a sand pail with a shovel so just get one or two on day one. Plus there are often abandoned ones. You can bring more of course but that was plenty for Eric and saved the packing space. They also come in one at the water parks, we actually saved Eric's from TL, not knowing they'd have them at HH so we ended up with 2 or 3 by the end of the trip.

The tough thing for us was trying to give the pails away at the end of the vacation! We had two buckets that we filled with candy and some other snack items. I packed snacks/breakfast items for our trip, but we ended up getting upgraded to CL so we didn't need the goodies. At breakfast, 7:30 the day we were going home, we tried to give away the pails, but everyone we asked was either leaving that day too or was heading right out to a park. Finally found a guy bringing breakfast back to his room- he agreed to take it and said it would be a nice surprise because it was his son's BD.

 

[eandesmom]

The tough thing for us was trying to give the pails away at the end of the vacation! We had two buckets that we filled with candy and some other snack items. I packed snacks/breakfast items for our trip, but we ended up getting upgraded to CL so we didn't need the goodies. At breakfast, 7:30 the day we were going home, we tried to give away the pails, but everyone we asked was either leaving that day too or was heading right out to a park. Finally found a guy bringing breakfast back to his room- he agreed to take it and said it would be a nice surprise because it was his son's BD.

Very true, we had the same issue and ended up taking them home. I think they are sitting in the garage. I imagine they have a ton that get left there.

 

[Native NYer]

Yep, they definitely check!

Did you change your trip to a split stay for August? I don't think I knew that. BLT and YC? or BC?

The kids meals from Hurricane Hannah's come in a sand pail with a shovel so just get one or two on day one. Plus there are often abandoned ones. You can bring more of course but that was plenty for Eric and saved the packing space. They also come in one at the water parks, we actually saved Eric's from TL, not knowing they'd have them at HH so we ended up with 2 or 3 by the end of the trip.

We added 3 nights before our 10 night BLT marathon at BCV in a 2 bedroom. I REALLY wanted to stay at the YC, but would have gotten 2 rooms. We opted for the villa so we could have use of the kitchen (just to store things in the fridge, no cooking) and the washer/dryer. It's only January, so that could change.

Oh good idea about Hurricane Hannah's. That's SO much easier than trying to pack stuff.

Did you prefer YC? Or WL?

 

[Happydog]

So much anticipation... You do have a lot of people to keep track of!!! looking forward to the next installment! Hope the jetlag didn't run you over.

Hey JEN -- just because I saw you asking....
We brought sand toys, in a big beach bag for our trip, but it was part of their gift bag and we had a car so plenty of room to bring more stuff. I agree with an airplane you'd have to decide! The bucket and shovel that came with lunch was frankly enough to play with!

 

[eandesmom]

We added 3 nights before our 10 night BLT marathon at BCV in a 2 bedroom. I REALLY wanted to stay at the YC, but would have gotten 2 rooms. We opted for the villa so we could have use of the kitchen (just to store things in the fridge, no cooking) and the washer/dryer. It's only January, so that could change.

Oh good idea about Hurricane Hannah's. That's SO much easier than trying to pack stuff.

Did you prefer YC? Or WL?

with our PIN it came out about equal I think on the 2 rooms versus 2bedroom but since you have points I imagine the DVC is a better way to go. The in room fridges (x2) were enough but the laundry would have been a BIG help as you will see later. I am very worried though that BC won't live up to the YC but we will see. for only 3 nights though you probably won't need to do laundry yet. Just sayin...

I'll do a pro/con report at the end, both have good points to them, things I liked better in each. but...

YC. Hands down, no question.

So much anticipation... You do have a lot of people to keep track of!!! looking forward to the next installment! Hope the jetlag didn't run you over.

Hey JEN -- just because I saw you asking....
We brought sand toys, in a big beach bag for our trip, but it was part of their gift bag and we had a car so plenty of room to bring more stuff. I agree with an airplane you'd have to decide! The bucket and shovel that came with lunch was frankly enough to play with!

LOL, yep, just a few warm bodies.

Doing great today, zero jet lag, back on my game!

I was so happy that they had those. Although really, Eric was so besotted with the "swirlies" that he did very little sand play which was extremely surprising.

I kept meaning to buy Eric a noodle and it never happened which, was just as well, one less thing to try and get home.

 

[cdotla]

Wow Cynthia - congrats on the cruise!!! And then Whisler. You sure are going to be spending alot of time in Canada the 1st half of 2011 (assume your cruise is departing from Vancouver, right?) Next time you have to come to the east coast!

Are you on the cruise that Deb Wills from AllEars will be on?

Yay for the awesome room and location at the YC. I LOVE the look of the renovated rooms. The pics of the older style rooms look really bad, but in person they were much nicer - trust me. However, the new duvet-style bedding at both YC and BC is so, so much nicer!!!

Can't wait to hear about your final tour at WL and the photo shoot.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow Cynthia - congrats on the cruise!!! And then Whisler. You sure are going to be spending alot of time in Canada the 1st half of 2011 (assume your cruise is departing from Vancouver, right?) Next time you have to come to the east coast!

LOL! Yes, the cruise departs from Vancouver. Originally I'd thought to go straight from Whistler onto the cruise but the Whistler dates are tied up around 2 different work conferences that are up there on back to back weekends (so of COURSE we have to just stay up there, right?) But the cruise prices were SO much better later in the month that we decided separating the trips was actually better. We'll likely just drive up for the cruise but the train is a possibility as is going to Victoria for the weekend before.

Outside of Montreal I've not spent much time in Eastern Canada (I consider Calgary west) and would love to but it's not exactly nearby! Whistler is in July which will be nice and hot. It's a semi regular vacation spot for us and I'm really looking forward to it as it's been a couple years. We've considered purchasing real estate up there before and I imagine it will come up again while we are there.

Are you on the cruise that Deb Wills from AllEars will be on?

Good question! I haven't been good about reading my AllEars updates but see a new one in my inbox, I'll need to check.

Yay for the awesome room and location at the YC. I LOVE the look of the renovated rooms. The pics of the older style rooms look really bad, but in person they were much nicer - trust me. However, the new duvet-style bedding at both YC and BC is so, so much nicer!!!

Can't wait to hear about your final tour at WL and the photo shoot.

The bedding is just lovely and was so nice after the WL, where the bedding definitely felt more moderate than deluxe!

 

[All7OfUs]

I am just thrilled that your check-in went so incredibly smoothly!! That's fanstastic that your CM was so able to do so much for you! Things are looking like they're going to be fabulous there already!

Yeah, I think you'll get there in time to the photo shoot- but I am amused that you risked it by stopping for coffee!!

 

[eandesmom]

I am just thrilled that your check-in went so incredibly smoothly!! That's fanstastic that your CM was so able to do so much for you! Things are looking like they're going to be fabulous there already!

Yeah, I think you'll get there in time to the photo shoot- but I am amused that you risked it by stopping for coffee!!

Hey, I take much better pictures fully caffeinated.

NOT

 

[MEK]

Wow - that is one beautiful room (pronounced BE -U - TE - FULL) at that YC. Love it! Great view and connecting rooms. How did you mention to pull yourself away?????

I forgot all about Ranger Joe, but I remembered when you started this TR I laughed because I figured it would take you until Xmas to get to the Ranger Joe part. I see my estimate was slightly askew.

I HAVE to know - DID you make it back in time for the tour??????? (ah heck - I know you're not going to tell me, but I have to ask)

 

[Native NYer]

with our PIN it came out about equal I think on the 2 rooms versus 2bedroom but since you have points I imagine the DVC is a better way to go. The in room fridges (x2) were enough but the laundry would have been a BIG help as you will see later. I am very worried though that BC won't live up to the YC but we will see. for only 3 nights though you probably won't need to do laundry yet. Just sayin...

I'll do a pro/con report at the end, both have good points to them, things I liked better in each. but...

YC. Hands down, no question.

I'm worried that BC won't live up to the YC too. I the YC.
If a great AP rate comes along for early August, I may just book the two rooms at YC. The only advantage of BCV is the shorter walk to Epcot with my 2 nephews in the blazing August heat.

We have never stayed at the WL. When it comes up as a possiblity for a family trip, we end up booking a different resort. There are just so many options at WDW. I'd like to try all of the deluxe resorts eventually. BWI, GF, WL, and AKL are left.

Did you book your crusie through Disney directly? Or did you use a travel agent?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay, somehow, I missed the YC check in update! Now that I've gone back, I am understanding the conversation much better!!

It is a beautiful room! Very classy that YC! You lucked out with an awesome CM there!

How exciting for the Alaska cruise too! It's on my bucket list! Don't know when, but we will do it. We want the girls to set foot in all 50 states, so that's the best way to get Alaska in my mind! We have most of the western have of the US to go yet. It helps that we drive to FL a lot, so we can get the eastern half done on road trips!

Anyway, back to business. WHAT HAPPENED??? Did you make all your scheduled appearances or not???? I'm betting on you did!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm worried that BC won't live up to the YC too. I the YC.
If a great AP rate comes along for early August, I may just book the two rooms at YC. The only advantage of BCV is the shorter walk to Epcot with my 2 nephews in the blazing August heat.

True but then again, the YC is a closer walk to the boardwalk bakery and DHS!

We have never stayed at the WL. When it comes up as a possiblity for a family trip, we end up booking a different resort. There are just so many options at WDW. I'd like to try all of the deluxe resorts eventually. BWI, GF, WL, and AKL are left.

WL is great and the boat to MK? Priceless. Not to mention relatively easy access to all the MK resort dining options. I'll admit, I actually liked our view better at WL believe it or not even though the balcony itself was smaller. I'd stay there again, I think our biggest issue was the bedding, it just paled in comparison to the comfort of the YC bedding. Plus the YC room was quite a bit larger (as it should be for the cost jump!) But, at the end of the day at our kids ages and for us...the ability to walk to Epcot just beats out the boat to the MK. If you had younger kids, I don't know which would win!

Did you book your crusie through Disney directly? Or did you use a travel agent?

I used my TA. Which is kind of funny after my whining about her but the best way to get OBC is through a TA and I was able to do a little shopping around for the deals that were out there and she matched that as best she could so I ended up with 3 OBC's, one via Disney Direct for $25, one by using our Disney Visa for $50 and then she's matching the Dreams Unlimited OBC offer, which for our class was $200, so $275 total. I could have gotten slightly more if I booked through magic for less but feel much better about using someone I know who responds quickly. The big ones (DU and MFL) take a good 2 days to respond and that doesn't work for me.

So, souvie money is covered! All I could have gotten on my own by booking direct (sans a PIN which is unlikely for that time and location) was $75.

Disney does do some great off season offers, kids cruise free is the best, but of course it doesn't work with our timeline. And, as I understand it, if you do basically a bounceback and book another one while onboard, those incentives are really nice, 10% off and I think a $200 OBC plus only 10% down instead of 20%.

Okay, somehow, I missed the YC check in update! Now that I've gone back, I am understanding the conversation much better!!

It is a beautiful room! Very classy that YC! You lucked out with an awesome CM there!

How exciting for the Alaska cruise too! It's on my bucket list! Don't know when, but we will do it. We want the girls to set foot in all 50 states, so that's the best way to get Alaska in my mind! We have most of the western have of the US to go yet. It helps that we drive to FL a lot, so we can get the eastern half done on road trips!

Anyway, back to business. WHAT HAPPENED??? Did you make all your scheduled appearances or not???? I'm betting on you did!

We DID luck out on the room and check in and it helped in ways we couldn't have possibly known at the time. Ridiculously complicated and stressful for what should be a basic check in and all self inflicted but blessedly, it worked out!

50 states, that's a great goal, I'd love to do that but I have the reverse issue, most of the southern and some of the eastern.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow - that is one beautiful room (pronounced BE -U - TE - FULL) at that YC. Love it! Great view and connecting rooms. How did you mention to pull yourself away?????

and amazingly peaceful without all the kids in it

I forgot all about Ranger Joe, but I remembered when you started this TR I laughed because I figured it would take you until Xmas to get to the Ranger Joe part. I see my estimate was slightly askew.

HEY! I'm only a month off.... And given that I was pretty MIA for most of December...right on time.

I HAVE to know - DID you make it back in time for the tour??????? (ah heck - I know you're not going to tell me, but I have to ask)

now now...you'll just have to wait along with everyone else BUT I hope to do an update this weekend.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

My goodness what a busy morning you had! Hope you were able to fit everything in. I couldn't have accomplished half of it.

Yacht Club sure is pretty. As is Beach Club. BCV, in my opinion, does not live up to the hotels in terms of furnishings and linens. They have a much older feel, at least to me. But the location and SAB can't be beat!! And same great CMs!

 

[Happydog]

Disney does do some great off season offers, kids cruise free is the best, but of course it doesn't work with our timeline. And, as I understand it, if you do basically a bounceback and book another one while onboard, those incentives are really nice, 10% off and I think a $200 OBC plus only 10% down instead of 20%.

Just popping in to say yes, you are right! We didn't get $200.00 for our OBC, we got $100.00, but it may be based on room cat. that OBC and the Disney visa one you mentioned, yes. And yes, the disc. on the booking made it worth it for us. We booked two cruises last year, the one we are going on next month and the June family trip. They have great rates for Mexico in the fall... I'd really like to do that cruise... a la LOVE boat!! It sounds just like their itinerary!!!

SO since your light is on, I assume you are getting ready for an update??!!!

 

[eandesmom]

My goodness what a busy morning you had! Hope you were able to fit everything in. I couldn't have accomplished half of it.

Yacht Club sure is pretty. As is Beach Club. BCV, in my opinion, does not live up to the hotels in terms of furnishings and linens. They have a much older feel, at least to me. But the location and SAB can't be beat!! And same great CMs!

That's always my fear with DVC, I don't think it's limited to the BC. Have the BCV rooms been redone? I know they just did OKW, which is getting mixed reviews but is part of the reason it's top on my list.

It was a busy morning!

Just popping in to say yes, you are right! We didn't get $200.00 for our OBC, we got $100.00, but it may be based on room cat. that OBC and the Disney visa one you mentioned, yes. And yes, the disc. on the booking made it worth it for us. We booked two cruises last year, the one we are going on next month and the June family trip. They have great rates for Mexico in the fall... I'd really like to do that cruise... a la LOVE boat!! It sounds just like their itinerary!!!

SO since your light is on, I assume you are getting ready for an update??!!!

Could be on room cat, I have no idea since I'm just repeating stuff I read elsewhere. I'm pretty happy wiht the total OBC we ended up with but OH an extra 10% off would have been outstanding!

I'd like to do Mexico as well, VERY love boat ish. Jeff is less sold. If book early enough the presidents week rates aren't horrid and I could see that happening as a on board booking if he sways versus Aulani for that time period.

Off to Costco now and have GOT to finish putting away all the holiday stuff, the Germany trip got me a bit behind in that area but hopefully later today on the update! Or tomorrow. LOL!