EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[skoi]

I'm hoping and sending pixie dust to all the parents dealing with school issues.

We've homeschooled since oldest dd was in Kindergarten. When people ask me why (because we're not extremely religious or into an extremely attachment/liberal type of parenting) I tell them it's so we can travel in the off season to Disney and on cruises. They look at me like I have two heads. And really, that's part of it, and the fact that our local schools are horrible and we have to live in the city due to dh's job. We don't, however, count most of Disney vacation time as school, unless it's really educational-- like museum or natural history things on cruises, and when the kids are young, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. Oldest ds was studying Arabic for a while, so I made him hang out at Morocco in EPCOT and talk to the cms there in Arabic. We had a lot of "my name is", "I'm from", "how are you" but he got to talk. But of course, we had already been to real Morocco (visited with a friend's family and volunteered at the children's hospital in Rabat- where he learned how to say, "stop it", "don't be bad", and "enough"), so I probably shouldn't have counted that hour as school.

 

[abbyar]

I canceled our 11B and went with the IGT. If they do a Kids Free it would have been another ~$600 in savings, but this is a great deal. Including taxes it breaks down to $81/night/person, which is an awesome deal! This no longer has the sick to my stomach $6K number to it, which means I can upgrade to a nice hotel in downtown L.A. the weekend we sail. Sweet!

 

[abbyar]

As for school, dd will be in K this fall, ds in Pre-school - not sure if Daycare or Public yet. Depends on some home stuff (when will my mom retire, how much can she handle). At this point I'm pulling them out come hell or high water. What I am trying to figure out is if I can pull DS for the 1st week of December, and then not pay any December tuition at Daycare, if we put him there. It would save us $1200, which would be more fun to spend on board than on 1 week of daycare.

 

[lbrown62]

Hi all,
We just booked this cruise today and will be joining you all. We don't have assignment on the room, since we went with the IGT rooms.

We will be wanting 2 of the Panama certificates . One for me and one for my husband. Please let us know what info you will need from us when time comes to order.

We're so excited. We think that this will be a great cruise.

Linda

 

[DVCinderella]

A few weeks ago, I had booked our return flight from MIA to EWR on United/Continental. They had a 1:15pm flight for $125pp, which I thought was a great price considering it was 2 days before Christmas. I checked back a week or so later and the price had jumped to $290. I thought, "Great! I hit the low!" I happened to check again today, and I could not find the 1:15pm flight at all!

I logged onto United's site to check my booking, and sure enough an alert message pops up that my flight has been changed to 10:45am. I don't want to be rushed or nervous that morning, and I am not going to kill myself trying to make such an early flight. The only other option is a 4:50pm flight.

I called United and waited 20min before getting a live person. I explained the situation, and was prepared for some pushback. They tried to move me to the 4:50pm flight, and I told them that was too late. I asked for a refund, and they granted it. Had they said there was going to be a cancellation fee, I would've begrudgingly taken the 4:50pm flight.

I just wanted to point out that my flight time was not changed. There was a 10:45am flight when I booked my 1:15pm. The 1:15pm flight was cancelled, and those passengers were moved to the 10:45am. I can't understand why United would be cancelling a flight over 8 months out, and especially one that is 2 days before Christmas?! I can't imagine it wouldn't sell out.

Anyway, back to the drawing board...

Some of you have mentioned flying out of Ft Lauderdale. How do you plan to get there? Rental car or shuttle service?

 

[abbyar]

We aren't flying out of FLL this trip, but I've used shuttles before and it was fine. It's about 90 minutes, but will be faster on Sunday.

 

[dthogue]

Hi all,
We just booked this cruise today and will be joining you all. We don't have assignment on the room, since we went with the IGT rooms.

We will be wanting 2 of the Panama certificates . One for me and one for my husband. Please let us know what info you will need from us when time comes to order.

We're so excited. We think that this will be a great cruise.

Linda

Welcome Linda - good luck with the IGT room - I was thinking about cancelling our current reservation and rebooking - still might - it would save us about $700.00, we are currently in an 11b and like my room location, so I'm not sure what to do

A few weeks ago, I had booked our return flight from MIA to EWR on United/Continental. They had a 1:15pm flight for $125pp, which I thought was a great price considering it was 2 days before Christmas. I checked back a week or so later and the price had jumped to $290. I thought, "Great! I hit the low!" I happened to check again today, and I could not find the 1:15pm flight at all!

I logged onto United's site to check my booking, and sure enough an alert message pops up that my flight has been changed to 10:45am. I don't want to be rushed or nervous that morning, and I am not going to kill myself trying to make such an early flight. The only other option is a 4:50pm flight.

I called United and waited 20min before getting a live person. I explained the situation, and was prepared for some pushback. They tried to move me to the 4:50pm flight, and I told them that was too late. I asked for a refund, and they granted it. Had they said there was going to be a cancellation fee, I would've begrudgingly taken the 4:50pm flight.

I just wanted to point out that my flight time was not changed. There was a 10:45am flight when I booked my 1:15pm. The 1:15pm flight was cancelled, and those passengers were moved to the 10:45am. I can't understand why United would be cancelling a flight over 8 months out, and especially one that is 2 days before Christmas?! I can't imagine it wouldn't sell out.

Anyway, back to the drawing board...

Some of you have mentioned flying out of Ft Lauderdale. How do you plan to get there? Rental car or shuttle service?

That stinks they cancelled your flight - glad to hear they refunded your money, that was great of them.

We are fllying out of FLL - right now I have a rental car reserved, but I'm not sure if its worth the hassle for the little time we have - our flight leaves at 3:00. We might just take a shuttle and spend the time at the airport.

 

[socababy]

Your post made me look to see if my flight still exists. I had a nonstop flight from MIami to LA at 1:15 on AA and I now I can't find that flight! My FIL booked my flights so I'll call him today to see what is up!

A few weeks ago, I had booked our return flight from MIA to EWR on United/Continental. They had a 1:15pm flight for $125pp, which I thought was a great price considering it was 2 days before Christmas. I checked back a week or so later and the price had jumped to $290. I thought, "Great! I hit the low!" I happened to check again today, and I could not find the 1:15pm flight at all!

I logged onto United's site to check my booking, and sure enough an alert message pops up that my flight has been changed to 10:45am. I don't want to be rushed or nervous that morning, and I am not going to kill myself trying to make such an early flight. The only other option is a 4:50pm flight.

I called United and waited 20min before getting a live person. I explained the situation, and was prepared for some pushback. They tried to move me to the 4:50pm flight, and I told them that was too late. I asked for a refund, and they granted it. Had they said there was going to be a cancellation fee, I would've begrudgingly taken the 4:50pm flight.

I just wanted to point out that my flight time was not changed. There was a 10:45am flight when I booked my 1:15pm. The 1:15pm flight was cancelled, and those passengers were moved to the 10:45am. I can't understand why United would be cancelling a flight over 8 months out, and especially one that is 2 days before Christmas?! I can't imagine it wouldn't sell out.

Anyway, back to the drawing board...

Some of you have mentioned flying out of Ft Lauderdale. How do you plan to get there? Rental car or shuttle service?

 

[CJGRDMS]

Hello,
My Hubby and I just signed up for a super low IGT fare for the December Panama Canal cruise.
We live close to the LA Port and got a good price for airfare back to LAX on Sunday Dec. 23 pm from Fort Lauderdale, less than half of what it would cost flying back from Miami to LAX !
We are excited too because we will be at the Mayan Ruins in port on 12/21/12 !!!!

 

[JessicasMom]

Hi Everyone!

We've finally committed to joining you all on this trip, but we're waiting to see if OGT or VGT rates come out before we actually book. This will be our third DCL cruise (several others on other lines, though); we also did the 2010 EBTA and the 2011 WBTA. LOVE those sea days! We're actually waiting to book a 2013 WBTA, but Disney seems to be dragging their feet, so here we are. I seriously considered another TA on RCI this fall, but the anticipation of a Disney almost-Christmas with the characters is just too appealing.

We are Pat (me), DH Larry, my DM ("Grandma" Pat), niece Anna, and DD Jess (all adults). DH and I live in PA, DM and DN live in TN, and Jess lives in TX...it's always fun trying to coordinate flights, etc. I made the mistake of introducing my mother and Anna to cruising with a Jan 2011 RCI 7-day WC; they insisted on doing the WBTA in the fall and won't let us cruise without them anymore !

I haven't read this entire thread, but I will this weekend. I don't know if anyone is planning FE's or Secret Mickey's or a candy exchange (or any other type), but there is plenty of time for that (if anyone else is interested). Now, I get to start looking at airfare/hotels/etc. Woo Hoo!

 

[elderfam]

We just couldnt pass up the $980 deal and booked today! We did the WBPC in 2008 and it was one of the trips we really wanted to do again. I love the longer trips and this will be our Christmas gift to ourselves! My DH J.T., DS jonathan (5) and baby to be named later! We are adopting a little boy and picking him up this weekend! So funny that Jonathans first DC was the last panama canal when he was 9 mos old...our new little man will be about 9 mos old for this cruise as well.

I would be glad to pitch in and help. In the past, I have done the lanyard, book exchange, and progams/disboard events and fish exchange info.


Let me know how I can help!

Cynthia

 

[dthogue]

Hello,
My Hubby and I just signed up for a super low IGT fare for the December Panama Canal cruise.
We live close to the LA Port and got a good price for airfare back to LAX on Sunday Dec. 23 pm from Fort Lauderdale, less than half of what it would cost flying back from Miami to LAX !
We are excited too because we will be at the Mayan Ruins in port on 12/21/12 !!!!

Welcome -How lucky you are to live so close to the port. There is a group excursion being planned to the Ruins - hope you can join us!

Hi Everyone!

We've finally committed to joining you all on this trip, but we're waiting to see if OGT or VGT rates come out before we actually book. This will be our third DCL cruise (several others on other lines, though); we also did the 2010 EBTA and the 2011 WBTA. LOVE those sea days! We're actually waiting to book a 2013 WBTA, but Disney seems to be dragging their feet, so here we are. I seriously considered another TA on RCI this fall, but the anticipation of a Disney almost-Christmas with the characters is just too appealing.

We are Pat (me), DH Larry, my DM ("Grandma" Pat), niece Anna, and DD Jess (all adults). DH and I live in PA, DM and DN live in TN, and Jess lives in TX...it's always fun trying to coordinate flights, etc. I made the mistake of introducing my mother and Anna to cruising with a Jan 2011 RCI 7-day WC; they insisted on doing the WBTA in the fall and won't let us cruise without them anymore !

I haven't read this entire thread, but I will this weekend. I don't know if anyone is planning FE's or Secret Mickey's or a candy exchange (or any other type), but there is plenty of time for that (if anyone else is interested). Now, I get to start looking at airfare/hotels/etc. Woo Hoo!

Welcome Pat and crew! We are in PA too - flying out of PHL for this trip - how about you?

We just couldnt pass up the $980 deal and booked today! We did the WBPC in 2008 and it was one of the trips we really wanted to do again. I love the longer trips and this will be our Christmas gift to ourselves! My DH J.T., DS jonathan (5) and baby to be named later! We are adopting a little boy and picking him up this weekend! So funny that Jonathans first DC was the last panama canal when he was 9 mos old...our new little man will be about 9 mos old for this cruise as well.

I would be glad to pitch in and help. In the past, I have done the lanyard, book exchange, and progams/disboard events and fish exchange info.


Let me know how I can help!

Cynthia

Cynthia - congrats and good luck with the adoption - what an exciting time for you!



Welcome to our new cruisers - glad to see so many new faces - looks like the new offer is working - those are great rates

 

[JessicasMom]

Welcome Pat and crew! We are in PA too - flying out of PHL for this trip - how about you?

We'll primarily consider PHL or EWR (pretty equidistant; we actually prefer Newark...but price rules!).

For the last WBTA, my mother/niece flew up several days early out of Nashville, then DD flew up from Austin. It was great, because we all just flew out of EWR to BCN on the same flight. This time, I really have to do my research. Jess can travel by herself anywhere, anytime, and handle anything but my mother and niece (adult with special needs) require assistance, so they may just come north first then fly out with us.

I had to work today, but I'll be spending time online tonight playing with the airlines . Now, DCL, just give me a VGT rate!

 

[BethC1952]

We'll primarily consider PHL or EWR (pretty equidistant; we actually prefer Newark...but price rules!).

For the last WBTA, my mother/niece flew up several days early out of Nashville, then DD flew up from Austin. It was great, because we all just flew out of EWR to BCN on the same flight. This time, I really have to do my research. Jess can travel by herself anywhere, anytime, and handle anything but my mother and niece (adult with special needs) require assistance, so they may just come north first then fly out with us.

I had to work today, but I'll be spending time online tonight playing with the airlines . Now, DCL, just give me a VGT rate!

Hi, Jessica'sMom! We usually prefer EWR too, and it's a bit closer, but we couldn't passs up a great price from PHL on the morning before the cruise. We haven't decided where to stay once we get to LA, but will make that decision by the end of the week.

Where in northeastern PA do you live? We lived in Bucks County for a while many years ago.

Beth

 

[JessicasMom]

Hi, Jessica'sMom! We usually prefer EWR too, and it's a bit closer, but we couldn't passs up a great price from PHL on the morning before the cruise. We haven't decided where to stay once we get to LA, but will make that decision by the end of the week.

Where in northeastern PA do you live? We lived in Bucks County for a while many years ago.

Beth

Bucks County is , but we're in the Poconos, not that far from Scranton.

I was checking on airfare...definitely flying out of PHL for the best deal. Still trying to coordinate the three different routes. Some of the fares are crazy, with the flight home the most difficult to get a good deal on. Southwest doesn't even have rates posted for December yet. I do know we'll be arriving in LA on the 7th.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!

 

[dthogue]

We'll primarily consider PHL or EWR (pretty equidistant; we actually prefer Newark...but price rules!).

For the last WBTA, my mother/niece flew up several days early out of Nashville, then DD flew up from Austin. It was great, because we all just flew out of EWR to BCN on the same flight. This time, I really have to do my research. Jess can travel by herself anywhere, anytime, and handle anything but my mother and niece (adult with special needs) require assistance, so they may just come north first then fly out with us.

I had to work today, but I'll be spending time online tonight playing with the airlines . Now, DCL, just give me a VGT rate!

If you decide on PHL check the United flight that leaves around 8am - its non stop and the fares weren't too bad, although they have gone up since we purchased our tickets. We will be flying home on Southwest as well, just waiting patiently for them to open up December dates.

Good luck coordinating all your flights - must be a challenge

 

[dthogue]

​

HAPPY EASTER


I hope everyone has a great day!

I decided to make journal for our trip. I want to document everything we do, so I can remember the details when I get home and do my scrapbook. With 15 days of activities and food, I will neve rbe able to remember everything. I found journal pages here on the DIS and have made a few of my own using their designs. I haven't decided if I want to do it binder style or if I want to have it bound - guess I have time to decide - it is so much fun making things for the cruise - helps past the time.

I ordered laminating luggage tags from Amazon last week and they were delivered yesterday. I have been working on designing special cruise themed luggage tags for all our bags.

 

[BethC1952]

If you decide on PHL check the United flight that leaves around 8am - its non stop and the fares weren't too bad, although they have gone up since we purchased our tickets. We will be flying home on Southwest as well, just waiting patiently for them to open up December dates.

Good luck coordinating all your flights - must be a challenge

And you wouldn't be the only DIS'ers on that flight !

 

[skoi]

We decided not to cancel and rebook the lower rate. Dh is feeling uncomfortable with the inability to make changes/cancel, and the entire price due at time of booking. Maybe if it's still available closer to the date (probably won't be) we'll book it.

Any plans for a meet up the first day on board?

 

[skoi]

And Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate. Our Easter is next week, so just had Palm Sunday today.