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

[suedaisy]

This is my first cruise. Ever. And 14 days is a long time. And everyone is counting on me. And I am counting on you.

I am traveling with nephew (age 6), sister and brother-in-law and sister's in-laws. We get along.. and Papa reminded us that it is a large ship

I am the Disney World vacation planner for the family. I want to make sure that we have a great trip, but I do not know anything about Disneyland and Disney Cruises.

I know that I can count on disboarders for help.

Things that I have learned from the boards that I have already done-
1) Ordered a certificate for nephew
2) Signed up for Fish Extender (just the cabin with my nephew). Working on gifts.
3) Flashlight and watch to be packed as I don't want cell phone charges
4) Passports received
5) Checked in online (we are IGT, so it sounds like we will not get our room numbers until about the first week of December. Is that about right? Do I check the website or will they send me an email?) I think that my brother-in-law may try to upgrade if possible, the rest of us will not. There is a paper that I have printed off at the end of the check-in process. I guess that I am suppose to sign and bring with me?
6) Tried to convince sister and brother-in-law to try out Palo's for a date night. Still trying.
7) Flights booked.
8) Pack pirate costumes. Pack some better clothing (we are not fancy, but we will do our best)

Questions
1) Originally, I thought that ALL of the port excursions listed on the website would be available. We were super disappointed as my brother-in-law had planned on every two tank scuba dive. However, when I checked in online there appears to be only one opportunity for him. I think he is too concerned about being back on time to use a non-Disney contracted agency. So, as I look through the other options. Are there any excursions that are "must-dos"? (We are not dolphin people- I mean, we don't hate dolphins but we don't need to swim with them/see them, etc.) I thought someone had listed which ports are okay for not doing an excursion (ie there are some things to see nearby and it is safe). I am struggling to find any excursions that really peak my interest. Any advice on this would be great. The in-laws indicated that they would not be doing any port excursions.
2) Ground transportation- We are staying at Disneyland's Paradise Pier December 7-9. I think that there is a shuttle available to the LA port? Does anyone know when the shuttle typically leaves the hotel? I am trying to plan our days. On Sunday, December 9th, I think that there might be an extra morning hour for guests at California Adventure. Even though we would only get a few hours at the park it might be worth it- unless the shuttle departs at 10AM or something. What is the estimated cost per person on the shuttle?
3) An adult in our group will always be with my nephew. We will not need any child care. So, is there anything that I should sign him up to do? I understand that each night the Navigator will be delievered and we can plan the next day, but I just want to make sure there is nothing that I need to sign him up for now. In the Oceaneer's Club/Lab/kids areas- adults are permitted to join their kids- right?

Is there anything else that I should be doing or need to arrange? Should I buy the Passporter book for assistance?

Thanks in adavnce for the assistance. I overplan. I figure these boards are my "safe" space.

 

[socababy]

Can't answer all your questions, but answered some below in red!

This is my first cruise. Ever. And 14 days is a long time. And everyone is counting on me. And I am counting on you.

I am traveling with nephew (age 6), sister and brother-in-law and sister's in-laws. We get along.. and Papa reminded us that it is a large ship

I am the Disney World vacation planner for the family. I want to make sure that we have a great trip, but I do not know anything about Disneyland and Disney Cruises.

I know that I can count on disboarders for help.

Things that I have learned from the boards that I have already done-
1) Ordered a certificate for nephew
2) Signed up for Fish Extender (just the cabin with my nephew). Working on gifts.
3) Flashlight and watch to be packed as I don't want cell phone charges
4) Passports received
5) Checked in online (we are IGT, so it sounds like we will not get our room numbers until about the first week of December. Is that about right? Do I check the website or will they send me an email?) I think that my brother-in-law may try to upgrade if possible, the rest of us will not. There is a paper that I have printed off at the end of the check-in process. I guess that I am suppose to sign and bring with me?
Yes bring this paper with you to check in at the port. Are you doing check in for your whole party? If so, print out the check in paper for each cabin.
6) Tried to convince sister and brother-in-law to try out Palo's for a date night. Still trying.
They should definitely try out Palo. I would make a reservation now for them for the second week of the trip. Once on the ship, if they decide during the first week that they don't want to go there, then they can cancel. Same goes for Palo brunch. If you all find that your nephew is fine being the club for a couple hours, you all should go to brunch. You will not regret this decision! If you find that your nephew doesn't want to be left in the club for a couple hours, then you can cancel your reservation. If there are no Palo reservations available right now, there will be some once you get onboard. Just try and book them right when you board.
7) Flights booked.
8) Pack pirate costumes. Pack some better clothing (we are not fancy, but we will do our best)

Questions
1) Originally, I thought that ALL of the port excursions listed on the website would be available. We were super disappointed as my brother-in-law had planned on every two tank scuba dive. However, when I checked in online there appears to be only one opportunity for him. I think he is too concerned about being back on time to use a non-Disney contracted agency. So, as I look through the other options. Are there any excursions that are "must-dos"? (We are not dolphin people- I mean, we don't hate dolphins but we don't need to swim with them/see them, etc.) I thought someone had listed which ports are okay for not doing an excursion (ie there are some things to see nearby and it is safe). I am struggling to find any excursions that really peak my interest. Any advice on this would be great. The in-laws indicated that they would not be doing any port excursions.
2) Ground transportation- We are staying at Disneyland's Paradise Pier December 7-9. I think that there is a shuttle available to the LA port? Does anyone know when the shuttle typically leaves the hotel? I am trying to plan our days. On Sunday, December 9th, I think that there might be an extra morning hour for guests at California Adventure. Even though we would only get a few hours at the park it might be worth it- unless the shuttle departs at 10AM or something. What is the estimated cost per person on the shuttle?
3) An adult in our group will always be with my nephew. We will not need any child care. So, is there anything that I should sign him up to do? I understand that each night the Navigator will be delievered and we can plan the next day, but I just want to make sure there is nothing that I need to sign him up for now. In the Oceaneer's Club/Lab/kids areas- adults are permitted to join their kids- right?
Adults are only allowed to join their kids during Open House times. There are usually a few hours each day that are Open House times in the Club and the Lab.
Is there anything else that I should be doing or need to arrange? Should I buy the Passporter book for assistance?
I don't think you need the Passporter. Just contunue to read this board and you'll have all the info you need.

Thanks in adavnce for the assistance. I overplan. I figure these boards are my "safe" space.

 

[WVURunner]

WVURunner, I woke up in the middle of the night with a sore throat and had a hard time falling back asleep so I decided to not go to Disneyland today. I will definitely be going a few times before we go on this cruise so I will get pics to you soon. I know we are going on election day if not sooner than that.

Not a problem and I completely understand. Hope you fee better soon and get some rest.

Questions
1) Originally, I thought that ALL of the port excursions listed on the website would be available. We were super disappointed as my brother-in-law had planned on every two tank scuba dive. However, when I checked in online there appears to be only one opportunity for him. I think he is too concerned about being back on time to use a non-Disney contracted agency. So, as I look through the other options.

DH and I were also disappointed that only the Costa Maya dive was offered. DH was also concerned about booking a dive not through Disney but we found a great dive shop in Cabo that set up a 1 tank dive for us. It will only be a 2 hour excursion. If your BIL wants more information about it, let me know.

 

[jsails]

Since we have so many newbies here (and since I have so much spare time right now) I thought it might be fun and informative to give out some tips that we have discovered cruising Disney. I'm sure I'll learn some things to. I'll start with a couple.

The coffee table in the cabin raises and lowers. This makes it handy for room service and for kids to color, etc. I didn't learn about this until my second cruise.

Order coffee from room service the night before and it will stay hot in the carafe overnight. In the morning you have your first cup while getting ready for the day.

Judy

 

[suedaisy]

Thanks for the information!

Socababy-
I will work on getting Palo reservations. Thanks for the information about the Open House times.

WVURunner- I will send you a PM. I am not sure if he will be interested, but I would like to let him know about the option!

Keep the advice coming.

 

[suedaisy]

Order coffee from room service the night before and it will stay hot in the carafe overnight. In the morning you have your first cup while getting ready for the day.

Judy

I am new and I will do this!

 

[BethC1952]

Since we have so many newbies here (and since I have so much spare time right now) I thought it might be fun and informative to give out some tips that we have discovered cruising Disney. I'm sure I'll learn some things to. I'll start with a couple.

Judy

The Cove Cafe frequently has goodies available for the taking in the refrigerated case to the side of the bar. Don't forget to check them out!

The Mint Chocolate Latte available at the Cove Cafe makes a great base for some vanilla ice cream from the machine on Deck 9. You end up with a coffee-creme de menthe-vanilla ice cream float. Do NOT have this near dinner time. It's very filling .

Don't sit in the back row at the Buena Vista Theater. The seats are very close to the row ahead and there's no where to put your legs.

Never leave your room without your camera. You never know what will happen, and who you will run into!

Beth

 

[jsails]

The Cove Cafe frequently has goodies available for the taking in the refrigerated case to the side of the bar. Don't forget to check them out!

The Mint Chocolate Latte available at the Cove Cafe makes a great base for some vanilla ice cream from the machine on Deck 9. You end up with a coffee-creme de menthe-vanilla ice cream float. Do NOT have this near dinner time. It's very filling .

Beth

Ohhh, yummy! I said I'd learn things!

One time I took a plate of goodies from the The Cove and thought I needed to be sneaky. They couldn't have cared less. Thanks for letting me know others do this.

Thanks for those tips....

 

[WVURunner]

Order coffee from room service the night before and it will stay hot in the carafe overnight. In the morning you have your first cup while getting ready for the day.

Judy

Or what we like to do is put out the room service door hanger (located in the desk drawer, if you run out, just ask for more) the night before and use the room service as a wake up call. It is much easier for me to wake up and get out of bed knowing I'm getting coffee than if an alarm goes off. We have a light breakfast and coffee while getting ready to run and then when we get back from our run, the coffee is still hot as we are getting ready for our heavy breakfast (breakfast #2).

 

[Cruise]

Okay, I really want to go on this cruise, but I missed the time period when there was Interior Room Guaranty. And now there are no more interior rooms!
As a solo traveler, I have to pay a single supplement, which really burns my ship

So, is it possible/feasable/doable, unheard of, to swap cabins privately?

Here's the plan: I pay for a Oceanview Room Guaranty at the single supplement price. Which is really a double occupancy/two adult price.

Some other couple/family with an Interior room buys me out...
(ie. the difference in price paid originally) and I then take their Interior room. That way they don't have to pay full price for an Oceanview or risk a penalty for cancelling past the Paid in Full Date. They get more room for less.

Any thoughts, offers?

Pam

I'm a solo cruiser and I did actually get the IGT. I just went to the website and put in a solo cruiser to check the rate. The difference between what I paid for the IGT and what the OGT is going for now is .... $279.00

I'd say go ahead and book it and treat yourself to a window for $279.

 

[socababy]

I also like to order coffee the night before with the room service form. I like to order coffee (using my flavored creamer brought from home) and a bowl of mixed fruit. For the Hawaii cruise, I had also brought some cinnamon twists from Trader Joe's. Sitting out on the balcony having coffee, fruit, and twists is the best way to start the day!

I'm curious what the weather will be like on our sea days. Maybe some past PC cruisers can chime in. The sea days were cold on the Hawaii cruise. Since we are heading more south I hope it will be warmer for this cruise. I wished I had brought a robe for the Hawaii cruise for when we sat on the balcony in the morning. We did get more blankets from our room steward to warp around us though.

 

[MaryLou1962]

I benefited from so many great tips as I prepared for my first cruise. One of our favourites is to use Room Service!!!! We put out the breakfast tag every night and enjoy what my family refers to as "first" breakfast on the verandah. And we order the cheese platter most nights to enjoy with a glass of wine while we get ready for dinner.

I also like to bring along some of those plastic pant hangers you get when you buy kids clothes. I use them to hang our swimsuits on the shower curtain rod. This way the suits don't have to be taken down when someone wants to shower. You just slide them to the side.

I have never taken a pop up clothes hamper before but I suspect that it will be invaluable on a longer cruise. And I can't wait to bring flavoured creamer on this trip!

 

[WVURunner]

I started to work on this year's Christmas card as I want them ready to be mailed around Thanksgiving so I can drop them in the mailbox on your way out of town and I sad thought crossed my mind, I won't get everyone's cards till after Christmas!

I love Christmas cards! and I am going to miss checking the mailbox everyday to see what cards came. Christmas is one of the only times we actually get real mail.

I am going to miss them this year

 

[Nat Tucker]

Hi folks! We just booked this cruise tonight! We've always wanted to do this and it's the first time we're cruising without the kids. can't take them out of school for two weeks but i can take off work for two weeks! Looking forward to it. I've asked to join the facebook page and see that this site is pretty active.

This will be our 5th Disney cruise.

Natalie and Melvin

 

[paulcrsb]

I'm curious what the weather will be like on our sea days. Maybe some past PC cruisers can chime in. The sea days were cold on the Hawaii cruise. Since we are heading more south I hope it will be warmer for this cruise.

This will be my 3rd DCL EBPC and the latest that I have done it. We usually go to Cabo this time of year and I think once we get away from LA and close to Cabo most of the trip should be warm. Please don't hold me to this though.

I also wasn't ready for the cool days on the Hawaii cruise. Not that I enjoyed the cruise any less but it certainly was a surprise for me!

 

[socababy]

I have my xmas cards done, I just need to fill out the envelopes. I started xmas shopping this week too! I'm hoping to be done with that before Thanksgiving. I hope to have everything for this cruise done before Thanksgiving since I am hosting Thanksgiving this year and I know I'll be busy that week. I don't know how much extra time I will have after that before we set sail.

I started to work on this year's Christmas card as I want them ready to be mailed around Thanksgiving so I can drop them in the mailbox on your way out of town and I sad thought crossed my mind, I won't get everyone's cards till after Christmas!

I love Christmas cards! and I am going to miss checking the mailbox everyday to see what cards came. Christmas is one of the only times we actually get real mail.

I am going to miss them this year

 

[4everluvDisney]

Hi folks! We just booked this cruise tonight! We've always wanted to do this and it's the first time we're cruising without the kids. can't take them out of school for two weeks but i can take off work for two weeks! Looking forward to it. I've asked to join the facebook page and see that this site is pretty active.

This will be our 5th Disney cruise.

Natalie and Melvin

Welcome Aboard!!
Now that you will be joining us on this cruise, means that you will be GOLD on the Galveston cruise in January that we will also be on....

Audrey and Doug

 

[4everluvDisney]

I have my xmas cards done, I just need to fill out the envelopes. I started xmas shopping this week too! I'm hoping to be done with that before Thanksgiving. I hope to have everything for this cruise done before Thanksgiving since I am hosting Thanksgiving this year and I know I'll be busy that week. I don't know how much extra time I will have after that before we set sail.

My Christmas cards are done, Christmas tree is up, and most gifts are wrapped and ready to be put under the tree but will wait a bit as the grandsons will get very inquisitive. Since we will be spending the American Thanksgiving with family in New Jersey, leaving for San Francisco on Nov. 30th, not getting home till the night of Dec 23rd and having 16 people for dinner Christmas day I have to get everything done before we leave.

 

[WVURunner]

My Christmas cards are done, Christmas tree is up, and most gifts are wrapped and ready to be put under the tree but will wait a bit as the grandsons will get very inquisitive. Since we will be spending the American Thanksgiving with family in New Jersey, leaving for San Francisco on Nov. 30th, not getting home till the night of Dec 23rd and having 16 people for dinner Christmas day I have to get everything done before we leave.

I have my xmas cards done, I just need to fill out the envelopes. I started xmas shopping this week too! I'm hoping to be done with that before Thanksgiving. I hope to have everything for this cruise done before Thanksgiving since I am hosting Thanksgiving this year and I know I'll be busy that week. I don't know how much extra time I will have after that before we set sail.

Wow, you guys put me to shame! And I thought I was on top of things! We aren't doing a tree this year as we will still be in FL. for Christmas but I will need to ship presents. We travel to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving and I am throwing a baby shower on that Saturday after on the east side of PA and then off to my family's Thanksgiving on Saturday night and packing the kids and my sister on Sunday.

 

[disneyrick]

This will be my 3rd DCL EBPC and the latest that I have done it. We usually go to Cabo this time of year and I think once we get away from LA and close to Cabo most of the trip should be warm. Please don't hold me to this though.

I also wasn't ready for the cool days on the Hawaii cruise. Not that I enjoyed the cruise any less but it certainly was a surprise for me!

Would you by chance have the navigator from your last EBPC? Would love to get some ideas of what we could expect for sea days and entertainment.