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

[JessicasMom]

Well, I bit the bullet and bought passes for our day at DL . I figure any money saved is a good thing , and if the trip falls through for whatever reason, we'll just have to do a week in LA, instead !

 

[LindaBabe]

. . . YES! I'm amazed at some of the ideas people have on the FE threads, but smaller is definitely better! Funny, I've thought about the beverage carrier (from McD's or any other) for ourselves, but never as a gift. Hmmmm.

This was a flat rectanggle about 6x8 when folded, that "popped up" to make a box with 2 inch sides. I dunno where you'd get it, but it wasn't home made.

Well, I bit the bullet and bought passes for our day at DL . I figure any money saved is a good thing , and if the trip falls through for whatever reason, we'll just have to do a week in LA, instead !

You could do worse than a week in LA! There's the LaBrea tar pits, Farmers market, observatory, knott's berry farm, the Getty, Universal Studios and the beach, besides Disneyland and California Adventure. A short drive away, there's sea world in SanDiego and the fabulous San Diego Zoo.

 

[dthogue]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Still unpacking, so I haven't had time to read the pages I've missed. Forgive me if this has been asked before.

Anyone flying out of Ft. Lauderdale? My TA has recommended a shuttle service, but they want more than one person in their vans - looking to share with someone. It appears to be significantly less expensive than Disney transfers, which I don't even know if they go to FLL. http://www.ridesas.com/html/rates.html

Also, if you are flying into LA the day before, where are you staying? I know the group at the Double tree had a good experience last year, and that's what I'm currently thinking. (For one night, it's not really worth the double car fare for me to go to DL)

Happy Day, ALL!

We will be flying out of FLL - and I do believe there are others as well. Maybe we could arrange a group shuttle. I'm waiting for SW to open their December dates, and then we have a better idea of when our flight home will be.

 

[dededisney]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Still unpacking, so I haven't had time to read the pages I've missed. Forgive me if this has been asked before.

Anyone flying out of Ft. Lauderdale? My TA has recommended a shuttle service, but they want more than one person in their vans - looking to share with someone. It appears to be significantly less expensive than Disney transfers, which I don't even know if they go to FLL. http://www.ridesas.com/html/rates.html

Also, if you are flying into LA the day before, where are you staying? I know the group at the Double tree had a good experience last year, and that's what I'm currently thinking. (For one night, it's not really worth the double car fare for me to go to DL)

Happy Day, ALL!

We are flying out of Ft. Lauderdale as well and are planning on getting a shuttle as well, so would be happy to share a van. Right now our flight leaves at 12:50pm, but I am hoping to get on an earlier flight (if it is open). So we would be wanting to leave I would think by 9 or 9:30??? Did your TA say which shuttle company she recommends? I have been looking at trip advisor, but you just never know if they are good or not. BTW, there are 2 of us who would be on the shuttle!

Can't help about the pre-cruise stay, unfortunately. We'll be staying with friends, so don't have to worry about that. It sounds like the Doubletree would be fine for the night, though. I don't blame you about the double car fare!

 

[LindaBabe]

We are flying out of Ft. Lauderdale as well and are planning on getting a shuttle as well, so would be happy to share a van. Right now our flight leaves at 12:50pm, but I am hoping to get on an earlier flight (if it is open). So we would be wanting to leave I would think by 9 or 9:30??? Did your TA say which shuttle company she recommends?

Yes, the one I posted the link to. She has used them.

I'd "like" to leave by 9 or 9:30, but I think it will depend on how quickly we manage to get off the ship, which is probably a factor of the port, rather than Disney.

We had early dining therefore early breakfast on the recent Hawaii, in the 3rd color group called, after the people who carried off their own luggage and were at the pickup point around 9:25-9:30. I imagine the 'late seating' diners were considerably later than that.

Also, luggage was not as well organized - well marked areas but stuff wasn't where it was supposed to be - we found our 'minnie' luggage in the 'tinkerbelle' area - same room several rows away, but still, a timewaster.

 

[Chinook]

Thanks. We sailed the Wonder once-- a four night out of PC in 2010. Our server and head server were horrible. I mean- just flat out horrible. The asst server was new (so was the server, but he was rude, and didn't even stay for breakfast the last day- saying he was too tired and going to take a nap and left the assistant server to handle all the tables herself.) The head server apologized for how horrible the service had been the last night, and said he hoped they'd get better, but they were horrible and he knew it.

Now we're in contact with a few servers/head servers off the ship. When I told Igor (mentioned above-- a great server and he was a "fill in" because our first choice Zan was on vacation) he was horrified. "No way-- he said that? Did he lift a tray and help them? Clear a dish?" The answer was "No, he didn't." He was outraged. And as head server Zan is always picking up the slack for his crews we were surprised this guy didn't. Doesn't think twice about serving, refilling an empty drink, bringing an extra dessert he thinks you'll like, or clearing a table.

After our really bad experience on the Wonder (wrong entrees several times and the server being snippy about it), being the last ones in the dining room because the food isn't served I was really surprised dh agreed to the cruise. He said he'd never cruise the Wonder again, but he's a good husband who knows my dream is the PC on Disney.

Now if I can just convince my sister and brother-in-law to come...

This is only my 4th cruise with Disney. Is there anyway to make sure you get a good server/assistant server? I would hate to have bad servers on a 14 night cruise.

 

[LindaBabe]

I'd say your chances of getting a "bad" serving team are fairly low. If you DO, and it bothers you sufficiently, you can request to be changed or eat up at the 'buffet' (which isn't, at night).

In 14 cruises, I've had less than stellar 'assistant' servers 3 times, but never what I would call a "bad" server. Mostly they're willing and capable, but occasionally get overwhelmed. I had one who should have been a server in a 5 star restaurant - he was technically perfect, but absolutely humorless. The less than stellar assistant servers were an annoyance, but certainly not to an extent worth making a fuss over.

My chief annoyance has been room service - the order taker appears to be a non-native english speaker, so sometimes what actually comes is 'creative'. "Please send a pot of hot water, some decaffinated tea bags and a plate of oatmeal cookies" has arrived as everything from a pot of decaf coffee, tea bags, cookies and no cups to hot water, cups and no tea bags, or maybe decaff coffee AND hot water, tea bags (no decaff), cups and 4 plates of cookies. In the 14 night WBPC last year, they never got it right the first time ONCE. It got to be a joke - as we bet what would come tonight. (dh wasn't with me - HE wouldn't have found it amusing)

 

[LindaBabe]

NOT a special event, but if anyone would like, I will undertake to arrange for the private shuttle from Port to Fort Lauderdale on the 23rd. Please pm your flight time and number of people (including ages of kids) to me with SHUTTLE in the subject line.

 

[bugsgrandma]

We are thinking of staying at the Marriott near the LAX airport and wanted to know if anyone knew of good places to eat in walking distance from the Marriott. We don't necessarily want 5 star restaurants, but some with good food and not extravagantly priced.

 

[Cruise]

We are thinking of staying at the Marriott near the LAX airport and wanted to know if anyone knew of good places to eat in walking distance from the Marriott. We don't necessarily want 5 star restaurants, but some with good food and not extravagantly priced.

Hi there

I've been lurking here because I'd love to do this cruise but I haven't been able to pull the trigger on it yet!

But, I lived in LA for the past 6 years (just moved back to the East coast this past autumn) so I thought I'd pop in on this one.

Unfortunately, the area around LAX is mostly hotels and industrial. There are some fast food places further down Century Blvd, but honestly, I wouldn't walk around down there after dark. Don't get me wrong, the airport hotels are perfectly safe and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there or recommend them to my own family.... but as you go further east on Century toward the 405, it gets to be a little grittier.

Now, if you decide to rent a car, I could recommend waaaaay too many places. I really should have cooked at home more often

 

[dededisney]

Yes, the one I posted the link to. She has used them.

I'd "like" to leave by 9 or 9:30, but I think it will depend on how quickly we manage to get off the ship, which is probably a factor of the port, rather than Disney.

We had early dining therefore early breakfast on the recent Hawaii, in the 3rd color group called, after the people who carried off their own luggage and were at the pickup point around 9:25-9:30. I imagine the 'late seating' diners were considerably later than that.

Also, luggage was not as well organized - well marked areas but stuff wasn't where it was supposed to be - we found our 'minnie' luggage in the 'tinkerbelle' area - same room several rows away, but still, a timewaster.

Of course now I see your link! That's the company I was thinking of, but wasn't sure based on Trip Advisor...but glad to hear the T/A has used them before and if we get a full van, I'm sure they will be there to pick us up! I will send you a pm with our info. Thanks!

 

[dededisney]

We are thinking of staying at the Marriott near the LAX airport and wanted to know if anyone knew of good places to eat in walking distance from the Marriott. We don't necessarily want 5 star restaurants, but some with good food and not extravagantly priced.

I use to live in LA, but that was in college, so didn't have a car! So, can't help directly with a restaurant, but what I would suggest is that once you get to the hotel (or give them a call directly beforehand), see what restaurants they recommend that would be close by or a short taxi ride away. I am sure someone there has a good suggestion.

Just wanted to add, I looked up the hotel and they also have some restaurant's on site...a Champions Sports Bar, a steakhouse, and one called Latitude 33. Their menus are all online.

 

[BethC1952]

Hi there

I've been lurking here because I'd love to do this cruise but I haven't been able to pull the trigger on it yet!

But, I lived in LA for the past 6 years (just moved back to the East coast this past autumn) so I thought I'd pop in on this one.

Unfortunately, the area around LAX is mostly hotels and industrial. There are some fast food places further down Century Blvd, but honestly, I wouldn't walk around down there after dark. Don't get me wrong, the airport hotels are perfectly safe and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there or recommend them to my own family.... but as you go further east on Century toward the 405, it gets to be a little grittier.

Now, if you decide to rent a car, I could recommend waaaaay too many places. I really should have cooked at home more often

Hey, Julie...

We'd love to cruise with you again! Jim and I booked this the first day it was available. If you need to be persuaded, I think this group will help!

Beth

 

[pharmjenn]

I am so excited. I have been lurking for a few weeks, hoping we could do this. Got the (supposed) time off approval last week and booked just now. Now to get trip insurance, find flights and update my ticker! It will be me (Jenn), DH Jim and our 4yo DS Billy. My Mom can't figure out why I would want to be on a ship for 14 days, and what my son will do for that entire time.
I would love to do the FE, get the Canal certificate and join in the Costa Maya tour. I will send PM's to the appropriate people.

Oh, and DeDe- we live in Antioch

 

[LindaBabe]

Welcome Aboard, Pharmjen! Come on JULIE, join us!


Bugsgrandma, did you think of shuttling down to stay near port? I use Karmel Shuttle in California, and highly recommend them. The Doubletree at port apparently has nice rooms, and the Hawaii cruisers who stayed there seem to have been pleased with their nearby meals. The hotel has a shuttle to the port.

Off to the gym to try and take off some of the tonnage I picked up on the last cruise.

Happy Day, All!

 

[dededisney]

I am so excited. I have been lurking for a few weeks, hoping we could do this. Got the (supposed) time off approval last week and booked just now. Now to get trip insurance, find flights and update my ticker! It will be me (Jenn), DH Jim and our 4yo DS Billy. My Mom can't figure out why I would want to be on a ship for 14 days, and what my son will do for that entire time.
I would love to do the FE, get the Canal certificate and join in the Costa Maya tour. I will send PM's to the appropriate people.

Oh, and DeDe- we live in Antioch

Small world since we live in Brentwood! This is the first cruise we bought trip insurance for, so that was a new one for us! Do you have your cabin assignment yet? I have been looking at other threads for IGT/VGT room assignments and it looks like we won't get ours until around 12 days before we leave...that is going to be very hard for the planner in me!

 

[bugsgrandma]

Welcome Aboard, Pharmjen! Come on JULIE, join us!


Bugsgrandma, did you think of shuttling down to stay near port? I use Karmel Shuttle in California, and highly recommend them. The Doubletree at port apparently has nice rooms, and the Hawaii cruisers who stayed there seem to have been pleased with their nearby meals. The hotel has a shuttle to the port.

Off to the gym to try and take off some of the tonnage I picked up on the last cruise.

Happy Day, All!

Thanks for the info. we are still trying to decide whether to stay by LAX or by the port closer to the ship to make sure there is no problems with getting there in plenty of time.The shuttle you suggested sounds like a good option. Still waiting on Southwest to see about flights b4 we make more definite plans.

Thanks everyone for the response on the restaurants. That will give us some extra ideas on eating establishments when we get there.

 

[Cruise]

Hey, Julie...

We'd love to cruise with you again! Jim and I booked this the first day it was available. If you need to be persuaded, I think this group will help!

Beth

Hi Beth!

The main thing holding me back right now is that I can't find anyone to agree to go with me! I've never cruised solo before and I'd probably be willing to try it on one of the shorter cruises, but I'm not sure I'd want to do it on a 14 day one. Especially since I'm sure there's a few shore excursions I'd want to drag someone with me on.

I was also wondering if I'd see the VGT on this cruise since I thought it'd be a good way to enjoy the Canal. But the more I read, the more it seems like a lot of people prefer to be on the upper decks going through the Canal anyway so you can go from one side to the other to be able to see the sights on both sides. In which case, the IGT is doable even with the single supplement - but then I'm back to not being sure I'd want to solo 14 days.

I guess I should get on the ball and make a decision sometime in the next couple of weeks

 

[LindaBabe]

Julie, I'm going solo with no fear on this one, after having done about equal numbers of cruises with my spouse and my girlfriends. I'm pretty much a loner, which works quite well with girlfriends, not so much with DH, although we do go our seperate ways some. Perhaps, if you do sign up, we could link dining? I always do main seating, because I'm a lark - early to bed, early to rise.

Besides, with DIS-ers, there's ALWAYS someone to do things with. I know Socababy will also be alone (with her three children) and maybe some others as well.

 

[BethC1952]

Hi Beth!

In which case, the IGT is doable even with the single supplement - but then I'm back to not being sure I'd want to solo 14 days.

I guess I should get on the ball and make a decision sometime in the next couple of weeks

We have an inside room (a sideways on Deck 6), for the reason that you mentioned--we're going to be outside anyway!

And you may be solo, but you won't be alone. It's a good group going, and I'm sure we can "adopt" you when you don't want to be solo!

Beth