February 10, 2007 7-Day Western Who's coming?

[yankeegal64]

Scott, I am so sorry to hear that. So you already tried just booking w/o mentioning everything that has happened? What a disappointment all around. I think I would try contacting a travel agent (Sue Ellen from this board is wonderful let me know if you want her email to just see if there is anything she might be able to do or suggest) to watch and see if anyone cancels with an infant. I know it's a long shot but we booked our first DCL one week out. I know the ship it self isn't full because so many are getting upgraded. We took 6 rooms just our group. I feel so bad about going on about getting upgraded and then something this crappy happens to someone else.

 

[yankeegal64]

Yankeegal64

I just checked my reservation again and it says my new stateroom is #8010 but it is still listed category 5 Does your reservation still list the initial category you booked ?

All of ours still say cat 9 but our room numbers have changed. I just think they weren't finished last night. My DD did call to confirm her room because she was a wreak so I know it's right.

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

Great news YankeeGal64! You guys deserve that! I sure wish I knew about this board b4 we booked. We actually booked a cat 4, so an upgrade for us is very unlikely. I still can't complain though - DH and I are self-employed and we "won" a cruise as a sales reward. From all the "advice" I got from friends - the most predominant was "Get the best room you can afford". So I topped up our prize and booked the 4.(the 3 was just waayy too much) A few days on this board and I knew the advice was bust - but oh well. I'll know for next time.

A friend of mine owns a consignment shop. I stopped by to visit her last night and picked some items that will work for the pirate night. She was showing me all the new spring stuff sh'es getting. Beautiful designer stuff! Too bad it's all a size 4.

oh well.

As for Palo - what night would be best.. with all the ports/parties etc. ?? I'm going to try to book as soon as we board. I thought it would be good to have a list of dates in my head.

 

[yankeegal64]

Well...it's been an interesting about two weeks with our family trip to see my sister perform on the Magic. The family trip will now just be my mother and I. See, my sister is able to get a Cast Member rate on the ship for family. You have to submit all the information then they approve you closer to sailing time. Well...right after Christmas we get the news that they are not approving one of the rooms because my neice is on one year old and they will not accept any more infants. The guy in Guest Services on the ship tells us to hang on a bit he was sending messages to the powers that be...etc...

They come back and say no way will they allow anyone on the employee discount to have an infant...AND...the only sailings they will allow one are all on the Wonder throughout her contract. So, my sister is in tears because they will not let her neice on board and nobody will make any exceptions (even though we said we would not use any of the babysitting...whatever). So, then we figure we will just look at booking anything on board as a "regular" guest. But, it's so late, they now are not going to allow any more infants on board, even at full price.

I am just frustrated that they would wait SO long to spring this on us. Had they said from the beginning that it would even possibly be a problem we could have looked elsewhere. Now my sister (the mother) and my brother-in-law and neice AND brother-in-laws mother just aren't coming. Nor does it look like Disney will let my neice on throughout the entire time her Aunt is performing on the boat. I realize she is so young she wouldn't remember it. But Ashley (the sister on the ship) REALLY wanted to have a photo of her during a "special" meeting with Cinderella. Oh well...

Thanks for listening to our story. I am still excited about coming aboard...

Scott, don't want to get your hopes up but I was just able to book 2 adults and 1 infant in a cat 11 for $2798. on the DCL website. It let me go all the way to asking for my information after I hit book. You might want to try it and just not mention anything to anyone. I would probably still go with a TA as she might be able to get a better price. Someone might have just gotten frustrated with your sister and just kept saying "no". I sure wouldn't have your sister bring this to anyone's attention, I'd just book it and then link your reservations later. Good Luck!

 

[yankeegal64]

Great news YankeeGal64! You guys deserve that! I sure wish I knew about this board b4 we booked. We actually booked a cat 4, so an upgrade for us is very unlikely. I still can't complain though - DH and I are self-employed and we "won" a cruise as a sales reward. From all the "advice" I got from friends - the most predominant was "Get the best room you can afford". So I topped up our prize and booked the 4.(the 3 was just waayy too much) A few days on this board and I knew the advice was bust - but oh well. I'll know for next time.

A friend of mine owns a consignment shop. I stopped by to visit her last night and picked some items that will work for the pirate night. She was showing me all the new spring stuff sh'es getting. Beautiful designer stuff! Too bad it's all a size 4.

oh well.

As for Palo - what night would be best.. with all the ports/parties etc. ?? I'm going to try to book as soon as we board. I thought it would be good to have a list of dates in my head.

Thanks for the congrats! I've always heard to book the room you will be happiest with. Well, as long as I'm not rowing, I'm happy. I actually heard around 6-7 on the Key West night is the best. Everyone says the sunset is the prettiest in Key West. Find out what time sunset is usually in Key West (sure they have a travel site) and decide from there. I know my DD was trying to book online but it wouldn't let her so she will be one of those people racing for Palo's after she boards the ship. I think most people are going to try to get Valentines Day.

 

[yankeegal64]

Great news YankeeGal64! You guys deserve that! I sure wish I knew about this board b4 we booked. We actually booked a cat 4, so an upgrade for us is very unlikely. I still can't complain though - DH and I are self-employed and we "won" a cruise as a sales reward. From all the "advice" I got from friends - the most predominant was "Get the best room you can afford". So I topped up our prize and booked the 4.(the 3 was just waayy too much) A few days on this board and I knew the advice was bust - but oh well. I'll know for next time.

A friend of mine owns a consignment shop. I stopped by to visit her last night and picked some items that will work for the pirate night. She was showing me all the new spring stuff sh'es getting. Beautiful designer stuff! Too bad it's all a size 4.

oh well.

As for Palo - what night would be best.. with all the ports/parties etc. ?? I'm going to try to book as soon as we board. I thought it would be good to have a list of dates in my head.

What are your doing up so early? I'm on my way to work and I hate this hour.

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

LOL! I thought the same of you when I saw your green light!

It's the only time I can do this undisturbed. I'm a morning person anyway - up at 5;30 or so... a restless mind.

BTW, anyone else been experiencing Disney dreams???? dreaming of booking Palo, packing etc.. I might need a time-out

 

[yankeegal64]

Not about booking but one day I was replacing all my light bulbs with florescent ones and that night I had a dream that I was replacing all the bulbs in my house with ones shaped like Mickey hands. Funny and yet creepy at the same time!

 

[yankeegal64]

oh and that one dream about Captain Kirk being at the wheel of the ship and all the CMs being Hobbits

 

[joksten2000]

Hoping we got an upgrade but no luck, my DW reminded me it would be very hard to upgrade us since they'd have to do it on both cruises. Sommeone had a thread about how great they thought it would be to stay on board for a B2B. Besides being on for two weeks there are no pluses to being on the Magic between cruises, everything is shut down and the pools are empty.

 

[hinsok1]

Here is the link:
http://monorailgreen.info/cruise/horn.wav
Let me know if it doesn't work. I get some strange looks at work when it goes off.

Thanks for the link . . . a friend also sent me the following link . . . to another Disboard - - imagine that . . . ! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=969472 It has the horns and a screen saver with the away song and a few other songs . . . It is great! It has been a great addition to my work computer!!

DH has started looking for a pirate outfit . . . not sure if he just wants to wear a tshirt or get all dressed up . . . for those of you who will dress up, will you go to dinner dressed up? or will you grab something in town, skip dinner and just hit the Pirate party?

 

[hinsok1]

I had to add this other link:http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ref_=amb_link_4206612_1&docId=1000041011&plgroup=3
My friend found pirate costumes for her adult sons for $14.99. She didn't want to spend alot because she knows they will only wear them the one night.

Great link . . . .just bought the $15.99 pirate costume for DS . . . also found one for DH and DD . . . This is better than what I could make something for . . . I'll just wing it on my costume . . .

No luck on the upgrade route for our group . . . . I'll keep checking . . .

Did someone say that Palo's is good on the night we are in Key West? That is when we have reservations for . . . I was a little bummed because I didn't want to miss the first three nights in rotation, but this was the only night I could get way back when I made them . . .


Scott - sorry about your niece. . . keep you fingers crossed, you never know what will happen . . .

 

[YenSid1222]

Well...after much searching...family discussions (that's what we will call it anyway)...and instant messages from one sister in tears sitting with her laptop in one of those lovely grey crew hallways on the ship...plans changed about 8 dozen times. This afternoon my sister here finally decided that her and my brother-in-law would be ok leaving my neice behind with her grandmother (who, come to find out, only really wanted to come on board because she has always wanted to go to Grand Cayman....go figure...so after my brother in law promised a week at an all-inclusive resort there next year...she is fine with not coming) SO...my sister (Amy) and brother in law (Stephen AKA Buck) are coming after all. Of course, now we have to wait until tomorrow at the earliest to make sure that Disney did indeed save the cabin they were getting without the baby.

Now, I need everyone to send positive thoughts toward the powers that be on the Magic!!! As long as they are still good tomorrow, we are GOOD!!

Whew...

I am going to need a vacation from my vacation.

Of course, Amy made this decision at 6pm tonight. No, we couldn't have decided while they were still in port in St. Thomas where we have cell service with Ashley. NOOooooooo. We have to wait. And it gets better...the last thing I talked to Ashley about today was working on our Palo ressies and also she has to fill out special paperwork so that on the nights she is not performing she can come dine with us. She was turning in the paperwork tonight....immediately my mother and I panic realizing that all of that would now have to change. The one thing we have learned about the Disney Cruise Line is that when it comes to and of this cast stuff...change is NOT good! So, I madly begin hunting for a way to call the ship out at sea! I find the number, agree to pay the 6.95 a minute and start the call. I get the ships operator and tell her that it is very important that I speak with Cast Member yadda yadda...blah blah...to which then I get the "is this an emergency" question (OK, tempted to say "If you knew my family..."...refrained) and said it is not an emergency but it is very urgent that we get ahold of her...

Silence...

"Just a moment I will try to reach her"

Whew...

Silence.

More Silence.

Visions of $6.95 a minute floating away.

Yet more silence.

THEN the sound of my sister saying "ummm...hello?"

"This is your brother"

A few moments of dumbfounded how-the-heck-did-you-manage-to-call-my-cabin.

Now, I am madly going over everything that happened this afternoon and telling her NOT to cancel them, HOLD the reservations...

She is saying "wait, wait...what happened???"

With the $6.95 a minute it would have cost us another complete cruise (in a suite I am sure) to explain it all...so I start saying "Get your computer...get online!!! Like NOW!"

Anyway...we square it all away. Now we just need to wait for the crew office to open tomorrow. So, I don't know if I will sleep tonight! We have gotten this far...they just HAVE to say all is well tomorrow! I have changed plans so many times (Hotel at the airport and take the shuttle...no, rent a car....no, take the shuttle....ugh)

This crazy group from Texas will make it on the ship yet!!!!!

 

[hinsok1]

LOL as I read Scott's note about his latest update . . . Ins't it crazy the way we rely on cell and internet connections nowdays! I can not imaging being without computer and cell phone for a whole week! I'm still debating if I will bring my computer on the ship or not . . . As much as I complain sometimes about work . . . it will be very hard not to check in for 8 days!!! and wonderful at the same time . . . Though it is very tempting to bring the computer and try that new IP phone application we are rolling out to everyone . . . I use it at home in telecommuter mode where the call control is over the internet connection, but the actual call goes over a phone line. I have never used it in roadwarrier mode, where everything (control and voice) go over the internet . . . it definately would be better than that $6.95 per min charge . . .

But I don't really want to haul it on the plane . . . decisions, decisions . . .

FYI - this trip is doing a number on my sleep pattern . . .! DH and I are spending so much time on-line after the kids go to bed that is is getting later and later each night . . . To much to research and read up on . . . But isn't it fun!!!! Mornings are getting harder and harder . . .

 

[Ocean Breeze]

Now, I need everyone to send positive thoughts toward the powers that be on the Magic!!! As long as they are still good tomorrow, we are GOOD!!

Whew...

I am going to need a vacation from my vacation.


This crazy group from Texas will make it on the ship yet!!!!!

YenSid you are TOOO funny!

Here's sending lots of positive thoughts your way

If this much has happened before your vacation, what could possibly go wrong on it??!!?!?!?!?!

Seriously, good luck--here's hoping it all works out for you and your family.

 

[yankeegal64]

We just added 3 to our group so here is the updated list:
Canada
4DuncansFromCanada(Ottawa): Jenn(36), Dave(37), Craig (7), Neil (5) Rm 8524
Ocean Breeze(Ontario): Deb, John, Conor(11) Rm 7034
Mary(70) Rm 7035
MinnieAnnQC(Blainville): Ann (40), Franco (43), Anthony (11), Alexia (8) Rm 8010
California
Deebs()Deb(36), Steve(40), Rachel(5), Ben(3) Rm
w/Ocean Breeze(Westlake Village):Mary(70) Rm
Demswalsh(Corona): Self, DH, DS(11), DD(8) Rm

Delaware
MagicalVacation: Self(37),DH(36), DS(6), DD(3), DMIL Rm

Florida
MatCM81(Orlando) CM WDW Maryanne(23) Rm
w/Yankeegal64(Bartow): Karrie(32) Rm

Maryland
PoohBearNTigger2(Baltimore): Danielle, Gene, Sierra (11), Michael (5) Rm 6060

Massachusetts
Mags’Mom(Boston): Self, DH, DD(3) Rm

Michigan[/
w/Yankeegal64(Newport) Ricky(41), Rhonda(36) Rm 5632
(Woodhaven) Donna(52) Rm 5634
SpartanGGirl(Northville): Stacey, John, Alec(6) Rm 2124
(Grand Blanc): Bev, Bill Rm 2122
Mr. Moose51: Self(55), DW Rm:


Minneapolis
Hinsoki1(Andover): Kim (40), Brad (42), Kathryn (10), Matthew (6) RM 6570
New Jersey
Joksten2000(Paulsboro): John(62), Mary(63) Rm 7521

New York
w/Yankeegal64(Hampton Bays): Delores(60), Ray Sr.(62) Rm 2090

North Carolina
YankeeGal64(Erwin): Sheryl(42) Rm 5634
(Sanford): Lori(43), Ray(40), Nick(11) Rm: 5640
(Sanford): Chris(24), Jeremy(21), Jen(23) Rm 5636
(Erwin): Elizabeth(23), (Fayetteville): Mike Rm 5642

Ohio
w/MatCM81(Toledo)M Rm

Pennsylvania
PrincessPat209(Honesdale): Self Rm

Rhode Island
JayV1(Cumberland):Self, DW, Riley (4) Rm

Texas
YenSid1222(Arlington): Scott(34), Diane(55) Rm
Amy(30), Stephen aka Buck(34)
CM Twice Charmed Ashley(22) Rm:2206

Wisconsin
w/Hinsok1(Milwaukee):Bob (72), Charlotte (73) RM 6568

 

[yankeegal64]

Well...after much searching...family discussions (that's what we will call it anyway)...and instant messages from one sister in tears sitting with her laptop in one of those lovely grey crew hallways on the ship...plans changed about 8 dozen times. This afternoon my sister here finally decided that her and my brother-in-law would be ok leaving my neice behind with her grandmother (who, come to find out, only really wanted to come on board because she has always wanted to go to Grand Cayman....go figure...so after my brother in law promised a week at an all-inclusive resort there next year...she is fine with not coming) SO...my sister (Amy) and brother in law (Stephen AKA Buck) are coming after all. Of course, now we have to wait until tomorrow at the earliest to make sure that Disney did indeed save the cabin they were getting without the baby.

Now, I need everyone to send positive thoughts toward the powers that be on the Magic!!! As long as they are still good tomorrow, we are GOOD!!

Whew...

I am going to need a vacation from my vacation.

Of course, Amy made this decision at 6pm tonight. No, we couldn't have decided while they were still in port in St. Thomas where we have cell service with Ashley. NOOooooooo. We have to wait. And it gets better...the last thing I talked to Ashley about today was working on our Palo ressies and also she has to fill out special paperwork so that on the nights she is not performing she can come dine with us. She was turning in the paperwork tonight....immediately my mother and I panic realizing that all of that would now have to change. The one thing we have learned about the Disney Cruise Line is that when it comes to and of this cast stuff...change is NOT good! So, I madly begin hunting for a way to call the ship out at sea! I find the number, agree to pay the 6.95 a minute and start the call. I get the ships operator and tell her that it is very important that I speak with Cast Member yadda yadda...blah blah...to which then I get the "is this an emergency" question (OK, tempted to say "If you knew my family..."...refrained) and said it is not an emergency but it is very urgent that we get ahold of her...

Silence...

"Just a moment I will try to reach her"

Whew...

Silence.

More Silence.

Visions of $6.95 a minute floating away.

Yet more silence.

THEN the sound of my sister saying "ummm...hello?"

"This is your brother"

A few moments of dumbfounded how-the-heck-did-you-manage-to-call-my-cabin.

Now, I am madly going over everything that happened this afternoon and telling her NOT to cancel them, HOLD the reservations...

She is saying "wait, wait...what happened???"

With the $6.95 a minute it would have cost us another complete cruise (in a suite I am sure) to explain it all...so I start saying "Get your computer...get online!!! Like NOW!"

Anyway...we square it all away. Now we just need to wait for the crew office to open tomorrow. So, I don't know if I will sleep tonight! We have gotten this far...they just HAVE to say all is well tomorrow! I have changed plans so many times (Hotel at the airport and take the shuttle...no, rent a car....no, take the shuttle....ugh)

This crazy group from Texas will make it on the ship yet!!!!!

I am so sorry your niece can't come but I'm very happy for you that the rest of the family will get to go. We were totally stressed last night because we were so happy we had gotten upgraded that we hadn't thought that we still needed to book 3 more people who were waiting to make sure they could go. We had already gotten a price to add them and were scared to death that the price was going to change now that we were in a higher cat. My TA got with us at 10:00 last night and said she was going to be able to add them for the same price. I must of checked my email 45 times yesterday! I just can't imagine the stress you and your family have been going through. Not to worry the best Blue Margarittas will be in rm 5634 everyone!

 

[YenSid1222]

YenSid you are TOOO funny!

Here's sending lots of positive thoughts your way

If this much has happened before your vacation, what could possibly go wrong on it??!!?!?!?!?!

Seriously, good luck--here's hoping it all works out for you and your family.

I talked to little sis online last night and told her to email me at work IMMEDIATELY upon hearing the final verdict. Now, I keep clicking that little Outlook box that comes up in the corner of my screen when new email arrives. As you can imagine, I am getting ALOT of work accomplished today!

But on a happier subject...

I am going to Disneyland tomorrow!! Woohooo...gonna try out "Rockin Space Mountain" during its short run. Gives me another quick Disney fix.

 

[yankeegal64]

Oh course I don't want to think about bad weather but just in case we have bad weather when we are suppose to have the DIS meet let's arrange a back-up plan. Everyone agree to the atrium near the Captain Mickey after the lifeboat drill if the weather is bad? I've seen some nice DIS meet pictures taken there so I thought we could use it if the weather is bad. Anyone second that idea?

 

[yankeegal64]

Yea! My countdown says days instead of months! Anyone that has first dining and would like to link their dining with ours are more than welcome. If you're nervous about sitting with strangers, we are strange but a very fun and entertaining group. Definitely never a dull moment. We just added a 32 yr old, 21 yr old, and a 23 yr old. So now we range from 11 to 52!