From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 2

[orlandothebeagle]

Hi everyone!

Had a very scary event occur in our family this weekend but I can say, thank God, it all turned out well.

My 52 year old brother had to be admitted to the Emergency Room with chest pains. Steve and I stayed with him and we got him transported from our "first aid station" hospital to a leading heart care hospital an hour away.

He ended up having a heart cath ran which proved to be fine so we don't know, yet, what the problem was. But this all came 2 days after I took our dad to the same hospital to have his heart shocked back into rhythm!

I'm tired!! LOL!

I hope everyone had a relaxing, fun weekend. My new daughter-in-law flew home from Quatar (sp?) safely on Friday and we're so glad to have her home.

Lindababe, hope she is settled in well.

 

[sak0526]

yeah, i'm still surprised by the reaction i get about going disney..whatever(cruise/parks) without kids. but i've found several DVC members around the office - including one "fierce" soldier (well, high ranking officer, who became a civilian recently) so i dont get teased or anything. I hear 2 things that people say keeps them off the disney cruises (not same for parks) (and considering most haven't looked at prices): one is no gambling. I think this is a plus, but others don't. And i'm suprised by the number of people who dont want to see disney pictures/characters/drawings or anything so that would let them out of the disney cruise! though i've still not convinced them that it's really NOT in your face disney. maybe more pictures from the 15 day will do it!

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Just wanted to send to those who need it. I hope everything gets better quickly!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

1. thats a good question. as lindababe suggested, either there weren't enough arts and crafts, or they were all overlapping. i'm trying to help BF get a gig as an arts guy onboard, and they don't seem to want to have anything to do with it. but i wonder if more people voiced their opinion about lack of adult activities if that would help. he wanted to do activities like scrapbooking and making your own autograph book, painting and drawing (both on board and off), teaching how animated films are made (since that's his "real job"), teaching photoshop workshops to make vacation photos better (idea stolen from Princess cruises; etc), in addition to teaching the animation and drawing activities that they already have. but maybe they aren't interested b/c the cruise director dictates what activities are done. but then how do they decide what to do, because they'd need to have a teacher who could lead those activities on hand already. so it's prob not that.

2. doubtful. the characters do a lot during the day. if the ship is docked, the characters may be on land, not on the ship. if there's a party going on somewhere on board, there may not be meet and greets. but i don't really know. people always complained that they could spend a whole 12 hr day at Disneyland and never see Mickey Mouse. which of course draws perplexed faces from cast members because we know you'd have to really be avoiding Mickey to not be able to see him stretched over a 12 hr day because there is not a minute of park operating hours that you can't visit Mickey; this is something I know by fact. AND he's very very very easy to find. So my guess is that maybe you just weren't looking in the "right" places for them? i can't say for sure. i haven't learned how the ship stuff works yet. it's different than the parks.

I would love to do some of the activities that you are trying to get a job for your BF to do on the ship. I am really looking forward to the sea days to be able to do some tours and lessons this time. I swore I was going to do some on my first 7 night cruise in January, since I had only done 4 nighters before, but I found myself by the pool most of the time on the 7 night or at the ports, and so this time I am making sure to do some different things.

As far as the characters, I agree about how it is crazy for people to think you cant find Mickey being in DL all day. People must either be clueless or dont feel like waiting in line. But on the ship, he is really EVERYWHERE in your face. And don't get me wrong, I LOVE Mickey, I love all the characters, but i really love meeting new ones and rare ones. Every night on my last cruise I would scan the navigator's eagerly hoping to see good characters listed, but over and over it was Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip, Dale listed in different places every day. And on some days, they literally had the wrong character listed for the wrong time (CMs admitted this to me while I was waiting around). I really hope on this cruise that there will be more variety.

yeah, i'm still surprised by the reaction i get about going disney..whatever(cruise/parks) without kids. but i've found several DVC members around the office - including one "fierce" soldier (well, high ranking officer, who became a civilian recently) so i dont get teased or anything. I hear 2 things that people say keeps them off the disney cruises (not same for parks) (and considering most haven't looked at prices): one is no gambling. I think this is a plus, but others don't. And i'm suprised by the number of people who dont want to see disney pictures/characters/drawings or anything so that would let them out of the disney cruise! though i've still not convinced them that it's really NOT in your face disney. maybe more pictures from the 15 day will do it!

I agree with you, I LOVE that there is no gambling on DCL. I hate casinos, and it is frustrating because where I live in South Eastern NJ right at the shore, the only upscale, trendy restaurants are found in the casinos at Atlantic City which is annoying because I hate walking by the sights and sounds of the gaming floor. To me, AC is a raunchy, tasteless ghetto and I really have to work hard to look past that in order to experience the high end restaurants unless we want to make the trek to the Philadelphia/Cherry Hill area instead, over an hour away. So on DCL, I love the casino-free atmosphere

 

[WDW Princess 71]

sorry double post

 

[disneywondergirl22]

for those of you who go on a lot of cruises based out of port canaveral-

a friend of mine and my cousin have both expressed interest (and applied for) in jobs aboard DCL.

but they both have dogs. which can't come aboard.

i suggested, IF they get hired, that they find a pet boarding home either in Orlando or near the port. i've seen them here in LA, so i bet they exist in Orlando.

obviously, if they get hired and accept, they could be gone 3-8 months at a time.

i suggested they find a pet boarding home b/c then at least they'll be nearby and can visit them on port days.

or that they find someone who'd be willing to care for a pet in their personal home. but i don't know.

what do you all know or think about this? suggestions?

 

[DCLtravler]

wow, sounds like it's been really busy for some of you recently, some for the good, some not so good. i hope everyone is doing ok though!

i wanted to inquire... from what you all know from the past...

just found out one of my lifelong friends would like to join on this sailing, along with 1 or 2 other girls. a few weeks ago, they had rooms available for less than $4000. now i can't find anything available for less than $6k.

they can't wait too long. my friend is in politics and has an insane schedule, has to get things on the books months in advance, and has to take her trips between elections and polling events and such. so the timing is perfect, but the price i found right now would not be good for my friends at this time.

do we think that things could change, rooms could become available?

if they are looking to be able to comfortably house 2-4 of them in a room (likely 2 or 3, not all 4), but want the typically cheapest room available, what should i have them keep an eye out for, what categories?

Hmmm...Well, since I am in one of the cheapest cabins, I think I might have an answer, or at least a range, to help. My DD and I are in a Cat 11 A or B (can't really remember) that I booked while on our last cruise, so I got a 10% discount. My total cost is just over $4600 incl. insurance and transfers. So...I really don't know if there ever was anything in the 4K range considering I am in the lowest category and I have the discount. They will have an advantage though in that the third person is WAY cheaper than the first two, so dividing the total by 3 will save a bundle.
So, to answer more directly, I concur with what someone else said about putting down a deposit for the lowest price cabin and then waiting for something else to open up. If you call DCL directly, they will make a note in your file that you want a cheaper cabin (not that it will guarantee anything, but it could help).

RE: The "Disney" experience--In my line of work, I am surrounded by brilliant scientists who have degrees that make my eyes pop out, so I often get the "do you have a brain" look when I tell them what I am doing on my vacation (as if only geological, historical or archeological vacations are a valid use of my time). I always tell them to think not of the crazy, riotous "Disney" they see at Disneyland, but of the creativity, cleanliness and attention to detail that Disney has always been known for. That usually gets them intrigued...Until they see the price
On the up side, since one of our contracts is with Disney, whenever we have to attend a function, they always have me go

 

[ACDSNY]

disneywondergirl22,
Just to add to what the others have already posted...I use Travelocity's website to view cruise prices and availability as it's much easier to price out multiple categories without going through alot of different screens.

As the others have posted, I'd lock in a deposit and keep watching to see what pops up closer to our final payment date.

 

[danfromca]

I agree with you, I LOVE that there is no gambling on DCL. I hate casinos, and it is frustrating because where I live in South Eastern NJ right at the shore, the only upscale, trendy restaurants are found in the casinos at Atlantic City which is annoying because I hate walking by the sights and sounds of the gaming floor. To me, AC is a raunchy, tasteless ghetto and I really have to work hard to look past that in order to experience the high end restaurants unless we want to make the trek to the Philadelphia/Cherry Hill area instead, over an hour away. So on DCL, I love the casino-free atmosphere

No casinos, but there is gambling.... Bingo on a 15 night cruise can cost quite a bit if you participate in every session. And the jackpot will get.. significant. I can't remember what it was on the last PC cruise, but I think it was over $30K.

 

[danfromca]

wow, sounds like it's been really busy for some of you recently, some for the good, some not so good. i hope everyone is doing ok though!

i wanted to inquire... from what you all know from the past...

just found out one of my lifelong friends would like to join on this sailing, along with 1 or 2 other girls. a few weeks ago, they had rooms available for less than $4000. now i can't find anything available for less than $6k.

they can't wait too long. my friend is in politics and has an insane schedule, has to get things on the books months in advance, and has to take her trips between elections and polling events and such. so the timing is perfect, but the price i found right now would not be good for my friends at this time.

do we think that things could change, rooms could become available?

if they are looking to be able to comfortably house 2-4 of them in a room (likely 2 or 3, not all 4), but want the typically cheapest room available, what should i have them keep an eye out for, what categories?

I doubt very much they saw a cabin for 3 people at $4000 - it's never been that low.

I just saw category 11's available and the prices are about where they were. The cabins on DCL are decent sized - I'd go with a category 10 for four people, and even three if I could afford it - it's larger. Beyond that the cabins are basically the same size until you get to category 4.

There may be discounts in mid-September after the paid in full date. If so, you'll most likely see category 12 become available. The savings can be substantial, and it is possible to downgrade. It depends entirely on how well the cruise is selling.

 

[disneywondergirl22]

i think you all are right. i didn't account for the 3rd person. well, i gave her your suggestions, we'll see what she wants to do, i guess.

 

[JenKatt]

RE: The "Disney" experience--In my line of work, I am surrounded by brilliant scientists who have degrees that make my eyes pop out, so I often get the "do you have a brain" look when I tell them what I am doing on my vacation (as if only geological, historical or archeological vacations are a valid use of my time). I always tell them to think not of the crazy, riotous "Disney" they see at Disneyland, but of the creativity, cleanliness and attention to detail that Disney has always been known for. That usually gets them intrigued...Until they see the price
On the up side, since one of our contracts is with Disney, whenever we have to attend a function, they always have me go

My brother is one of those scientist types, he's working on his doctorate in geology. He spends a lot of time in museums and in holes in the ground and calls it a vacation (and it really is). BUT he's on this trip with us and is giddy in excitement. Sometimes academic types let loose too, but often they try so hard to be "academic!"

 

[pahrumpgirl]

As far as the characters, I agree about how it is crazy for people to think you cant find Mickey being in DL all day. People must either be clueless or dont feel like waiting in line. But on the ship, he is really EVERYWHERE in your face. And don't get me wrong, I LOVE Mickey, I love all the characters, but i really love meeting new ones and rare ones. Every night on my last cruise I would scan the navigator's eagerly hoping to see good characters listed, but over and over it was Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip, Dale listed in different places every day. And on some days, they literally had the wrong character listed for the wrong time (CMs admitted this to me while I was waiting around). I really hope on this cruise that there will be more variety.

The Navigator does say that characters are subject to change but they do give a phone number you can call and find out for sure where and when characters will appear that day.

Carol

 

[orlandothebeagle]

for those of you who go on a lot of cruises based out of port canaveral-

a friend of mine and my cousin have both expressed interest (and applied for) in jobs aboard DCL.

but they both have dogs. which can't come aboard.

i suggested, IF they get hired, that they find a pet boarding home either in Orlando or near the port. i've seen them here in LA, so i bet they exist in Orlando.

obviously, if they get hired and accept, they could be gone 3-8 months at a time.

i suggested they find a pet boarding home b/c then at least they'll be nearby and can visit them on port days.

or that they find someone who'd be willing to care for a pet in their personal home. but i don't know.

what do you all know or think about this? suggestions?

IMHO I dont think it is fair to board a pet for that long. You need to find a long term fosterer, not take the job or rehome the pet, boarding indefinatly is not asolution for the pet only the owner, I say again>> IMHO

 

[JenKatt]

IMHO I dont think it is fair to board a pet for that long. You need to find a long term fosterer, not take the job or rehome the pet, boarding indefinatly is not asolution for the pet only the owner, I say again>> IMHO

Spoken like a pet lover (and I totally agree!)

 

[granmaz]

IMHO I dont think it is fair to board a pet for that long. You need to find a long term fosterer, not take the job or rehome the pet, boarding indefinatly is not asolution for the pet only the owner, I say again>> IMHO

I so agree. Not right at all.

 

[CruznLexi]

My husband worked on RCI for a while. Most change over days are long and early and the little break they do have is either sleeping, callling home or doing laundry. Having a pet does not cross thier minds. Hubby worked for 6 years on RCI. It is very hard work with little time unless you work in the entertainment section.

 

[disneywondergirl22]

I so agree. Not right at all.

to all (not just granmaz):

yes, i know. i asked a generic question on how one would go about doing this, and guess i used the wrong terminology, and now, i suppose both myself, my cousin, and my friend are pet haters.

phew... what do i know? never had pets beyond what could live in a cage/mini-aquarium, and as a child who would go away to summer camp, trips abroad, and on long disney vacations, learned that "foster parents" are there to kill your pets. so clearly, i am unaware of correct terminology and such since i never used them.

back to the question, hopefully worded more broadly and openly-

what would you do with your pet, based out of orlando? in regards to boarding/housing options?

obviously, giving the dogs away is not going to happen (would you give your child away?)

should they really not take an exciting job of a lifetime, that could last as few as 3 months at a time, because of a pet?

so what would you do?

are there organizations who help you find foster homes? i'm sure they'd both want local foster homes to visit whenever possible.

is a boarding situation altogether that bad, if , say, they will be back 2 days a week to love their pets, and the boarding company has practically a huge farm that the pets roam free on, complete with a bone-shaped pool, playground, and tons and tons of grass to play on with other friends?

friend's desired position could make days off and change-over days difficult to get out and off the ship. this i know. cousin's desired position may not, honestly be too bad on a day off, mid-day like that.

but i don't know. it's just an inquiry into options. neither one has even gotten an interview yet.

 

[JenKatt]

to all (not just granmaz):

yes, i know. i asked a generic question on how one would go about doing this, and guess i used the wrong terminology, and now, i suppose both myself, my cousin, and my friend are pet haters.

phew... what do i know? never had pets beyond what could live in a cage/mini-aquarium, and as a child who would go away to summer camp, trips abroad, and on long disney vacations, learned that "foster parents" are there to kill your pets. so clearly, i am unaware of correct terminology and such since i never used them.

back to the question, hopefully worded more broadly and openly-

what would you do with your pet, based out of orlando? in regards to boarding/housing options?

obviously, giving the dogs away is not going to happen (would you give your child away?)

should they really not take an exciting job of a lifetime, that could last as few as 3 months at a time, because of a pet?

so what would you do?

are there organizations who help you find foster homes? i'm sure they'd both want local foster homes to visit whenever possible.

is a boarding situation altogether that bad, if , say, they will be back 2 days a week to love their pets, and the boarding company has practically a huge farm that the pets roam free on, complete with a bone-shaped pool, playground, and tons and tons of grass to play on with other friends?

friend's desired position could make days off and change-over days difficult to get out and off the ship. this i know. cousin's desired position may not, honestly be too bad on a day off, mid-day like that.

but i don't know. it's just an inquiry into options. neither one has even gotten an interview yet.

No one called you a pet hater, just opinions that boarding for that long is not a good idea. Orlandobeagle gave you suggestions for what to do, long term foster, etc.
Understand though, if you give a pet to a long term foster, the pet may not want to leave.
it was just opinions, not flaming or calling anyone a name.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

No casinos, but there is gambling.... Bingo on a 15 night cruise can cost quite a bit if you participate in every session. And the jackpot will get.. significant. I can't remember what it was on the last PC cruise, but I think it was over $30K.

Bingo doesnt bother me, I think that is a family-oriented game. I played a few times by the pool at the Yacht Club in WDW last week, it was really fun. Never played on the cruise though, but will be sure to try it this time.