From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 3

[Pixie Dust II]

If you're talking about the Final Payment Date for this cruise then I think it's 9/8.

I just sent our info in to pay our balance. I'm kind of bummed since our cousins that were suppose to go with us have decided to cancel. This trip will be strange for me as we always travel with extended family.

I know exactly how you feel about traveling without your usual companions. I am thrilled to have my grandson, sad beyond words to be without my husband, and a couple that we met on a Disney Cruise in 2002 and have cruised with ever since will not be with us so I am really looking forward to meeting all of you and making new friends. Ryan is also!

 

[willturner]

Hi everyone,

Well, it's September 6... that means exactly 4 months from today, we'll be getting on the ship! Can't wait!!

I have a question for those of you who have done GTY before, specifically with Cat 5A (I think in the old system, that was just category 5.... Veranda w/ the clear plexiglass).

We are 5A GTY. The reason we booked 5A GTY instead of a lower GTY veranda category is because we REALLY want to make sure we get the plexiglass on our veranda. We don't want the solid while wall, or the hole in the solid white wall. (FYI, by the time we booked, there were no veranda rooms at all available... only GTY, so that is why we booked GTY. Otherwise, we would have just picked a stateroom so we would know we got what we wanted).

Does anyone know with the category 5A GTY if that means we'll for sure be guarenteed a clear plexiglass veranda? What I've wondered is IF (and I doubt this will happen) we get upgraded to the Category 4 rooms, if they'd stick us with a solid white wall even though it'd be considered an "upgrade"?

My question is if we have paid for a category that only offers a clear plexiglass veranda, if they did upgrade us to the category 4, would they for sure put us with a clear plexiglass veranda because we have paid the price for one?

Has this ever happened to anyone before (booked 5A GTY and were put in veranda categroy room w/out the clear plexiglass)? I hope they just keep us at Category 5A. I don't care where the Cat 5A stateroom is, as long as we have the clear plexiglass.


Thanks!!

Kathy

Hi Kathy - my family is in the same situation as you. I phoned DCL and asked this exact question. I was told we would definitely get a plexiglass verandah even with an upgrade. I sure hope I was given the correct information because I want to sit on my verandah and see something other than a white wall, especially the day we go through the canal.

 

[Tinkerbel129]

Hi Kathy - my family is in the same situation as you. I phoned DCL and asked this exact question. I was told we would definitely get a plexiglass verandah even with an upgrade. I sure hope I was given the correct information because I want to sit on my verandah and see something other than a white wall, especially the day we go through the canal.

I call this the "Sit & Sea Factor"

 

[LovesToRun]

i hate to ask another stupid question, but what is a GTY catogory?
we have a navigators veranda. Second stupid question: plexiglass or white wall towards sea?
thanks!

Sherri

Hi Sherri,

I saw someone already explained GTY (you are guarenteed to get the category you paid for or better).

In terms of Plexiglass or white wall.... there are 3 types of verandas, and all 3 types are different categories (and all 3 categories are different prices). One category is a Navagator's veranda, which I think is what you have. A solid white wall with a porthole cut out of it. I believe that is the least expensive veranda category (5C)

Then, there is the solid white wall (half-wall) on your veranda. So, if you're sitting in a chair on your veranda, you won't be able to see much unless you look up (or you're VERY VERY VERY long wasted.... hahaha ). With the solid white wall, if you want to see the water or land, you pretty much have to just stand out on your veranda. That is the 2nd least expensive veranda category (5B)

Then, there is the veranda with the clear plexiglass, so you can sit out on your vernada in a chair, and you can still see out because the entire wall (except the railing) on your veranda is clear. This is the 3rd least expensive veranda category (5A)... that is the category we have a GTY for.

Then, there are all the category 4's, which I believe are family staterooms w/ verandas... and I "believe" the categories are the same as the #5 categories in terms of verandas, but the category 4's just have a bit more square footage in them to accomodate 5 people, for families of 5, which is why they are more expensive veranda rooms than the category 5.

So, when I asked my question, what I'm concerned about is that Disney would upgrade us to like a Category 4C or 4B (because GTY sometimes you are upgraded if they do not have any rooms open up in the GTY category you've purchased). Well, a category 4 WOULD be an upgrade because we'd have a room with a bit more square footage, but if they put us in a 4C, or 4B, that'd mean we would not have the clear plexiglass on our veranda, but a bit more square footage in our room (as well as probably on the 8th deck, so a bit higher up on the ship). But, the reason we paid for the 5A GTY is to guarentee the clear plexiglass so just like another poster said, we can just sit on our veranda and see out, so for us, it'd be a bummer to get an upgrade to a cat 4C or 4B because we don't care about the square footage in the room or being up on deck 8. We just want the clear plexiglass veranda.

We have small kids, and they love being able to just come out on the veranda and see out (we've had that type of veranda before, and love it). Also, my DH and I loved just getting a drink, sitting outside on our veranda and enjoying the scenery while sitting. For our family, totally worth the cost of the plexiglass veranda.

Anyway, hope that all makes sense!

Kathy

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi Kathy - my family is in the same situation as you. I phoned DCL and asked this exact question. I was told we would definitely get a plexiglass verandah even with an upgrade. I sure hope I was given the correct information because I want to sit on my verandah and see something other than a white wall, especially the day we go through the canal.

I'm glad i'm not the only one who has thought about this!! I asked my TA the same thing, and she also told me that no matter what we'd get the plexiglass verandah.... so maybe I'm worrying about nothing if my TA said this, and if DCL told you the same info!

Just adding one more thing to add that I remembered... I think the only reason why I have been thinking about this is we originally booked a porthole room back in October last year the day when the cruise opened for booking. But, January of this year, we went on a 7-day cruise, and we re-booked our Panama Canal cruise and booked a 5A GTY (like I said, by that time, all the 5A rooms were booked). So, by re-booking, we got 10% off, and the OBC, which is why we could book a higher category! Well, when I was talking to the TA on the ship who re-booked us, she actually told me that most likely we'll get a plexiglass veranda if we are upgraded, but she said GTY means your own category you booked OR better, and she said techinally, a 4C or 4B would be "better", but those don't have clear plexiglass. So, she has been the only person who said it is possible to not get the clear plexiglass if you get upgraded from a 5A GtY. But, my TA (Small World Vacations) told me what DCL told you... that no matter what we'd get a plexiglass veranda... So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!! Hopefully my TA and DCL is right!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Good Morning everyone!



Yes, I think it is for processing, just to make sure everything goes smoothly. But, DCL's official PIF date is this Wednesday. I think they make it earlier than 75 days for special cruises.

I have a question for those familiar with DL, is Steakhouse 55 worth it? What are your impressions/reviews?

I would also like feedback on Steakhouse 55. I have only ever done 2 nights at DLR so we always do my top favs, Napa Rose and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. This time we are doing 3 nights so I was considering Steakhouse 55, but would love some feedback and/or advice on anywhere else that is good for dinner, maybe in DTD?

 

[RRBB]

Hi Sherri,

I saw someone already explained GTY (you are guarenteed to get the category you paid for or better).

In terms of Plexiglass or white wall.... there are 3 types of verandas, and all 3 types are different categories (and all 3 categories are different prices). One category is a Navagator's veranda, which I think is what you have. A solid white wall with a porthole cut out of it. I believe that is the least expensive veranda category (5C)

Then, there is the solid white wall (half-wall) on your veranda. So, if you're sitting in a chair on your veranda, you won't be able to see much unless you look up (or you're VERY VERY VERY long wasted.... hahaha ). With the solid white wall, if you want to see the water or land, you pretty much have to just stand out on your veranda. That is the 2nd least expensive veranda category (5B)

Then, there is the veranda with the clear plexiglass, so you can sit out on your vernada in a chair, and you can still see out because the entire wall (except the railing) on your veranda is clear. This is the 3rd least expensive veranda category (5A)... that is the category we have a GTY for.

Then, there are all the category 4's, which I believe are family staterooms w/ verandas... and I "believe" the categories are the same as the #5 categories in terms of verandas, but the category 4's just have a bit more square footage in them to accomodate 5 people, for families of 5, which is why they are more expensive veranda rooms than the category 5.

So, when I asked my question, what I'm concerned about is that Disney would upgrade us to like a Category 4C or 4B (because GTY sometimes you are upgraded if they do not have any rooms open up in the GTY category you've purchased). Well, a category 4 WOULD be an upgrade because we'd have a room with a bit more square footage, but if they put us in a 4C, or 4B, that'd mean we would not have the clear plexiglass on our veranda, but a bit more square footage in our room (as well as probably on the 8th deck, so a bit higher up on the ship). But, the reason we paid for the 5A GTY is to guarentee the clear plexiglass so just like another poster said, we can just sit on our veranda and see out, so for us, it'd be a bummer to get an upgrade to a cat 4C or 4B because we don't care about the square footage in the room or being up on deck 8. We just want the clear plexiglass veranda.

We have small kids, and they love being able to just come out on the veranda and see out (we've had that type of veranda before, and love it). Also, my DH and I loved just getting a drink, sitting outside on our veranda and enjoying the scenery while sitting. For our family, totally worth the cost of the plexiglass veranda.

Anyway, hope that all makes sense!

Kathy

From the Disney Cruiseline website

For cruises sailing in 2011, the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah will be reclassified into a new category: 7A.

For cruises sailing in 2011, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs will be reclassified into 4 new categories: 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A. These categories will be located mid-ship or forward aft on Decks 5, 6 and 7—and depending upon location—feature verandahs with either clear plexiglass or solid white walls.

My guess is that the 5C's are the ones with the white walls just because they are the lowest priced rooms in category 5. But never having had a veranda of this type, I don't know where they're located. So don't take my word for it.

 

[LovesToRun]

From the Disney Cruiseline website



My guess is that the 5C's are the ones with the white walls just because they are the lowest priced rooms in category 5. But never having had a veranda of this type, I don't know where they're located. So don't take my word for it.

Oh, thanks for this!! I did not know they reclassified the navigator's veranda... all these new categories, reclassifications are confusing! Thanks for the clarification.

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Good Morning everyone!



Yes, I think it is for processing, just to make sure everything goes smoothly. But, DCL's official PIF date is this Wednesday. I think they make it earlier than 75 days for special cruises.

I have a question for those familiar with DL, is Steakhouse 55 worth it? What are your impressions/reviews?

I would also like feedback on Steakhouse 55. I have only ever done 2 nights at DLR so we always do my top favs, Napa Rose and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. This time we are doing 3 nights so I was considering Steakhouse 55, but would love some feedback and/or advice on anywhere else that is good for dinner, maybe in DTD?

We love Steakhouse 55. It is on the pricey side but we feel worth it for a nice dinner. It is one of those restaurants where you order your entree and the side is additional. I love the creme brulee...sometimes we go just for that and a cup of coffee

Enjoy!

 

[Tracyvp]

Time is going so quickly! A few months ago, we talked about a S. California Dis-meet. i just wondered if anyone still wanted to get together?

It doesn't have to be at Disneyland. We could just get together for a lunch or dinner too!

Anyone have any thoughts on when would be a good time? And where?

We would be very interested in a pre-cruise meet-up for any California/Arizona/Nevada types! (or anyone else who wants to schlep over here to S. CA!) We really enjoyed doing that last cruise and it made it so much more fun to spot familiar faces on the actual cruise!

I'd be up for anywhere but of course Disneyland is such an obvious choice it just makes sense! We could make it DTD for those who don't want to spend the $$ to go into the parks and don't have a pass.

Let's throw some ideas around! How about a Sunday afternoon mid-late October once everyone's kids are firmly settled back into school....

 

[DCL_FAN_TAC]

PIF -- Doing the HAPPY DANCE

Everyone have a safe and happy LABOR DAY!!

 

[#1Yepod]

Welcome Val and Bob!!!

We received our email yesterday from our TA verifying we are now paid in full Anxiously waiting room assignments. We are GTY 11B and since there are quite a few OV rooms left, we're hoping to get one of those. I'm just happy to be on the boat but definitely wouldn't turn down the upgrade if they decide to spread the pixie dust on us

Hope everyone is enjoying their labor day. DH had to go in to work this morning at 6am and will hopefully be off by noon or 1. So at least it's not a full day

Don't know what DCL will do about PC cruise, but our October cruise we booked 12 gty and just found out we got upgraded to OV. Apparently when the cruise isn't selling well about 45-50 days out they assign rooms and open up the inside catagories again. Hope that happens to you and you get pixie dusted. I would say there is a good chance since all the ov cats. seem to have lots of openings and the inside rooms are mostly gty now.

Everyone have a safe and fun Labor Day.

 

[danfromca]

Don't know what DCL will do about PC cruise, but our October cruise we booked 12 gty and just found out we got upgraded to OV. Apparently when the cruise isn't selling well about 45-50 days out they assign rooms and open up the inside catagories again. Hope that happens to you and you get pixie dusted. I would say there is a good chance since all the ov cats. seem to have lots of openings and the inside rooms are mostly gty now.

Everyone have a safe and fun Labor Day.

Does anyone know whether the chances of a free upgrade are greater or worse if you have a room assigned vs. GTY?

Or is this one of those "nobody has a clue" mysteries?

 

[aan1701]

Does anyone know whether the chances of a free upgrade are greater or worse if you have a room assigned vs. GTY?

Or is this one of those "nobody has a clue" mysteries?

I think it is nobody but someone at DCL. I have no clue. You would think it would be balanced on the average number of port upgrades as well. Just a thought.

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

We would be very interested in a pre-cruise meet-up for any California/Arizona/Nevada types! (or anyone else who wants to schlep over here to S. CA!) We really enjoyed doing that last cruise and it made it so much more fun to spot familiar faces on the actual cruise!

I'd be up for anywhere but of course Disneyland is such an obvious choice it just makes sense! We could make it DTD for those who don't want to spend the $$ to go into the parks and don't have a pass.

Let's throw some ideas around! How about a Sunday afternoon mid-late October once everyone's kids are firmly settled back into school....

Would a Saturday or Sunday work better - for some who may have to travel a bit -maybe Saturday would be better. Either way.. how about the weekend of October 23/24?

 

[valbob89]

Those of us on the TA cruise went through the GTY shuffle about a month ago. What we all concluded was there is no logic behind how upgrades are done. Many of us called DCL and asked and the all of us got the same answer (this is about the only question that the same answer was given to) customer service does not know how the GTY assignment and upgrade process is done (if they do they aren't telling) and you can not talk with the people who do. The upgrades are not done based on your CC grade, some people on their first DCL cruise were upgraded while those on their 10+ were not. It is not done based on number of people in the room. Some with a party of 2 were upgraded while one with a party of 4 was not. It is not done by graduated steps, i.e. cat 11 to a 10 and cat 6 to a 5. We heard of a cat 11 being upgraded to a 4 while a cat 6 got no upgrade. I don't remember hearing of anyone with an assigned room (not GTY) being offered an upgrade, but I might be wrong. So the only thing we can say is it appears they have a huge dart board that they use. We did find that if you called and complain about your room assignment you will not get any help. However, one person did find that while her complaint was denied when she checked her reservation on-line they had moved her. Of course her complaint was so reasonable, she had purchased two GTY rooms and was told they would do everything they could to put them close together (one for her and her husband one for her tween age kids). GTY people were assigned rooms near hers but her second room they assigned to on a different deck! She wasn't looking for an upgrade just two rooms near each other. I wish Disney would do like Princess does, they offer upgrades to people based on their CC grade first and then move people up a grade at a time. More people get upgraded and more people are happy. Although that means I would never get an upgrade it seems fair and you can understand it. val

 

[#1Yepod]

Does anyone know whether the chances of a free upgrade are greater or worse if you have a room assigned vs. GTY?

Or is this one of those "nobody has a clue" mysteries?

I think it is a "nobody has a clue" mystery. We have been upgraded twice. The first time we had an assigned cat9 ov room and were upgraded to cat6 and then this time from cat12 gty to cat9. I think DCL knows how they do upgrades, but aren't letting us in on the secret. They like the pixie dust magic. Another thing, I know people who have sailed alot more times than us and have never been upgraded. So go figure.

 

[aan1701]

Would a Saturday or Sunday work better - for some who may have to travel a bit -maybe Saturday would be better. Either way.. how about the weekend of October 23/24?

I am in. Oh wait my bad I will be at WDW those days. Oh well no worries.

 

[tlungstrum]

Word of advice to lurkers or casual readers of the thread. I would read more often. As we get closer and closer this thread will explode with posts!

No kidding..about 10 days and I have 28 pages to read!! Life got busy and I don't know...didn't seem like that long. I'll try harder

 

[CruznLexi]

We make our PIF tomorow with tips included! My TA wanted last Friday but a different billing cycle will make a big difference. Have to work today so no holiday here but will take it Jan 2! Also getting closer to our Oct vacation. Saw an add on TV about the Panama Canal expansion. Would like an upgrade to a balcony but am not going to sweat over it. My OV will be just fine. How many cabins are we thinking for a FE? Never done one. So far I am signed up for the SM but might do the FE too. Is the FE an every day thing? Is the SM an every day thing too? Just want to get my ducks in a row so I am in the know.