From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 4

[Pixie Dust II]

Good vibes for all those who need them. We too have had a bad week but hopefully everything will work out for our daughter who has 3 little children and is going through a bad divorce.

We tried to get the Fantasmic dinner package for Dec. 9 at WDW and they are all booked up. I guess II I will just keep trying.Also when we go to DL after the cruise I wanted to book the dinner package for World of Color but I read you could only do that 60 days ahead. Does anyone know if that is true?

Nov. 22 The World of Color can be booked. Our travel agent is booking for us.

I don't know about other phones......but, I have it as a ringtone on my iphone

I also have the Disney ship horn for a ringtone along with many other Disney songs and I change them frequently.

tshirts are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

were staying at the raddison

We are staying 2 days at Beach Club before cruise & 3 days at Paradise Pier after cruise.

This past weekend was Homecoming and I have not been near the computer so I had a lot of reading to do. Nathan had a good football game with a 70-7 victory and he & his girlfriend came to my house for pictures after they went out for dinner & before they went to the dance.

It was such a cold night for football. We were freezing after the game and steam was coming from Nathan's head!

Time will really fly by now. I actually got Christmas cards ready this evening. Labels printed and return address labels printed. I am proud of myself. Now, if I can only organize clothes, I will really be proud of myself

 

[DCLtravler]

For those who have been, what's your thoughts on Universal Studios Hollywood? Is it worth spending a day at? How about with a 2 and 3 year old? How does it compare to it's Orlando counterpart?

We're just trying to finalize our plans for our week in California. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Will you have a car?? If so, you may want to consider going to Legoland in Carlsbad. Although it is a bit of a drive, it would be WELL worth it for your kids for two reasons:
1. They don't have anything like in Florida (at least I don't think they do...)
2. It is totally geared for younger kids (and their parents). There are quite a few play areas so the kids can run around and play to their hearts content (and parents can relax) and the lines for the rides have a kids section where the kids can play Legos while the parents stand in line

There is also an outlet mall right there and Legoland now has some kind of marine type park (but I don't know very much about that as it opened after my DD outgrew Legoland). It might be something worth considering...

My computer is about to die so I best go...
Hope all is well with everyone!
Melissa

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

I came across this photo tonight and thought I would post it. This is from 2008 when the lanyards arrived. There were about 300 for that cruise.

 

[sumeto]

I came across this photo tonight and thought I would post it. This is from 2008 when the lanyards arrived. There were about 300 for that cruise.

How cool is that! You have a great little helper also. Very nice young Lady. I was very impressed.

 

[granmaz]

It's a very informal meet at BLT. We might move it up to Top of the World if we can get everyone up there. If not, we have a Grand Villa looking at the MK, so we'll see the fireworks from our room (the pipe the music in and everything)
We'll definitely still be up and at 'em at 9pm. Our last "rommie" doesn't get in until 11 or 12. Jack maybe asleep, but the adults will be up enjoying the first day of vacation! (There will be lots of wine and cheese to be had the entire cruise)

Can you take more than your room number of people up to the TOTW? If so it would be great. We might make a reservation at The Wave. We like to do that and then pop into MK for the fireworks.

We did the DVC 'tour' of BLT and were the last group(just us 2) to have the breakfast provided. They had changed the system after we booked it, and they contacted the others, but couldn't contact us to tell us, so had to be there and do breakfast anyway. Oh my goodness, there was enough food for 100, I'm not kidding. I guess they never told the organisers how many were there. DVC staff were quietly tucking in when we were taken up to the TOTW, but disappeared a little embarrassed. It was a wonderful spread, and at that time I wasn't eating too much so I was a bit mad that I couldn't really make even a tiny dent in the spread. The DCV guy kept popping in, not rushing us, but!!!!!!! We made the most of it, sitting in the lounge with the fantastic view, all on our ownsome eating and drinking from a massive feast. I'm sure even the food was better than the usual fare.

We didn't add on I hasten to add. We wanted to see the place(and get fastpasses), but we did actually seriously think about it. If we hadn't just got off the Magic and NOT bought onboard, we had already missed the best deal, so we declined. We got 2 fastpasses each actually as there was supposed to be another couple who never turned up, so they gave us theirs too. Now, if only we could do it again, though they don't do that breakfast now, it was great getting the fastpasses.

Hi all. On my way to extra hours at MK. I have to admit, I am ready to go home Wed. Don't get me wrong. I have had a great time, our 1 bedroom at OKW I think is bigger than my 2 bedroom apoartment back home, but I want my bed. Still I have one more day here. It will be mostly spent at EPCOT.

Oh, I need to pick your Southwest brains! Have a good last day. I love Epcot.

I came across this photo tonight and thought I would post it. This is from 2008 when the lanyards arrived. There were about 300 for that cruise.

Looks like a big tangled mess!!! Exciting though.

 

[Happy Goofy]

I wish Disney would give people still in lifeboats our room numbers. Don't they realize they are holding up very important items - such as the FE and traveling magnet list- well they are important to us. I have a whole bag of FE with no room numbers and I would like to get them done before Thanksgiving.

Looking forward to the Ct meet. We will be leaving for FL - if things are set with our daughter- by Dec.2. We will be at DW 9th and 10th and 14th. We tried to get the dinner package for Fantasmic for the 9th but it is still sold out.

Is anyone organizing a meet near Port Canaveral? If anyone is looking for a reasonable place to stay near the port- look into Country Inn and Suites in Port Canaveral/ Cocoa Beach. They usually have a good rate for cruisers and provide transportation to the port.

 

[JenKatt]

So I took a little break from Extra Hours and went to the Campground with DW Aunt and Umcle since they are RVing it. OMG the Halloween decorations that people are putting up are incedable. I would love to see it around xmas time.

They are amazing. There's a Disney meet in early December and alot of those folks stay at FW. One guy use to build an entire monorail track around a Christmas Tree. You can google Fort Wilderness Christmas and see a whole bunch of pics.

Just wanted to let everyone who is still interested in tuxedo rentals for formal night know that cruiselineformal.com finally updated their website to allow you to book rentals for ships other than the Magic. I kept checking every couple of weeks and when I looked today it was updated, and I ordered Mike's tux. He is so lucky that his clothes will be perfectly waiting for him in our stateroom while I have to figure out how to get my gown on the plane, through WDW, and to the port. Guys have it so easy ; ) But anyway, just wanted to give an FYI in case anyone else was still waiting on Cruise Line Formalwear to place your order.

Thanks! Need to get my brother and mom's BF suited up.

Will you have a car?? If so, you may want to consider going to Legoland in Carlsbad. Although it is a bit of a drive, it would be WELL worth it for your kids for two reasons:
1. They don't have anything like in Florida (at least I don't think they do...)

Melissa

They're building a Legoland less than an hour from WDW, it'll be open next year.

Can you take more than your room number of people up to the TOTW? If so it would be great. We might make a reservation at The Wave. We like to do that and then pop into MK for the fireworks.

QUOTE]

We LOVE the Wave. A hidden gem at Disney. I don't know if you're "suppose" to take more in than your reservation, but we have without a problem.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

So I took a little break from Extra Hours and went to the Campground with DW Aunt and Umcle since they are RVing it. OMG the Halloween decorations that people are putting up are incedable. I would love to see it around xmas time.

I can imagine.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

For those who have been, what's your thoughts on Universal Studios Hollywood? Is it worth spending a day at? How about with a 2 and 3 year old? How does it compare to it's Orlando counterpart?

We're just trying to finalize our plans for our week in California. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I liked Universal Hollywood better than Orlando because (at least when I went) it's more about the movies than just rides. That being said, I also think it wouldn't be as much fun for a 2/3 yo as for older children who could understand what they were seeing. How about Knott's Berry Farm, if you don't wish to do DL?

Thanks to all of you who responded to my request for a website reflecting the military discount information.
Hope to see a military discount for our cruise soon.
val

That was for WDW and Disneyland, tickets and resorts, not DCL.

There's a discount on tickets at DL which will be perfect for my after cruise visit. But I can't figure out how to get them - East coast MWR offices don't stock DL tickets.

So I took a little break from Extra Hours and went to the Campground with DW Aunt and Umcle since they are RVing it. OMG the Halloween decorations that people are putting up are incedable. I would love to see it around xmas time.

PM me - I can link you to a trip report on another board that will have halloween photos - they'll probably be there at Christmas too. Zakerdog - You *could* post them over here, too!

Looking forward to the Ct meet. We will be leaving for FL - if things are set with our daughter- by Dec.2. We will be at DW 9th and 10th and 14th. We tried to get the dinner package for Fantasmic for the 9th but it is still sold out.

Is anyone organizing a meet near Port Canaveral? If anyone is looking for a reasonable place to stay near the port- look into Country Inn and Suites in Port Canaveral/ Cocoa Beach. They usually have a good rate for cruisers and provide transportation to the port.

I'm looking forward to the CT meet, too - in fact, to that whole weekend, scrapbooking with my Disboard peeps

Right now, I have a ressie for the Radisson and one for Marriot. Need to make a decision and cancel one soon.


Happy Day, all!

 

[glindamood]

Just wanted to let everyone who is still interested in tuxedo rentals for formal night know that cruiselineformal.com finally updated their website to allow you to book rentals for ships other than the Magic. I kept checking every couple of weeks and when I looked today it was updated, and I ordered Mike's tux. He is so lucky that his clothes will be perfectly waiting for him in our stateroom while I have to figure out how to get my gown on the plane, through WDW, and to the port. Guys have it so easy ; ) But anyway, just wanted to give an FYI in case anyone else was still waiting on Cruise Line Formalwear to place your order.

There are many advantages for using Cruiseline Formalwear but I have spend more on tux rentals in the last several years that I could have purchased one from eBay as they really are not all that expensive. But, is is also really, really nice to just have it be in the room and not adding to the weight of my bags. Such a quandry.

LOVE the magnet tag. Great fun.

Jen - we will plan on stopping by after dinner. Thanks so much for the invitation.

WINDY here - we are even in a wind advisory until tomorrow afternoon. They say that it will be sustained at over 40 mph. I hope we don't have power issues.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

I know in an earlier thread there was talk about meeting at the Radisson on the 5th, but nothing was really finalized as far as I know. If everyone is willing, we could just make it "official". Maybe 6-8 or something? Just informally drop by. Or something else, but DH and I would be interested in meeting up pre-cruise.

 

[carmie3377]

SWA is having an awesome sale that covers January: $30/60/90/120 fares! My HOU to MCO was $60 and LAX to HOU was $90. I now have $368 in credits! Of course, I just booked LAX home last week! I'd rather just have $206 from that leg in my pocket, but at least it's not lost!

 

[Tinkerbel129]

In Aug 2005, there really wasn't a big problem with kids so much as in 2008. I took my youngest on the '05 one. Was able to sell it to the parochial school principal as a once in a lifetime opportunity. DD thoroughly enojoyed it and with the stop in Curacao, it blended well with the class reading of the "The Cay". DD made up all her work and she ended up with A's that first semester. So, if you have a supportive school, it helps. Also, that cruise, there were a lot of homeschooled kids on that cruise. I think with this being mid-year - we won't have the same problem we did in Aug '08.

At least I hope we don't. LOL

I didn't think the amount of kids was that bad on either '05 or '08, and for the most paer well behaved.

I do seem to remember an issue on both cruises about "thong lady"



RE: Manzanillo,

If you all don't mind me telling you my experience, you don't have to read, you can skip over this. But if given the opportunity AND if your wanting to see Manzanillo, I would tell you, please try it. We ended up there in '05 due to a hurricane and while it was the working port, I found the area to be a bit more welcoming and much more prettier than Cabo. The people were a bit more laid back and friendlier and generally more helpful than in other ports.

Please don't be afraid to try something, the Mexican people are generally, simple, honest and are very proud to show off their heritage. In tourist ports like these, they not only want to help, but they rely on this help. Manzanillo was a very pretty spot and I remember telling my mom, I'd like to go back there. I felt safer (even with being shuttled out due to it being an industrial port) than I did in Cabo, which to me, was more Americanized than I cared for. Don't be afraid, there are always opportunities to see the area. Don't forget, that you can always snag a taxi and get a true local tour. Use caution as you would at any US tourist spot. Allow plenty of time to get back to the ship and if your OPEN MINDED, you'll come away with a smile on your face. Just be smart, use common sense and you'll have a blast

Hope I didn't offend anyone, just wanted you all to know that this a marvelous place once you get beyond the "poor, dirty" reputation that many Americans have of Mexico. It is not all like that. And above all else, remember, not everyplace is the USA. If you constantly compare everything to American Standards, then maybe traveling is not the thing for you. As for me, 1/2 the fun is getting to experience how the rest of the world lives. If I was constantly disappointed in the accommodations, the travel itinerarys and such, I'd definitely rethink travelling. Get to know how the rest of the world lives and maybe we could get a better understanding of why we are considered spoiled "Americans". Sorry, off my soapbox, but would just hate for anyone to miss out on, what to me, was one of the more beautiful and honest places still left in Mexico.

Did that sound harsh? Sorry if it did. It wasn't meant too. Just putting random thoughts out there as they come out of my head. Please take what I say with a grain of salt. This has just been my experience. And as negative as I sound, I've had some awesome, awesome experiences in my travels and you know, you got to get a few dings to experience some wonderful ones right?

We did the city cus tour in '05 and enjoyed it so much were doing it again. Yes, it is your typical little tour, but we had a great time and I took some great photos.

DH and I are staying at POFQ January 4 & 5. And unlike our honeymoon in 2009 we'll actually have a King size bed this time.

Do they not think when they look at a reservation!

 

[Tinkerbel129]

Ok, I figured out how to order from Vistaprints.....just hope they arrive what I think they should look like.

Still can't figure out zazzle for Jeff's design. Is there a way I can order it from Vistaprints. I'm not computer savvy here.

 

[valbob89]

SWA is having an awesome sale that covers January: $30/60/90/120 fares! My HOU to MCO was $60 and LAX to HOU was $90. I now have $368 in credits! Of course, I just booked LAX home last week! I'd rather just have $206 from that leg in my pocket, but at least it's not lost!

Received an e-mail from Cost Plus World Market worldmarket@email.worldmarket.com
offering 15% off SW ticket if you buy $20 at the store.
Val

 

[tinkryansmom]

I really couldn't get any. I am writing this from the Peoplemover inside Space Mountain

Oh and you call that an excuse.


I don't miss the people mover - but wish I was riding Space Mountain!

The Fresno Grizzlies - SF Giants affiliate - is opening their stadium to watch the World Series on the big screen! Sounds like fun! I wonder if I could get DH to go??

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

How cool is that! You have a great little helper also. Very nice young Lady. I was very impressed.

Thank you - I told her she has to be good or I wouldn't take her on the cruise Actually, she is a really great young lady. I am very blessed.

Looks like a big tangled mess!!! Exciting though.

It was! And I expect this one will be too

 

[valbob89]

I called DCL this morning and asked about the military discounts for 2011. A very very nice agent indicated they haven't announced any yet.
She also enthusiastically talked with me about the 2012 schedule. It is not what she said but what she wouldn't/couldn't say that I found interesting. She mentioned they have the 2012 schedule for the Fantasy and the Dream. She also said they don't have a schedule for the Magic and only the first few months for the Wonder, through April 2012. When I asked about moving the Magic to the west or far east she said there would be big announcements in the future. She indicated there is continued speculation about a trip to Hawaii and the orient.
I am hoping for Hawaii and Hong Kong. My DBL is a teacher in China and has invited us to visit him in Hong Kong so hoping to get there with DCL. He was teaching in S. Africa and Saudi for a while but we never made it there.
val

 

[ACDSNY]

SWA is having an awesome sale that covers January: $30/60/90/120 fares! My HOU to MCO was $60 and LAX to HOU was $90. I now have $368 in credits! Of course, I just booked LAX home last week! I'd rather just have $206 from that leg in my pocket, but at least it's not lost!

Darn, SWA excluded Sacramento from the Orlando discounted fares.

I did extend our DL stay to get the cheap fare on Monday 1/24 so now we have a night at Paradise Pier after the cruise.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I know in an earlier thread there was talk about meeting at the Radisson on the 5th, but nothing was really finalized as far as I know. If everyone is willing, we could just make it "official". Maybe 6-8 or something? Just informally drop by. Or something else, but DH and I would be interested in meeting up pre-cruise.

Why dont we wait till the amount of people staying has been posted then we can decide where?
I have a suite, I would eveb mind using my room, but your not getting in the bath,lol.
Well....maybe if you mind your cozy. 6-8 sounds good.
Do you want to keep a list or I could do it?