HELP!!!!!! More Disney Dreams to fulfill! 09/04 Exciting news!

[TinkerbellinNY6]

I love the Eiffel Towers with the characters on them! I have an eiffel tower from when I went to Paris (Sadly didn't make it to Disneyland Paris though) but those eiffel towers are so much cuter!!!

 

[Tink rules]

Update!!!

So, here is a little update. Today marks exactly 100 days until we go back to Disney, so tomorrow (which will be in about 90 minutes here!!!!) we'll hit the double digits!

And there is a little update on the cruise front too.
Last Sunday marked the day 105 days out from our cruise, so being a Gold Castaway Club Member I was eagerly awaiting midnight (EST) to book my Palo reservations.
So I log on and had to fiddle around, as the site was sending me in loops again and finally I get to the booking site and it says, "Book now". So I open Palo on the desired day and it offers me 6 different times, lets me add the diners and then I hit "check availability" and NO, nothing available for my party size. I nearly fell off my chair, but there were several other times that were working for me, so I tried them all, nothing available. So I tried a Spa treatment - nothing available.
In the run of Sunday I tried each and every option on their website - nothing available. So I was pretty sure, something was wrong with their site. I emailed them and got an answer the next day.
If I needed online support ...... call this number. So I did and I got the most unmagical CM ever. She was like ....... well, you are out of luck, everything booked, try again next cruise! I told her that I could not believe there wasn't even a single float left 104 days out and she just brushed me off. So I said thank you (for nothing ) and hung up.
I was truly considering not calling back and just give up on a reservation, but then about an hour later I tried again.
This time I was not on hold for 20 minutes, no after just 5 minutes a CM answered. She was sweet and helpful and when I explained everything to her, she said that she would ask back at her superviser if she could book it for me, since I had had so much trouble.
Superviser said yes, and she started booking. Guess what ...... she got the same result. Nothing available, whatever we tried, nothing available. She put me on hold again and went to talk to her superviser again.
Well, long story short, they discovered that something IS wrong with their website, and it might take as long as a week to correct whatever is wrong! I am still not happy about not being able to book, but I am proud of myself to have caught this first and told them about it!

So, now whenever I have time I check their website, but so far nothing new!

DCL's computers are outsourced... and they are famous for being overloaded as soon as anyone logs in.... When we booked things for the Panama Canal cruises in '08... we were on the phones and computer for about 8 hours trying to book... FINALLY we could get in...

If you need to, you can always try onboard to book Palo and Remy... they are much bigger than the Magic and Wonder sooo you may be able to get in...

 

[cbg1027]

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Lots of new stuff - Part 5

When we left the garage it was already raining and we started our drive over to Auchan, the supermarket. We had to drive around for quite some time to find a parking space, but finally we did. It was quite a walk to the entrance, but we were happy we had found a space to park our car in the end. Our first stop inside the shopping center was the Disney outlet store, but the merchandise was the exact same they offered in the parks so we didn't buy anything. We then walked over to the supermarket and started our shopping spree.

Aww Karin you found my cereal! Thanks!

DLRP looks sooo pretty. I am really kicking myself that I lived an hour from there and never went! Next time I go to Paris, I think I'll need to allow time for Disney.

That was so sweet of you guys to give the CM on TOT a chocolate!

It's so neat to see all the Disney signs in French, I loved the photo of the 'here you leave the world of today....' sign in French.

 

[dizneeat]

I love the Eiffel Towers with the characters on them! I have an eiffel tower from when I went to Paris (Sadly didn't make it to Disneyland Paris though) but those eiffel towers are so much cuter!!!

Those Eiffel tower souvenirs are popping up a lot at DLRP now. They are quite sweet. But I was just amazed that they actually offered some new merchandise!
They have been selling the same stuff for years now.

looks like POTC has a similar drop to DL. yes? that is one thing I miss I between DL and WDW... POTC is much better in DL

Yes, it does!
I just love the ride at DL too! So fun and the ride through the restaurant is an added bonus!

DCL's computers are outsourced... and they are famous for being overloaded as soon as anyone logs in.... When we booked things for the Panama Canal cruises in '08... we were on the phones and computer for about 8 hours trying to book... FINALLY we could get in...

If you need to, you can always try onboard to book Palo and Remy... they are much bigger than the Magic and Wonder sooo you may be able to get in...

Let me tell you that I am not impressed with either their computers nor their maintenance crews!
They still haven't solved the problem yet.
We have eaten at Palo both on the Wonder and the Dream and the restaurant on the Dream looks much smaller to me, compared to the one on the Wonder. Also, I have heard many complaints of people not being able to book and not being able to book on board during the last three cruises we took on the Dream. So I don't count on a possiblity of getting in late.
If they market the early booking option as a perk for returning guests then it should work (and so far has always worked). And, if we don't get a Palo reservation, then we will just stick with our assigned restaurants and Disney is out of some extra money.

 

[dizneeat]

Aww Karin you found my cereal! Thanks!

DLRP looks sooo pretty. I am really kicking myself that I lived an hour from there and never went! Next time I go to Paris, I think I'll need to allow time for Disney.

That was so sweet of you guys to give the CM on TOT a chocolate!

It's so neat to see all the Disney signs in French, I loved the photo of the 'here you leave the world of today....' sign in French.

Abby, we were particularly looking for it, so we could get the Vanilla ones. They had all kinds of Jumblies but NO vanilla. When we go there next time (might go in the spring, fingers crossed) would you like to try a different flavour? We didn't even see a price tag for Vanilla, so I am not sure they sell them any longer.
I would love to pick up a packet for you and send it (or take it with me when we fly in August!

We always carry some chocolates for the CMs. There is a Storck brand that is called "Merci", so that is quite apropriate for handing them out to CMs!

 

[Stefy]

Bummer about the system being down, but like you say you caught it fast and now all you gotta do is keep checking back. Annoying I know, but worth it once you got the ressie

Great DLRP update, yikes on the fire in the bin wonder what happened there.

 

[dizneeat]

Bummer about the system being down, but like you say you caught it fast and now all you gotta do is keep checking back. Annoying I know, but worth it once you got the ressie

Great DLRP update, yikes on the fire in the bin wonder what happened there.

Even though it is annoying that their system is down, it was fun to check with that second CM and listening to her having the same problems. We both cracked up about not even a float being available at 104 days out!
I'll just keep checking and if we are lucky then I will be happy, if we don't that's it!

As for the fire, too many people smoke in areas where they should not smoke and I guess someone had just dumped a cigarette in the bin and it caught on fire.
Seeing them "swarm" out and protecting the bin was fun to watch! But we didn't stick around for them to solve the problem.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Karin ,just checking in!!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the bakery treats and hearing about a different version of Tower of Terror. Yay on having the English commentary!

Oh no the drama of booking Palo and spa treatments. I'm glad you were able to get to the bottom of it in the end!

Yay on getting back row seats on BTMRR.

 

[cbg1027]

Abby, we were particularly looking for it, so we could get the Vanilla ones. They had all kinds of Jumblies but NO vanilla. When we go there next time (might go in the spring, fingers crossed) would you like to try a different flavour? We didn't even see a price tag for Vanilla, so I am not sure they sell them any longer.
I would love to pick up a packet for you and send it (or take it with me when we fly in August!

We always carry some chocolates for the CMs. There is a Storck brand that is called "Merci", so that is quite apropriate for handing them out to CMs!

Om my gosh Karin, I wasn't expecting you to buy a me a box! That is so sweet of you!
The only other flavor I've had is the chocolate and I didn't care much for them. I'll have to see what else they have! I may take you up on this offer!

 

[cbg1027]

I did some research and it appears Auchan doesn't make the Vanilla Jumblies anymore. There's a facebook group called "Bring Back Vanilla Jumblies!".

The only flavors I could find now are the kids Chocolate and adult Chocolate Hazelnut (Noisette). I'd love to try the Noisette, but don't go out of your way to get it!

You are so sweet Karin! I'm so disappointed that we missed getting to meet in September. I don't know when I'm going back to WDW because I need to get a job first, but February was one of the times I was looking at if I find work before then.

 

[dizneeat]

Hi Karin ,just checking in!!!

Hi Rosie!

Love the bakery treats and hearing about a different version of Tower of Terror. Yay on having the English commentary!

Oh no the drama of booking Palo and spa treatments. I'm glad you were able to get to the bottom of it in the end!

Yay on getting back row seats on BTMRR.

I just love the English commentary - so much more fun!
If you ever go to DLRP please take the bus over to Magny le hongre and pick up something from that bakery! Their baked good are heavenly!

And the Palo drama continues ..... still the website is not working, or at least it is not releasing any reservations!
In the meantime we actually laugh it off. And we have decided that we will just fill up at the Captain's reception instead!

Om my gosh Karin, I wasn't expecting you to buy a me a box! That is so sweet of you!
The only other flavor I've had is the chocolate and I didn't care much for them. I'll have to see what else they have! I may take you up on this offer!

Sure we wanted to get you a treat, but since they didn't have the vanilla ones we didn't dare.

I did some research and it appears Auchan doesn't make the Vanilla Jumblies anymore. There's a facebook group called "Bring Back Vanilla Jumblies!".

The only flavors I could find now are the kids Chocolate and adult Chocolate Hazelnut (Noisette). I'd love to try the Noisette, but don't go out of your way to get it!

You are so sweet Karin! I'm so disappointed that we missed getting to meet in September. I don't know when I'm going back to WDW because I need to get a job first, but February was one of the times I was looking at if I find work before then.

We hope to be back to DLRP in May, so IF that works out we will definitely pick up a box for you!
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you find the perfect job and then we can again start planning of meeting at WDW again!

 

[dizneeat]

Sunday, October 9, 2011

How much fun can one fit into one day ......... - Part 3

Tom asked if we could sit in the back of train and after a little pleading our wish was granted. It was a pretty fun ride, which was over far too soon.
We got off and walked through the store one more time,

then decided to check how long the wait for Phantom Manor was. It was only 5 minutes, so we walked through the grounds up to the Manor.

We got in the next Stretching Elevator and were soon seated in one of the carriages. The ride stopped several times

in the course of our ride, which made it fun to really check out the details in the ride.
When we got off the ride we decided against walking through the cemetary and headed towards the hub again. Once there we again were left with the decision on where to head next. We still had a little time left and walked up to the castle

and through the Christmas Store and the Sweets Store again. We walked towards the Carrousel and noticed that the line for Snow White's Scary Adventure was pretty short. Instead of heading over to It's A Small World, we got in line for Snow White, and within 10 minutes were seated and on the ride.

Once we got off we wanted to take one last stroll through the stores

in that area and low and behold found a few more things we wanted to buy. 3 more bags of new purchases in hand

we now knew that it was time to leave if we wanted to still have some lunch before driving to the airport. We said goodbye to the castle and vowed to be back in the spring, before we left the park for good this time. We weren't too hungry, but knew we had to eat before heading to the airport and we knew exactly where we wanted to have lunch, Earl of Sandwich.

 

[tinacaplan]

Hello, my friend! I believe that something very important happened this weekend, something worth celebrating...
we both hit DOUBLE DIGITS!

So looking forward to this trip; feeling like I need it more than ever, and so thrilled we're doing it at the Poly. I spend a lot of time just checking out pictures. Can't believe you can see the castle from the pool! Now...when do you start your February planning? Hope you're well!​

 

[cbg1027]

We hope to be back to DLRP in May, so IF that works out we will definitely pick up a box for you!
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you find the perfect job and then we can again start planning of meeting at WDW again!

Wow you and Tom go to Disney more than I do! Going to DLRP in May would make it 4 times in less than a year. And I thought I was lucky going 2-3! You guys have me beat in terms of variety, that's for sure...WDW and DLRP.

Thank you so much for thinking of me and my weird cereal obsession!

This is all the more motivation to find a job....so I can go back to WDW, AND so I can meet you guys!

 

[englishrose47]

Great update Karin !!!I can't wait to start planning my trips next year !!!

 

[Stefy]

OMG how could I forget, smokers smokers everywhere. I mean I know its Europe and all, but come on you are in Disney, stop the smoking in crowded areas/attractions!

Great update Loving all your store photos. Wandering through Disney stores are so much fun. Dave says that DLRP has the most Imagineering stuff out of all the parks for Disney

 

[dizneeat]

Hello, my friend! I believe that something very important happened this weekend, something worth celebrating...
we both hit DOUBLE DIGITS!

So looking forward to this trip; feeling like I need it more than ever, and so thrilled we're doing it at the Poly. I spend a lot of time just checking out pictures. Can't believe you can see the castle from the pool! Now...when do you start your February planning? Hope you're well!​

Yes, DOUBLE DIGITS!!!!!!!! Doesn't it feel good? We are down to 96 days until we get back to the US!

Like you we cannot wait for the trip - our first as DVC members!
So glad you are happy with your choice of resort ........ for now

Planning for our trip ist mostly done (in my head) now I need to put it in writing - we are far more planning our summer vacation at the moment. I want to book our flights for the summer soon and we have changed plans a "bit".
I'll post an update on that once I have finished my Paris trip report!

 

[dizneeat]

Wow you and Tom go to Disney more than I do! Going to DLRP in May would make it 4 times in less than a year. And I thought I was lucky going 2-3! You guys have me beat in terms of variety, that's for sure...WDW and DLRP.

Thank you so much for thinking of me and my weird cereal obsession!

This is all the more motivation to find a job....so I can go back to WDW, AND so I can meet you guys!

You could say Tom and I have a serious Disney obsession! Tom put in his vacation request today and the week we wanted to have in May and the summer vacation was granted, so I can start booking things for all those trips. The week in May should be fun ....

April 28 - May 1 (Saturday to Tuesday) we want to go to DLRP
May 2 - 3 (Wednesday and Thursday) are regular work days for me, Tom has the days off
May 4 - 6 (Friday to Sunday) we want to go back to Italy again

2 trips in one week - should be fun!

And we will definitely pick up some cereal for you in May, I promise!

Great update Karin !!!I can't wait to start planning my trips next year !!!

Thank you, Rosie!
I need to start to do some more planning for next year's trips myself. I just love planning!
Not much to plan for our February trip ....... cruise and two days at WDW, that's it! Thankfully we will be really close to the MK, staying at BLT!

OMG how could I forget, smokers smokers everywhere. I mean I know its Europe and all, but come on you are in Disney, stop the smoking in crowded areas/attractions!

Great update Loving all your store photos. Wandering through Disney stores are so much fun. Dave says that DLRP has the most Imagineering stuff out of all the parks for Disney

Yes, smokers everywhere. You need to be so careful not to come home with a few holes burned into your clothing!
Sad they don't enforce the no smoking policy the way they should!

You will be amazed by all the new merchandise. There were lots of new fun things to pick up for us!

 

[dizneeat]

Sunday, October 9, 2011

How much fun can one fit into one day ......... - Part 4

We weren't too hungry, but knew we had to eat before heading to the airport and we knew exactly where we wanted to have lunch, Earl of Sandwich.
So after leaving the park we walked to guest services and picked up our other shopping bag which was held there for us, before heading over to the Disney Village. It takes about 5 minutes to get from the parks to the Village and all the way through to the other end, where Earl of Sandwich is.
This time the restaurant was a lot busier than the first time around and while we were waiting in line we could make up our mind about what we wanted to order. As always we decided to share two sandwiches. So we ordered

The Original 1762, fresh roasted beef, cheddar and creamy horseradish sauce and

The Full Montagu, roast beef and turkey with sharp cheddar ceese and aged Swiss cheese, romaine lettuce, roma tomato and Earl's mustard sauce and

a side of Coleslaw as well as two Diet Cokes. We paid our bill and were handed a buzzer, then went off to find a table. Tom tried to connect to the internet again and we even got a weak connection which went on and off.
It did not take long until our buzzer went off and I went to pick up the sandwiches and drinks. We took our time enjoying our food, even though it started to get late. A little later than we had hoped to leave we walked back out into the Disney Village and over to the parking garage.
Once we had arrived there we loaded all our new purchases into the suitcases before I headed over to pay our parking fees. Parking ticket in hand I hopped into the car and off we went to fill up the car for our drive to the airport.

We used the gas station on property, filled the car up

and didn't even forget to ask for a receipt to show when we returned the car to Hertz. All set we programmed the GPS and started our drive towards Charles de Gaulle airport.
About 2/3 of the way went without a hitch but then suddenly the traffic got thicker and then it came to nearly a standstill.
Since we had started out late, this was not in our planning. Slowly, very slowly we crawled forward until we saw that there was a pretty big accident blocking 2 lanes of the motorway. Once we had passed the accident traffic got better and we made our way to the airport in time.
We entered the rental car return lot, parked the car, got our paperwork done and went down to the departure area. I had checked us in online, but still needed to print out our boarding passes. There are booths were you can do that, but they NEVER cooperate. So I tried, didn't work, I tried again, didn't work and then I had to wait until one of the Lufthansa ground personal had time to help. Wasn't all that easy, as most of the people had the same issues. Finally, boarding passes in hand we headed over to check in our luggage.
We had a laugh as handing over our luggage actually took longer than it took to check people in all the way. We still had about an hour to kill until boarding time and when we came across a Starbucks we knew what we were going to do. Tom ordered

a Cappuccino again and I had

another Creme Brulee Macchiato. We sat at a tiny table and Tom tried to connect to the Internet again, but the connection was weak again, so we gave up and just chatted until we had finished our coffees.
About 30 minutes before boarding we made our way over to the satellite where our gate was. There is always a long line for the security check and that day was no exception. It took a while until we got through and when we had finally found our gate they were just starting boarding. We found our seats, got comfortable and very soon we were on our way to Duesseldorf,

which was the better connection on the way home.
It didn't take long and the flight attendants were serving drinks and handing out snacks. This time we got

a ham and cream cheese sandwich, which was really nice. The flight was just 50 minutes long, so once we had finished our sandwich it was about time to get ready for landing.
It didn't take long and we were on our way over to our connecting flight. We sat at our gate and played a few games until it was time to head to the bus which took us to our plane, and Austrian Arrows plane.

We haven't flown on our national airline in a long time, so that was a pretty nice surprise. This was another 1 hour flight and once we were off we were served hot and cold drinks and were handed another sweet treat. This time we got

a Milka Choco Wafer, which is actually several layers of thin wafers, all sandwiched together with a chocolate filling and then covered in smooth, silky, Milka milk chocolate.
We enjoyed our treat and some Coke and in no time we had to get off as we had arrived at our home airport. We rented a cart to put all of our luggage on, then headed out to the car park, loaded everything into the car and off we went.
Once we were home I helped Tom to get all the stuff into the house, said "hello" to Pixie and then headed back to my car to drive home. We had only had two short days of fun in Paris, but the trip to Disney had been so worth it.