I'm Home... a few thoughts.

[Laura24]

We are back to reality...and some snow. What a contrast in weather!

Our 3/11 Wonder cruise was short, but sweet. Rough seas going out due to a tail end of a cold front passing through. Stayed two nights prior at VWL, one word- "chilly". Upon our return on the 14th we stayed at BWV for next six days, one word-warmer!
Thoughts-
VWL-great for unwinding from reality back home.
3 night cruise- time passes too quickly.
Castaway Cay-can't we stay there longer??
Glass bottom tour boat was just OK..depends on time of year to actually see any marine life.
Loved Nassua historical harbor cruise. Alot of history. Saw the new home of Oprah Winfrey in the building stages...just next door to Michael Jordan's home. Did not feel comfortable with the islanders aggression..."hair braids pretty ladies"? "Sing a song for a dollar" ect. ect. and some illegal wares for sale also. I know it is their way of life and a way to support themselves.
Atlantis-amazing, and I played my first slots ever. Yup...I lost.
Lessons learned- do not depend on your MAC/debit card. My Visa's system was compromised...numbers were stolen and for security measures, a $50.00 a day limit was placed on all accounts affected...of course mine was one of them!
Also-just because you are in the happiest place on Earth, does not make everyone honest or trustworthy. My daughters digital camera and her 35mm camera was left behind upon check out in her room. We called immediately when we got to the airport and noticed it was not with us. The room was checked, the cameras are MIA. Overall, we had a "magical" time> Time to plan our next adventure!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Laura24

Lessons learned- do not depend on your MAC/debit card. My Visa's system was compromised...numbers were stolen and for security measures, a $50.00 a day limit was placed on all accounts affected...of course mine was one of them!

Welcome home!

Was this with your onboard ship's account that you were having the trouble?

 

[tinarena2000]

Thank you for your words of wisdom!
tina

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Thanks for your trip report. Sorry to hear about the cameras. It's a shame that you can never let your guard down. Call Disney's lost and found again. Sometimes these things show up. The cruise part sounded great although too short. Did you rebook your 7 day cruise while onboard?

I agree with you about the folks in Nassau. We felt very uncomfortable there and have decided this cruise we will stay on the ship.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Laura, I agree with EmmasGrammy, check with Disney's L&F again. Last year when we visited Animal Kingdom, our digital dropped off the stroller. Not even five minutes had passed when we noticed it wasn't with us. We search everywhere we had been, and after the disappointment passed I, of course, got (insert bad word here).
Well, as we were leaving we stopped at L&F and it was there (all our pics of DD and the characters were saved). So it doesn't take the CM's any time to scoop something up and get it to L&F.
Hope it turns up.

 

[Laura24]

Howdy..

CRSNDSNY- RE: Shipboard account and debit. Our account was not compromised, fortunately, until the day before returning home, our shipbpoard charges had been processed before the limit was placed. WHEW!!
I had my Bank One Visa with us and used that as needed. This is the first time I did not use traveler's checks as in the trips prior, I have since rethought that process. I just don't feel comfotable carrying alot of cash.
As for the cameras, the BWV security is investigating the disappearance since they were left in the room next to the tv armoire. DD had all of the film she had used in the 35mm except one roll in the camera, but the Sandisk was in her digital. I failed to mention, that because this happened on a Friday, the LP dept. was closed and we didn't start receiving help or direction until Monday. LP has profusely apologized for the delay...if only someone had gone immediatley back to the room they may have been found. Oh well, lessons learned the hard way.
I did a good deed myself while at RF at DTD...I noticed a cell phone under the table and turned it in. I sure hope the owner was reunited!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I really hope you get everything that you lost back again.

***PIXIE DUST*** for you and your family.

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by Laura24
Overall, we had a "magical" time> Time to plan our next adventure!

Ohhhh, you have attitude plus, darling! To have gone through so much and still maintain that "smile"! My hat is off to you, dear friend!!! I only wish you didn't have those "creases"!!

And I absolutely refuse to get off the ship in Nassua (if we ever cruise there again) - regardless of who or what is going on!

Lots of hugs!!!
Rae

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Laura, sorry about your camera. I am confused about your comment about your Visa's system was compromised...numbers were stolen and for security measures, a $50.00 a day limit was placed on all accounts affected. When did that happen and when did you realize the numbers were stolen. Was it on the ship or at the Port? Wow, I am really sorry!

 

[Laura24]

Originally posted by jiminyC_fan
Laura, sorry about your camera. I am confused about your comment about your Visa's system was compromised...numbers were stolen and for security measures, a $50.00 a day limit was placed on all accounts affected. When did that happen and when did you realize the numbers were stolen. Was it on the ship or at the Port? Wow, I am really sorry!

JIMINY---This is how I found out about the problem, I tried to pay for our lunch with my debit at RFC in AK and it was declined! Knowing my balance, I contacted my customer service and then my bank and was informed that the Visa system of my card issuer was compromised, "numbers" for numerous cards had been stolen and that for our security, a charge/debit limit was placed. Funds were not misappropriated from our accounts. Just a tad embarrassing, but greatful to know someone is watching out for our well being.

RAE-Hey there...I was searching for some sign of Fidelio on board the Wonder..I know it is not his ship to haunt, but I just thought that maybe I would hear a few chords of hauntingly familiar piano! Had a great time...I have to laugh though....any time "shrimp" was on a menu or the buffets, I thought of you!
How's that birthday celebration cruise going???

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by Laura24
RAE-Hey there...I was searching for some sign of Fidelio on board the Wonder..I know it is not his ship to haunt, but I just thought that maybe I would hear a few chords of hauntingly familiar piano! Had a great time...I have to laugh though....any time "shrimp" was on a menu or the buffets, I thought of you!
How's that birthday celebration cruise going???

Glad that both Fidelio and I were thought of - good company!!!
I have a lot of video from his Family Show and can "hear" him anytime I want!!!!!! I also have his cassette "Sparkle" that was dedicated to Columbine. Great man, great talent, great loss to Disney......

Birthday Celebration Cruise is waiting for DCL to make their big announcement so Andy and I can get our dates set and announce them!!!!! Andy and I are still welcoming our friends to join us - so you know YOU are invited!!!

Hugs,
Rae

 

[talicskai]

I don't mean to butt in to private conversations but what happened to Fidelio? I loved him!

 

[makaylee]

Originally posted by Laura24
We are back to reality...and some snow. What a contrast in weather!

Also-just because you are in the happiest place on Earth, does not make everyone honest or trustworthy. My daughters digital camera and her 35mm camera was left behind upon check out in her room. We called immediately when we got to the airport and noticed it was not with us. The room was checked, the cameras are MIA. Overall, we had a "magical" time> Time to plan our next adventure!

Really sorry to hear about this. I hope they are returned. The biggest shame is to have lost your pictures.

 

[Laura24]

Everyone! for your kind words and "pixie dust". My DD had 6 of her 7 rolls of film, (we were there for almost two weeks) packed separately to hand carry through security so all is not lost!
I applaud BW's LP team. They've been in daily contact with her, doing a thorough investigation. So, we shall see....may be this will have a happy ending! Thanks again!

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by talicskai
I don't mean to butt in to private conversations but what happened to Fidelio? I loved him!

Fidelio is alive and well - playing piano in upstate New York! He misses his Disney fans and always sends regards to them!

We miss him a lot since it was his Dueling Piano's Family Show that was our evening's entertainment - (our family ages 74-8!! and we were all big fans!)

Were you aware that Fidelio composed a fabulous song "Sparkle" dedicated to the Columbine victims? Just a beautiful creation by a fantastic man.

Miss Fidelio? Like air, my friend, like air!

Rae

 

[christinou]

Where is Fidelio playing in upstate NY.....

 

[rae519]

Close to you! Turning Stone!!!

Rae