It's A Small World - A Never-ending Pre-trip Report

[franandaj]

Sounds like that trip is coming together nicely.

Having been born in Boston and visiting my Grandparents there every summer, Quincy Market was always a favorite for one day each trip. New York should be great fun, and it sounds like you will have a nice overview. The scuba experience sounds pretty cool.

I hope you work out your time on land, and good thing Vero Beach didn't take that much of a hit from Matthew.

 

[Pinkocto]

That sounds OK. Is it kind of the same set up to Dinosaur/ Indiana Jones at Disneyland?
Corinna

No, completely different. It's a huge truck, probably 8-10 rows that fit 8-10 people. No seat belts. It's more like the safari ride as in bumpy and ride vehicle, but it's completely inside and you go through jungle scenes with monsters and King Kong. The animatronic Kong at the end was so well done I thought it had to be a movie screen, but the cast told me he is actually a huge animatronic.

The Shrek show is quite funny as well, that's in the same park as E.T.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Having been born in Boston and visiting my Grandparents there every summer, Quincy Market was always a favorite for one day each trip.

That is good to know.

New York should be great fun, and it sounds like you will have a nice overview.

That is actually the part I am most nervous about. I have been wanting to go for so long that I have pretty big expectations for this. I am a little worried that it won't stand up to those expectations.

I hope you work out your time on land, and good thing Vero Beach didn't take that much of a hit from Matthew.

We really need to do something about this. This is my last weekend that I have to work before the trip so hopefully we can tie up loose ends next weekend.

No, completely different. It's a huge truck, probably 8-10 rows that fit 8-10 people. No seat belts. It's more like the safari ride as in bumpy and ride vehicle, but it's completely inside and you go through jungle scenes with monsters and King Kong. The animatronic Kong at the end was so well done I thought it had to be a movie screen, but the cast told me he is actually a huge animatronic.

That sounds right.

The Shrek show is quite funny as well, that's in the same park as E.T.

I do love everything Shrek so that may well go on the list.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

A couple of weeks ago, I made my Fastpass reservations and I was pretty pleased that I got everything I wanted during the cut over period where I can access Magic Kingdom with my party ticket for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Yesterday I got an email, advising me that they had to cancel my Fastpass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train between 17:55 and 18:55 on 29th November. Instead they have booked me a Fastpass for Splash Mountain between 12:30 and 13:30.

Now, they cannot know that I detest this ride. However, they can see two other problems. It is very clear that the only ticket linked to my account is the party ticket and as such, I cannot be in the park for this time. We also have a reservation at Disney Springs at13:30 and this did show up in My Disney Experience as a conflict. I thought that the justification for My Disney Experience was that this provides a more seamless customer experience. Well, they failed miserably here.

One a more positive note, I had an absolutely magical time at Disneyland Paris and I have renewed my annual pass while I was there. They really sweeten renewing an annual pass. I got six extra months free. That is definitely worth having. While I was there, I got an email with a special offer for the hotel we are normally staying at and now we are seriously considering going back right before Christmas. I am hoping that this works out.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

I thought that it was only fair that I posted an update on the Fastpass saga. I had used the contact us form before I posted the thread and got an answer relatively quickly. The answer was of equal usefulness as the software. It essentially told me that they can't help me. There was however and 0800 number provided and I decided to give this a go today.

I did not really think it would change anything, but I figured it was worth a try. I did speak to a really nice lady after listening to a fair amount of Disney music. To my surprise and delight, she not only fixed the issue, but she sorted out another potential issue as well.

I had a Fastpass for Space Mountain for 15:15 to 16:15. I knew this would be cutting things fine, but I also knew that there is a 15 minute grace period. She managed to change this to 15:50 to 16:50 giving me more time for delays, etc. They were not able to reinstate the original time for my Fastpass for Seven Dwarfs Mine train, but they added a Fastpass for this that I can use at any time between 16:00 and 19:00. I was very happy with this solution.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

that's nice that they were able to work it out to your satisfaction!

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm glad they fixed the FP. How bizarre they did that in the first place. Some CMs are absolutely top notch!

An extra 6 months free for your DLP AP? Awesome!

 

[dolphingirl47]

that's nice that they were able to work it out to your satisfaction!

I am glad it all got sorted.

I'm glad they fixed the FP. How bizarre they did that in the first place. Some CMs are absolutely top notch!

Apparently it sometimes happens when they upgrade the systems. She was very sweet and helpful.

An extra 6 months free for your DLP AP? Awesome!

I was very happy about this.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Well I can not think of a worse substitute either I do not warm to splash mountain so I was over the Disney moon to see that the issue was sorted for you in something you can work with! Just like the substitutions of online shopping. We didn't have any c'art dor vanilla ice cream we have given you a pot of natural yogurt instead. No thanks!

Yeah that Annual pass that was great news.

Exciting trips coming up!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Well I can not think of a worse substitute either I do not warm to splash mountain

There are three rides at Walt Disney World that scare me crazy: Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest and Splash Mountain. I would rather do either Tower of Terror or Expedition Everest before I do Splash Mountain.

Just like the substitutions of online shopping. We didn't have any c'art dor vanilla ice cream we have given you a pot of natural yogurt instead.

I can better that. One Christmas I decided to do online shopping and ordered some fresh pork, sage and onion stuffing. I got 2 kg of onions as a substitution. Needless to say, they went back where they came from.

Exciting trips coming up!

The next one is rapidly creeping up on me.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

s I decided to do online shopping and ordered some fresh pork, sage and onion stuffing. I got 2 kg of onions as a substitution. Needless to say, they went back where they came from.

That is so funny! What kind of person makes these choices! I also get what I call my random bonus item most times. It is an item I haven't ordered or paid for. Somebody somewhere must be missing two vanilla cheesecake slices from the last shop. Jo was very happy to find these at the bottom of our bag. Last time it was sausage rolls...

But we never have anything missing..most strange. Do the pickers put items in for a laugh?

 

[dolphingirl47]

But we never have anything missing..most strange. Do the pickers put items in for a laugh?

I think they must do. I have never had that happen.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

This weekend did not quite turn out as I had planned. This was supposed to be my first weekend off of three in a row, but I was asked to come in on Saturday. Still, I actually got quite a bit crossed off the list of stuff I need to get taken care of at work before I leave for the next trip. So in that respect, it was all good. The rest of the day was not quite so wonderful. I started with me putting my back out and ended with a fire in our apartment building. As far as the back is concerned, I am in some pain, but I rather have this now then during the trip. The fire was fortunately quickly brought under control.

Despite all this, I still managed to get a fair bit done. I finally sorted out our car rental and managed to do online check in for this. I have gone with Alamo and we were able to sign up for Skip the Counter so we can head straight to the rental lot and pick a car. That will save time. While my mind was on the car, I checked directions for various place we are hoping to go on Google Maps and downloaded them as PDFs.

I also updated our ESTAs and the confirmations are ready for printing.

I am still hoping that they will make the photo package available for pre-order for our cruise. At the moment the last cruise you can pre-order for is the one before ours.

Speaking of photos, I am trying to make up my mind whether I want the photo package for Universal and whether I will just get Memory Maker One Day for the two days I am doing the party or if I should get the normal Memory Maker. This is not that much more expensive and I hear there are now photographers at Disney Springs and I may encounter some at the resorts.

I also still need to get a new suitcase, get our standby tickets to get back from Florida, do my magnets and print out all the documents. Fortunately this is not too much. Most of this should be taken care off next weekend.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Sorry to hear you got called in to work. At least you managed with your positive can do attitude to put it to good use. Oh la la re your poor back! Sorry to hear this also. I hope you seek medical attention so it does not drag on to your vacation. I am glad the fire in your apartment building was contained.

We always use Alamo. Beyond pleased with them. Hold your nerve if they offer you to pay for an upgrade. They always give it free in the end if they haven't got your class of car. We get it everytime!

Well done re your ETSAs. My heart always skips a beat getting those approved.

There is the cute Coca Cola bear now at Disney Springs. Did you see that? I meant to do that and forgot! It might be worth the full memory maker. Plus the Princesses are now at Disney springs.

Good luck with other chores. I enjoy shopping for new luggague.

 

[franandaj]

That's too bad they called you into work for extra time, but I'm glad you got a fair amount done.
That is very scary about the fire, but it's good they got it under control quickly. I hope your apartment was unaffected.

We usually end up going with Alamo, they have good rates and we've never had a problem.

I hope you're able to get your photo package soon. We were at Disney Springs last night, i didnt see any photograohers, but then again I also was not impressed with the new stuff. However it was very crowded, it was drak, and I arrived completely disoriented. It caused a panic attack, I felt like I was caught in some futuristic thriller movie. The coke building probably did it for me, perhaps it will be better during the day. I hope we have a chance to go back there in daylight.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Sorry to hear you got called in to work.

This is just one of those things. We are a relatively small team and have to help each other out.

At least you managed with your positive can do attitude to put it to good use.

Having the extra day definitely took some pressure off.

Sorry to hear this also. I hope you seek medical attention so it does not drag on to your vacation.

Unfortunately this is nothing new. Occasionally I get issues with my back, but all the doctor will tell me is to take Ibuprofen and take it easy. I am still a little sore, but it is much better. I may have to squeeze in a massage before the holiday.

I am glad the fire in your apartment building was contained.

So was I.

We always use Alamo. Beyond pleased with them.

We have used them before when we did a cruise from Miami and then went back to Orlando.

Hold your nerve if they offer you to pay for an upgrade. They always give it free in the end if they haven't got your class of car. We get it everytime!

We are going to miss all this fortunately. As we have signed up for Skip the Counter, we go straight down to where the cars are an just pick one that is in our allocated zone.

My heart always skips a beat getting those approved.

Fortunately this time round it was just a question of updating the address details.

There is the cute Coca Cola bear now at Disney Springs. Did you see that?

I had read this.

It might be worth the full memory maker. Plus the Princesses are now at Disney springs.

That was my way of thinking.

I enjoy shopping for new luggague.

I do as well, but prefer to do so in person.

That's too bad they called you into work for extra time, but I'm glad you got a fair amount done.

I have a kind of gentlemen's agreement with work. If I am at work, I will be as flexible as I can be. In return they have no issue with me taking extended vacations. This works for everybody.

That is very scary about the fire, but it's good they got it under control quickly.

It really was especially as it happened just before midnight.

I hope your apartment was unaffected.

In the short-term, we could smell some smoke that set off my cough. I am still not sure what happened and which apartment was affected. All I know is that it was on the floor below ours. The fire brigade got there very quickly.

We usually end up going with Alamo, they have good rates and we've never had a problem.

We got a great rate through a special offer in conjunction with a guide book.

I hope you're able to get your photo package soon.

So do. Some of the smaller ships have photo packages on offer until the end of the year.

We were at Disney Springs last night, i didnt see any photograohers, but then again I also was not impressed with the new stuff.

I am sorry that it did not work out.

t caused a panic attack, I felt like I was caught in some futuristic thriller movie.

That does not sound good at all.

The coke building probably did it for me,

This is the main reason why I want to go.

I hope we have a chance to go back there in daylight.

I keep my fingers crossed for you.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

Yay, the photo package for our cruise is finally listed. It is $249 for unlimited digital photos, which is not bad for a 13 night cruise. So this is something to sort out on the weekend.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Yay, the photo package for our cruise is finally listed. It is $249 for unlimited digital photos, which is not bad for a 13 night cruise. So this is something to sort out on the weekend.

Corinna

Fabulous! That does seem reasonsble as it is a longer cruise you should get your fill. That is less than 20 bucks a day.

I was wondering do they tell you in advance which characters will be onboard and what backdrops so you can prepare those amazing outfits you have? I hope you have some show stoppers for us lined up lady.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Fabulous! That does seem reasonsble as it is a longer cruise you should get your fill. That is less than 20 bucks a day.

That is what I figure.

I was wondering do they tell you in advance which characters will be onboard and what backdrops so you can prepare those amazing outfits you have?

On the Ovation, I knew what characters there would be. This ship unfortunately has not got the DreamWorks experience, although one of its sister shops has. As far as the backdrops are concerned, you do not know from one day to to the next what they will have out.

I hope you have some show stoppers for us lined up lady.

I have some pretty stunning gowns in the repertoire.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

In the meantime the two week mark before we leave for our next trip and for when we are getting on the ship has been and gone. I can’t believe how close this is now getting. Considering that October and early November tends to be amongst the busiest time at work for me, I am surprisingly calm and relaxed. I have to do lists for both the holiday and for stuff that needs to be taken care of at work and for once, I have no doubt that everything will be taken care of in time. The work to do list is longer and more time intensive, but by getting a little done each day, it is entirely doable.

What also helps is that I had a productive morning commute to work yesterday and managed to sort out a few odds and ends on my iPad. I ordered our toiletries. Royal Caribbean only does soap in terms of individual toiletries for anything but suites. This is pretty nice. On top of this, they have a combined shower gel and shampoo dispenser in the shower. As I have pretty sensitive skin and especially issues with my scalp, I stay clear of this. So instead I have invested in some L’Occitane goodies to take. I also ordered a few odds and ends as far as clothing is concerned. I did decide to get the normal Memory Maker and I have now purchased this.

I headed into town after work and picked up some socks, got our luggage tags printed and got the images for the magnets printed on photo paper. I have been working on the magnets on and off all day. I have trimmed the images and laminated them. I still have to cut a few more to size and add the magnet tape.

Things that are still outstanding:

Get photo package for cruise

Get photo package for Universal

Get “boring” toiletries (deodorant, tooth paste, etc.)

Finish magnets

Add books to Kindle App

Get new suitcase

Print documents

Buy standby ticket for return trip

Pack

Most of those items should hopefully be crossed off the lost by the end of this weekend, which I have off. I have set myself a deadline that everything apart from the packing and the standby ticket will be taken care of by this time next week. The standby ticket is one thing that is driving me slightly crazy. The airline that I will be flying with is upgrading their ticketing system and won’t issue any staff travel tickets for travel after the 20th November until that date. So I have to sort this out when I am already in the USA.

Corinna