January 13, 2007 - 7 Night Magic Western

[sopandbass]

...I should really get up with my hubby, thomprod, and sit there supportively as he makes our ressies. But there's no point in BOTH of us losing sleep, right? I don't want to dishonor his valiant efforts. So, I think I'll roll over and go back to sleep...oh...after I tell him I love him.

 

[cepmom]

okay...who's got their alarm set for reservations tonight??? or am I the only nut wasting precious beauty sleep trying to get Palo brunch ressie's at the ungodly hour of 3:00 AM???

DH is asleep on the couch which is my usual spot for "resting" before I have to get up and do the "3:00 AM ressie dash"...I'm trying ot figure out how to get him to go upstairs so I can lay down without him knowing I'm getting up in the middle of the night to make a brunch reservation...he'd think I was nuts if he knew !

Has anyone else had problems filling out the online check in forms on disneycruise.com?? For some reason it won't let me fill out DH and DD6 and DD9's check in forms, but I was able to fill out mine and DD16's

I'll have to give them a call and see what the issue is

If anyone else is getting up in 4 hours to make ressies...good luck in getting everything you want

 

[cepmom]

...I should really get up with my hubby, thomprod, and sit there supportively as he makes our ressies. But there's no point in BOTH of us losing sleep, right? I don't want to dishonor his valiant efforts. So, I think I'll roll over and go back to sleep...oh...after I tell him I love him.

hey...we were posting at the same time! You're absolutely right...let your DH make the ressies and you stay in bed.....hey ~ if he's willing to get up in the middle of the night to make reservations, then more power to him!! My DH would think I had completely lost it if he knew what I was doing!! Enjoy your sleep tonight!!

 

[pdarrah]

Yep - I'm crazy also! Here I am waiting for 2AM (Central Time) so I can make Palo Ressies. We don't need any excursions and I'm not really a spa person, so I'm only doing this for Palo....

pdarrah

 

[cepmom]

everyone ready???? One minute to go!

 

[pdarrah]

Done! I have what we want (Brunch and Dinner), so back to bed for me. I'll fill in the kid's registration some time when I'm actually awake!

Pdarrah

 

[Vulcandream]

Just making sure I understand this correctly. I was told that, being a newbie, we can't make reservations until Oct. 30. Those who have traveled with DC previously can reserveearlier. Is thar right? In other words, will there be anything good left by the time I get a crack at it? And also, if I log on at 12:01 AM EST on 10/30 then i can make reservations and beat what's left of the crowd.

I an trying to decide still which is the best night (or unch) for Palo.

 

[cepmom]

Just making sure I understand this correctly. I was told that, being a newbie, we can't make reservations until Oct. 30. Those who have traveled with DC previously can reserveearlier. Is thar right? In other words, will there be anything good left by the time I get a crack at it? And also, if I log on at 12:01 AM EST on 10/30 then i can make reservations and beat what's left of the crowd.

I an trying to decide still which is the best night (or unch) for Palo.

yes, new cruisers can make their reservations for Palo, the spa and excursions at 75 days. Repeat cruisers can make their's at 90 days (today for this cruise) Concierge guests (cat 1,2 and 3) can make their reservations at 105 days.

Not sure how many reservations will be left by 75 days, but I have heard that DCL holds some reservations back and those can be booked once onboard the ship. The time reservations start depends on your time zone ~it is 3:00 am EDT, 2:00 am CDT, 1:00 am MDT and 12:00 am PDT.

The Palo brunch reservations went quick!! I booked my brunch then went to book the eco tour excursion for CC and went back to check the brunch reservatiosna nd they were all gone by 3:15 am!!

 

[pdarrah]

The Palo brunch reservations went quick!! I booked my brunch then went to book the eco tour excursion for CC and went back to check the brunch reservatiosna nd they were all gone by 3:15 am!!

Actually, you can't really tell if they are left once you book yours... Once you book one of the 3 types of meals (Dinner, Brunch, Tea) the system no longer shows you those options.

Vulcandream - I've read on the DIS that there sometimes there isn't much left at 75 days and some people have had no trouble at 75 days, so I guess you won't know until you login then. It seems to be clear that DCL does hold many reservations back (although the DCL reservation people on the phone give many different answers to this question!) since not everyone has internet access. So far, I haven't seen any report where someone was NOT able to get what they want at the port if they went to the Palo booking area (usually Rockin Bar D) right away on boarding.

Unfortunately, they will not tell you your rotation until you get to the pier. I'm pretty sure they print the KTTW cards right there, but I agree that they are probably assigned before then - for one thing, they seem to do fairly well at granting people requests and grouping similar people to gether at tables (i.e. families with toddler boys together, or couples of similar ages, etc.)

One way to avoid the "don't miss AP on your first night there" is to go to Palo the 4th night or later. Another method is to "double-dip" - if you have late seating, try to book Palo at 6pm for any night and then ALSO go to your regular seating afterwards. I can't imaging you would eat that much at the regular dining room, but you could probably sample things you just don't want to miss.

Door decorations - We will definitely be decorating our door! They are metal and we use magnets (and print our own stuff on magnetic paper). I'll post more on this later when I'm more awake - getting up in the middle of the night has made this morning difficult!

P.S. Sorry I havn't updated the website yet - Friday turned into a crazy day at work & my Saturday's are always insane. I'll try and get it done today ....

 

[cepmom]

Actually, you can't really tell if they are left once you book yours... Once you book one of the 3 types of meals (Dinner, Brunch, Tea) the system no longer shows you those options.

really??? i didn't know that! We booked a brunch and a dinner, but I'm not sure if we'll actually do both. I wanted to book them and then think about it. We may just do the brunch since we've never done that before.

Which day did you select for the brunch? We have Monday ~ the first day at sea.

I wanted to book the spa villas, but didn't because I have read reports that sometimes they offer a discount for booking on a port day. I think I'll try to get that for Key West day since we didn't really have anything planned in Key West.

I'll post more on this later when I'm more awake - getting up in the middle of the night has made this morning difficult!

tell me about it!! I couldn't get back to sleep until 4:15 and I have to be at work at 11:00 today I'm working until 4:00 then I need to go over to DSil house for a 40th anniversary party for DMil and DFil...I am going to be dragging by the end of the day!! I may not even stay awake late enough to watch Desperate Housewives

Have a good day everyone!

 

[sopandbass]

We were able to get Palo reservations on our first cruise so I bet you'll be able to get there if you decide you want to, Vulcandream.

In the wee hours of the morning, Hubby was able to get everything we wanted - Palo dinner and brunch (on first Sea Day), DD and DH going on the Atlantis Submarine in Grand Cayman (DH and I did that many years ago and it was kinda fun), a couple other excursions and a massage for DH. He reserved a Spa Villa for me for a Sea Day but I had one reserved last time and opted out just before we left. I'm sure it's great but I keep hearing mixed reviews. We shall see what I do this time.

Well, the cruise seems more real with the ressie rush behind us. Can't wait!!!

Hey, I got the top of a new page as well!!

 

[Ginny]

Hi, All -

Well, it looks like everyone has been really, really busy!! All those ressies flying at 0315 AM. Can you believe how crazy we all are...............and I love it!! I have been helping one of the other family's on DD's Soccer Team plan their vacation in December and when folks overheard us speaking "in the DIS lingo"...........he explained that now that I am in the 3 month window.....that I would be Disney-Focused!

DD and I spent last night playing Disney Scene-It and then watching our DCL Cruise Line Videos (I've kept them all). I'm so lucky that she enjoys Disney as much as I do. DH is so wonderfully patient and supportive and really gets into the spirit, too !! My favorite video is the 2000-2002 version with the really long song and the ship in a bottle. It is awesome. Plus, it is so interesting to see how things have changed (ESPN, "The Stack, Hercules, The Ghost Ship,etc). The DVD doesn't really offer the same ability to take me away because I have to hit all those buttons. Silly, I know!

I just got a lovely e-mail from Sue-Ellen at Dreams Unlimited and we got our ressies at the Beach Club. I hadn't booked our hotel for before the cruise yet. I wanted to try the Poly but DD really loves the Beach Club and I didn't know if the Poly refurbishment would be done. We couldn't get "rollover rates" from SOG which is how we have been able to opt for the Beach Club on our last two stays - so have a AAA discount now and will be praying for discount codes in early Nov. Sue-Ellen is so great!! My e-mail address at work bounced back so she tracked down my home e-mail account and tried that............How's that for service!!

My goal tonight is to put all the plans into my Excel Spreadsheets (one for WDW and one for DCL). When I first heard about people making spreadsheets, I thought that sounded pretty pathological...............but, now, after 7 years...I am a devoted fan and training others.

So, now it is time for the really important things like our DCL Door Magnets and Pirate Attire (not a full on costume = gotta save my airline weight for DCL Treasures on the way home!). DD and I have formalwear and semi-formal wear from other cruises that will find their way to Lumiere's again.

Pdarrah, thanks so much for all you are doing to bring our group together. I have no idea how you keep so many balls in the air.

Blacksmithcrm - Welcome!! It is nice to know that other's understand our "commuting" pain. I not only fight 66 but 495 North to Bethesda and back, as well. Am I nuts or what?? But, I do love the peace and quiet of our neighborhood.

VulcanDream - Welcome!! I know the "Ressie Rush" can be daunting. If Palo's is most important, I would encourage you to try to get your first choice for Palo's at 12:01 (Okay, I would start dialing or inputting data at 1159 just in case). If you arent successful, try again when you board and if you still hit roadblocks, call back every day to see if folks cancel. We have had great luck with last minute cancellations on days when folks have gone on excursions. They are just too tired when they get home to show up!!

CepMom - We have Monday Brunch Ressies, too. I think they are for 1030.

I am going into my busiest months of the year at work but having the cruise to look forward to is such a delight. Plus, adding on a few days ahead in WDW will be a treat. DD's teachers have been great and very supportive. I was a little nervous because she started "middle school" but am glad to see they are all for it.

DH is still traveling like a madman BUT when we embark on the Magic............all cell phones, Blackberries and laptops cease to exist!! It is a wonderful thing for both of us.

By the way, Shirley Nelson-Brown (my favorite DCL basket person) mentioned that there would be a special Extreme Home Makeover tonight. So, we are watching.

Well, back to my spreadsheets, for now. Have a great week all.

 

[skylynx]

DH and I were both up at 2 am Central time and got our Palo dinner reservation and one for high tea, then went to bed happy. Somehow, doing this makes it all seem very concrete (almost as much as paying off the balance). It took a while to fall asleep, with all that thinking about a romantic Palo dinner and crossing the gangplank for the first time, knowing we still have the whole cruise ahead of us, anxious to step out on our verandah and marvel that it's just as wonderful as the last time, ahhhhhhh. Eager, too, for days at sea like those on our last Western cruise when we stood on deck 10 at the dead center of the bow for hours grabbing great lungfuls of air that were a combination of brisk wind and nautical speed and that made all the bothers of Chicagoland seem so very, very far away and unimportant.

 

[CTPinkPrincess]

Hi all - I am ashamed to admit I completely spaced out and forgot I could make reservations today! It wasn't until I sat down at the computer this morning after church that I realized the significance of the date

Luckily I was able to make all the reservations that we had carefully planned out (I never thought I'd be one of "those" people who plan everything out on spreadsheets LOL!). Filled out all the paperwork too, to get DD registered for the Oceaneers Club, and our boarding paperwork...Glad that's out of the way...

Now, HURRY UP JANUARY!!

 

[Vulcandream]

Thanks for all of the advice and help. You people are great.

 

[blacksmithcrm]

Looks like Palo will be busy for the Monday brunch(us too)!

Quick question - Any thoughts on the Wine package? How many bottles come with the package?

Thanks!

 

[Colorado Mom]

89 days!!! I am so excited!
We did not book anything yet, not going to Palo and not sure yet of our excurtions.
Right now we are thinking about Halloween, then Thanksgiving will be here then Christmas. I need to make a list of cruise details to take care of now so we are prepared. The kids really want tuxes, wondering if I can get away with a jacket and tie for them. I bought a new swim suit and am looking for more formal dresses.
My biggest problem is getting care for our 2 dogs while we are gone. I need to start looking at kennels and all that. Not a job I am looking forward to.

 

[Vulcandream]

We too are looking forward to the formal evening but I just plan to use the Tux service that delivers right to our stateroom.

When we decided to take this cruise my wife and I also decided to lose weight before we went. We started Weight Watchers on May 10. I have lost 45 lbs so far and have another 15 to go. Anyone else working on slimming down before the DC?

 

[cepmom]

We too are looking forward to the formal evening but I just plan to use the Tux service that delivers right to our stateroom.

When we decided to take this cruise my wife and I also decided to lose weight before we went. We started Weight Watchers on May 10. I have lost 45 lbs so far and have another 15 to go. Anyone else working on slimming down before the DC?

wow!! congratulations on your weight loss!! That's great.
I have been trying to lose some weight...ideally I'd like to lose 20 lbs, but the past week I haven't been so good Eating too much and not exercising. Back on track tomorrow though...I need to fit into my formal dress in 89 days!

 

[pdarrah]

Yep, I've been working on weight loss too - but not very succefully. I've been getting to the gym 2 times per week which is a major improvement, but I have a very hard time losing weight and it gets frustrating!

Tuxes: I bought DS7 a tux on ebay last year. It cost me $25 including shipping and was the tux, shirt & shoes! I have no idea if there are tuxes for older guys, but it is probably worth looking...

This is going to be a nutty week for me, I have to be at a trade show for 3 days and DH has 2 out of town business trips (highly unusual - he usually has a trip every few months). They are doing some sort of "customer road show" so he is going to be traveling a lot the next couple of weeks. Oh well, we'll make it through - thank goodness my parents live nearby and can take DS around to all his stuff when we are unavailable!

pdarrah