June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[DVC4US]

Carol - I got confirmations from Hilton today so hopefully the rooms are booked. I will probably check again in June just to make sure. I really want the 14th and 15th but could only book the 15th so I might keep looking at other hotels. I am also interested in the Grand Marina because it looks pretty cool. We went ahead and booked 2 rooms. With our kids we usually have to do this anyway because they can't seem to sleep together so it's just easier.

Brenda - I was just a little nervous booking on the UK site because I am in the States. I didn't want it to kick out my reservation because I was not in the UK, so that is why I called instead. I have seen the same information you have on some other posts. It sounds like if you asked DCL about hotels & transportation then it was placed on your reservations and you got a room. I didn't even think to ask at the time of booking because I didn't think it would be a problem, but I guess I was wrong. If I end up staying at one of the hotels DCL recommends then I might check into transportation, otherwise we will just figure it out on our own.

Was anyone asked at the time of booking if you were interested in pre/post hotel stay or transportation? I know we weren't.

 

[Skallywag]

We booked on the Disney cruise Site and definitely nothing was on there offering us transport or hotels. Only thing that we had to clarify for the insurance and flights if we wanted them.

I am going to keep trying for the Grand Marina also but at least have a room booked that is the main thing.

 

[carolmb]

I checked on the Hilton UK webiste last night. Both Hiltons in Barcleona with no availability for the 14th or 15th. Oh well maybe something will open up.

I had a great thought but my DH nixed it. I thought we could fly into London for a couple of days. Then take the train to Paris for a 2-3 days and then on to Barcelona and the cruise. DH said he could not take a 3 week vacation. Like I said just a thought.

 

[Skallywag]

Hi Carol,

Just checked the hilton uk site again and one of their hotels still has availability on the night of the 15th if that is any help to you.

 

[carolmb]

Hi Carol,

Just checked the hilton uk site again and one of their hotels still has availability on the night of the 15th if that is any help to you.

Thanks Brenda! I just booked 2 rooms at the Hilton Barcelona for the night of the 15th. Not sure why I was so nervous. The rate is almost double for Friday night than Saturday night. Crazy!

 

[JulieWent]

Good morning everyone from ~England.

Wonder why everyone seems rather afraid of booking through the UK website we have booked things on the US site many times and as long as you get the print off receipt and keep that what really can go wrong. I dont know why the British site is showing availability that far ahead you really would think it would be all the same but I did check also and it is quite right in what you say.

Julie any chance you would p.m. or let me have the email contact for the Grand Marina - inspite of many emails and even a fax have received nothing.
Many thanks and happy hotel hunting.

Brenda,
Sorry it took so long. It's been a lonnnggg week! I'm going to try to post the email I received:

Dear Mrs Wentworth,

thank you for your request, we regret to inform you that our rates for
2007 will be ready around September October this year.

We will be pleased to contact you again and offer you availability
around that time of the year.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need further assistance.


Looking forward to welcome you at the Grand Marina Hotel,

Best Regards,


Barbara Lianas

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel ***** G.L. Barbara Lianas
Agente Reservas

reservas@grandmarinahotel.com
www.grandmarinahotel.com
EUROSTARS GRAND MARINA ***** G.L.
Moll de Barcelona, s/n - Edificio Oeste
08039 Barcelona
Tel.: (+34) 93 603 90 00
Fax : (+34) 93 603 90 90


Hey! It worked! For what it's worth.

I'm betting that we're seeing "rooms booked" because they aren't available yet. I think hotels show rooms as "unavailable" when they aren't on the computer yet. But who knows?

If it comes down to it, we'll fly into London for a few days and then fly from London to Barcelona the day before the cruise. I'm thinking there will be plenty of rooms available in London. It's a win/win situation.

Julie

 

[Skallywag]

Very strange that some hotels are showing availability others not. Best to just reseve I think and then sort it out nearer the date.

 

[DVC4US]

GOOOOOOOOD FRIDAY MORNING(OR AFTERNOON) EVERYONE!

Brenda - you are right it is strange about the hotels. I have to agree with you about at least having the one night booked and then looking at other options later. Hopefully I will have the hotels figured out when it's time to book flights. I want to book those at the 330 day mark if possible so I can get the best fare.

I have too many other trips between now and then to be this stressed over a trip that is over a year away. I guess I will just go with the flow and figure it out later.

 

[jmcdonnell04]

Happy Friday to Everyone!

We are all obsessive compulsive planners and we all would have our shore excursions and Palo dinners booked if we could. I'm sure all of our plans will work out at the 11-12 month window.

We have three trips to Disneyworld before the cruise to plan since we opted to buy an Annual Pass for the first time. The waitlist just came thru yesterday for Trip # 1 in June so now we are staying at the Boardwalk instead of Old Key West. We are also trying the Disney Dining package for the first time so it will be nice to be close to Epcot to try several excellent dinners at the World Showcase. Trip # 2 is in December for a 4 day weekend to go see the parks decorated for Christmas, the Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party and our first stay at the Grand Floridian (putting those DVC points to good use). Trip # 3 will be during Spring Break in April (waiting for the 11 month window to book a GV at OKW).

 

[jmcdonnell04]

BUMP -- we were down to the middle of page 2

 

[silver7]

Good evening from beautiful Houston!

I am asking the cruise line each time I speak to them (which is about 2-3 times a day) about the hotels but nothing new. . .

We will be shooting for the Marina but are still waiting for the Casa Camper.


I think we are going to go back to WDW in November (Have points must travel!) for Thanksgiving. DS is starting college and will only be able to meet up with us for a few days, but it will be fun!

Is anyone else going then?

 

[Skallywag]

Thinking on the hotels and feel that some of them are very expensive for the times we are going. Weeks around that time are much cheaper and wonder if they are pushing the prices up as they know Disney cruisers will need accommodation.

 

[Skallywag]

Just bumping this up as we are getting way down.

Keep loosing the link to our own Web site can someone post it for me please.

 

[silver7]

Hi There!

I have posted the webpage address in my signature--I hope that is ok

I took out the F-I-R-S-T reference --Both my sons were in competitive robotics competitions and this was their last year.

Teresa

 

[silver7]

Has anyone thought about meets on the cruise? PALOS, tea, themed nights in the clubs--we had such a ball on our Turkey cruise doing them!

 

[JulieWent]

Have you heard anything from Casa Camper? I think we'll follow your lead and shoot for Grand Marina but book at Casa Camper. It looks like a fun place.

But, if we can't get them to answer our emails, it doesn't make any difference, huh?

The meets sound fun. I'd like to try one family meet if possible so we can let some of the kids meet up, too. I've never been on a cruise with other Dis'ers.

In the mean time, we're off on other adventures this summer. We're going on a rollercoaster adventure early in the summer -- Cedar Point and Busch Gardens Williamsburg with a stop in Washington DC in between, and, of course, a quick trip down to Disney late in the summer.

Only 19 more days of school. Yes!!! (Who says teachers don't count???)

Julie

 

[pmm0724]

Did you get my PM with our family info for the web page?

Thanks,
Peggy Mitchell

 

[silver7]

Hi Julie

I sent two emails to Casa Camper and did not hear back. I love the look of the place but am a little uneasy about the lack of response.

With the our last cruise we Dis'board Turkey Cruisers had matching shirts (or just lime green ones) so we could easily spot each other in the terminal.

We then hung out for the sail away party, had a luncheon at Palo, and high tea scheduled. We usually met for the themed nights which were just a hoot--especially since our group usually got picked for the participants--

We could arrange that type of thing again (I did not do the arranging, just the attending ) Since we have 3 days at sea it would be easy enough.

 

[silver7]

Hi Peggy

DS has been sick but he is adding it now

Sorry it took so long.

 

[silver7]

Sorry it took so long, but the site is finally updated. I added tupperny and pmm0724, put in bubbles instead of mouse attack, added music, and added a links page. Comments and concerns are appreciated.

-The Webmaster