Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - ***UPDATED - post #411 ***

[amystevekai&bump]

I DID IT!!! I just booked Halloween 2009 on the magic!!! I can not believe I did it. But I did. Just got airfare too for dirt cheap! Must be my lucky day!

congratulations - I'd love to go for halloween - we don't really celebrate it over here and I just love all of the orange/brown decorations you guys seem to have everywhere at that time of year!!

It is quiet out here. what is going on?

I've been looking at ways I can cut the cost of the rest of my Christmas 2010 vacation, as there is no way i'm giving up the cruise, but I think with the exchange rates so poor for us at the moment, I think I will have to economise elsewhere (currently thinking of swapping the Boardwalk to a family suite at the all stars for after the cruise!!! - not sure if I can face giving up the poly before the cruise though!)

 

[pillow]

I think I will have to economise elsewhere (currently thinking of swapping the Boardwalk to a family suite at the all stars for after the cruise!!! - not sure if I can face giving up the poly before the cruise though!)

Why don't you think about renting points from a DVC member and staying in a villa at the Boardwalk. How many people do you have?

Jodie

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Hello everybody, we made it home safely. Our Disneyland vacation was fabulous, everybody had a great time My son never complained once about his tooth (or lack thereof), and he ate everything in sight! I'm sure he gained back the weight he lost the week before we left when all he could eat was yogurt.

I'm getting jealous reading about all these upcoming cruises, I so wish that we could join you, but I really don't think we can pull off another big vacation prior to Dec 2010 As with Amy, we have to save some $$ before our next big excursion.

Now, I have a question for the group. While in Disneyland, we went to the DVC presentation (it was pouring that day, and sitting inside for a couple of hours sounded like a really good idea at that point). Do any of you belong to DVC? We actually purchased 300 points at Bay Lake Towers. We loved the plan, and it fits our vacation needs just right. However, when I got home and went over the documents, I realize that purchasing in Florida may not be the best move for us. I have chatted about this before, but airfare there is anywhere from $4000 - $5000 for the 4 of us to fly there I know the points are transferrable, but you lose the 11 month booking window when you don't book at your home resort. Does anybody have any experience with this? We have 10 days to back out of the agreement. I think we should have purchased at the Grand Californian. The reason we didn't is because our salesman told us that that wasn't open to the general public yet.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hello everybody, we made it home safely. Our Disneyland vacation was fabulous, everybody had a great time My son never complained once about his tooth (or lack thereof), and he ate everything in sight! I'm sure he gained back the weight he lost the week before we left when all he could eat was yogurt.

I'm getting jealous reading about all these upcoming cruises, I so wish that we could join you, but I really don't think we can pull off another big vacation prior to Dec 2010 As with Amy, we have to save some $$ before our next big excursion.

Now, I have a question for the group. While in Disneyland, we went to the DVC presentation (it was pouring that day, and sitting inside for a couple of hours sounded like a really good idea at that point). Do any of you belong to DVC? We actually purchased 300 points at Bay Lake Towers. We loved the plan, and it fits our vacation needs just right. However, when I got home and went over the documents, I realize that purchasing in Florida may not be the best move for us. I have chatted about this before, but airfare there is anywhere from $4000 - $5000 for the 4 of us to fly there I know the points are transferrable, but you lose the 11 month booking window when you don't book at your home resort. Does anybody have any experience with this? We have 10 days to back out of the agreement. I think we should have purchased at the Grand Californian. The reason we didn't is because our salesman told us that that wasn't open to the general public yet.

glad you had a good time, and so pleased that your son was feeling so much better!!

We looked long and hard at DVC and whilst we fell in love with the idea of 'owning' a piece of Disney, it is also so expensive for us to get there and with annual fees etc, it was an expensive luxury we just couldn't afford - plus we actually like staying in hotels like the poly and (dare I say it!! ) the Hard Rock hotel!! It's one of those things that works for a lot of people, but there are others it just doesn't suit - and only you can really decide if it is good for you - good luck deciding!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Why don't you think about renting points from a DVC member and staying in a villa at the Boardwalk. How many people do you have?

Jodie

thanks for the idea Jodie - its not something I'd thought about before!!

Currently we are toying with reverting back to our original plan of the Wilderness Lodge - as it is a lot cheaper than BWI (As with BWI we wanted a boardwalk view and that is only guaranteed with deluxe concierge!! ) and plus this will probably be the only chance we will get to stay at WL, because due to my DH's job we won't be able to go at Christmas again, and for some reason WL only appeals to me as a winter/Christmas resort - don't ask me why!!

However, it all depends on the exchange rates between now and next Dec - we might still swap to Pop Century if needs be.

 

[pillow]

thanks for the idea Jodie - its not something I'd thought about before!!

Currently we are toying with reverting back to our original plan of the Wilderness Lodge - as it is a lot cheaper than BWI (As with BWI we wanted a boardwalk view and that is only guaranteed with deluxe concierge!! ) and plus this will probably be the only chance we will get to stay at WL, because due to my DH's job we won't be able to go at Christmas again, and for some reason WL only appeals to me as a winter/Christmas resort - don't ask me why!!

However, it all depends on the exchange rates between now and next Dec - we might still swap to Pop Century if needs be.

If you book through a DVC member, you can get a Boardwalk view guaranteed at the time of the reservation. Generally, points go for about $10 per point. Here are the points for Dec, 2010 just so you'll have an idea (not sure of your exact dates post cruise). These points are good for a studio room at BOTH Boardwalk (Boardwalk view) and Wilderness Lodge -

Dec 29, 30 - 22 points (21 at Wilderness Lodge)
Dec 31 - 35 points
Jan 1 - 20 points
Jan 2+ - 13 points

Since its a busy time, you would probably want to find someone with Boardwalk as their home resort so that they could book for you 11 months out - probably the only way you'll get what you're looking for. Good luck!

Jodie

 

[amystevekai&bump]

If you book through a DVC member, you can get a Boardwalk view guaranteed at the time of the reservation. Generally, points go for about $10 per point. Here are the points for Dec, 2010 just so you'll have an idea (not sure of your exact dates post cruise). These points are good for a studio room at BOTH Boardwalk (Boardwalk view) and Wilderness Lodge -

Dec 29, 30 - 22 points (21 at Wilderness Lodge)
Dec 31 - 35 points
Jan 1 - 20 points
Jan 2+ - 13 points

Since its a busy time, you would probably want to find someone with Boardwalk as their home resort so that they could book for you 11 months out - probably the only way you'll get what you're looking for. Good luck!

Jodie

thanks ever so much for this Jodie!!

Can I just check whether I understand this correctly!! - We would be looking at staying from Wed 29th for 5 nights, so I added all those points together and multiplied it by $10 and it comes out at $1120 - would that be right?? - If so that would be fantastic for a boardwalk view!!

 

[pillow]

thanks ever so much for this Jodie!!

Can I just check whether I understand this correctly!! - We would be looking at staying from Wed 29th for 5 nights, so I added all those points together and multiplied it by $10 and it comes out at $1120 - would that be right?? - If so that would be fantastic for a boardwalk view!!

Yep! Thats right. Renting points can save you a bundle. If you've never done it before, you might want to go over to the rent/trade forum (on Disboards) to get a feel for how it works. You would probably want to start posting over there about a year before you want the reservation. That gives you a month before the res would need to be booked to find someone who can help you. We have DVC but are trying to sell ours, so unfortunately I can't rent to you. DVC owners also rent over on the *********** site as well - although Disboards gets more traffic. Let me know if you have any questions - would be happy to help.

Jodie

 

[pillow]

Wow. The site I mentioned is obviously blocked here - not sure why. You can email me at jodie.pillow@comcast.net if you want the website.

Jodie

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

Now, I have a question for the group. While in Disneyland, we went to the DVC presentation (it was pouring that day, and sitting inside for a couple of hours sounded like a really good idea at that point). Do any of you belong to DVC? We actually purchased 300 points at Bay Lake Towers. We loved the plan, and it fits our vacation needs just right. However, when I got home and went over the documents, I realize that purchasing in Florida may not be the best move for us. I have chatted about this before, but airfare there is anywhere from $4000 - $5000 for the 4 of us to fly there I know the points are transferrable, but you lose the 11 month booking window when you don't book at your home resort. Does anybody have any experience with this? We have 10 days to back out of the agreement. I think we should have purchased at the Grand Californian. The reason we didn't is because our salesman told us that that wasn't open to the general public yet.

I wish I could help you. I do not know enough about DVC to provide you with any guidance. I think making payments for future vacations at Disney sounds like a great idea. Just hard for us to justify, since my parents have a house outside Orlando, so staying on property is a special treat that we never do.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Wow. The site I mentioned is obviously blocked here - not sure why. You can email me at jodie.pillow@comcast.net if you want the website.

Jodie

thanks ever so much for this info Jodie!! I will take a look over at the DVC rent threads as you suggest - I think I will try them first as I feel like I 'already know' them thumbsup2

 

[dreamcometrue]

We just booked this cruise!! Sooooo excited!! But still so far away. It will be me, DH, 2 kids (11 and 15 by the time we go!)

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

We just booked this cruise!! Sooooo excited!! But still so far away. It will be me, DH, 2 kids (11 and 15 by the time we go!)

Welcome!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

We just booked this cruise!! Sooooo excited!! But still so far away. It will be me, DH, 2 kids (11 and 15 by the time we go!)

If you would like to pm me with your family's names, cabin #, email address, 1st or 2nd seating, and any other info you'd like to include, I'll add you to our list and send you a copy!

aboard!

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

If you would like to pm me with your family's names, cabin #, email address, 1st or 2nd seating, and any other info you'd like to include, I'll add you to our list and send you a copy!

aboard!

Have I ever sent you this information about my family?

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Have I ever sent you this information about my family?

Hi Jen,

You sent me some information, your names are on the spreadsheet. However, I don't have all the info. If you want to send it to me, I'll update and sent you a copy

Carolyn

 

[amystevekai&bump]

We just booked this cruise!! Sooooo excited!! But still so far away. It will be me, DH, 2 kids (11 and 15 by the time we go!)

welcome to the extra special Christmas crew!!! - its very exciting isn't it!!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I'm very excited today - as I've just booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for July!!!

Although I felt a bit 'homesick' when I was on the phone booking it, as I was speaking to a really nice man from Orlando who was off to dinner that evening in WDW - he was just deliberating on which restaurant to choose!! - oh for that to be my daily problem!!!

 

[dreamcometrue]

does anyone have any good links for the ports of call? Been to St. Maarten and St. Thomas on our previous Eastern. We loved St. Thomas and would like to explore more this time. We did the dolphin swim last time and didn't get to see much of the island. There is info on the DCL website on those 2 though, I am more looking for info on the other ports. Looks like DCL has not posted any info yet!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

I'm very excited today - as I've just booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for July!!!

Although I felt a bit 'homesick' when I was on the phone booking it, as I was speaking to a really nice man from Orlando who was off to dinner that evening in WDW - he was just deliberating on which restaurant to choose!! - oh for that to be my daily problem!!!

Congratulations on your booking Amy! I have never been to Paris, would love to get there someday. Our summer vacation won't be quite so exciting - camping, camping, and then a little more camping. Which means that I'll be doing a lot of this summer!

I'm off to develop our Disneyland pictures. I will check the technical board later this weekend, and try and figure out how to post photos. This is something I have never attempted before, but how hard can it be?

We cancelled out DVC purchase. We just didn't feel that it was the right time for our family right now. And - the rate of exchange for Canadian to US funds right now is downright