March 13th 2011 Fiesta time on the Wonder!

[Dicecatt]

I found a two pack of spray sunscreen at Target for $11 so I'm okay with that...

 

[Meredith71]

Well the snow is finally starting to melt here so hopefully we can get back to a normal schedule next week. I need to go shopping for the kids! I got Hannah a new bathing suit and cover-up but that is it so far. Hopefully the 70 degree weather next week will get me in the mood for warmer weather clothes.

Meredith

 

[yukongirl123]

So we will need transportation from LAX to the Crown Plaza in San Pedro when we arrive, and transportation from the cruise ship to the Candy Cane Inn, and from the Candy Cane Inn to LAX. Is it necessary to pre book a shuttle service, or will they be available at both the port and airport. Would cabs be better options?

We usually go to WDW, so I never have to think about it....

Less than a month now-how exciting is that!

Thanks Janice

 

[hopelea]

uh oh....I just did something BAD I went shopping at disney store online! I bought a Dooney & Burke wristlet for the trip I really didn't want to wear a lanyard and I never have pockets for my KTTW card or my camera!! Yes, I am trying to make myself feel better about the purchase I have buyers remorse already. Oh, I also bought a fleece light weight jacket they had on sale also!!!

I am ready for this trip to get here!! I may not have new dress for the trip, but I have a really cute wristlet!!!

 

[ErinPie]

So we will need transportation from LAX to the Crown Plaza in San Pedro when we arrive, and transportation from the cruise ship to the Candy Cane Inn, and from the Candy Cane Inn to LAX. Is it necessary to pre book a shuttle service, or will they be available at both the port and airport. Would cabs be better options?

We usually go to WDW, so I never have to think about it....

Less than a month now-how exciting is that!

Thanks Janice

Question - Doesn't the Crowne Plaza have an airport shuttle that runs to LAX for drop off and pickup? You might want to check that. It may be that you need to call them when you arrive so they can send the shuttle.

Most of the Shuttle companies have a counter or curbside coordinator at the Airport and Cruise Terminals. I have never stayed at Candy Cane Inn, but their front desk can probably call for a shuttle for you as well.

Now as to whether reserve ahead or arrange on site depends on you. I like certainty and to know I can expect something at a certain time, so I reserve ahead, plus then I can take advantage of any discounts that way. If you wait to arrange at time of arrival you may find you have to wait a bit for an available shuttle, especially if doing the shared shuttle service. If you don't mind paying for an execucar or private shuttle then you may not have to wait long.

Also Shared Shuttle vs personal van or taxi, the others sharing the shuttle with you may not be going to the same place, so it might take longer than expected to get to your destination.

Taxi vs Shuttle really depends on how many people and how much luggage in your party. Most of the Taxi companies also have vans for larger groups. So it just really depends on your preference.

Have Fun
EGP

 

[ErinPie]

Hello all of you been there done that:

We have been intending on having a family portrait done for a while now. With the upcoming cruise with both a formal and semi formal dining night (so we'll have nice clothes with us), we thought it would be a nice idea to have this done on our vacation.

Is it possible to arrange a private session with the Shipboard Photographers? Where would I do this? Is there sitting fee? I have not been able to find info on this on DCL's site.

Also we are travelling with another party. For the various photo ops throughout the ship; embarkation, on the way to dinner, etc can each group do a separate pose and then one with all of us together? Or do they basically take one quick shot and then herd you along?

Thank You
EGP

 

[Kap@abq]

Tara, we found clearance sunscreen at the end of the season last year. Great spray on stuff for around $3!! I am ready. I can't contain my self much longer. I am trying my best to not talk about it around my co-workers. They get tired of hearing about my cruises. I just keep telling them how excited I am to visit with my sister before our cruise!!

Can't wait for the 60 degree weather next week. I will be washing my car tomorrow!!!

I think my co-workers are tired of it too, exspecially since today I felt like telling them all its 28 days, its was that kind of day. 28 days help make the day better.

 

[hopelea]

We have a countdown on the bar at home!! We are so thrilled to see it under 30 days. I hate to rush the next month away, but I am ready!!

 

[TexasGirl]

4 more sailings and then it is our turn!! When you say it that way, it seems really close!!

That does seem close. I'm glad we have a little time.... I'm not ready. But when we get on that ship we are going to embrace every second and have a blast!

 

[melsherard]

I keep telling everyone at work, "Just in case I forgot to tell you.... my vacation is 4 weeks away!"

Today I heard back, "Shut up, B***h!" (She was just playing......)

 

[Dicecatt]

Hello all of you been there done that:

We have been intending on having a family portrait done for a while now. With the upcoming cruise with both a formal and semi formal dining night (so we'll have nice clothes with us), we thought it would be a nice idea to have this done on our vacation.

Is it possible to arrange a private session with the Shipboard Photographers? Where would I do this? Is there sitting fee? I have not been able to find info on this on DCL's site.

Also we are travelling with another party. For the various photo ops throughout the ship; embarkation, on the way to dinner, etc can each group do a separate pose and then one with all of us together? Or do they basically take one quick shot and then herd you along?

Thank You
EGP

I don't know about a private session, but you can definitely have a lot of portraits done, they don't rush you and they do several poses, and there is no sitting fee. Just be sure and be there early so you aren't standing in line for it. The photographers around the ship will take as many pictures as you would like in different configurations, as well.

 

[JDBlair]

I posted in the main forum but thought I would share here, as well. DH was laid off from his job yesterday. Worked for his employer for 15 years and in less than 15 minutes, it was all over and he was on his way out the door. DH is the primary bread winner and the news is devastating but we are choosing to remain positive and look at this as an opportunity for a brighter future.

So, there's been immediate discussion about budget and money and...cruise. I don't want to make a knee-jerk decision about the cruise but I want to make the right, smart decision. Clearly, as a family, we are looking forward to the cruise but are debating if it's right for us to go now?

If we decide to cancel, does anyone know how much of our funding DCL will keep?

 

[hopelea]

Cruises Less Than 10 days where Embark or Debark is U.S. Port
Days prior to Vacation Commencement Date Fee Amount

45 days or more Deposit per Guest for Suites/Concierge staterooms and all staterooms on Disney Fantasy March 31, 2012 sailing

74-45 days Deposit per Guest for Non-Suites/Concierge rooms, except all staterooms on Disney Fantasy March 31, 2012 sailing

44-30 days 50% of vacation price per Guest

29 to 15 days 75% of vacation price per Guest

14 days or less 100% of vacation price per Guest

Hope this helps. I am so sorry to hear of the job loss. Our prayers are with you!!

 

[Dicecatt]

I posted in the main forum but thought I would share here, as well. DH was laid off from his job yesterday. Worked for his employer for 15 years and in less than 15 minutes, it was all over and he was on his way out the door. DH is the primary bread winner and the news is devastating but we are choosing to remain positive and look at this as an opportunity for a brighter future.

So, there's been immediate discussion about budget and money and...cruise. I don't want to make a knee-jerk decision about the cruise but I want to make the right, smart decision. Clearly, as a family, we are looking forward to the cruise but are debating if it's right for us to go now?

If we decide to cancel, does anyone know how much of our funding DCL will keep?

I am SO sorry.

 

[Dicecatt]

Attention moms of cheer participants! Madeline and Taylor want to know which girls can do standing tumbling on hard floor. They will probably have Ash doing standing tucks. If anyone else can do that or standing handsprings on a regular floor, let me know, they want to put it in the routine. Neither older girls wants to, I think they are planning on just basing a simple stunt and not doing too much themselves.

 

[hopelea]

JDBlair, What kind of a room do you have? Can you downgrade to save a little money?? I hope you don't have to cancel.....You might need this trip to get your spirits up & deal with reality when you get home~!

 

[Dramamama]

Anyone doing 2 days at DL before or after the cruise with 2 children? I have a small situation that I may need help with.

 

[Dicecatt]

Anyone doing 2 days at DL before or after the cruise with 2 children? I have a small situation that I may need help with.

I am there Friday night and Saturday day..what's up? You can pm me if you want

 

[son3disfan]

I posted in the main forum but thought I would share here, as well. DH was laid off from his job yesterday. Worked for his employer for 15 years and in less than 15 minutes, it was all over and he was on his way out the door. DH is the primary bread winner and the news is devastating but we are choosing to remain positive and look at this as an opportunity for a brighter future.

So, there's been immediate discussion about budget and money and...cruise. I don't want to make a knee-jerk decision about the cruise but I want to make the right, smart decision. Clearly, as a family, we are looking forward to the cruise but are debating if it's right for us to go now?

If we decide to cancel, does anyone know how much of our funding DCL will keep?

I am so sorry to hear this news...
I hope you can still come along......since the cruise and flight are already paid in full......and the refund might not be enough to justify canceling.
I can imagine it must be a very scary time right now.

Our first cruise we were on an extreme tight budget. We decided to pass on all the port adventures and alcohol on board....no spa treatments...
We did not spend a lot of extras, and it was one our favorite cruises. A lot of wonderful family time, at the beach, and on the ship.

 

[misand]

I posted in the main forum but thought I would share here, as well. DH was laid off from his job yesterday. Worked for his employer for 15 years and in less than 15 minutes, it was all over and he was on his way out the door. DH is the primary bread winner and the news is devastating but we are choosing to remain positive and look at this as an opportunity for a brighter future.

So, there's been immediate discussion about budget and money and...cruise. I don't want to make a knee-jerk decision about the cruise but I want to make the right, smart decision. Clearly, as a family, we are looking forward to the cruise but are debating if it's right for us to go now?

If we decide to cancel, does anyone know how much of our funding DCL will keep?

That is awful! We were in the same boat a couple of years ago. My husband has a new job now but about 1/2 of what he use to make. I say go ahead and go on vacation, you've already paid for it! Make some memories, even if you can't afford to do any excursions. You just won't get enough of your money back to make canceling a good option.

Good Luck and I'll be praying for you!
Misand