March 26, 2011 - Eastern Caribbean Magic and FE Exchange!

[luvndizny]

Just curious where everyone is staying the night before the cruise? I am trying to find a good deal, hopefully staying at port itself, but right now I am finding about $180 for ONE bedroom, not the kids suite and CI&S, etc. I don't have to stay at that hotel, but that is a good example of the prices I'm finding. Since we also have to stay a night after returning from the cruise, I really don't want to spend that much....

Any suggestions? (Trying to get either AAA or military discount as well...)

THANKS!

 

[chermikmom]

Yes! I'll be on this cruise! We are very excited and counting down! I'll be cruising with my brother and his wife and son (5), my children who will be 11 and 8, and my parents! Can't wait just to sit and relax while they go have fun! I'm downloading books on my Kobo to stock up!

 

[chermikmom]

Just curious where everyone is staying the night before the cruise? I am trying to find a good deal, hopefully staying at port itself, but right now I am finding about $180 for ONE bedroom, not the kids suite and CI&S, etc. I don't have to stay at that hotel, but that is a good example of the prices I'm finding. Since we also have to stay a night after returning from the cruise, I really don't want to spend that much....

Any suggestions? (Trying to get either AAA or military discount as well...)

THANKS!

We are actually staying at the WDR for 4 nights b/f hand...we figure if we are coming all this way and are that close...we might as well just do it!

 

[luvndizny]

Definitely makes sense! But we are most likely arriving by train and my kids are already going to miss two days of school most likely and we've done the parks 3 times in 18 mos...so we're giving the parks a break for a little bit. Have fun at the parks!

 

[KristiMc]

Just curious where everyone is staying the night before the cruise? I am trying to find a good deal, hopefully staying at port itself, but right now I am finding about $180 for ONE bedroom, not the kids suite and CI&S, etc. I don't have to stay at that hotel, but that is a good example of the prices I'm finding. Since we also have to stay a night after returning from the cruise, I really don't want to spend that much....

Any suggestions? (Trying to get either AAA or military discount as well...)

THANKS!

I got a deal at CI&S (kids suite) for $70 using the Friends and Family code (CARLSONF). A few people have been saying that you need some sort of a form to use this code, but others are saying no - so not sure if we will end up using it or not. Someone just posted that they stayed there a few days ago on the code and had no problem.

Yes! I'll be on this cruise! We are very excited and counting down! I'll be cruising with my brother and his wife and son (5), my children who will be 11 and 8, and my parents! Can't wait just to sit and relax while they go have fun! I'm downloading books on my Kobo to stock up!

to our group!

 

[luvndizny]

I saw that post about the code for CI&S..that would be an awesome deal! But, not trying to sound negative, we're the type of people who they'd ask for papers and wind up having to pay regular price, etc. I hope for everyone's sake that doesn't happen....I was able to find a good rate (I think?) for a two-room suite at the Radisson for $119. I am still looking around to see if I can get yet a better rate somewhere. I have looked on the hotwire, priceline, etc. sites and can get as low as $65 bucks but I want to know where I'm staying first!! Anyone ever done that and found a way to figure out which hotel they're talking about?

I'M SO EXCITED!! Have I said that already? LOL!

Also, looking at excursions and trying to narrow those down. Would love to do some snorkeling ones...

 

[jcarwash]

Just curious where everyone is staying the night before the cruise? I am trying to find a good deal, hopefully staying at port itself, but right now I am finding about $180 for ONE bedroom, not the kids suite and CI&S, etc. I don't have to stay at that hotel, but that is a good example of the prices I'm finding. Since we also have to stay a night after returning from the cruise, I really don't want to spend that much....

Any suggestions? (Trying to get either AAA or military discount as well...)

THANKS!

I had originally booked at the Radisson for night of 3/25 using the AAA rate. Rate was $116 plus taxes was an estimated total of $128. But then several weeks ago I also read about the Carlson friends code (CARLSONF) and used that to book at CI&S at $70 rate instead.

 

[luvndizny]

jcarwash...Have you called to ask if you have to have papers, etc. with that registration? I have read differing things about using that code. I have also read that people have used the code with no problems whatsoever... (Also read that when people get their documents or confirmation email, etc. that nothing is mentioned about having proof of ID, etc. so I am not sure they could do anything if they didn't mention it in their confirmation!)

Trying to decide what to do...Hmmm... Right now we have a two-room king suite for $119 before taxes at the Radisson. Could have a smaller 2 double bed for $99. I just love a good deal though so I'm keeping my eyes open.

So do we have a number yet on how many participating in FE so far? I have a couple of ideas on gifts, but it kinda depends on the number. THANKS!

 

[karajeboo]

Just curious where everyone is staying the night before the cruise? I am trying to find a good deal, hopefully staying at port itself, but right now I am finding about $180 for ONE bedroom, not the kids suite and CI&S, etc. I don't have to stay at that hotel, but that is a good example of the prices I'm finding. Since we also have to stay a night after returning from the cruise, I really don't want to spend that much....

Any suggestions? (Trying to get either AAA or military discount as well...)

THANKS!

Yes! I'll be on this cruise! We are very excited and counting down! I'll be cruising with my brother and his wife and son (5), my children who will be 11 and 8, and my parents! Can't wait just to sit and relax while they go have fun! I'm downloading books on my Kobo to stock up!

Woo hoo!!!! If you want to participate in FE exchange, PM me your info including names of everyone participating, email address, cabin# (if you know it already) and ages of the kiddos!!!!

I saw that post about the code for CI&S..that would be an awesome deal! But, not trying to sound negative, we're the type of people who they'd ask for papers and wind up having to pay regular price, etc. I hope for everyone's sake that doesn't happen....I was able to find a good rate (I think?) for a two-room suite at the Radisson for $119. I am still looking around to see if I can get yet a better rate somewhere. I have looked on the hotwire, priceline, etc. sites and can get as low as $65 bucks but I want to know where I'm staying first!! Anyone ever done that and found a way to figure out which hotel they're talking about?

I'M SO EXCITED!! Have I said that already? LOL!

Also, looking at excursions and trying to narrow those down. Would love to do some snorkeling ones...

I had originally booked at the Radisson for night of 3/25 using the AAA rate. Rate was $116 plus taxes was an estimated total of $128. But then several weeks ago I also read about the Carlson friends code (CARLSONF) and used that to book at CI&S at $70 rate instead.

jcarwash...Have you called to ask if you have to have papers, etc. with that registration? I have read differing things about using that code. I have also read that people have used the code with no problems whatsoever... (Also read that when people get their documents or confirmation email, etc. that nothing is mentioned about having proof of ID, etc. so I am not sure they could do anything if they didn't mention it in their confirmation!)

Trying to decide what to do...Hmmm... Right now we have a two-room king suite for $119 before taxes at the Radisson. Could have a smaller 2 double bed for $99. I just love a good deal though so I'm keeping my eyes open.

So do we have a number yet on how many participating in FE so far? I have a couple of ideas on gifts, but it kinda depends on the number. THANKS!

So glad I checked in today!!!! I was waiting to book hotel at the port, and even thinking of staying with friends on Friday night up in Jacksonville (we lived there for three years before moving back to SC last summer) but at $20/day parking it comes out cheaper to stay at the Radisson with the CARLSONF promo! I just booked it online for $80!!! Then I called the hotel to book the shuttle the next morning...... I have my confirmation that says $80 and does not state anything at all about any papers or documentation needed.....

The notation says to book the shuttle directly with the hotel - they run from 10-2:30 every half hour. So who will I meet on the 10am shuttle?????

Only FOUR families so far for the FE exchange..... where is everyone?

 

[karajeboo]

Have y'all seen this??????

http://www.portcanaveral.com/webcam.htm

 

[KristiMc]

Have y'all seen this??????

http://www.portcanaveral.com/webcam.htm

It looks beautiful. I saw a post on youtube of it coming into port this morning - fireworks and all.

 

[luvndizny]

I'm gonna try again to get that video working...is it of the "Dream" ship arriving?

We will be at that early shuttle! I think I read somewhere that if you ask (maybe the night before?), you can possibly get an even earlier shuttle over there. Would love to get boarding pass #2! (I've been doing my research...LOL!) Did I read correctly that the port usually opens at 10 and boarding usually starts around noon?

Okay, so I am gonna try that code and see what I get at the Radisson.

(Oh and I don't know room cabin # yet for the FE exchange, we're just GTY right now.)

Was gonna add...I'll bet this ship won't be as full as others before because of the new ship...but hopefully that means they'll have to put out great deals closer to cruise date (and hopefully that means we'll get some money back!) Actually, I have no idea how that works, but our TA said that we could possibly get a refund of some of the cost if a military deal, etc. comes out...who knows! Regardless...we can't wait! Hubby and I have a bet going that I'll let the cat outta the bag to the kids. (I couldn't keep my mouth shut for our previous Disney trips...)

 

[jcarwash]

jcarwash...Have you called to ask if you have to have papers, etc. with that registration? I have read differing things about using that code. I have also read that people have used the code with no problems whatsoever... (Also read that when people get their documents or confirmation email, etc. that nothing is mentioned about having proof of ID, etc. so I am not sure they could do anything if they didn't mention it in their confirmation!)

I have not called, but this thread has someone who called CI&S at Port Canaveral and was told there would be no issues using the code:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2616187

 

[karajeboo]

I have not called, but this thread has someone who called CI&S at Port Canaveral and was told there would be no issues using the code:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2616187

I guess the Radisson is owned by same company? That is who I have the code with as there were no more rooms available at CI&S using CARLSONF code.

Either way, make sure you call the hotel directly to get your family's name on the shuttle you want!

Who said they would be on my shuttle at 10am from the Radisson?

I thought I read that you could begin checkin at 10:30? What time can you actually board?

 

[jcarwash]

I guess the Radisson is owned by same company? That is who I have the code with as there were no more rooms available at CI&S using CARLSONF code.

Either way, make sure you call the hotel directly to get your family's name on the shuttle you want!

Who said they would be on my shuttle at 10am from the Radisson?

I thought I read that you could begin checkin at 10:30? What time can you actually board?

Yes, Carlson is the company for both Radisson and CI&S.

We're doing one-way rentals so I'm planning to take the shuttle from Hertz rather than from the hotel.

 

[KristiMc]

We are renting a car also. Steve is going to drop me, the boys and luggage off at the terminal and then take the car back. He will then take the shuttle to the terminal.

 

[twinsr241]

Hi everyone! My family of five will be on the cruise March 26th. It will be me, DH, DD (9), DS (7) and DS (7).

This will be our 2nd Eastern Cruise. We have also done the Western, but I prefer the Eastern.

I would love to participate in the FE. We did it last time and had a lot of fun with it.

My husband just informed me we leave in 10 weeks!

 

[karajeboo]

Hi everyone! My family of five will be on the cruise March 26th. It will be me, DH, DD (9), DS (7) and DS (7).

This will be our 2nd Eastern Cruise. We have also done the Western, but I prefer the Eastern.

I would love to participate in the FE. We did it last time and had a lot of fun with it.

My husband just informed me we leave in 10 weeks!

Hey!!!! OK, so you are our "go to" person for this cruise since None of us have done it before!

For the FE exchange, just PM me your info: names of everyone, and ages of children, last name, cabin# and email address.

Any great tips you can offer us newbies?

 

[KristiMc]

Hi everyone! My family of five will be on the cruise March 26th. It will be me, DH, DD (9), DS (7) and DS (7).

This will be our 2nd Eastern Cruise. We have also done the Western, but I prefer the Eastern.

I would love to participate in the FE. We did it last time and had a lot of fun with it.

My husband just informed me we leave in 10 weeks!

Welcome!! I see you are in Ohio - We are in Northeast OH in Twinsburg. My youngest son will be 7 on the cruise also.

Glad to see that our group is getting a little bigger

 

[jcarwash]

Looking forward to making my excursion and Palo ressies on Monday, January 10th...at what time does the online system turn over? Is it midnight?