May 18, 2013 MAGIC EBTA - Who is with us?

[sdlong329]

Goofy, I know booking.com and hotels.com have great sales on right now - booking.com is where I found my great Tremont rate for Galveston. Also, booking.com let you just make a reservation at that hotel, so actual payment won't be required until you arrive at the hotel?

For some reason, Booking.com will not allow 4 adults in one room ... they automatically defer to two rooms. I am not sure, but perhaps the hotel does not open their entire inventory to booking websites.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Thanks for finding that - pleased they are iPod docks as I will use my iPhone alarm clock each morning now. I have Mickey Mouse's Club house song wake me up each morning

Apple changed the connectors for the new Iphone 5, didn't they? I assume those docks will have the old connectors? I've noticed all the various Apple docks going on clearance lately.

 

[sdlong329]

Something I've been wondering about for a while. I've noticed many people seem to have GTY status rather than a room number. I know what GTY is and is what we had on our cruise but it was a pickable option when I looked on the Disney website back in 2010 for that cruise. I can't see it now for our EBTA. Is it a different rate or is it just that no room was picked?

GTY is different from I-GTY, O-GTY ad V-GTY.

I-GTY, O-GTY and V-GTY are made available online, but only when the sailing date is approaching (ie: 90, 120, 150 days prior to sailing). On the other hand, GTY is offered by Disney when you call to book a cruise, but DCL is low on inventory in the stateroom / class you are seeking. Essentially, DCL says, they do not want to give you a specific stateroom, and reserves the right to move you elsewhere on the ship, but guarantees the Category (or higher). So, we booked a 7A GTY (Navigator's Verandah), after requesting a Secret Navigator. The idea is similar to I-GTY, O-GTY or V-GTY, but slightly different. Had I called for a Cat 7C, I would likely have been guaranteed 7C or better ... and would not be offered a 7A or 7B. Whereas, a V-GTY will put you in ANY verandah. I am not sure if there is a difference in price on cash rates, but we were charged normal DVC points for 7A. Had we wanted 7C (and offered GTY), we would have been charged points for 7C.

For now, it seems, the more I try to explain, the more confusing it gets!

Steven

 

[sdlong329]

I just flipped through all the pictures I took onboard, and of course there were none of that side of the cabin. I do recall something going off in the middle of the night, like an alarm clock, and my dad just putting it in the closet because he couldn't figure it out.

We stayed at Bay Lake Tower after a recent Fantasy cruise. We received a survey from the resort. Among the questions, we were asked if we had any problems using the clock / alarm, or had problems figuring out how to use the clock / alarm. We were asked if we used the alarm feature, and were also asked if the alarm had gone off unannounced (ie: set by a previous guest). Perhaps the most interesting question was, something to the effect of, would you be okay if digital clocks were replaced with analog (non-digital) clocks which only tell time? I am thinking guests have had problems trying to figure out how to use some of the clocks, and that some have had alarms go off at odd hours ... either because a previous guest did not turn-off their daily alarm, or a previous guest set the alarm to prank a future guest.


Steven

 

[MandyGirl]

I can understand a discounted rate for Europeans ... DCL trying to get business from a specific clientele. After all, it's much easier for a European to sail DCL in the Mediterranean / Baltics. It's merely another avenue for increased business and revenue.

Steven

That's what we had figured - trying to rally the European market to cruise Disney. Plus the transatlantic put them off in Florida --- ie more $$$ for Disney vacations at WDW.

Apple changed the connectors for the new Iphone 5, didn't they? I assume those docks will have the old connectors? I've noticed all the various Apple docks going on clearance lately.

Yes -- new connectors - I have the iphone 5 but did not get it until after disembarking the Magic (all those darn backorders!).

 

[Tink1987]

Apple changed the connectors for the new Iphone 5, didn't they? I assume those docks will have the old connectors? I've noticed all the various Apple docks going on clearance lately.

As Mandy confirmed, yes, Apple changed the connector on the 5. That's why I have held off picking up a new charging dock/alarm/stereo because I still have the 4S.

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

I've been reading about those Vista spa passes the last couple of days - are they worth getting at all?

We really enjoyed our spa passes on the cruise - it was nice to go in and lay on the warm tables and enjoy a little relaxing time without the "noise" of the outside decks, etc, etc. Because of my meds, I couldn't use the sauna, but my DH enjoyed it. With the passes, it makes it a little more affordable on a per-day basis and for as long as this cruise is you'll get the opportunity to use a seven day pass (haven't really looked to see what amt of days they are selling, but 7 days is a nice number!)

 

[Tink1987]

We really enjoyed our spa passes on the cruise - it was nice to go in and lay on the warm tables and enjoy a little relaxing time without the "noise" of the outside decks, etc, etc. Because of my meds, I couldn't use the sauna, but my DH enjoyed it. With the passes, it makes it a little more affordable on a per-day basis and for as long as this cruise is you'll get the opportunity to use a seven day pass (haven't really looked to see what amt of days they are selling, but 7 days is a nice number!)

Thanks very much

 

[kris3kid]

A big thank you to the person that posted the military discount. at first it looked like it would only save about $200 once we lost the OBB credit and the increase of $600 for flights that we had booked with Disney. My travel agent spent some time on the phone with DCL and we were able to switch the flights from Sna Jose to Oakland so the price only went up $40 we were able to save $1200 on the cruise. We are excited for the savings. I am now thinking that I should change our room to a GTY and hope for an upgrade, a veranda would be nice.

 

[RayOfRedondo]

I've thrown a deposit down on one of the cheapest cabins (locking in that early pricing!) but no idea this far out whether I'll be able to get leave. We shall see!

Hello Cary:

I was on the Wonder Panama Canal cruise in 2011 also. Will be nice cruising with you again. Ray

 

[hayesfamof4]

Hi all! My name is Lauren (34) and my DH is Steven (34). We are debating this cruise, but I am just not sure. We have done the Dream twice and Fantasy once. My kids are 7 and 6. We have never had an issue with sickness but the seas were so rough in October (sailing to Bahamas) after the hurricane that my daughter and I had to go back to the room early.
What can you expect on a TA cruise? I can get a really good deal.. it's so hard to pass up, but the flight from Barcelona back to Maryland is a killer!!! Just not sure yet......

 

[RayOfRedondo]

Just officially booked! I am ridiculously excited. This will be our second cruise ever. Our first was on the Magic in December.

This will be the first time we have a balcony as well, which will be awesome since there are so many sea days.

For those that have been on a TA cruise before, what kind of extra entertainment do they have? Any special shows not on the standard Magic cruises? Or do they mainly fill in with variety acts?

Hello CitaPita:

I have not done any of the TA cruises, but have gone both ways through the Panama Canal. They are also two week cruises. One each the one and only Disney Illustrator, Don "Ducky" Williams was there, telling his Disney story and drawing Disney characters as he tells the story. They have a drawing (raffle) for the illustrations and about 20 people walk away very happy with a Ducky Williams original sketches. They also bring about other Disney speakers, frequently someone from Imagineering with a look at the future for the parks and cruise line. We also had Ellen Egan on board one night. She was the original Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. She sings and tells her Disney story. I know that Ducky Williams usually goes on the TA cruises and I personally hope he is on ours.

Various magicians, comedians, jugglers, etc also perform. All top notch.

I imagine there are similar acts booked for the TA cruises. See you on board.

Ray

 

[MandyGirl]

Hi all! My name is Lauren (34) and my DH is Steven (34). We are debating this cruise, but I am just not sure. We have done the Dream twice and Fantasy once. My kids are 7 and 6. We have never had an issue with sickness but the seas were so rough in October (sailing to Bahamas) after the hurricane that my daughter and I had to go back to the room early.
What can you expect on a TA cruise? I can get a really good deal.. it's so hard to pass up, but the flight from Barcelona back to Maryland is a killer!!! Just not sure yet......

Hi Lauren! Would you think I was crazy if I said the seas crossing the Atlantic were smooth as glass... until we hit the Caribbean? LOL. I felt on our WBTA 2011 that the seas were smoother than in the Caribbean.

That said, of our family of four, I was the only who even used anything. I used the patch. (Do it for every cruise to be on the safe side, except when cruising while pregnant). At that time, our kiddos were ages 5 and 15 months. Neither had any issues. Our now-two-year-old had no issues either on the Magic last month. I always pick up a 2-liter of ginger ale to have in the cabin. Either way, we know the seas can be unpredictable.

On the EBTA my kiddos will be almost 7 and the youngest turning 3 the week after disembarkation.

Flights were no issue going to Barcelona, except that even though we purchased a seat for our 15 month old (so she could sleep in her carseat strapped in) she chose to still sleep in my arms. I would glance over and see hubby and older daughter peacefully sleeping or enjoying a meal with both hands.

Don't let the ages of your kiddos deter you in making a decision. They can be resilient and just go with the flow.

 

[MandyGirl]

Hello CitaPita:

I have not done any of the TA cruises, but have gone both ways through the Panama Canal. They are also two week cruises. One each the one and only Disney Illustrator, Don "Ducky" Williams was there, telling his Disney story and drawing Disney characters as he tells the story. They have a drawing (raffle) for the illustrations and about 20 people walk away very happy with a Ducky Williams original sketches. They also bring about other Disney speakers, frequently someone from Imagineering with a look at the future for the parks and cruise line. We also had Ellen Egan on board one night. She was the original Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. She sings and tells her Disney story. I know that Ducky Williams usually goes on the TA cruises and I personally hope he is on ours.

Various magicians, comedians, jugglers, etc also perform. All top notch.

I imagine there are similar acts booked for the TA cruises. See you on board.

Ray

Welcome aboard, Ray! I've got my fingers crossed for Ducky to be on this sailing. He was not on our 2011 WBTA but I would have loved to have seen him in action onboard!

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Hi all! My name is Lauren (34) and my DH is Steven (34). We are debating this cruise, but I am just not sure. We have done the Dream twice and Fantasy once. My kids are 7 and 6. We have never had an issue with sickness but the seas were so rough in October (sailing to Bahamas) after the hurricane that my daughter and I had to go back to the room early.
What can you expect on a TA cruise? I can get a really good deal.. it's so hard to pass up, but the flight from Barcelona back to Maryland is a killer!!! Just not sure yet......

I just had a look at Iceland Air from London Heathrow to Dulles. Are you anywhere near there? It's 569pp USD including taxes. There's so many cheap options to get to London. It's basically what I'm doing. Slightly more on the weekend - $637pp USD taxes in.

Fingers crossed for you. I know I'm excited about it. You should have a look at the trip report from KevieKev05 from 2011. It will convince you.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2737891

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I just had a look at Iceland Air from London Heathrow to Dulles. Are you anywhere near there? It's 569pp USD including taxes. There's so many cheap options to get to London. It's basically what I'm doing. Slightly more on the weekend - $637pp USD taxes in.

Fingers crossed for you. I know I'm excited about it. You should have a look at the trip report from KevieKev05 from 2011. It will convince you.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2737891

I should learn to look more. I see your location in your signature. The other airport (DCA) is slightly closer that Iceland air uses. But that flight's a little more expensive as it seems to make another stop and use an Air Canada flight for the last bit.

 

[RayOfRedondo]

I need 10 posts before I can send a PM, so this post is to just add one to the count:

DCL History:

1998 - Magic - 3 Night Bahamas
2000 - Magic - 7 Night Caribbean
2005 - Magic - 15 Night East Bound Panama Canal
2008 - Magic - 7 Night Mexican Riviera
2011 - Wonder - 15 Night West Bound Panama Canal
2011 - Dream - 3 Night Bahamas
2012 - Wonder - 7 Night Pacific Cruise

This will be my first time in Europe.

Ray

 

[RayOfRedondo]

Thanks with the help with a description of the events. It will be a good starting point. If each person who has agreed to organize an event would draft up what they want on their page, you can then let Chris know. I recommend each organizer let Chris know about a placeholder date and time once we get closer to the actual month of the cruise. Otherwise he will just be updating the site all the time.

DCL Special Requests has to wait until they hear from the cruise direction onboard before then can begin assigning spots and times. That usually is about 2 weeks before the cruise. Sometimes they can't won't assign until you are on the ship. You can request a day and time but they won't confirm.

I'll add an "Until We Meet Again" luncheon to the list of possible activities. Thanks for the idea.

Thank you for taking the time to post descriptions of the events. Very appreciated. Ray

 

[woody73]

. . . We also had Ellen Egan on board one night. She was the original Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway.

Perhaps you meant Susan Egan. We've seen her perform on the Magic, and she's outstanding.

Woody

 

[RayOfRedondo]

Perhaps you meant Susan Egan. We've seen her perform on the Magic, and she's outstanding.

Woody

Woody, you are right. I have a personal friend named Ellen Egan and I occasionally get the two mixed up. Thanks for clarifying.

Ray