May 30, 2009 - Western Cruise Magic

[loveysbydesign]

Haven't been on this thread for a week or two but do have a concern about the poll. I really think that the difference between the poll "choices" are insignificant EXCEPT for someone like Bibbidy who is trying to prepare items with the specific name. I VERY STRONGLY SUGGEST that this decision be made ASAP out of courtesy for her and others in the same situation.

The cruise is only a couple of months out, and while many would appreciate a voice in an "official" name, apparently the real decision has been made for Disney and Budgeteer so there's not much to warrant a vote. It is just delaying for those who want to be specific with items. (I wasn't even going to vote because I could care less between the various "Disney Budgeteer" options, but am now heading to vote for Cruisin' Disney Budgeteers. )

Hi, When I made up the poll I put the date down as March 31st for the end of it, there's NO WAY for me to go back and edit the poll, it will close automatically. Sorry for not having it close sooner, I was just trying to be helpful!

 

[CarolinaBlue]

1

Sounds sad doesn't it.

Alas I am so new to this but, I grew up in Kissimmee Florida and worked at Walt Disney World for over 3 years. I earned money so I could go to college in Melbourne Florida to be an EE. I also worked (as a co-op) at Kennedy Space Center (NASA to everyone). Much of my family also worked for Disney, my uncle was an artist there for years before he went to Universal Studios. He made several of the storefront window displays on Main Street. So unfortunately (for my wallet), I have been brainwashed by the mouse, and I really am thankful that I can have my kids be a part of this.

My daddy has two cousins who used to work for NASA. They retired a few years ago.

 

[kcashner]

If we're doing cruise counts, DD and I have done 19 on DCL; 17 on the Magic, 2 on the Wonder (back to back). And yes, (for the Castaway reception sheet), we were on the maiden voyage.

The funny thing is that we've NEVER managed to have a Western the way it is supposed to be. We've had 3 attempts that couldn't get into Grand Cayman--2 couldn't tender due to rough weather, one the island was closed to ships due to hurricane damage. We've been to Key West and Cozumel several times.

I'm not sure how much anyone will see of my gang on this cruise....I think I'll be solo and just checking in with them at dinner and on our one group excursion.

 

[CarolinaBlue]

The funny thing is that we've NEVER managed to have a Western the way it is supposed to be. We've had 3 attempts that couldn't get into Grand Cayman--2 couldn't tender due to rough weather, one the island was closed to ships due to hurricane damage. We've been to Key West and Cozumel several times.

Well, I hope that you have better luck on this cruise!

This is only my 2nd cruise. We did the 4 day double dip on the Wonder last May for my oldest dd's high school graduation present. We booked this cruise onboard. We originally booked the August 22nd cruise for just me and dh for our 25th anniversary, but I decided to go back to school and the semester starts that same week. So, we changed to this cruise and added our kids. It's still our anniversary present to each other, but it's turned in to our family vacation as well.

 

[mmmagic7754]

This will be number 6 for us We were on the ship with CarolinaBlue last May but never met them.

 

[homespun]

1st set of magnets:

I see I need to fix the ship.

Very cute Bruce and they definitely are keepers

Karen

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I think we have everything done for this vacation except rental car. Is anyone renting a car? Know of any good deals?

 

[loveysbydesign]

I think we have everything done for this vacation except rental car. Is anyone renting a car? Know of any good deals?

We rented from budget using bcd code V183800
I tried a bunch of codes and that one was the cheapest.

 

[kcashner]

We did one way rentals for our upcoming trip. I found Budget to be the cheapest, but different code were cheaper coming and going. Many gave the same rate, but on the return trip, we knocked off an addition $6 with Z959200.

This code requires you to be a member of the Choice hotels "frequent flyer" program which is free to join. Not sure whether they'll really make you show a card or not.

Also, be aware that Budget now charges $13.99 for "gas" on a rental of 75 miles or less, but will reverse the charge if you present a gas receipt to prove that you filled it.

 

[loveysbydesign]

We did one way rentals for our upcoming trip. I found Budget to be the cheapest, but different code were cheaper coming and going. Many gave the same rate, but on the return trip, we knocked off an addition $6 with Z959200.

This code requires you to be a member of the Choice hotels "frequent flyer" program which is free to join. Not sure whether they'll really make you show a card or not.

Also, be aware that Budget now charges $13.99 for "gas" on a rental of 75 miles or less, but will reverse the charge if you present a gas receipt to prove that you filled it.

You may want to try the V183800 code. I tried Z959200 and it was $75.00 more than V183800. We are doing 1 way rentals as well, on a full size car. Thanks for the tip on the gas. Also I can't remember if budget is onsite at MCO or if you have to shuttle over? We have always used Alamo in the past.

 

[homespun]

I think we have everything done for this vacation except rental car. Is anyone renting a car? Know of any good deals?

We're renting at Sanford with Alamo with Contract ID 430710 - This rate includes a 2nd driver at no additional cost. This is a Walmart/Sam's Club code. Last time I believe they did ask to see my Sam's Club card. Our rental is for 12 days for a midsize approximately $350, it was cheaper to keep the car the entire time than to return and rebook once we get back to port. We're arriving 2 days early because of flight restraints and we're staying in Orlando several days after the cruise too.

A great place to look for discounts is Mousesavers.

Karen

 

[kcashner]

You may want to try the V183800 code. I tried Z959200 and it was $75.00 more than V183800. We are doing 1 way rentals as well, on a full size car. Thanks for the tip on the gas. Also I can't remember if budget is onsite at MCO or if you have to shuttle over? We have always used Alamo in the past.

I just tried the code V183800. It did give me a cheaper rate, but when I called to modify my reservation I was told that this is an "insurance replacement rental" code and could only be used by an insurance company.....hmmmm...I'm going to try again and see if I get a different "CM" with a different story.

 

[kcashner]

Budget seems to function about like DCL. I called back, got a different agent, and got a better rate! Of course, now I'm sitting here waiting for the new rate to come thru on the e-mail confirmation

 

[loveysbydesign]

Budget seems to function about like DCL. I called back, got a different agent, and got a better rate! Of course, now I'm sitting here waiting for the new rate to come thru on the e-mail confirmation

I always book online...do you find that you get a cheaper rate by calling?

 

[kcashner]

I always book online...do you find that you get a cheaper rate by calling?

You would have LOVED these conversations. The first one, I got someone with a significant accent--my guess is that I was connected with India. I attempted to "modify" my existing reservation, and was told that the code was an insurance replacement code and I already had the cheapest rate that I could get without a corporate discount. I specifically asked why I couldn't use that code and was told because I wasn't an insurance company.

The second call, I "press(ed) 1 for reservations" and got someone who sounded like I was talking to Chicago. He initially quoted me a rate far above what I already have. I commented that his rate was a lot higher than what I was seeing on line and he replied that on line had a separate pricing structure. I asked if the code was restricted in any way. He asked me to repeat the code and then said "Let me see what I can do for you." and came back with the same rate I was seeing on line. I again asked about use of the code and he said it was fine. He also assured me that I'd get an e-mail confirmation (which I did about 5 minutes later). The new rate is $13 less than I had before. He then canceled my other ressie.

Interestingly, I have 2 one way rentals for this trip. On the way TO PC, I got a rate of $34.20 + tax. This rate did not change with your code--it must be the "rock bottom" because I could get it with many codes. On the way back to MCO, I got several different rates, but the lowest was $48 + tax. This new code took it down to $35 + tax.

So...I don't know if the agent was matching the on-line rate because he realized that I was going to hang up and book on line if he didn't, or whatever. I just felt better dealing with a live person (and getting his name and agent number) because I wasn't sure whether I could use this code. I didn't want to get there and be denied the car.

Please note--these rentals are for our spring break trip that starts in a week, not for the May sailing. We'll be driving for that one!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Thanks for the rental car help, off to see if I can get a good deal! I will need to pick the car up at the Port one June 6th, and then drop it off at MCO on June 11th.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I have never rented a car before. For 5 days and 5 hours it will cost $228 for a full size, does this sound good? Any options I need to add on?

 

[brucechase]

Sorry to change gears here, but Disney just opened the May 23 cruise to Cat12. I PM someone on the main thread about it and they got one. It was still there after that. Since that was the Memorial day weekend cruise - I wonder how crowed our cruise really is.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Sorry to change gears here, but Disney just opened the May 23 cruise to Cat12. I PM someone on the main thread about it and they got one. It was still there after that. Since that was the Memorial day weekend cruise - I wonder how crowed our cruise really is.

They've been opening many more Cat. 12's....they opennd them up for the Nov. 14th Double Dip-the cruise we were orignally booked for. There are also many Cat. 12's open for Oct. and Nov. at great prices.

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Our cruise is showing Cat. 4,5,6,7, and 8 availability only.