No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems: A Tremendously Tropical PTR

[SoonerGirl]

I've heard they typically offer about 10% off, is that correct? I'd love to know what to expect before we go b/c I am really tempted to put a deposit down on a cruise right now for 2012 before the rates go up.

Yes, but they also offer an OBC in addition to the discount, I think it was $100 for shorter cruises, $200 for 7 nights or more, or it might have been 5 nights or more - I can't remember for certain now.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

We had a great time with the stingray adventure on our first cruise and wouldn't hesitate to book again next summer. You can also take snorkel equipment to that area and swim with the rays if you wish! It was really fun! It didn't take a huge amount of time. We did it last thing in the afternoon before we headed back to the boat.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Castaway Cay looks so awesome! Every time I think I am decided on something else for our big 2013 trip, you make me change my mind back to the cruise!!

You guys are going to have such an awesome time!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Congrats on the free dining! They skipped over our dates and I don't think we could get it anyways since we book DVC room only.

Castaway Cay is just amazing! We're on a double dip and it was a major factor in my sister convincing us to go on this cruise with her. (I want to go on a cruise, don't get me wrong, but our AP's expire the week we're on the cruise so I was aiming to squeeze one more trip out of them since we're not renewing.)
I know we want to do snorkeling and tubes but haven't researched much else. Guess I need to get busy!!

Good luck to your DH. I hope they are true to their word and let him know something tomorrow.

You are double dipping!!!!!!!! You go girl!!! That is awesome! I would love to double dip, but the dates for those cruises just don't seem to work for us.

Not renewing your APs???? What's up with that? You are a DVCer, you NEED APs.

The snorkeling is actually free if you have your own equipment, but we don't. I looked into buying it and it would cost more than just renting. I am kind of freaked out though about using a snorkel that someone else has used. They say that are cleaned and sanitized so I guess it is that same as drinking out of glass in a restaurant that many other people have used, but still, it's a little gross.

There are lots of other excursion on CC though. You need to check them out!

Thanks! I hope they keep their word too, but so far.... nothing.

Yes, but they also offer an OBC in addition to the discount, I think it was $100 for shorter cruises, $200 for 7 nights or more, or it might have been 5 nights or more - I can't remember for certain now.

Oooooh! That sounds really good! I may wait then. Hopefully the price won't go up too much before we get there.

We had a great time with the stingray adventure on our first cruise and wouldn't hesitate to book again next summer. You can also take snorkel equipment to that area and swim with the rays if you wish! It was really fun! It didn't take a huge amount of time. We did it last thing in the afternoon before we headed back to the boat.

I'm glad to hear that you liked the SA! I just can't decide what to do. I think we would all like it, but there is sooooo much to do already... I hate having to make these decisions! I'm trying to figure out if we can snorkel both trails, hit Pelican Plunge, eat at Cookies, shop, relax on the floats, do Spring A Leak, catch a crab race, take character pictures, and do the SA! I'm just not sure that is possible!

Castaway Cay looks so awesome! Every time I think I am decided on something else for our big 2013 trip, you make me change my mind back to the cruise!!

You guys are going to have such an awesome time!

Don't fight it Shelly... You know you want to cruise in 2013! I mean who wants to go to Hawaii anyway? It just a bunch of mountains that flow into the sea. I guess I am going to have to start putting subliminal messages in my updates to convince you.

Sheeellly, you need a Disney cruise. Shhheeeelllyyy, don't fight the magic... Mickey is waiting for you under a palm tree in paradise... he wants to bring you a tall, cool drink in a frosty glass.... Ssshhheeeellly.... can you hear me... do it for your precious boys Shelly.....

 

[stace208]

You are double dipping!!!!!!!!
Not renewing your APs???? What's up with that? You are a DVCer, you NEED APs.

Yes, well, my lovely DH is of the mind that we will now be going just once a year and thus, no AP's. Right now with Oct., the cruise in April, and next summer already on the books, I can't convince him otherwise. Once we get through next summer and I see how our points play out with booking a summer only trip I might be able to talk him into getting them again. So, it's a work in progress...

I am kind of freaked out though about using a snorkel that someone else has used. They say that are cleaned and sanitized so I guess it is that same as drinking out of glass in a restaurant that many other people have used, but still, it's a little gross.

DH and I have snorkeled before in Grand Cayman. Honestly I never thought about it from the "someone used it before" point of view but they were very clean. As meticulous as Disney is about cleanliness, I am sure they are fine. I know I checked the price of a 2 day rental for us and it wasn't that expensive at all. I will probably do the stingray thing too, especially if you can snorkel over there!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Don't fight it Shelly... You know you want to cruise in 2013! I mean who wants to go to Hawaii anyway? It just a bunch of mountains that flow into the sea. I guess I am going to have to start putting subliminal messages in my updates to convince you.

Sheeellly, you need a Disney cruise. Shhheeeelllyyy, don't fight the magic... Mickey is waiting for you under a palm tree in paradise... he wants to bring you a tall, cool drink in a frosty glass.... Ssshhheeeellly.... can you hear me... do it for your precious boys Shelly.....

You are killing me here!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We got FREE DINING for our trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

I'm so glad you got the discount! And I know allllllllll about that hold time. The TA line was BOMBARDED! But like you said, totally worth it! (plus, while I waited on hold, I was able to get a lot of basic computer work done, which was awesome!)

Or we may just rent some floats and relax for a while…

... although neither DH nor I will look like the models in that picture as we are floating, and I am pretty certain that I won't be stroking his hair lovingly. But I digress...

Oh come on, don't we all do that?!?!



Looooooove your CC and Pirate Night pics. 300 days until I sail away. I can wait, I can wait, I can wait.

Great costume too! I need to look for a few things for Henry, $10 is about the range I want to spend too.

I'm glad somebody else does this. I just knew I replied to Rinky earlier, but I don't see it here. I'm a little , I guess.

Oh no MeMom, you are not alone! I'm very !

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay for Free Dining!!!

The pirate costume for DD is PERFECT! Just love it!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Yes, well, my lovely DH is of the mind that we will now be going just once a year and thus, no AP's. Right now with Oct., the cruise in April, and next summer already on the books, I can't convince him otherwise. Once we get through next summer and I see how our points play out with booking a summer only trip I might be able to talk him into getting them again. So, it's a work in progress...

DH and I have snorkeled before in Grand Cayman. Honestly I never thought about it from the "someone used it before" point of view but they were very clean. As meticulous as Disney is about cleanliness, I am sure they are fine. I know I checked the price of a 2 day rental for us and it wasn't that expensive at all. I will probably do the stingray thing too, especially if you can snorkel over there!

What in the world is your DH thinking? Well, whatever it is, mine is thinking the same thing b/c he says we can only go once a year at the most! In fact, he would prefer to go every other year! Don't give up though.... keep working your charm on him.

Yes, you can snorkel in the stingray area (only if you do the SA though). If I had two days at CC, I would definitely book more excursions. Gosh, I am so jealous that you get two days there!

You should look into the 4 in 1 package though because for us, it was only $45 more to do the all inclusive one vs. the cost of only doing the SA. I don't know though what would be best for you since you are there for 2 days.

You are killing me here!!!!

I have no idea what you are talking about??? I didn't hear anything.

I'm so glad you got the discount! And I know allllllllll about that hold time. The TA line was BOMBARDED! But like you said, totally worth it! (plus, while I waited on hold, I was able to get a lot of basic computer work done, which was awesome!)

Oh come on, don't we all do that?!?!

Looooooove your CC and Pirate Night pics. 300 days until I sail away. I can wait, I can wait, I can wait.

Great costume too! I need to look for a few things for Henry, $10 is about the range I want to spend too.

Oh no MeMom, you are not alone! I'm very !

It was certainly crazy that morning that free dining came out, but it was kinda fun too.

No, I can't think of a time.... ever..... that I have stroked my DH's hair like that. I love him dearly, but let's be real.

Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for almost any of these pictures, but they are beautiful. They are going to make mine look like poo poo when I get back!

Check ebay for a costume for Henry. I think it's about the cheapest place to find one. The one I got DD was NEW and only $9!!

Yeay for Free Dining!!!

The pirate costume for DD is PERFECT! Just love it!

Thanks! I was VERY excited about that free dining! It was a make it or break it thing for this trip!

I liked that costume too. It was more subtle than a lot of the others. Not that pirates are typically subtle, but..... for a 7 year old, I needed it toned down a bit!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Just wanted to let you know that we were finally told this evening that DH did not get the promotion. The "friend" of the head boss did indeed get it. I am so angry and upset right now. I absolutely do trust the Lord's will for our lives, so I know there is a reason that DH was passed over that we just don't understand yet. However, I am extremely angry at the dirty politics that went on behind the scenes on all of this. Honestly, I'm really too angry to even talk about it right now, but I just thought I would update all of you who have been kind enough to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

 

[sjs314]

Just wanted to let you know that we were finally told this evening that DH did not get the promotion. The "friend" of the head boss did indeed get it. I am so angry and upset right now. I absolutely do trust the Lord's will for our lives, so I know there is a reason that DH was passed over that we just don't understand yet. However, I am extremely angry at the dirty politics that went on behind the scenes on all of this. Honestly, I'm really too angry to even talk about it right now, but I just thought I would update all of you who have been kind enough to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

So very sorry to hear that DH did not get the position, so often it is who you know not what you know.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm sorry Rinky It's so much harder to take when you don't get a job just because the person who did had an inside track because the boss is a friend. If you don't get it because someone else is more qualified or interviewed better, then you are disappointed but it's easier to handle.

Maybe this means that there is something better out there on the horizon for him though, keep the faith!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so sorry to hear that your DH didn't get the promotion. It seems totally unfair, I hate when things like that happen. I hate office politics!

 

[MEK]

I am so sorry to hear about the promotion falling through. I don't blame you one bit for being angry and upset. It's hard not to take it personally even when dirty politics are at work.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

So very sorry to hear that DH did not get the position, so often it is who you know not what you know.

I'm sorry Rinky It's so much harder to take when you don't get a job just because the person who did had an inside track because the boss is a friend. If you don't get it because someone else is more qualified or interviewed better, then you are disappointed but it's easier to handle.

Maybe this means that there is something better out there on the horizon for him though, keep the faith!

I'm so sorry to hear that your DH didn't get the promotion. It seems totally unfair, I hate when things like that happen. I hate office politics!

I am so sorry to hear about the promotion falling through. I don't blame you one bit for being angry and upset. It's hard not to take it personally even when dirty politics are at work.

A big thank you to all of you!! You guys are the best!

It's a new day today and I'm trying to be positive, but I'm not doing too well at that. DH and I both feel like we have been punched in the gut. What I didn't tell all of you was that DH had been promised the job by his manager for the last 5 months. He told him the job was his, all he had to do was show up for the interview. I didn't mention that part of the story to anyone because I know how office politics work (I've been the victim of that stuff before) so I refused to believe it until it was all said and done. But for months now my DH has just been waiting for the word go. He really never even considered that he wasn't going to get it. I tried to tell him not to count his chickens before they hatched, but his manager just kept pumping him up and telling him in no uncertain terms that the job was his. Even I really thought it was going to happen, but I just wouldn't say it out loud.

But in the end what happened was that the boss of DH's manager threw his buddy into the mix in the last few weeks of this process. No one even saw it coming. But worst of all, this "buddy" has NO experience and isn't even close to be being as qualified as my DH..... we're talking light years apart. In fact, this guy calls my DH on a regular basis to ask him how to do things because he has no clue what he is doing. That pill was hard enough to swallow, but I think what has gotten to us most is that DH's manager (and so-called friend) folded under the pressure from his boss and allowed this to happen knowing that my DH was the most qualified and knowing that he had already told him for months that the job was his. Right now we both feel very betrayed and confused.

And to put the icing on the cake, this "buddy" who snatched the job right out from under DH is now going to be my DH's boss. My heart just aches for him because he is such an awesome person, a wonderful father & husband, and has always been totally sold out for his company. This has just crushed his self confidence, and let's be honest... his pride too. He told me last night that he felt like he was a failure and had let us down (which of course is not true). And yes, the money part stinks too because it would have been a $20,000 a year raise for him which is HUGE to a one income family like ours (Yes I work two part time jobs, but it doesn't bring in a "real" income for us... just "extra" money).

I'm not normally one to vent my personal problems like this, but I sure thank you guys for listening and being so encouraging. I know in the grand scheme of life this is just a little bump in the road, but right now it feels like a mountain. And I know that I am INCREDIBLY blessed and should be ashamed of myself for pouting about this when he already has a good job (especially in this economy), but I'm human, and the knife in our backs is pretty painful. Stuff like this just makes you loose all faith in people and not want to trust anyone. That's probably the worst part of it all. In fact, the only positive thing I can think to say right now is that at least the waiting is over.

 

[jenseib]

Oh, I am so srry. That is just plain cruddy. I hate office politics and sadly thats how many work. I would tell your DH NOT ti help this guy along. If asks your DH something he should tell him, I don't know, you're the boss.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm so sorry to hear all of this. That really stinks. I can imagine how upset and disappointed you both are.

I hope there's something even better in the future for him. He is very lucky to have all of your love & support through this.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

well, that stinks! I agree - your DH was a victim and it's too bad that his boss wasn't able to stand up for him.
Maybe this is one of those "when one door closes, another opens" things. I have a co-worker who is experiencing some similar problems and it is so hard to watch and not be able to do anything to help except lend an ear or shoulder.

I hope things will improve and will continue to pray for that to happen.

Hang in there!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh, I am so srry. That is just plain cruddy. I hate office politics and sadly thats how many work. I would tell your DH NOT ti help this guy along. If asks your DH something he should tell him, I don't know, you're the boss.

That's probably what I would say but my DH doesn't have a spiteful bone in his body. He is the most forgiving and positive person I know and I am sure he will treat him with nothing but respect regardless of the situation. He is a better person than me. I know I couldn't do it.

I'm so sorry to hear all of this. That really stinks. I can imagine how upset and disappointed you both are.

I hope there's something even better in the future for him. He is very lucky to have all of your love & support through this.

Thanks. I sure hope something good comes of this.... I just can't imagine what that would be right now. But then again, I'm not really in the frame of mind at the moment to be looking for a rainbow. I'll get over it though.

well, that stinks! I agree - your DH was a victim and it's too bad that his boss wasn't able to stand up for him.
Maybe this is one of those "when one door closes, another opens" things. I have a co-worker who is experiencing some similar problems and it is so hard to watch and not be able to do anything to help except lend an ear or shoulder.

I hope things will improve and will continue to pray for that to happen.

Hang in there!!

Thanks. I feel for your coworker. It's just so unfair to know that you deserve something and have to helplessly watch it be given away to someone who doesn't. I guess if my DH wants a promotion, he's going to have to learn how to play golf and hang out drinking beer with the boss after work.

 

[*dreamit*doit*]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear all of this. It's such a stinky situation. It's just sad when the "people in charge" can make such unjust decisions and not realize how wrong they really are, or worse...not care. Unfortunately, we've had/are having personal experience with a similar situation and it just makes me sick. I know what you mean about being blessed (especially in this economy) and ashamed to pout...I feel the same way, but it's hard when it's your personal situation and you are just trying to do right by your family and making such sacrifices by living on one income (we do, too). Well, I generally don't vent personal stuff either, but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. Here's to hoping we both find our rainbows...and a whole pot of goodness at the end of them!!