Oct 30 2010 7 Night Western (PART 2)

[tinkerbelltwins]

For days I have been unable to access that tip calculator site. Something wrong with my internet or router I think, and not my computer. The page somewhat loads, or says it's done loading, but it's just a blank white page. Any computer geeks out there know what my problem might be? I also have issues seeing web pages with photos on them, but this if often fixed if I hit refresh.

Anyway, I also plan on (assuming we will have very Good service) allotting $100.00 per person for the cruise to leave for tips. How would you break that down though, as to who gets what? I could figure this out on my own if I could access that tip calculator.

My computer problems started after having new memory installed and a new processor, uggghhhhhh!

We'll probably add a couple extra dollars to our stateroom person if they give us extra special service. So if I go with the DCL recommended breakdown for tipping, but add $2 extra per person per day for the four of us to the stateroom person it comes to $392. The breakdown with the added funds for per person for 7 nights would be: $4 dining room server; $3 assistant server; $1 head server; $6 stateroom person coming out to $392. Not sure what we'll do about the dining room manager I'm unclear what that person does -- if it is something we need to do, we might give that person $8 bringing our total to $400 in tips. That's my guess estimate right now.

Beth

 

[AngolaHeartsDisney]

I talked to my TA and she indicated that when the boat is "full" Most of the rooms they sold at GTY usually get some type of upgrade.When they sell the GTY rooms, they technically do not have rooms availibile in that category. It is kind of like overselling a plane. Disney figures by the 75 day mark when the full payment is due, people might and usually cancel thier reservation and this is how they can fill the holes in that category if there are cancellations. Since now there is only category 4 rooms, they will move people up in the categories and try to sell the cheapest rooms to get full occupancy.

However, this is my 7th Disney cruise and we have never gotten an upgrade but we usually pick our specific cabin but this year I took the gamble and went for the GTY because when I booked on board the CM indicated this cruise usually sells out and the potential is a lot better for an upgrade.

Iam still waiting for a room assignment.

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

I thought upgrades were less likely when the boat is fuller?

I would imagine that all depends on if they sold more rooms than are actually available in the cheaper Cats (11 or 12, ect) and now will have to move some of the cheaper cabins to more expensive cats just to fit everyone on the ship. Many cruise lines do this so they can get people in all the cabins and make money from your spending on the trip.
I hope I made sense and did not confuse you!

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

I talked to my TA and she indicated that when the boat is "full" Most of the rooms they sold at GTY usually get some type of upgrade.When they sell the GTY rooms, they technically do not have rooms availibile in that category. It is kind of like overselling a plane. Disney figures by the 75 day mark when the full payment is due, people might and usually cancel thier reservation and this is how they can fill the holes in that category if there are cancellations. Since now there is only category 4 rooms, they will move people up in the categories and try to sell the cheapest rooms to get full occupancy.

However, this is my 7th Disney cruise and we have never gotten an upgrade but we usually pick our specific cabin but this year I took the gamble and went for the GTY because when I booked on board the CM indicated this cruise usually sells out and the potential is a lot better for an upgrade.

Iam still waiting for a room assignment.

Much better said! Thank you for writing what I could not find the words for!

 

[AngolaHeartsDisney]

Maybe I was a travel agent in my former life
I guess Iam just hoping for a upgrade

 

[Cmbar]

Good luck everyone on possible upgrades!!!! I assume those GTY assignments should be coming out soon! Hope everyone is happy with what they get!

 

[tjbaggott]

OK, I need to stay off the main board today! That, what was it called..... Karma Train Payback, has left the building. DD and her drama has me in a somewhat bad mood today and I think that is coming across in my posts, so I'm going back to working on my FE's, and craft my worries away.

Here's a cute story for you all though:

Last night I went to the dollarama to purchase some tissue paper for wrapping. I was standing in the checkout line when DS7 says "Mom, Can I get that Dino Egg that you scrape the stuff off of to find the skeleton inside", To which I reply, "You've had those many times before, they are messy, No, you don't need one right now" To which he quite loudly protests " OH COME ON! I HAVEN'T HAD ONE OF THOSE IN LIKE 10 YEARS"!!!!

 

[JKSWonder]

OK, I need to stay off the main board today! That, what was it called..... Karma Train Payback, has left the building. DD and her drama has me in a somewhat bad mood today and I think that is coming across in my posts, so I'm going back to working on my FE's, and craft my worries away.

Here's a cute story for you all though:

Last night I went to the dollarama to purchase some tissue paper for wrapping. I was standing in the checkout line when DS7 says "Mom, Can I get that Dino Egg that you scrape the stuff off of to find the skeleton inside", To which I reply, "You've had those many times before, they are messy, No, you don't need one right now" To which he quite loudly protests " OH COME ON! I HAVEN'T HAD ONE OF THOSE IN LIKE 10 YEARS"!!!!

Judy, I was reading through that thread, but I didn't post. Some of the people over there seemed really upset and I didn't want to jump into the fray.

Do you think people would people really mind if my DS (4) wore khaki cargo shorts and a nice polo shirt on the cruise casual nights? I have a suit for him for formal night and pants for him for semi-formal night, but I was going to use his "dressy" shorts and polo shirts for the other nights. That is what he usually wears when we go out to eat here in the summer. Maybe that's just a Long Island thing? I can pack pants for him, but I honestly think the new shorts I just bought for him are nicer and look cuter!

This question never comes up with my daughter because she loves dresses and has a ton of cotton pull on dress from Lands End that she loves to wear when we go out. I have some dressy dresses for her for the formal/semi-formal nights.

Both kids are wearing pirate t-shirts on pirate night.

I haven't been on the Magic before, only the Wonder, which I understand people say is more relaxed.

P.S. - Cute story about your DS!!! Made me smile.

 

[Cmbar]

OK, I need to stay off the main board today! That, what was it called..... Karma Train Payback, has left the building. DD and her drama has me in a somewhat bad mood today and I think that is coming across in my posts, so I'm going back to working on my FE's, and craft my worries away.

Here's a cute story for you all though:

Last night I went to the dollarama to purchase some tissue paper for wrapping. I was standing in the checkout line when DS7 says "Mom, Can I get that Dino Egg that you scrape the stuff off of to find the skeleton inside", To which I reply, "You've had those many times before, they are messy, No, you don't need one right now" To which he quite loudly protests " OH COME ON! I HAVEN'T HAD ONE OF THOSE IN LIKE 10 YEARS"!!!!

That is Hilarious! My DD11 is so dramatic when she says "all my life" like its been so long that she is alive!

I know what you mean about that thread. I didn't take any of your posts as prickly!! I think everyone has opinions about their vacation, but we won't be so stuffy on our cruise!! And I am kinda glad that Disney has suggestions for dinner as to avoid some perfect woman showing up in a bikini for dinner, as I wouldn't have my DH or (it kills me to say this...) my DS13 looking at us the whole dinner.

Don't stress! Your Karma is still great! Loved your story about that phone call yesterday! Must be such a relief to get a good feeling about how you are going to drive to your son's school. Can't imagine sending my kids off to college. I know it will be hard. Hang in there!

Judy, I was reading through that thread, but I didn't post. Some of the people over there seemed really upset and I didn't want to jump into the fray.

Do you think people would people really mind if my DS (4) wore khaki cargo shorts and a nice polo shirt on the cruise casual nights? I have a suit for him for formal night and pants for him for semi-formal night, but I was going to use his "dressy" shorts and polo shirts for the other nights. That is what he usually wears when we go out to eat here in the summer. Maybe that's just a Long Island thing? I can pack pants for him, but I honestly think the new shorts I just bought for him are nicer and look cuter!

This question never comes up with my daughter because she loves dresses and has a ton of cotton pull on dress from Lands End that she loves to wear when we go out. I have some dressy dresses for her for the formal/semi-formal nights.

Both kids are wearing pirate t-shirts on pirate night.

I haven't been on the Magic before, only the Wonder, which I understand people say is more relaxed.

P.S. - Cute story about your DS!!! Made me smile.

Hi there, I know you didn't ask me, but I really think the shorts on your son is perfectly fine! It is absolutely adorable on a young boy, so don't worry. I had my Dson in nice shorts on our last cruise and he was 11 and perfectly fine. I especially think for the little ones it is important they are comfortable.

And I am extemely jealous with your DD. My DD11 hates dresses and is willing only to wear skirts with the shorts under them to dinner with the exception of Formal night which I am making her wear a really nice dress. It will be fine I know, but so jealous that your get to have fun dressing up with your DD. I will get the "eye roll" from mine!

I like the Pirate T-shirt Idea. We got a Cozumel T-shirt for everyone last time since we didn't have anything pirate, but now I can't remember if we wore shorts to dinner or dress pants or even Jeans. What are you going to wear with the Pirate T-shirts on the bottom???

 

[tjbaggott]

Judy, I was reading through that thread, but I didn't post. Some of the people over there seemed really upset and I didn't want to jump into the fray.

Do you think people would people really mind if my DS (4) wore khaki cargo shorts and a nice polo shirt on the cruise casual nights? I have a suit for him for formal night and pants for him for semi-formal night, but I was going to use his "dressy" shorts and polo shirts for the other nights. That is what he usually wears when we go out to eat here in the summer. Maybe that's just a Long Island thing? I can pack pants for him, but I honestly think the new shorts I just bought for him are nicer and look cuter!

This question never comes up with my daughter because she loves dresses and has a ton of cotton pull on dress from Lands End that she loves to wear when we go out. I have some dressy dresses for her for the formal/semi-formal nights.

Both kids are wearing pirate t-shirts on pirate night.

I haven't been on the Magic before, only the Wonder, which I understand people say is more relaxed.

P.S. - Cute story about your DS!!! Made me smile.

Thats what my boys will be wearing on some of the casual nights, nice shorts and new shirts. They have suits for formal and semi formal, at least DS13 does. DS7 went through a growth spurt this summer and must now be 2 inches taller than he was at the beginning of summer. I may need to get him some new black dress pants. For Pirate night my boys and DH and myself, are wearing our full pirate costumes:

[/IMG]

I only wish I could convince them to be pirates for Halloween too!

 

[JKSWonder]

Hi there, I know you didn't ask me, but I really think the shorts on your son is perfectly fine! It is absolutely adorable on a young boy, so don't worry. I had my Dson in nice shorts on our last cruise and he was 11 and perfectly fine. I especially think for the little ones it is important they are comfortable.

And I am extemely jealous with your DD. My DD11 hates dresses and is willing only to wear skirts with the shorts under them to dinner with the exception of Formal night which I am making her wear a really nice dress. It will be fine I know, but so jealous that your get to have fun dressing up with your DD. I will get the "eye roll" from mine!

I like the Pirate T-shirt Idea. We got a Cozumel T-shirt for everyone last time since we didn't have anything pirate, but now I can't remember if we wore shorts to dinner or dress shorts or even Jeans. What are you going to wear with the Pirate T-shirts on the bottom???

Thanks! This makes me feel better. I had planned out everyone's outfits already and I was starting to get worried that I was going to have to re-think everything. My MIL is visiting until September, but as soon as she leaves, I am going to start laying out the clothes on the bed in the extra bedroom.

Sometimes my DD makes me crazy with the dress stuff because it's not always a good idea to wear a dress. Such as to school on days you have gym and may be doing somersaults!

Last year, DD wore black skorts with her pirate t-shirt. I think she will do the same this year. I bought a pink skull and cross bones iron-on at the craft store and ironed it on to a black t-shirt for her. DS wore a pirate outfit last year, but this year, this year I made him a t-shirt too with a gold skull and cross bones that says "Pirate in Training". I think he will wear it with black pants or shorts. I wore dark blue jeans with mine (silver skull and cross bones t-shirt readily available at Target the closer we get to Halloween). DH went full on pirate outfit last year (cut off black pants, pirate shirt, earring, etc.), but I think he will tone it down this time.

 

[nenner1]

http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/

Can someone tell me if this is about right?

We have used that site before!


One thing I noticed in January is that RCCL's suggested tips were lower than DCL's. We felt kindof bad about that (we prepaid on RRCL) until later in the cruise we were talking with an employee who used to work for DCL and explained to us how it works....that DCL offers new cruise line employee training (RCCL does not), so Disney hires new and trains, then RCCL comes in and lures the trained employees away with higher wages. Interesting I thought.

OH wow. I wonder what it will be like to cruise on a crowded ship!! Are most of the sailings full I wonder!

Thanks for the update!

Yes almost all sailings on the Magic are full.

Usually the Wonder sails full as well, although you can occasionally find some 3-night cruises that are not sold out at time of sail. We jumped on one last minute, and we noticed absolutely no difference in crowds anywhere onboard. The Mickey pool was still packed LOL!

Thanks to all who sent thoughts and prayers for Janae. Things went very well. She will be in the hospital a few more days. We are so excited now for getting on with our planning.
We did get lucky and got Palo brunch on Tuesday. We did not go there on our first cruise so we are excited about that. I guess we are going to get busy now and really start getting ready for some fun!!!
Thanks again everyone!
Linda

Hi Linda,

I'm so glad things went well for Janae! Now she can focus on recovering and getting excited for the CRUISE!

For days I have been unable to access that tip calculator site. Something wrong with my internet or router I think, and not my computer. The page somewhat loads, or says it's done loading, but it's just a blank white page. Any computer geeks out there know what my problem might be? I also have issues seeing web pages with photos on them, but this if often fixed if I hit refresh.

LOL I am far from a computer geek (just geek, maybe!), I'm only throwing this out there cause I have had somewhat similar problems, but...Have you tried using a different browser and seeing if that works? Sometimes web settings are fooky with some browsers. I use Chrome, which is usually great but I have problems seeing some graphics sometimes. When I try in Internet Explorer I can see them. So I don't know if that would help or not but you could try!

I like the Pirate T-shirt Idea. We got a Cozumel T-shirt for everyone last time since we didn't have anything pirate, but now I can't remember if we wore shorts to dinner or dress pants or even Jeans. What are you going to wear with the Pirate T-shirts on the bottom???

Just my $0.02 on the shorts deal....while we do not wear shorts typically at night...I certainly think nice shorts are fine for the dining rooms on casual nights and especially pirate night. Now that we've been on RCCL, we realize DCL is much, MUCH more casual.

On pirate night, we've worn shorts before and probably will again. It is really a fun casual atmosphere and we did not feel out of place or under dressed at all. We will probably wear pirate-y shirts and shorts or maybe a cotton or denim skirt for me. (I still have some shopping to do, LOL)

 

[JKSWonder]

Thats what my boys will be wearing on some of the casual nights, nice shorts and new shirts. They have suits for formal and semi formal, at least DS13 does. DS7 went through a growth spurt this summer and must now be 2 inches taller than he was at the beginning of summer. I may need to get him some new black dress pants. For Pirate night my boys and DH and myself, are wearing our full pirate costumes:


I only wish I could convince them to be pirates for Halloween too!

We just took DS to the Dr. a week ago and he grew 3 inches in the last year. No wonder all of his pants are too short! He is in the 98th percentile for height, whereas DD does not even exist on the chart and has been labeled "failure to thrive". She is growth delayed by over two years. "Failure to thrive"...seriously, could they have come up with a worse term to make me feel like an awful parent?

And I tried to convince them to be pirates for Halloween too. No go. They both want to be cats. Although I think I have convinced DS to be a dog, since DD was mortified when he said he wanted to be a cat too!

 

[Cmbar]

We just took DS to the Dr. a week ago and he grew 3 inches in the last year. No wonder all of his pants are too short! He is in the 98th percentile for height, whereas DD does not even exist on the chart and has been labeled "failure to thrive". She is growth delayed by over two years. "Failure to thrive"...seriously, could they have come up with a worse term to make me feel like an awful parent?

And I tried to convince them to be pirates for Halloween too. No go. They both want to be cats. Although I think I have convinced DS to be a dog, since DD was mortified when he said he wanted to be a cat too!

That is too funny.... My DD IS in the 100th percentile and at age 11 is a size 8.5 shoe! My DS is 13 and a size 11 shoe. I was thinking... what is wrong with my children that they are giants!!! Until the "failure to thrive" line. I guess mine should be "failure to stop them from thriving!" Oh this parenting thing is a tough one!


Thanks to you and Nenner about what to wear on pirates night. I know I won't get anyone dressed in a pirate's outfit (we all hate Halloween, which is why we are going away on Halloween!) but I really like the idea of a denim skirt for me! I think I will tell DH and DS this is the one night they can wear nice shorts to dinner. Not that I am against it for others, but at 13 and 40 I think they should be able to dress in Kahki's for dinner! My DD said if she had to dress up in a skirt then her brother should have to dress up too. I think she might be right!

 

[TPKeller]

http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/

Can someone tell me if this is about right?

Well, I think it's exactly right... but I may be a bit biased.

According to the link that was posted after your question, the tip calculator does still match the Disney recommendations.

Theron

 

[TPKeller]

For days I have been unable to access that tip calculator site. Something wrong with my internet or router I think, and not my computer. The page somewhat loads, or says it's done loading, but it's just a blank white page. Any computer geeks out there know what my problem might be? I also have issues seeing web pages with photos on them, but this if often fixed if I hit refresh.

My computer problems started after having new memory installed and a new processor, uggghhhhhh!

Sounds odd. I haven't heard of any similar symptoms before with the calculator web page. Your assessment doesn't really make a lot of sense. First you think the problem is with your internet or router and not your computer, then you note that the problem didn't start until after you had new memory and a new processor installed. Seems like a conflicting analysis.

The calculator web page makes extensive use of Javascripting, which can be turned off by the browser security settings. But if Javascript was turned off, that would not show up as a blank page, just a normal-looking page with no pre-filled information, and buttons that don't work.

Your best bet would be to try to eliminate one or the other of your suspicious causes, by either finding a new source for an internet connection (maybe take your computer to a friends house), or finding another computer to use your internet connection at home (maybe borrow a friends laptop, etc.)

Good luck.

Theron

 

[tjbaggott]

Sounds odd. I haven't heard of any similar symptoms before with the calculator web page. Your assessment doesn't really make a lot of sense. First you think the problem is with your internet or router and not your computer, then you note that the problem didn't start until after you had new memory and a new processor installed. Seems like a conflicting analysis.

The calculator web page makes extensive use of Javascripting, which can be turned off by the browser security settings. But if Javascript was turned off, that would not show up as a blank page, just a normal-looking page with no pre-filled information, and buttons that don't work.

Your best bet would be to try to eliminate one or the other of your suspicious causes, by either finding a new source for an internet connection (maybe take your computer to a friends house), or finding another computer to use your internet connection at home (maybe borrow a friends laptop, etc.)

Good luck.

Theron

A detail I forgot to mention though is that this issue is also now existing with all the other computers in our house (one desk top and 4 laptops). Thus why I felt it's the internet, or possibley the browser, since all do use the same browser. Your suggestions though about taking the computer to another connection elsewhere is a good idea to try and eliminate some suspicions. I'll try that.

 

[Pudo]

Judy, I was reading through that thread, but I didn't post. Some of the people over there seemed really upset and I didn't want to jump into the fray.

Do you think people would people really mind if my DS (4) wore khaki cargo shorts and a nice polo shirt on the cruise casual nights? I have a suit for him for formal night and pants for him for semi-formal night, but I was going to use his "dressy" shorts and polo shirts for the other nights. That is what he usually wears when we go out to eat here in the summer. Maybe that's just a Long Island thing? I can pack pants for him, but I honestly think the new shorts I just bought for him are nicer and look cuter!

This question never comes up with my daughter because she loves dresses and has a ton of cotton pull on dress from Lands End that she loves to wear when we go out. I have some dressy dresses for her for the formal/semi-formal nights.

Both kids are wearing pirate t-shirts on pirate night.

I haven't been on the Magic before, only the Wonder, which I understand people say is more relaxed.

P.S. - Cute story about your DS!!! Made me smile.

I have been following these boards since April of 2001 (I change my board name from time to time).

The topic that has caused more debates and closed threads bar none is the subject of "appropriate attire".

It is absolutely insane how important the "correct" clothing can be to some; it is a subject (thread) worth avoiding.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

I'm confused again, so what else is new? This time I've got questions about how main dining works. Is there one time to be seated during main dining or are there multiple times? I have an old 2008 Passporter and it says in there the main seating is at 5:30, 5:45 or 6:00 ... but on a thread I read that the seating time for a Med cruise was at 6:00pm. So what's correct? If there are three times for main dining, do all the people in the time slots wait and go to the dinner show afterwards all at once? How long are those shows typically? Also, could someone also help me figure out what rotation I should request if we are scheduled for a Palo dinner on Sunday (Halloween) and we don't want to miss whatever it is that occurs in Animators Palate.

Beth

 

[Pudo]

I'm confused again, so what else is new? This time I've got questions about how main dining works. Is there one time to be seated during main dining or are there multiple times? I have an old 2008 Passporter and it says in there the main seating is at 5:30, 5:45 or 6:00 ... but on a thread I read that the seating time for a Med cruise was at 6:00pm. So what's correct? If there are three times for main dining, do all the people in the time slots wait and go to the dinner show afterwards all at once? How long are those shows typically? Also, could someone also help me figure out what rotation I should request if we are scheduled for a Palo dinner on Sunday (Halloween) and we don't want to miss whatever it is that occurs in Animators Palate.

Beth

DCL tried having dining times 15 minutes apart, I believe, mostly to decrease the amount of people going to the restaurants at one time.

I am pretty sure they are back to the 6:00 and 8:30 times only since I don't think the 15 minute intervals was without issue, but MJ and others could elaborate more.