October 17, 2009 Western

[MommyTo5]

Is there a spot somewhere that lists all the Meet group activities planned for our sailing? I know there is an FE exchange, and I remember talk about Carlos and Charlies in Cancun, but is there anything else planned? I'd love to see a quick meet on embarkation day, even for just a little while in the Promenade Lounge. I think it would be great to meet everyone at the beginning of the cruise so we can recognize each other when we cross paths. Also, I've heard something about lime green tags for the Disboard people on my EBTA meet thread - is that something that's done often, or just for the unusual sailings?

I don't think we ever decided anything for sure other than meeting for drinks...

I know we talked about margaritas in Cozumel at Senor Frogs/Carlos n Charlies. Since I'm the one that originally suggested this, would mid-afternoon work for everyone... maybe 2 p.m.?

A meet in the Promenade sounds great to me, April! I think most groups get together shortly before the safety drill.

We could also plan meets...

• in the terminal (would be a great way to pass the time)
• at the sail away party (a great spot for this is on deck 10 - overlooking the action)
• nightly in Rockin Bar D (around 10ish generally works well for this as most shows tend to start about 10:30)

I've done all of the above and have made some really great friends during our cruises!

 

[yazee1]

I vote for the port or Rockin Bar D.


Earlier this evening, I called my father and mother-in-law to ask what their preference is for pre-cruise accommodations. Even though we talked about getting a 2 room suite at the Residence Inn months ago, and I booked one, I figured they might have forgotten. They did forget. Furthermore, my mother-in-law said it wasn't necessary since they were flying in Saturday morning. To be more specific, they are scheduled to arrive in Orlando at noon. What the heck? What was their travel agent thinking not advising them to fly in the day before.

I know my in-laws. They trust their travel agent to know everything and make all the arrangements. I told my mother in law that I strongly disagree with that plan and why. She said she'd talk to her husband about changing it. I am praying he will think seriously about the fact that arriving in Orlando at noon Saturday is not a good idea. I hope he takes into account that this agent has twice already proven to know dangerously less about Disney Cruises than anyone who has spent even two months on this board. He might consider that I know what I'm talking about or he might not, so I asked my husband to talk to his father about changing their flight to Friday. I am really hoping Warren can present a good case to his father. I'm not easily riled, but if I knew my in-laws were going to get this kind of "service" from their travel agent, I would have suggested they let us arrange everything.

My brother-in-law is going with us too. I would like to check on what travel arrangements he's made but I doubt he's made any or has time to think about the cruise. Right now he's in Eagle, Alaska coordinating the volunteers who are rebuilding the flood-damaged little town. Winter comes early to Eagle (snow in September) so I'm sure cruise arrangements are the farthest thing from his mind.

 

[NCjenn]

I'd love to meet up on embarkation day whether at the terminal or on the ship...

Doubt we'll be joining anyone for drinks on Cozumel. That's the only port we are doing an excursion so we've got our day planned for there.

I need to do some shopping for the cruise for myself...I need some clothes! I always buy clothes for the kids and DH and not myself...better take care of that SOON!!!

Jennifer

 

[Pennyb123]

I know our excursion in Coz isn't over until 3:30... Bummer on meeting for drinks, there. I know our party will be at the port early, so I look forward to seeing you guys there, and hopefully aboard, as well. I'm still up for meeting for breakfast to anyone staying at the Residence Inn as well. Tiffany and I are staying there while my other peeps are staying somewhere else they got a free night for. We will meet up at the port. So... where am I supposed to get the green thingy from??

And I can't believe a TA would allow someone to arrive at noon on embarkation day!!! What the ____ were they thinking?!?! Anyone who has ever cruised before is MORE than qualified to explain how this goes... not to mention to explain that Orlando is nothing but a tourist town (for the most part) and exactly how many people are arriving/leaving every single day!! It boggles the mind! Every single piece of literature I have ever read about the cruise says you should arrive the night before. I would point them to the thread about what can happen if you arrive the day of... it's not pleasant. <sigh> best of luck on getting that issue resolved. I don't think it should be too difficult... It just requires logic.

 

[ajtour]

I just booked the Residence Inn at the Port for the night before based on all the information I recieved on this board. It seemed like the better of the 3 hotels close to the cruise ships. How does the shuttle work there? Has anyone had a problem? My husband is all about getting to the terminal early.

Ajtour (33), DH (35), DS (5), & DD (3)

 

[MommyTo5]

We flew in on the day of our cruise in 2005. Our flight arrived right before noon and we were at port by 1:30 p.m. There were long lines at check-in due to the WDW busses arriving, but we were onboard by 2:30 p.m. Of course it made for a hectic day, but I would do it again if necessary --- especially in October when I really wouldn't have to worry about weather delays.

Our decision for flying in on Saturday was purely financial. DH had to work that Friday, so our only option would have been the very last nonstop flight on Friday night which was $40ish per person higher than the first nonstop Saturday morning. That was $280+ for the 7 of us! Plus, there was the cost of that night's hotel (meaning 2 rooms or a suite, for our large family), an extra day of parking back home, etc... The total would have easily been $500+.

Something else to consider... if you book air through DCL, they bring you in on Saturday by default. If I remember correctly, they schedule arrivals up until 12:30 p.m. You have to specially request an air deviation and pay extra for a night at the Hyatt (using the DCL contracted rate) if you'd like to come in the night before instead.

 

[MommyTo5]

I know our excursion in Coz isn't over until 3:30... Bummer on meeting for drinks, there.

I say --- come by when you are done!!! I'm guessing we'll still be there... at least I will be!

 

[momsully]

We are doing the dolphin push, pull swim in Cozumel so will probably miss drinks. Hopefully we can meet up somewhere at the port or on the ship.

 

[Pennyb123]

I just booked the Residence Inn at the Port for the night before based on all the information I recieved on this board. It seemed like the better of the 3 hotels close to the cruise ships. How does the shuttle work there? Has anyone had a problem? My husband is all about getting to the terminal early.

Ajtour (33), DH (35), DS (5), & DD (3)

I stay at the Residence Inn every year! You will LOVE it! The shuttle begins running about 10:30. They are on time, and very friendly. I was at the port by 10:45 and had a comfy seat to watch everyone arrive by 11am. It's $6 round trip. You get a little voucher for your return trip. Can't wait to see you there!

 

[CastMember 02]

1,650 Hours Til We Sail Away!

 

[ajtour]

Pennyb123, thanks for the help on the Radisson. Can't wait til October

 

[AnkaG]

We also have an excursion planned at Cozumel, so I am not sure at what time we will be done with that. however, we can have more than one meeting right? I really think at the beginning of the cruise would be good, so we can know eachother right away and not try to figure it out until we get to cozumel!

 

[yazee1]

I just booked the Residence Inn at the Port for the night before based on all the information I recieved on this board. It seemed like the better of the 3 hotels close to the cruise ships. How does the shuttle work there? Has anyone had a problem? My husband is all about getting to the terminal early.

Ajtour (33), DH (35), DS (5), & DD (3)

I see that there are four of you. Maybe, you know this already, but just in case, if you want to save a few dollars, have you or your husband drive the family and the luggage off at the port, then return the car to the hotel and take the shuttle back. That way you're only paying for the shuttle for one person and not four. The driver will need to hold onto his or her identification in order to enter the terminal, but the adult with the kids will be able to check the luggage and check everyone in.

 

[yazee1]

Something else to consider... if you book air through DCL, they bring you in on Saturday by default. If I remember correctly, they schedule arrivals up until 12:30 p.m. You have to specially request an air deviation and pay extra for a night at the Hyatt (using the DCL contracted rate) if you'd like to come in the night before instead.

I knew that about DCL but since my MIL was so unsure about the details of her flight arrangements I assumed the worst. As it turns out, she (MIL) called the agent, and the plans were made through DCL. The agent must have explained to her about what happens if the flight is delayed and that was why she (MIL) was so blase about the possibility of cutting it so close.

 

[MommyTo5]

I knew that about DCL but since my MIL was so unsure about the details of her flight arrangements I assumed the worst. As it turns out, she (MIL) called the agent, and the plans were made through DCL. The agent must have explained to her about what happens if the flight is delayed and that was why she (MIL) was so blase about the possibility of cutting it so close.

That's wonderful! If they booked air thru DCL, there should be no worries since DCL will hold the ship until their arrival or fly them to Key West to catch up with the ship if necessary.

If they do decide to change flights, the current fee structure for air changes/cancellations is as follows:

<< If you cancel within this period: 74-45 days
The cancellation or change fee is: $50 per person

If you cancel within this period: 44-31 days
The cancellation or change fee is: 50% of air add on per person

If you cancel within this period: 30-0 days
The cancellation or change fee is: 100% of air add on per person >>​

 

[lucky1]

Something else to consider... if you book air through DCL, they bring you in on Saturday by default. If I remember correctly, they schedule arrivals up until 12:30 p.m. You have to specially request an air deviation and pay extra for a night at the Hyatt (using the DCL contracted rate) if you'd like to come in the night before instead.

When we booked with DCL back in 1999 for our first cruise we had them do the air, we did land/sea and they booked us to arrive at 5pm for our first day of a 3 day land. We had to pay $50 for a flight deviation at that time with DCL, so we did the red eye and get in at 6am. This is back when they still had red eyes.

This trip when I looked at DCL airfare rates for this trip it was very high. Those coming in from the west coast they bring in the night before. Need less to say we were able to find cheaper flights on our own, even afforded us 3 nights at Disney with the difference in price.

I say --- come by when you are done!!! I'm guessing we'll still be there... at least I will be!

What time is the all aboard at Cozumel? I think our excursion ends at 4pm.

We are doing the dolphin push, pull swim in Cozumel so will probably miss drinks. Hopefully we can meet up somewhere at the port or on the ship.

We also have an excursion planned at Cozumel, so I am not sure at what time we will be done with that. however, we can have more than one meeting right? I really think at the beginning of the cruise would be good, so we can know eachother right away and not try to figure it out until we get to cozumel!

momsully and AnkaG -
I am with you on meeting somewhere the first day. Maybe at 3pm in the Atrium or the family lounge (I forgot the name). We do plan to be at the port early, but I now a lot of family may not be able to meet.

Also for someone that has done fish extenders before, how do you get room change notifications out, that is what I was hoping the DIS meet would be used for?

I knew that about DCL but since my MIL was so unsure about the details of her flight arrangements I assumed the worst. As it turns out, she (MIL) called the agent, and the plans were made through DCL. The agent must have explained to her about what happens if the flight is delayed and that was why she (MIL) was so blase about the possibility of cutting it so close.

Monica how nerve racking. I wish I was able to be that carefree about the planning. I wanted to get to the port early, so we could have as much time to explore (and hurry up an wait), eat, unpack, meet people, check out the kids club, etc... I saw something on the travel channel that has stuck with me. They said on all cruise get to the port early to enjoy as much of the ship as possible. Since our first curise we got there so late (in my opinion), I don't remember anything about the port or boarding the ship.

Laura (Freezing in the PNW this weekend)

 

[Pennyb123]

Pennyb123, thanks for the help on the Radisson. Can't wait til October

Don't you mean Residence Inn by Marriott??? You might have a hard time with your reservation if you show up at the Radisson!

 

[calmpets]

I am with you on meeting somewhere the first day. Maybe at 3pm in the Atrium or the family lounge (I forgot the name). We do plan to be at the port early, but I now a lot of family may not be able to meet.

I'm in favor of 3pm at the Promenade Lounge. Unless the plan changes, I'll figure on being there at 3pm on embarkation day. I'll be enjoying my start-of-vacation martini! :

 

[Pennyb123]

I'm in favor of 3pm at the Promenade Lounge. Unless the plan changes, I'll figure on being there at 3pm on embarkation day. I'll be enjoying my start-of-vacation martini! :

I like that idea, as well as meeting anyone else at the same hotel or in the terminal. I think it appears that most everyone should be there by then. Just put out a reminder right before we leave... I'm apt to forget!

 

[MommyTo5]

I'm in favor of 3pm at the Promenade Lounge. Unless the plan changes, I'll figure on being there at 3pm on embarkation day. I'll be enjoying my start-of-vacation martini! :

Sounds good to me too!!!