PodCast 4.0 Chit Chat

[mdvlprof]

I suspect that arranging for events will be after PCC 3.0.

My recollection is that not much happens before cruise.
We'll have unofficial breakfasts just before leaving for cruise. There'll be wine tastings, etc, on board. There'll probably be Karaoke. Based on past experience and on schedule posted for PCC 3.0, the podcast crew will keep us hopping.
When we get back there'll be DATW at EPCOT, MVMCP, folks arranging to meet for lunch....

 

[mdvlprof]

Greetings from Italy! My DH and I arrived in Rome on Mother's Day, and today was our 3rd and last day. Tomorrow we're taking the train to Florence for 2 nights, before cruising out of Venice on Celebrity for 12 nights. The cruise ends in Venice the same day the DIS ABD group arrives there, so it's possible I could spot a familiar face or two on the street!

I'll think more about this Podcast cruise when my current trip ends...right around the first day of summer.

Sounds like you're having fun.

 

[NWDAD]

Good afternoon all, just noticed we are coming up on 200 days to go. WE are getting there.

Kevin.

 

[parrotheadlois]

Water shoes can be a valued item on cruises!

We've found Keen shoes to be really good for water shoes as well as hiking and comfortable for long walks in port. Yes - more expensive than a Wal Mart purchase, but we've gotten multiple cruises-worth out of them and no end in sight. I recall trying to cruise with water shoes - always uncomfortable!

How funny that the MV begins to fill the lost and found bin!

I just ordered my first pair of Keens (Keens Whispers) - I hope I like them!

For those who have participated in other podCast cruises ... are you able to share previous experiences with meet-n-greet prior to boarding the ship? I understand it is not uncommon for DIS to arrange discounted rates for either Swan or Dolphin, and also, group shuttle transportation from the resort to the port. I also recognize guests will arrive days in advance for extra R&R.

We're looking at DW's vacation time ... and we're not sure we will have much time to spend in Orlando / WDW area prior to the cruise. We *do* anticipate flying in the evening prior to the cruise, but we're thinking we'll likely be arriving mid / late Friday evening ... as such ... we will not have much time, if any at all. With this in mind ... we're not sure whether we should be looking to book a hotel (airport or Crowne Plaza, etc) ... or wait for a one night stay at Swan / Dolphin.

Lastly, I've heard Magical Express does not transport to Swan / Dolphin. Can anyone shed light on this, from past experience?

Steven

It's our intention to do one night before and two nights after at the Swan/Dolphin. but Jeff (OKW Lover's) post has me thinking about that night before.

On past DIS Cruises, there has been a loosely organized meet during the days ahead of departure. Nothing official and no formal participation by any of the PodCast Crew. Just a bunch of folks deciding to get together at a specific time/place.

I'd expect people to start arriving for the cruise a couple of days ahead. It always seems to be a good idea to be there at least a day early for any cruise (not just because its at WDW) as protection against any airline mishaps.

You're correct that ME does not go to the Swan/Dolphin. If you're going to be arriving in Orlando early enough to make it worthwhile to go to WDW that day, then either Mears Shuttle or a limo service is your best bet. If you're not getting in till later in the day you may want to just find an inexpensive hotel at the airport - one that offers a free shuttle to/from - and spend the night there.

Any recommendation for an airport hotel Jeff? Thanks!

 

[wdwscout]

Any recommendation for an airport hotel Jeff? Thanks!

Not Jeff here Lois, but we like to stay at the MCO Hyatt the night before cruises. It's a nice hotel and a relaxing, stress-free way to ease into the vacation.
They have a very good breakfast buffet to start the morning off.
Plus, we can take the DCL bus right from the airport to the port.

 

[OKW Lover]

I concentrate on Marriott's frequent stayer program which got me to Gold status. I've stayed at 3 different Marriott properties near the airport; the full service Marriott (sometimes a good weekend rate is available); or the Fairfield Inn or SpringHill Suites near by. All have a free shuttle to/from the airport.

Hotel programs aside though, noting would beat the convenience of the airport Hyatt.

 

[Euphscott]

We will be likely renting a car since we'll be heading to Universal for two days (one day at EPCOT as well the day before we board) and dropping it off in Cape Canaveral, so that makes us hotel free agents.

We'd love to know if a Swan/Dolphon sepcial rate will be offered so we can make a decision on a hotel room. Although, my guess is that time of year is a little dead, we may have a our pick of really good rates.

I hope the Keen's are as good to you as they have been to us Lois - Enjoy!

And Nancy wins for the poster I most envy right now...Italy sounds terrific! I hope you make it home safely.

 

[OKW Lover]

As far as pre/post cruise rates at the Swolphin goes I'd expect that Dreams will work out an advantageous rate, just has they have done for the first three PodCast Cruises. In the past, they haven't nailed down these rates until 2-3 months ahead of the cruise so don't expect to see anything on it for a while. If that is a problem, go ahead an make your own reservations wherever you would like to stay as long as it is a rate without a cancelation penalty.

 

[Cherinva]

Hello PCC 4.0 cruisers...even though I'm not going, I still look in from time to time to see what's going on. We have just over 100 days until we arrive at WDW for an all girls trip....during which we will celebrate my DGD 16th birthday.

 

[NWmom]

It's 200 days until cruise day!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've staying precruise at OKW. We're thinking a little relaxation to get used to the time change. Maybe a little resort hopping as we eat to see the Christmas decorations

We will probably be available for breakfast cruise morning.
Taking Disney transfers to the ship from OKW.

 

[sdlong329]

Thanks for the tip regarding shuttle service to Swan / Dolphin. Since we will likely be arriving Friday night, we'll likely opt for a local airport hotel.

Any recommendation for an airport hotel?

When we are flying in the night before a cruise, we typically opt for Crowne Plaza ... it's a nice facility ... not old ... not over the top ... not expensive (often around $89 - $99, breakfast NOT included) ... spacious, clean rooms ... free shuttle to and from the airport. What we like is that MANY pilots and flight attendants select Crowne Plaza ... kind of like seeing truckers at a diner. The only downside (if at all) ... the shuttle for Crowne Plaza is the furthest walk (last parking spot) for shuttle transportation at MCO.


Steven

 

[NWDAD]

Yea, under 200 days to go.

Also FYI Disney raised their prices @DL, one day passes 4%, and annul opasses 30%. There is talk that they are going to raise WDW also. Might want to get your tickets now.

Kevin

 

[NancyIL]

Howdy! Today we're in Catania, Sicily and having a great time.

I usually stay at the Swan, and have already reserved it for the week before the cruise. Post-cruise - I reserved 2 nights at the Art of Animation in the Little Mermaid section. I am hoping a discount will become available, as the AAA discount wasn't available for Dec. 15 and 16.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Howdy! Today we're in Catania, Sicily and having a great time.

I usually stay at the Swan, and have already reserved it for the week before the cruise. Post-cruise - I reserved 2 nights at the Art of Animation in the Little Mermaid section. I am hoping a discount will become available, as the AAA discount wasn't available for Dec. 15 and 16.

I bet you're having a great time. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back.

 

[Euphscott]

Been quiet in here lately! Everyone must be pre-summer busy...

We are under 4 weeks to our summer cruise, so that's been my source of attention. I hope all is well and that Nancy you return from Europe safely!

 

[Silverfox97]

Been quiet in here lately! Everyone must be pre-summer busy...

We are under 4 weeks to our summer cruise, so that's been my source of attention. I hope all is well and that Nancy you return from Europe safely!

Under 12 days until our summer cruise as well Getting excited. Only have to work this weekend, and next Wednesday!!! Getting closer!!

DD graduates from pre-school tomorrow. Going to Typhoon Lagoon (her choice) to celebrate on Thursday.

Bought DD an annual pass renewal voucher from the AAA South website Saturday night......Our passes aren't up for renewal until December, but since Disney has done away with the child's annual pass, I wanted to get her voucher to beat the price increase from Sunday.....We tried to order our annual pass renewals as well, but they were sold out...... We are used to the passes increasing every year, but it's still a tough pill to swallow!!!

 

[mdvlprof]

So jealous about all the summer cruises. Have to wait til Dec for ours.

But, just made a ressie for a 14-day Canada/NE in Sep 2013. So it's all good.

 

[Aburns8]

We might have to bow out on this cruise. We had a baby in April and it might be a little too overwhelming to take him on it.

 

[NancyIL]

Been quiet in here lately! Everyone must be pre-summer busy...

We are under 4 weeks to our summer cruise, so that's been my source of attention. I hope all is well and that Nancy you return from Europe safely!

Thank you! My Celebrity cruise to Italy with my husband was great, and now I am in Germany. I visited a friend who lives near Hamburg, and we went on a bus tour to Berlin over the weekend. Now I'm in Munich for 3 days.

I hope you'll have a wonderful cruise 4 weeks from now!

 

[NancyIL]

We might have to bow out on this cruise. We had a baby in April and it might be a little too overwhelming to take him on it.

The final payment isn't due until September, so I'd see how the summer goes with your new baby (congratulations!) before making a final decision.