REAS Price Increase - Check my math

[Disneefun]

OK -- I've seen the bad news that REAS is going up to $399 for 2005. I did the math to determine it's "worth." Could someone please tell me if I'm on track here?

Palo: $20 for a couple
Chapmagne Breakfast: $50 (if you eat heartily)
Gift Basket: $50 (I've seen other posts that this is it's approximate worth)
Couples Massage: $242 (This is the new price, up from $178 last year)
Turndown service: (I didn't assign this a monetary value since it's not really something "tangible," if that makes sense although I could say those rose petals cost something)

So the grand total I came up with is $362 for the components alone. I figure that the remaining $40 of the new price is the "feel good" factor of having your reservations all made prior to boarding and the romance aspect of the pkg. (Sidenote: I could argue that the breakfast has no worth, since breakfast is included in the cruise, I'd actually be paying twice for one meal, but I do get the breakfast in bed "feel good" factor for the extra $$$).

It's just not as easy to determine whether or not REAS is worth it now. At $299 it was a deal, now it seems more like I have to really question whether or not the "feel good" factor is worth the extra $$$. It seems like this is what will make or break the purchase of the package: How much is my time worth on boarding day to avoid the ressie rush? I'll have to think on that.

 

[tstobb]

We're doing it now at the $299 price and would at $399. Everything was handled so we didn't have to worry about ANYTHING. Debbie set up all the times and dates for the massages, Palo and the turndown (DEFINITELY worth it and that alone makes it worth the extra cost. We're on vacation so the less stress and the more pampering we can get, the better.

 

[SeaSpray]

I definitely think the extra few $$$ is worth it for the convenience and the "feel good" factor as you call it. And don't forget that the breakfast does have "worth" because it includes champagne/mimosas!

Also, don't forget that Debbie allows you to make a dining rotation request, which so far I haven't heard of anyone's request not being granted. These reasons, as well as everything you mentioned, made us feel that this package is definitely worth it!

 

[krhardy]

imho, it is worth it just for the sake that you can make palo and spa ressies before you get on the boat, so that when you do get on the boat, you can begin your vacation instead of waiting in a bunch of lines.

 

[TraSee]

What does REAS stand for? Please explain...thanks!

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by krhardy
imho, it is worth it just for the sake that you can make palo and spa ressies before you get on the boat, so that when you do get on the boat, you can begin your vacation instead of waiting in a bunch of lines.

That alone would be worth it to me too.....now I do have one question....since I am taking my MOM can I tell the room steward to NOT do the rose petals because I really don't think that would be to romantic with my MOM LOL....but I want to get it so I don't have to do that darn ressie run when I board!

 

[Stimpy]

Just curious, would Debbie be able to make other spa reservations, reservations for Flounders for the Palo night and ressies for the Palo Tea?

We really wanted to do the REAS for what was offered but now thats it's $399, I don't know. DH would have to work some more overtime!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I note that the DCL website says the whole of 2005, but then says for 3,4,7 days only. Anyone know about the 10 and 14 day cruises? Is cost more, however you would have thought it would be the same as you only get one of each?

Presume kids are excluded therefore if in your party are free?

ALso from previous post REAS is ROMANTIC ESCAPE AT SEA and is an add on package booked through DCL direct or your travel agent depending on how you book.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Stimpy
Just curious, would Debbie be able to make other spa reservations, reservations for Flounders for the Palo night and ressies for the Palo Tea?

I asked about making a spa reservation for a pedicure, but she said I'll have to do that when I am onboard. She did extend a courtesy reservation for Palo Brunch, but not for tea. That was all fine with me because I am not sailing concierge -- f you were sailing in a concierge category stateroom, this could all be done prior to boarding.

 

[webray]

Debbie can not make any extra spa reservations for you..and you still have to deal with the sitter situation on your own.

 

[epjenk]

I'm thinking that on the 14 day there won't be as much as a reservation rush since there is so much more time for everyone to get to Palo and the spa? Is the Palo Brunch and tea a daily thing, or only offered on certain days during the cruise?

Side note- to me the gift basket was not worth $50. The basket itself and the photo album were ok, but the chocolates were terrible Walgreens Valentine Candy type quality. I actually spit mine out and threw the box away- AND I was pregnant at the time!

 

[ImNarek]

Odd question, but who is this Debbie whom I keep seeing mentioned? Does she work for Disney or for a particular travel agency? And is she someone I "should know"?

I'm new to the DIS board, even though I've cruised Disney several times, and I can't believe all I'm learning!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I understand Debbie works for DCL central reservations on the REAS desk.

I must admit i thought the same about the 14 day cruise, unless people want to go again and again to Palos and the spa there should be a lot of time for everyone.

They might even have to work a bit more to sell it!!

 

[christinou]

ouch, I was thinking of doing it in February, but now I don't think that I will, a 25% price increase seems awful high.......
Oh well, I am sure that I can come with something else special to do for hubby and I....

 

[mickeyfan1]

REAS will NOT be offered on the 14 night repositioning cruises as of now. While DCL may change this policy as those dates get closer, they did announce when the original cruises were opened for reservations that they would not be offering it.

Gail - go ahead and do the turndown, just the scent of those rose petals and the extra stuff worth it. Besides, even though it's not a "romantic" love, the love between mother and daughter should be celbrated!

 

[christinou]

Where is the REAS info on the Disney web site, I could not find it anywhere.
Thanks

 

[Grumbo]

Mickeyfan1 stated....

REAS will NOT be offered on the 14 night repositioning cruises as of now.

This is not entirely true for the West - East August Cruise....
Jazzman and myself, in true entrepreneurial fashion have begun our own REAS.....
Real Expensive Aphrodisiac Stuff.

For $199.99 Jazz and I will be providing you with a bottle of the finest California Zinfandel, a special gift basket containing slightly melted easter eggs and Halloween candies, little pine tree deodorizers for that "Real Canadian Aromatherapy" feel, petunia petals fresh from the San Pedro pier (picked immediately before departure), and a box of Ritz crackers and Kraft cheese slices.

You will have reserved seating at the Topsider's Breakfast Buffet every morning (Must be present by 7:30 a.m.), and we will guarantee you a rotation of gastronomic delights every day during your cruise. (Dining rotation chosen by DCL and beyond Jazz/Grum enterprises)

Steam bath will be provided for all purchasing this package during the cruise through the Panama Canal. Green plastic bags will be provided for you to lay in while on the Secret Deck 7 and you will have your own personal steam bath. Note we only use "Glad". Do not accept cheap imitations. Guaranteed weight loss or money back.

To top off this wonderful package we will be offering a meet the captain affair. Now if there are people there saying they are a part of the Castaway Club please don't be upset by this riff raff crashing our elite party. Jazz and I have gone to great lengths to make this memorable.

We are contemplating offering meals at Paulo's... Jazz's second cousin on his mother's side who will be bringing a Hibachi and offering bbq's on his Navigator's Verandah. This may increase costs but TBA.

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[ivanova]

Talked to Debbie @ DCL ... she said REAS will definitely be available for the repo & CA cruises ... she just wasn't sure if it was available to add on yet although it is available to add onto all other 2005 cruises now.

 

[CruisingCA2005]

Grumbo: How can I add the Grumbo/Jazz REAS to my reservations?? For all you DISers, I'll be the one steaming in my Glad bag on Deck 7. I'll be bringing mud from my back yard to enhance the "surreal" experience.

 

[Grumbo]

At the moment this is only available to cruisers on the August Repo cruise.
We want to start off slowly to maintain the quality of our service (and make sure DCL doesn't get Peeved).
Like the Mud idea as well. However please note bringing your own mud will not be cause for discounts.

Cheers,
Grumbo