September 12, 2009 ~ Last Call for Tortola! Thread 2

[granmaz]

So it's sounding like the dinner package gives the guest absolutely nothing, and gives Disney extra money by having someone prepay for a 3-course dinner?

The last time Sukie and I did it was a couple of years ago, when we took his daughter (I suppose now my daughter-in-law) and grandson (I suppose now my grandson, the idea of me being a grandfather is revolting, but that's another post), on a 4-day cruise and a week in WDW.

We had a leisurely dinner at Mama Melrose, moseyed over to Fantasmic, had not waiting of any kind, except sitting in the stands, waiting for the event to start. I think we were there about 30 minutes ahead of time.

No queuing up, no crushing crowds, except perhaps when it was over and we exited with everyone else.

Here's and article from the Orlando Sentinel. It appears that much of the original benefit is gone.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fe...ner-package-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.html

Sounds like frightening was quite the correct word to use after all! Disney seems to have created something almost dangerous. An 'accident' waiting to happen.

We have been twice before, once with the package with the separate later entrance and that was fine, and just last December without the package but before the cuts were in place. We got great seats without too much of a wait. This time we did book the package, but cancelled for a variety of reasons - one being the length of time the children would have to wait. In the end I don't think it took place because of the bad weather, so a good move on our part I think.

 

[rotary2808]

I wonder what you do get with the package? I mean, the seats with the Fantasmic package were not the best in the house, but the key advantage was not waiting around.

I'm with you too on the parades, it's the waiting around for them that bugs me and then people coming and standing in front of me, no matter how early I've been there.

Luckily, I've seen most of what I want to see.

Probably a reason why I like the Electrical Water Pageant so much is because I can get there 5 minutes before and see it, plus I find it just so charming in it's simplicity

The Electrical Water Pageant is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most about staying at BLT in Nov. Being able to see it every night from our balcony is something I've missed. We used to stay at CR and then we started staying at WL. You can still see it from the WL, but not nearly as conveniently as you can from CR and now BLT.

 

[iankh]

The Electrical Water Pageant is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most about staying at BLT in Nov. Being able to see it every night from our balcony is something I've missed. We used to stay at CR and then we started staying at WL. You can still see it from the WL, but not nearly as conveniently as you can from CR and now BLT.

At VWL and WL (unless you have a rare lake view) you do have to go down to the beach, but I sort of like that part.

I think we have it planned for the middle of our week, when we are doing our "cook & cater" night. The night we are going to have dinner in the villa. All I know is that Jackie is making me walk a mile through the woods to pick up fried chicken at Ft. Wilderness, and we'll be making spaghetti.

Then we're dragging everyone down to the beach or dock for the water pageant. I think Sukie and I are the only ones who have ever seen it.

The water pageant is still the same as it was back in the '70's, which is why I think I like it so much.

When thinking about the trip, I think the day I am most excited about is that day. Not because of the pageant, but because it involves the most fun and the least schlepping around (other than my walk to Ft Wilderness, with the wolves nipping at my heals).

I believe that's the day during the trip when Sukie and I are going to Typhoon Lagoon in the morning, and boating on Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon in the afternoon.

Not that I've discussed it with anyone, but I think the best way to top it off would be a round of minature golf after the water pageant.

 

[iankh]

After reading the article that Ian linked I will not be booking the dining package. I don't see any benefit to it. We will just play it by ear. I really do not have the patience to wait and fight crowds. We will see what we feel like when we are there but I doubt that we will end up going.

Donna

It would be interesting to know why Disney changed a very good concept that worked very well for at least the past 4 years.

(And please someone don't tell me that Disneyland will never be finished and always changing).

 

[mishoe01]

At VWL and WL (unless you have a rare lake view) you do have to go down to the beach, but I sort of like that part.

I think we have it planned for the middle of our week, when we are doing our "cook & cater" night. The night we are going to have dinner in the villa. All I know is that Jackie is making me walk a mile through the woods to pick up fried chicken at Ft. Wilderness, and we'll be making spaghetti.

Then we're dragging everyone down to the beach or dock for the water pageant. I think Sukie and I are the only ones who have ever seen it.

The water pageant is still the same as it was back in the '70's, which is why I think I like it so much.

When thinking about the trip, I think the day I am most excited about is that day. Not because of the pageant, but because it involves the most fun and the least schlepping around (other than my walk to Ft Wilderness, with the wolves nipping at my heals).

I believe that's the day during the trip when Sukie and I are going to Typhoon Lagoon in the morning, and boating on Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon in the afternoon.

Not that I've discussed it with anyone, but I think the best way to top it off would be a round of minature golf after the water pageant.

 

[ibouncetoo]

ADRs are booked! Went smooth as silk! THANKS MONICA!

Ian, e-mail is on it's way to you from Monica.

I talked Monica into doing LeCellier for lunch on cook and cater night...we booked for 3 so Cheri can join us if she wishes.


I've seen the water pagent. Actually back in 05 with a group of WISH folk, we booked a boat from the Grand Floridian and went out on the lake and saw that and WISHES. The EWP was just right in front of us...very cool to see it right from the water.

Ian, we can rent a surrey and bike over to get the chicken.

Well, it's about 445am here and the dogs want to know why we've moved from the comfy bed into the office and when am I going to fix their breakfast! Won't they get a surprise when I shut off the computer and go back to bed!

.

 

[mishoe01]

ADRs are done AND we got what we wanted!!!

 

[iankh]

ADRs are booked! Went smooth as silk! THANKS MONICA!

Ian, e-mail is on it's way to you from Monica.

I talked Monica into doing LeCellier for lunch on cook and cater night...we booked for 3 so Cheri can join us if she wishes.


I've seen the water pagent. Actually back in 05 with a group of WISH folk, we booked a boat from the Grand Floridian and went out on the lake and saw that and WISHES. The EWP was just right in front of us...very cool to see it right from the water.

So, another milestone of sorts is past.

I suppose that next week the talk will be about making Palo and excursion bookings.

:Ian, we can rent a surrey and bike over to get the chicken.

You know, I currently walk 2.75 miles in 35 minutes. I can do 3/4 of a mile in about 15 minutes. That's only a 15 minute walk over to Ft. Wilderness and back.

Then of course, it might very well be about 95F and 95% humidity in September when we're down there. That might impact my pace a smidge.

 

[ibouncetoo]

So, another milestone of sorts is past.

I suppose that next week the talk will be about making Palo and excursion bookings.

I plan on starting to talk about that any second now!

You know, I currently walk 2.75 miles in 35 minutes. I can do 3/4 of a mile in about 15 minutes. That's only a 15 minute walk over to Ft. Wilderness and back.

Then of course, it might very well be about 95F and 95% humidity in September when we're down there. That might impact my pace a smidge.

Yeh, so do that after you are back from the water park...BEFORE your shower!


We could drive to the Ft Wilderness check in area and take the internal bus to Trails End, that would leave out the having to wait on the bus that goes over to the W Lodge....more time in air conditioning!

 

[rotary2808]

At VWL and WL (unless you have a rare lake view) you do have to go down to the beach, but I sort of like that part.

I think we have it planned for the middle of our week, when we are doing our "cook & cater" night. The night we are going to have dinner in the villa. All I know is that Jackie is making me walk a mile through the woods to pick up fried chicken at Ft. Wilderness, and we'll be making spaghetti.

Then we're dragging everyone down to the beach or dock for the water pageant. I think Sukie and I are the only ones who have ever seen it.

The water pageant is still the same as it was back in the '70's, which is why I think I like it so much.

When thinking about the trip, I think the day I am most excited about is that day. Not because of the pageant, but because it involves the most fun and the least schlepping around (other than my walk to Ft Wilderness, with the wolves nipping at my heals).

I believe that's the day during the trip when Sukie and I are going to Typhoon Lagoon in the morning, and boating on Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon in the afternoon.

Not that I've discussed it with anyone, but I think the best way to top it off would be a round of minature golf after the water pageant.

You know if you don't feel like walking for chicken you could always be lazy and take the bus or the boat over there. You are on vacation after all.

It would be interesting to know why Disney changed a very good concept that worked very well for at least the past 4 years.

(And please someone don't tell me that Disneyland will never be finished and always changing).

Because once a good thing is found it is in Disney's vocabulary to screw it up. It's not the first thing and it certainly won't be the last.

 

[iankh]

Because once a good thing is found it is in Disney's vocabulary to screw it up. It's not the first thing and it certainly won't be the last.

At the risk of being accused of being cynical and negative, I would speculate that they tried to figure additional angles to use it to juice more cash out of guests, and not being able to do so, cut back on it to save on cast members that might have been required to manage it.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Here's a little treat I look forward to in 90 days or so.....Strawberry Shortcake from Sunshine Seasons. If you are ever dining at Epcot and none of the desserts at your restaurant appeal to you, mosey on over to The Land and grab a piece of this. Light, fluffy, refreshing!

 

[woody73]

We arrived home safely, and are (almost) unpacked. It was an incredible journey.

I'll try to catch up with this thread to see what I missed. Looking forward to the Tortola cruise.

Woody

 

[Tink rules]

Hi Woody!!!

Glad to see you're back...

Was wondering who I was going to discuss my summer concerts with this year... :thumbsup


while you are catching up over here... don't forget to come and pop in over on the Thieves... everyone's been wondering about your adventure....

We're up to here now...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32165667&posted=1#post32165667

 

[Evette]

I was up early this morning at 5:45am to make our ADR's for the week before the cruise and I got everything I wanted. This includes a Fantasmic Dinner Package at Brown Derby on 9/10 and Le Cellier for dinner on 9/11. I know DD Kellie will be thrilled that she gets to see Fantasmic. She has always loved seeing it at Disneyland (we are originally from Anaheim) and she misses not being able to see it. I'm looking forward to eating at several places that we haven't been to. We've only been to WDW twice so far but I know there are many more visits in the future thanks to DVC.

 

[katypop]

We arrived home safely, and are (almost) unpacked. It was an incredible journey.

I'll try to catch up with this thread to see what I missed. Looking forward to the Tortola cruise.

Woody

Welcome home Woody!

Kathe

 

[LyndaC]

This is my first Disney Cruise so I know I'm not going to get any Castaway Club goodies, but I'm wondering if they have any swag that they give to DVC members?

Just got off the phone booking my first Villas at the Grand Californian stay, totally thrilled that the timing worked out so well. Get home from the cruise on the 19th, fly down to SNA on the 23rd!

Tuesday morning, I get to try for my ADR's. Hope it works out well. If I can't get Le Cellier, my back up is walking up to Beaches and Cream, I'll console myself with a Hot Fudge Sundae.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Congrats Evette! Isn't it nice knowing that's all taken care of?

And now that I know where I'm eating my TS (for sure), I can plan my dining budget more accurately. Of course, there's no telling exactly what my BEVERAGE consumption will be.

Lynda, that hot fudge sundae sounds like a great consolation prize!



WELCOME HOME MR AND MRS WOODY. Check your e-mail

 

[ibouncetoo]

Lynda, if you don't get LeCellier, keep trying. The only release a % of tables at a time, so even as the summer progresses, you may be able to get in...especially around the 45 day mark when people may cancel their trips/packages. You may have the best luck if LeCellier is at the end of your pre-cruise trip as opposed to the beginning (fewer days of people being able to book it at the 90+10 window).

GOOD LUCK!

 

[woody73]

Hi Woody!!!

Glad to see you're back...

Was wondering who I was going to discuss my summer concerts with this year...

Welcome home Woody!

Kathe

WELCOME HOME MR AND MRS WOODY

Thank you for the warm welcomes. As I catch up with this thread, I see many familiar names as well as some new ones. Hello to all.

Ian -- the "Fish Extenders" are hilarious!

Woody