September 12, 2009 ~ Last Call for Tortola! Thread 3

[EllaEnchanted]

Just checked the DCL website and there was availability for Palo Brunch for parties of 3 or 4 and I booked Brunch for Monday the 14th at 11:00 am.

WOOHOO!!! Way to go Evette!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Just a reminder of something to add to your 'todo' list before departing for FL. If using credit cards, phone your CC company and let them know you are traveling so they won't put a fraud alert on your card and stop payment when it is used out of state or even out of country.

(Been there, done that, not amused in the Walgreen's check out line in Kissimmee!)

-Kay

Great advice Kay!! I never forget anymore since our charge card was denied a few years back by our bank on the last day of our DCL cruise. I can't remember the figure but they run the card somethink like every 300.00. They did that a couple of times and all that was left was .84. We were very lucky to have had 84 cents. Had it been more perhaps we couldn't have met it with cash as we don't travel with too much cash especially at the end of a cruise. LOL To get a note at your stateroom saying they are having problems with your credit is a tad embarrassing!! Lesson learned the hard way!!

 

[rotary2808]

I definitely agree that DVRs are the best things ever invented....like the microwave and the cell phone....you can't live without it. But I can only program mine for 2 weeks. I'm going to be gone for 2 weeks and 4 days. Even if I do it the night I leave, I won't get the entire time that I'll be gone. How far in advance can you program yours?

I don't know that mine has a limit. One of the shows we watch is House. I can just go in the guide select the show and select from once, new episodes, all episodes, etc. If I have it set to record only new episodes it will (usually) only record brand new episodes and I don't have to do anything else.

If I had to set it up manually I think it will only go out 2 weeks ahead. But by having all of our shows set up this way it will just keep recording until the DVR runs out of memory or until we cancel the timers.

 

[MickeyOCD]

Suzy...

Dinah...

how sweet. What type of dog is Suzy? She's beautiful.

When we had our dog and cat, Grandma (DH's mom) would keep Bonz (DDog) and Casey (DCat) would stay at home and DHs brother would come and check on her every 2-3 days. I was never sure if they missed us or missed each other. They were best friends and would nap cuddled together. It was too cute. They passed a few years ago, and DH and I aren't ready to add to the family yet. They were very special. The kids want pets, as do we, but we're waiting for the right time or for 1 or 2 to find us.

 

[Evette]

WOOHOO!!! Way to go Evette!!

Thanks Deb, I am glad I checked today!

Just a reminder of something to add to your 'todo' list before departing for FL. If using credit cards, phone your CC company and let them know you are traveling so they won't put a fraud alert on your card and stop payment when it is used out of state or even out of country.

(Been there, done that, not amused in the Walgreen's check out line in Kissimmee!)

-Kay

I'm glad you reminded us Kay, we had an issue with our credit card while vactioning on Maui a few years ago and I certainly don't want a problem on this vacation!

 

[MickeyOCD]

Just checked the DCL website and there was availability for Palo Brunch for parties of 3 or 4 and I booked Brunch for Monday the 14th at 11:00 am.

Lucky you! Just checked and they're gone now. Hoping to snag one once we get on board. Congrats!

 

[Evette]

Lucky you! Just checked and they're gone now. Hoping to snag one once we get on board. Congrats!

Thanks Linda, but I'm sorry they were gone when you checked. Hope you can book once on board. I see you're also in IL, have you got your cruise documents yet? Ours haven't come yet but maybe they'll arrive today.

 

[TiggersPal]

We are going to miss the tequila at Epcot, but will be staying near DTD before the cruise. I just came across this tidbit about Paradiso 37 that opened this summer there:
Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States.

The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night.

Sounds like a good way to start off the trip!

My DH will LOVE this - just have to figure out where to fit it in since Jackie booked my ADR's for me. I think she left some tweaking room...

Does anyone else have DirecTV? Since we'll be gone for two and a half weeks at the beginning of the Fall season with all the new shows starting.....I'm thinking about using a feature that DirecTV offers.....you can go online and schedule your DVR to record shows. I have never used this before. I'm thinking about trying it out. Has anyone ever done this?

Late to post this - but my DVR (Cox cable) allows you to program ALL NEW epidodes... till forever...

I love cats! They are so funny and all have their own strange personalities. Ours hate to see the suitcases come out. I think I told the story before about one of our cats who threw up all over our clothes in several open suitcases. I will always believe that he did it on purpose to keep us from leaving in the morning. I was up all night doing laundry. Lesson learned...never leave open suitcases unattended with pets in the house. (It's funny now)

Donna

Yeah, NOT so funny at the time... but I do love that cats are very good (well most animals) at getting their points across...


Ian - I am so mad about your old pet sitter mis-treating your dogs! I would have done something terrible to that person - I just do not understand people... but I also know what you mean about people who NORMALLY take care of your animals WHO are traveling on THIS cruise.... - always a big freak-out for me... that's why I have so many back-ups... and am happy my pal Barb from NM will be here on business part of the time I'm gone - now I know my girls will get enough loving... she had horses, dogs, cats, birds, and a crazy hubby...

 

[KathyInCitrus]

Lucky you! Just checked and they're gone now. Hoping to snag one once we get on board. Congrats!

Same here.

 

[ibouncetoo]

... but I also know what you mean about people who NORMALLY take care of your animals WHO are traveling on THIS cruise.... - always a big freak-out for me...

I resemble that remark!

Actually, I will be taking over pet sitting at Peg's when I return from the cruise, so they'll have a few days with Aunt Jackie before mom and dad get home.

.

 

[lg3]

Just checked the DCL website and there was availability for Palo Brunch for parties of 3 or 4 and I booked Brunch for Monday the 14th at 11:00 am.

You must be very lucky - I have been trying every day to get a Palo brunch for 4, but no luck. I tried yesterday and today too! Nothing at this moment (again!)

 

[DisPrincess30]

Hi All!

Quick question since this is the first time we are cruising with a child and I want to make sure we are doing things appropriately: What is ettiquite with gratuities for a child under the age of 1? Do you tip as if they are a full person, reduced tipping since they are not using full services (for example - in the dining rooms) or is gratuity not expected for children under a certain age?

Obviously, if our server is highly attentive we would tip appropraitely, but we are just wondering for budgeting purposes what is the usual and customary procedures.

23 DAYS TO GO!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

 

[MickeyOCD]

Thanks Linda, but I'm sorry they were gone when you checked. Hope you can book once on board. I see you're also in IL, have you got your cruise documents yet? Ours haven't come yet but maybe they'll arrive today.

We got them yesterday. We are southwest of you, approx 90 miles. We are straight west of Joliet on I 80 and straight south of DeKalb on Il 23. Hope you get your docs today! It makes it more real.

Something about Il must make people dream of Disney, as you, me, & Ian are all DVC members.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Hi All!

Quick question since this is the first time we are cruising with a child and I want to make sure we are doing things appropriately: What is ettiquite with gratuities for a child under the age of 1? Do you tip as if they are a full person, reduced tipping since they are not using full services (for example - in the dining rooms) or is gratuity not expected for children under a certain age?

Obviously, if our server is highly attentive we would tip appropraitely, but we are just wondering for budgeting purposes what is the usual and customary procedures.

23 DAYS TO GO!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

You'd get all kinds of heated debate on this on the regular cruise forum! DCL does not distinguish age of passengers on their tipping quidelines. And I know toddlers can be a lot of work for dining and stateroom servers. An infant, I think, is a whole 'nother story. Just use your judgement...plan on tipping something for you infant, but if you don't feel the need to budget the full amount for your 3rd person, go with what works for you. Don't know/remember if you've cruised DCL before, but you pretty much want to take these cast members home with you, so you'll probably want to tip over the suggest amount anyway.

.

 

[Evette]

Lucky you! Just checked and they're gone now. Hoping to snag one once we get on board. Congrats!

Same here.

You must be very lucky - I have been trying every day to get a Palo brunch for 4, but no luck. I tried yesterday and today too! Nothing at this moment (again!)

I went to the DCL website just for the heck of it just now and it was showing brunch available for parties of 3 or 4. You might want to try again!!!

 

[MickeyOCD]

Same here.

If you need a brunchmate, I'm available!

 

[ibouncetoo]

They are allocating the private dining room in Palo today....so keep checking for brunch and dinner reservations!

.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Hi All!

Quick question since this is the first time we are cruising with a child and I want to make sure we are doing things appropriately: What is ettiquite with gratuities for a child under the age of 1? Do you tip as if they are a full person, reduced tipping since they are not using full services (for example - in the dining rooms) or is gratuity not expected for children under a certain age?

Obviously, if our server is highly attentive we would tip appropraitely, but we are just wondering for budgeting purposes what is the usual and customary procedures.

23 DAYS TO GO!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

I don't know the answer to your question since it's just me and DH traveling, but I wanted to let you know that we're neighbors. We used to live in Bethlehem and now we're up Route 33 in the Poconos. Welcome!!!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We got our cruise documents today!

Re: tipping for infants:
We'll have a 7month old on this cruise. We'll tip the recommended amount for her (as well as the rest of us.) We may give an extra tip for exceptional service too.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Whew! I've got two loads of laundry folded and packed with the last load in the dryer now. One blouse has to be hand washed, but I need more Woolite. It's still way too much stuff.

I'm going to have to make a list and take only what is necessary. I always bring things that I don't wear, even after I try to eliminate some things.

At least I was productive today. Now I'm exhausted and will need a nap...haha.