September 29,2013 - DVC Member Cruise

[poison ivy]

Kris,

congrats on that grandslam coming up!

We have no plans to sail the Wonder so I don't know if this will be achieved.

What is it called if you sail all 4 ships in one year? We have the Fantasy, Dream and Magic booked for 2013. So close....................


Only Mark got an email congratulating him on the Sept 29 sail. His was one of two "all cash" bookings out of our group of 4 cabins.

I have seen the other 2 cabins booked partially on pts listed thru our account on the DVC members website - but the rsvp number did not register with the DCL website when I punched it in.

Not sure what's going on there?

Can anyone confirm if paper confirms are mailed out as well? It was my understanding they would be.

 

[poison ivy]

Happy New Year!

What are your recommendations for where to stay at the port the night before? So far my plan is to cruise then head to WDW after the cruise. So staying on property the night before isn't needed and I'd like to get to the ship earlier the ME takes you. Last time we didn't have much time to let my kids or my self to look around before the sail away party, almost missed pulling away, just a little too cramped. Then thinking 7-10 days at the parks. We go to DL's halloween time every year so I'm really trying to take them to MNSSHP and I'd really like to squeeze in Universal for my nerdy Harry Potter side. ;-). Then I run into I want to check out the food and wine festival too. Ugh! I just need alot more money and time. Haha!

Your list is eerily similar to ours! My daughter wants to see Harry Potter and I'm planning MNSSHP and Food and Wine. 7-10 days is plenty of time to fit all this in as the parks are not as crowded in Oct. compared to peak times. We like to hit the Food and Wine for lunch vs at night since the booths open around 11am and the crowds are much lighter.

As far as the port, we stayed at the country inn and suites one night precruise and took their shuttle over. But I'm an uber planner so I had James drive me ahead of the shuttle and drop me off curbside, then go back and park the car there and ride over with my parents. I was 2nd in line at the gate and one of the first to be let into the terminal. James caught up to me as I was at check-in. We were assigned boarding number "2".

That was before they changed the rules regarding port arrival times.
Now, you will be held at the gates and not let into the terminal before the "first" bus of DCL transfers arrives. They are the very first to be brought thru.

Country Inn and Suites was very nice and convenient. It is popular and does get crowded and hectic on cruise embarkation days. you can get a park and ride option which allows you to leave your vehicle there while you cruise and provides a shuttle to/from the port.

I know there is a Marriott Residence Inn right next door to the CI&S but I didn't get the opportunity to explore it. Looked very nice though.

 

[KerryFamily04]

Your list is eerily similar to ours! My daughter wants to see Harry Potter and I'm planning MNSSHP and Food and Wine. 7-10 days is plenty of time to fit all this in as the parks are not as crowded in Oct. compared to peak times. We like to hit the Food and Wine for lunch vs at night since the booths open around 11am and the crowds are much lighter.

As far as the port, we stayed at the country inn and suites one night precruise and took their shuttle over. But I'm an uber planner so I had James drive me ahead of the shuttle and drop me off curbside, then go back and park the car there and ride over with my parents. I was 2nd in line at the gate and one of the first to be let into the terminal. James caught up to me as I was at check-in. We were assigned boarding number "2".

That was before they changed the rules regarding port arrival times.
Now, you will be held at the gates and not let into the terminal before the "first" bus of DCL transfers arrives. They are the very first to be brought thru.

Country Inn and Suites was very nice and convenient. It is popular and does get crowded and hectic on cruise embarkation days. you can get a park and ride option which allows you to leave your vehicle there while you cruise and provides a shuttle to/from the port.

I know there is a Marriott Residence Inn right next door to the CI&S but I didn't get the opportunity to explore it. Looked very nice though.

Thank you for you recommendation, I checked them both and the Marriott is $180 a night so I say don't check it out. Lol!

I really want to fit a lot in when we go. Flying from CA it's pricey. But my kids are traveling for dance during summer to universal Hollywood. All depends on the budget. One way or the other I'm going to get one day at each park.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

We do the La Quinta on Hendry Ave in cocoa beach. It's clean and you get a free breakfast. There is a decent pool and it's right on the beach. We've been there twice now and will book again for this cruise.

 

[dvc deernut]

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, eh!!!! I MAY BE REPEATING MYSELF, BUT WE REALLY LOVED HAPPY LIMO. IT WAS CHEAPER FOR 7 OF US TO TRAVEL THERE AND BACK WITH A GROCERY STOP, THAN DISNEY TRANSPORTATION. WE ARRIVED AROUND 1230. WE ARE WANTING TO DO IT AGAIN IF WE CAN GET ENOUGH PEOPLE FROM OKW OR WHAT EVER RESORT WE BOOK. IF WE GET 2 OTHER COUPLES IT WORKS OUT A COUPLE DOLLARS MORE THAN DISNEY INCLUDING TIP.

 

[Maryrn11168]

We are staying at Saratoga Springs the night before, and we have used Happy Limo in the past. I would be interested in sharing a a ride to the port rather than the bus, we could plan something. It is just my husband and I.

 

[karebear06]

We are staying at Saratoga Springs the night before, and we have used Happy Limo in the past. I would be interested in sharing a a ride to the port rather than the bus, we could plan something. It is just my husband and I.

How much is Happy Limo? We haven't decided where we're staying the night before, but we're staying at BCV after the cruise.

 

[Maryrn11168]

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, eh!!!! I MAY BE REPEATING MYSELF, BUT WE REALLY LOVED HAPPY LIMO. IT WAS CHEAPER FOR 7 OF US TO TRAVEL THERE AND BACK WITH A GROCERY STOP, THAN DISNEY TRANSPORTATION. WE ARRIVED AROUND 1230. WE ARE WANTING TO DO IT AGAIN IF WE CAN GET ENOUGH PEOPLE FROM OKW OR WHAT EVER RESORT WE BOOK. IF WE GET 2 OTHER COUPLES IT WORKS OUT A COUPLE DOLLARS MORE THAN DISNEY INCLUDING TIP.

How much is Happy Limo? We haven't decided where we're staying the night before, but we're staying at BCV after the cruise.

I haven't priced Happy Limo. but was responding to DVC Deernut's post. We used them for our 1st DVC cruise 5 years ago, so I would imagine their prices have changed a little.

We are also staying at BCV after the cruise. We have limited points left for 2013, because of a big family trip this past summer, so these were my available points at my home resorts at 11months. I wanted to make sure I had a room somewhere.

 

[blossomz]

Whenever we want ground transportation we ALWAYS use Basik Shuttle. Their service is exceptional! For a group of 5 or 6 it is usually about $38-40 per person ROUNDTRIP. Disney's transfers are $70 pp

 

[poison ivy]

All this talk about transportation prompted us to go ahead and reserve a 15 pass van each way. We aren't finalized on who is doing what but will need to transport anywhere from 6 to 11 in our group to/from WDW. This way we can control when we arrive and leave the port - which eliminates the anxiety of managing a group w/luggage etc......... and waiting for a ride plus any added fees and gratuities. I am all in favor of avoiding chaos!!!

Would be happy to share if our group scales down to the 6 I know i need to accomodate. James is an excellent chauffeur!!!

We too had used happy limo 6 yrs ago to assist with towncar transfers to/fr MCO and the Dolphin. it worked very well.

 

[Henlady]

For transportation, we'll be taking the AutoTrain, so we'll have our own vehicle. Will be staying somewhere in Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach and utilizing the hotels Park and Cruise option. We've stayed at Country Inn & Suites several times in the past and like it there, not sure if we'll go back there or maybe try the Radisson this time.

Have to find the time this weekend to get everything finalized for our April 27th cruise. That seems to be coming up quickly.

 

[poison ivy]

We always wanted to try that autotrain. Just never found a decent fare. Who knows? Maybe we'll get a van up here instead. Decisions.......................decisions.....................

Last year there was great deal on large vans for Sept. from NJ less than 250/wk unlimited mileage. We've been monitoring them ever since. If the price is reasonable, I'll reserve one as an alternative and we'll drive. The savings has to be worth it though and I like to factor in everything - fuel/tolls/pkg/overnight stays/food etc....
Usually flying has worked out to be comparable when it's just us. But when we're talking a group, driving can become much cheaper.

Have to find the time this weekend to get everything finalized for our April 27th cruise. That seems to be coming up quickly

I wish I had until April to get ready for the Fantasy. Our cruise is next Sat... and we were scheduled to leave this WED!!!!

I had to move it to Fri. we have not even begun to get ready. Where's my passport??? Where are my cruise docs???? What time did we choose for check-in???? What did I book online?????Where are we staying precruise?????

I just started doing laundry. Truth is, I secretly don't want to go. I never did. I called them twice over the past few weeks to try to get out of it. Both times the CM's seemed shocked I would even consider it at this late date. They quickly warned me I would have to forfeit over 300 DVC points. I told them it was their fault I was forced to book it in the first place and they should be more forgiving.

 

[DisneyBelle99]

Has anyone in this group done the Hyatt at the airport the night before? I need to do some research, but since Hurricane Sandy was so disruptive to our area, I am nervous to fly in the same day as the cruise itself.

We do have some Hyatt points, since we paid for two rooms for a family wedding within the past year. We joined their club, figuring we could use the points or discount offers.

How does the hotel get you to the cruise? I remember reading that they take care of your baggage. Have to go find that thread......Thinking warmth today.Deb

 

[Henlady]

Disneybelle99
I know PI and JQ have overnighted at the Hyatt at the airport, and we plan on doing it for the April Cruise. We aren't arriving till 10:35 at night on the 26th and couldn't see driving to another hotel at Port, so due to time constraints chose the Hyatt, Orlando Airport. We are useing Disney cruise transportation to the port in the morning, you have to provide your own transportation to Port, the Hyatt doesn't do that. So I can let you know how it goes.
I got a AAA "Hot Deal" rate of $195 for 3 adults and 1 child, which includes breakfast buffet for 2, we can add DD and DGS, or they can just grab something quick - which they prefer.

 

[poison ivy]

Has anyone in this group done the Hyatt at the airport the night before? I need to do some research, but since Hurricane Sandy was so disruptive to our area, I am nervous to fly in the same day as the cruise itself.

We do have some Hyatt points, since we paid for two rooms for a family wedding within the past year. We joined their club, figuring we could use the points or discount offers.

How does the hotel get you to the cruise? I remember reading that they take care of your baggage. Have to go find that thread......Thinking warmth today.Deb

Yes! We stayed at the "Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport" precruise last June and I have us booked there again for this Friday. So I will gladly walk you through ithe new procedures once we return, as I understand they no longer allow you to check-in for the cruise at the airport. It is now just a transfer to the port.

I used a hyatt voucher thru Amex rewards and it worked great. You can also make a Stay Certificate rsvp (must be booked directly with the hotel in advance and is subject to availability). I think the price is now around 153.00

How you get to the cruise? It's simple.

1) When we checked-in at the Hyatt, we indicated we had DCL transfers. We were given a handout with instructions to leave our bags, tagged with the DCL luggage tags inside the doors of our room the next morning.

2) On embarkation day, we left the bags and proceeded to the front desk to check-out. We reconfirmed with them that our names and room # were on their master list for DCL luggage pick-up.

3) We then went down to disney's magical express counter inside the airport to check-in for the cruise and were directed from there when and where to board the DCL bus.

Note: it used to be first come/first serve in terms of which bus you got on and which boarding numbers you were given. First bus out distributed boarding numbers "2" and "3" for the cruise - but now I think everything has changed

When I called yesterday to book the transfers, (yes I know - I procrastinated big time!!!) the CM asked me what my assigned check-in time was. I of course said I had NO IDEA!! She told me that time would be required to determine what time I would be given to board the bus. I said "but I'm staying at the Hyatt the night before". She replied, "oh, ok then, nevermind".
So we'll see how this all goes in a week.

All the Hyatt did was retrieve our luggage directly from our room after we had checked out and somehow transported it to the port. They are conveniently located inside the airport so you can just wake up and literally take an elevator down to the ME counter to catch the DCL transfer to the port without having to lug all those bags.

 

[karebear06]

I may have missed this on a previous page, but does anyone have a navigator of a past member cruise they can post?

 

[Hollywood Glitter]

I may have missed this on a previous page, but does anyone have a navigator of a past member cruise they can post?

I'm posting the January ones when I get back on the 22nd

 

[mdwoodman]

I may have missed this on a previous page, but does anyone have a navigator of a past member cruise they can post?

I've been checking for Trip Reports that may have them but I can't find any (on any of the boards).

 

[Maryrn11168]

I got my confirmation from DVC today! Makes it a little more real!!

It will be really real when I have to pay the credit card bill!!
I see lots of overtime in my future, lots of overtime!!

 

[DisneyBelle99]

We got our letter today, too!!!! I have started collecting some FE ideas, and supplies..........very excited