September 4th (2004) Disney Magic Cruise List

[Doctor P]

I talked with DCL about 30 minutes ago and they assured me that we are still a go for tomorrow, and that their information is that the Port WILL be open. Still scheduled for 10 pm departure with check in and boarding late afternoon to give people a chance to get there. We actually made it to Orlando. We felt that the chances of getting to the cruise were better in crossing the storm today rather than weathering tonight and tomorrow's storms in Valdosta where we might see a reenergized storm. Frankly, the drive down was not anywhere near as bad as we expected. We had reservations to go back to last night's hotel, at a hotel in Valdosta, and at a hotel in Orlando (Intl. Drive area). It is eerily quiet in Orlando, but that made it much, much easier to get around. We will see what tomorrow brings!

 

[Rachelizabeth]

Hi everybody........what a crazy couple of days!!!!!! We stayed Friday night in Warner Robins, GA. Today (Sunday) we drove to Lake City, FL. We encountered one heck of a rainstorm on the way down, I prayed all the way through it! We are at the Holiday Inn. I just called DCL, at 6:45pm, and per Tim, call back around 8:30ish pm. They are waiting on a decision from the "higher ups".

Guess we'll know more at 8:30ish. The only good news that I can think of right now is that we can follow the storm home, be behind it instead of in front of it. I don't even want to think about Ivan! UGH!

BTW, I've decided that I am never ever ever ever ever going to book a cruise during hurricane season. Never Ever!

Most of the restaurants and stores are closed in Lake City. Even the Wal-Mart closed at noon today. Just hoping we don't have tornadoes tonight. It's rainy (not bad) and pretty windy here.

I'll check in later,

Rachel

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Doctor P
I talked with DCL about 30 minutes ago and they assured me that we are still a go for tomorrow, and that their information is that the Port WILL be open. Still scheduled for 10 pm departure with check in and boarding late afternoon to give people a chance to get there. We actually made it to Orlando. We felt that the chances of getting to the cruise were better in crossing the storm today rather than weathering tonight and tomorrow's storms in Valdosta where we might see a reenergized storm. Frankly, the drive down was not anywhere near as bad as we expected. We had reservations to go back to last night's hotel, at a hotel in Valdosta, and at a hotel in Orlando (Intl. Drive area). It is eerily quiet in Orlando, but that made it much, much easier to get around. We will see what tomorrow brings!

So glad to hear you made it to Orlando!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by WILDCATMICKEY
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Orlando, FL (MCO)
Updated September 5, 2004 - 11:00 AM ET
Looks like we will be staying home this cruise. Sorry we will miss you. Have fun for us all those that make the cruise.

Sorry to hear Southwest cancelled their flights.

 

[Ga_friend]

Here is Disneys latest announcement - it is not good -

The Magic will now sail on Tuesday at 5pm. They will offer a 50% refund or we can reschedule and receive a full refund, but no discount on future sailings.

I am not sure what we are going to do at this point. The savings is being spent on hotels rooms and food. This is very discouraging. Why can't Disney make decisions like other cruise lines. They have known all day that the port is closed.

They are more concerned with getting us on that cruise to save some of their lost revenue, than our "pain and suffering" worrying and trying to get there.

The agent was also very rude and could careless. She said she had to move on and we needed to make a decision quick. I told her we had to discuss it. We do have 26 people.

Let me know if anyone hears different. I am very disappointed.

 

[Rachelizabeth]

Info on the Disney Website:

Disney Magic
The seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, originally scheduled for September 4th, will be shortened to a four-night cruise and will depart on Tuesday, September 7th at 5 p.m. from Port Canaveral. The ship will arrive back at Port Canaveral as scheduled on Saturday, September, 11th. This voyage will sail to Cozumel, Mexico.

Fares for this shortened cruise will be discounted 50% , and guests will be offered special incentives for sailing.

The September 11th, seven-night Western Caribbean sailing is still set to depart as scheduled from Port Canaveral.


Hi everybody,

I am now on Plan X (lol). Only plans y and z are left!

Will trip insurance help pay for our hotel rooms and food since this is a trip interruption?

And then, there is still Ivan to consider. Geesh!

Rachel

 

[Rachelizabeth]

Ga_friend,

Where are you and your family at tonight? Are you in Valdosta?

We are in Lake City, just south of Valdosta. Our lights keep flickering and we have zero hotel options for tomorrow night.

Rachel

 

[moorefun]

Hi Rachelizabeth: I'm talking to GA FRIEND on the phone right now. I am responding for her. She says:

"We are in Valdosta. Exit 18. Everything is fine here right now. It's not raining or anything. If you want to travel back up this way, we can probably get you a hotel room for tomorrow night. It's a brand-new Sleep Inn just off the expressway. What are y'all experiencing weather-wise right now? Are you still going to cruise on Tuesday?"

 

[Rachelizabeth]

We are having a pretty windy night. It's raining, but not too bad.

I'm on the waiting list here at the Holiday Inn for tomorrow night.

I'm not sure about the Tuesday sailing. Hubby says yes. I think he's nuts.

What are ya'll deciding about the Tuesday cruise?

Rachel

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by Rachelizabeth
Will trip insurance help pay for our hotel rooms and food since this is a trip interruption

Rachel - I am working with TII (insurance co.) right now. SAVE all your receipts and keep excellent records when you file because that's a priority in getting a successful claim. I paid $171 for my insurance and will be getting our airfare and one night's lodging reimbursement.

Hope the rest of you have a very safe trip down and a great cruise!

Rae

 

[Ga_friend]

Rachel -

We are cruising on Tuesday. Against my better judgment, probably (The name Ivan keeps coming to mind.)

I did call back and got a very nice person. He explained to me, again, what is going on. I am thinking, probably like everyone else who has come this far - why go home. I only came from Atlanta and I am still close enough to go home. I do feel for those of you who travelled a long distance. I can only imagine the frustration, being so far from home. Is this your first Disney Cruise?

The Country Inn and Suites in Orlando at Lake Buena Vista has availability with an internet rate of $55. The website is www.countryinns.com. They are nice hotels and have a great breakfast. this one is right by Downtown Disney.

The weather is still pretty calm here. We must be just outside the band that is hitting ya'll.

I hope ya'll can join us on the cruise. I am beginning to wonder if anyone will be on the cruise. We heard from some friends on the Wonder and it has been a very rough cruise. (The waters, that is.) I hope we have calm waters.

Stay safe!

Jonl and Family

 

[paulmc80]

Well, we are scheduled to fly down to MCO tomorrow at 11:00a.m., arriving at 12:27p.m. I probably expect that to be delayed a bit. MCO says they are able to, and will, re-open by noon on Tuesday, 9/6/04.

I have a confimred reservation for Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter for 9/6/04. We shall see how it goes getting from MCO to WDW.

 

[mistleto88]

My dd7 and I decided we are still going to go on the now 4 night cruise to Cozumel. While it doesn't thrill me, the refund will certainly help pay for the next cruise (in addition to the extra 25% off). So, with Ivan staying out of our way, we can hopefully all finally meet on Tuesday evening! Does anyone have any suggestions on a meeting place and time?

Melissa & DD7, Tabitha

 

[ganurse]

im am sooooooooo wanting to just get on the boat...did anyone else book REAS?

 

[Doctor P]

I am very, very disappointed to report that we cancelled. This has been a heck of a four days or so. We just simply cannot risk not getting back on time on Saturday, and Hurricane Ivan just does not look good in terms of its influence on this cruise. Also, we went to Cozumel on our cruise last year and therefore that was not an extra draw for us. Hope that all who go enjoy themselves. I also hope, though I am not optimistic, that we will be able to cruise again some time in the future. This was a peculiar circumstance that allowed us to make this reservation, one that will likely never happen again.

 

[Ga_friend]

Dr P - I am so sad you came so far and you aren't going to be able to join us. Do you think Ivan is going to make for rough waters on this cruise?

At this point I am just tired if being stressed and having to make decisions. Just get me on the boat, with calm waters, and a nice fruity drink!

Should we take another roll call on who is still going?

Ga_friend (26 of us)
Mistletoe88
ganurse
rachelelizabeth
paulmc80
moorefun

I hope we are making the right decision. I would hate to go through all of this and then stay sick on the boat because the ship is rocking and rolling so bad. Or raining.

The story of my life - "Always an Adventure"

Jonl

 

[rae519]

DoctorP - understand completely. Just wish you the best regardless, as I do others who have been on this rollercoaster!

To those who are sailing - Bon Voyage!!!

Rae

 

[Ga_friend]

Did we make the right decision to continue on?

It is going to rain non-stop the entire cruise.

Hope they have lots of good movies playing.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Ga_friend
Did we make the right decision to continue on?

It is going to rain non-stop the entire cruise.

Hope they have lots of good movies playing.

IMHO GA_friend, if I had made it as far as you did with so many people in your traveling party, I'd go for the 4-night to Cozumel.

I hope you and all other Magic cruisers have a great time!

 

[ganurse]

hoping for one day of sun.......