Shirley Perfect Gift

[linetbo]

What other options do we have? Its Disney the only one?

 

[mytripsandraces]

Is DU unable to deliver their baskets? If not, it sounds as it this is specific to this company. I'll be interested to hear from Dreams Unlimited about their gift baskets.

 

[shmoogrrrl]

If the decision is NOT company specific, then I am sure it is because Disney doesn't want the competition. I mean, it sucks, but it is a business decision that makes sense.

I don't think that it would affect the company that delivers baby stuff because DCL doesn't have anything like that. Yes, they sell baby supplies in the gift shop, but they probably couldn't stock to the extent that the company can. Also, since Disney recommends them, I wonder if Disney gets a cut?

I'd be surprised if Dreams was affected since they are a Travel Agency. That said, who knows?

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello my precious friends,
I haven't posted simply because the shock was put upon that I am still in mourning over losing my Normie who loved DCL and there were times we would try to see who got dressed first to make the run and in fact the morning of the day Normie passed, I ran to the ships and then ran home and jumped back into bed with him for I wanted to make sure I didn't disappoint anyone. The decision DCL made was just strickly business. I have all my licenses for food, beer and wine in fact the only florist in Brevard County that has all the necessary licenses and liabilites. The inspectors came to check out the shop every 4 months and that is why and documented that everything I carried was up to date, new and qualified to sell. I have all their reports and all always came out good in the past 15 years. Normie and I have always put the cruisers first, business second and that is why we always gave our cell phone number to many many cruisers in case of emergency and I still WILL come to your aid if you need me. Its not about money, its not about reputation, its only caused Normie and I did care about each of you that came into a strange town and not knowing anyone and wanted each to know they had a safe haven. We have had "strangers" stay with us cause they couldn't find a room, we have spent hours at the hospitals with cruisers until all was good, we lent our cars out to those that needed one, we have taken stranded cruisers to the airport and we always refused compensation for a deed we wanted to do with our heart and not the wallet. I believe that all of those that have crossed our path in all these years became very special to us and even when Normie was so sick, we received so many emails that prayers were being said for us. My life now is in the hands of a higher power and whatever happens, this is life so remember life is so short, just show your love for you will never know when one day you will wake up and realize there is an empty chair beside yours. I really do care and most of all I am posting my cell again and please call me if you come here and find yourself in need. Love you all a bushel and a peck
Always with love
Shirley and Normie too from his conch heaven
321-508-2246

 

[snelsonbrown]

Is DU unable to deliver their baskets? If not, it sounds as it this is specific to this company. I'll be interested to hear from Dreams Unlimited about their gift baskets.

I am sure they will let you know shortly for I can not answer for them, but knowing John like I do, he will be upfront with you. He has been a little busy, but I know he will be on for you can count on him to let you know.
Always
Shirley

 

[snelsonbrown]

What other options do we have? Its Disney the only one?

From what I understand yes

 

[NHdisneylover]

Doubt it's that since the op says she still does them for other cruiselines.

If this is an across the board ban on outside deliveries--that has been the case for Royal Caribbean for several ear--it is not a new thing in the industry.

While I am SURE making money off of selling their own baskets is part of the decision, I honestly think the cost and work involved in having staff get all these deliveries from pier-side into rooms on already chaotic turn around days is a huge factor as well.

 

[Bear3412]

Are you sure this wasn't a CBP / Homeland Security decision?

I always enjoyed seeing all your baskets being loaded aboard, while we board.

One recent sailing it appeared it was 4 -6 pallets.

Nice work DU.

I'll have to try find my pics to post of all those pallets. Should I ? ? ?

Shirley rocks, ....

 

[snelsonbrown]

Are you sure this wasn't a CBP / Homeland Security decision?

I always enjoyed seeing all your baskets being loaded aboard, while we board.

One recent sailing it appeared it was 4 -6 pallets.

Nice work DU.

I'll have to try find my pics to post of all those pallets. Should I ? ? ?

Shirley rocks, ....

Nope this wasn't a security decision either. When DCL is ready, they will announce their new direction. I wasn't the only vendor let go, BUT the only florist although I was the only florist here that was allowed to be a vendor for the little shop did meet all the levels needed. Each have to realize that Norm and I were DCL emergency contact for if something was needed, something forgotten to get on the ship, anyone in trouble, we were their emergency contact and Norm and I did it just because we cared and never compensated. I remember onetime when one vendor forgot a special baby's milk that this baby had to have and I got their phone call, going to the specific areas to locate run to the port and get it on. The cost nothing, nada except what the merchandise cost me so see that is just one little insite why Norm and I were in this together. Also let me show you another side of Normie and I. We had a DAID (Disney Angel in Deguise) and when I heard of a special make a wish child, they would receive a free gift baskets from us and noone ever knew who it came from, my special DAID would make sure something special happened. I remember one incident where a little boy was dying and his wish his parents told me to save wendy from the mean man. My DAID arranged for this little boy to get into a duet and he saved Wendy. Then I learned about a family who's husband had served and got seriously hurt in Iraq, the family had postponed their cruise, but he was in a deep state of depression, I learned about it and my DAID made special things happen and BTW all of the stories, each received a special gift basket and nope they didn't know who it came from either. There are many behind the scene stories that noone ever knew, so judge lightly until everything is known. Last but certainly not the least, back in 2004 I learned of a little girl named Katherine who was 5 years old and in the last states of cancer, her dream to meet Mickey for she wanted to marry him when she grew up. She was suppose to go on the Wonder on Sunday, but she never made it for she passed the morning of. The team of DCL sent to me a large Captian Mickey plush and a portrait of all the characters for she was suppose to have gotten them on her first day onboard instead she was buried with her Captain Mickey and I know for I went to her service and didn't even know this baby so DCL does has compassion and yes they love and yes sometimes heartaching decisions have to be made. Of course I am lost, of course it will affect my little shop to just maybe as to where I will have to let her go now since Norm is no longer here to help in many ways. Try to think good and just let us somehow find peace, love and hope in our world.
God loves you and so do I
Always
Shirley

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Hi All

I was reluctant to join in the conversation until Shirley did. I didn't feel this was my place to discuss this matter until Shirley felt comfortable doing so.

As you may or may not know Dreams Unlimited Travel puts gift bags in the staterooms of our clients sailing out of Port Canaveral. We do this as a 'Thank You' to our clients. This is a joint venture with Shirley at The Perfect Gift and Shirley personally helps us deliver our gift bags to Disney Cruise Line.

When Shirley contacted us with the news we were shocked and taken completely off guard. We did not have an alternate plan for delivering our gift bags to the Disney Cruise Line ships - we never thought we would need one. As a result our clients on the 12/19 and 12/20 sailings out of Port Canaveral did not receive their gift bags and as of right now we are unable to deliver our bags to DCL for the 12/21 & 12/22 sailings.

We are working on a plan going forward but for now we will be unable to deliver to those sailing this weekend.

If you are a Dreams Unlimited Travel client affected by this I truly apologize.

If you are in the Port Canaveral area I would like to encourage you to visit our Welcome Center (address below) that is located right next to Shirley's shop, The Perfect Gift. We give all our Dreams Unlimited Travel clients a special gift for stopping in and saying 'Hi'. In addition we can give the gift bag items that didn't make it on the ship.

One final thing I would like to add - Shirley (and The Perfect Gift) is still delivering items to other Port Canaveral ships so if you are on a cruise line other than Disney sailing out of Port Canaveral please contact her and have something made. I know she will appreciate your business and your support!!!

Thanks for reading.

John Magi
President, Co-Owner
Dreams Unlimited Travel Inc
John@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com

Welcome Center
6550 N. Atlantic Ave
Unit "B"
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

 

[PizzieDuster]

Appreciated Shirley and John's response.

I've been on this site for a long time and I can remember each time Shirley and Norm have helped out DCL cruisers.

I'm a little speechless. If I do ever sail again out of the east coast, I will call Shirley. Norm is missed.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Nope this wasn't a security decision either. When DCL is ready, they will announce their new direction. I wasn't the only vendor let go, BUT the only florist although I was the only florist here that was allowed to be a vendor for the little shop did meet all the levels needed.

Shirley, you are a really nice person, and I am sorry this is going to have a huge impact on your income

I am not sure how you could possibly know that the decision isn't at least partly about security though. I imagine it takes a lot of time and extra money and people to screen all the gift baskets going on at port and as more and more people learn about the option and order them and DU uses them, etc it has likely gotten a bit out of hand for the cruise lines.

It sounds like this is pretty much an across the board decision with (possibly?) a vendor or two left who will work in cooperation with the line or something.

It is not a first in the cruise industry; I know Royal stopped allowing any outside deliveries to the ships sometime before we started sailing them--so at least three years ago and quite honestly I imagine that it is a trend that all the lines will move towards. Between cutting into profits because people are buying things they could buy from the company, adding to security costs and needed time on busy port days and the simple hassle of dealing with delivering these all on the ultra busy turn around days (and the added staffing costs that entails) I find it hard to blame the cruise lines.

I guess DU will have to do what most other travel agents seem to do and either mail a gift to customers before the cruise, or have one of DCL's own offerings delivered onboard. Back in the days when we used a TA we generally had one or the other of those every time. Personally, I loved getting a little something in the mail those couple of weeks before departure--it was such a fun surprise and then I could plan and pack around things I would really use and have on the trip and if I did not need the item for the trip I could save the packing space and not have to try to squeeze it in on the way home.

Maybe DU and Shirley can work out n arrangement where she still makes the bags and she mails them out once a week to upcoming cruisers or something

 

[snelsonbrown]

Shirley, you are a really nice person, and I am sorry this is going to have a huge impact on your income

I am not sure how you could possibly know that the decision isn't at least partly about security though. I imagine it takes a lot of time and extra money and people to screen all the gift baskets going on at port and as more and more people learn about the option and order them and DU uses them, etc it has likely gotten a bit out of hand for the cruise lines.

It sounds like this is pretty much an across the board decision with (possibly?) a vendor or two left who will work in cooperation with the line or something.

It is not a first in the cruise industry; I know Royal stopped allowing any outside deliveries to the ships sometime before we started sailing them--so at least three years ago and quite honestly I imagine that it is a trend that all the lines will move towards. Between cutting into profits because people are buying things they could buy from the company, adding to security costs and needed time on busy port days and the simple hassle of dealing with delivering these all on the ultra busy turn around days (and the added staffing costs that entails) I find it hard to blame the cruise lines.

I guess DU will have to do what most other travel agents seem to do and either mail a gift to customers before the cruise, or have one of DCL's own offerings delivered onboard. Back in the days when we used a TA we generally had one or the other of those every time. Personally, I loved getting a little something in the mail those couple of weeks before departure--it was such a fun surprise and then I could plan and pack around things I would really use and have on the trip and if I did not need the item for the trip I could save the packing space and not have to try to squeeze it in on the way home.

Maybe DU and Shirley can work out n arrangement where she still makes the bags and she mails them out once a week to upcoming cruisers or something

Nope that wasn't the reason why either and I also know that for sure, but I do want to thank you for your input and in life, no one ever knows what is in store for anyone of us. The gift baskets were fun for the receiver and it really was great seeing the pictures especially of the kids when they received their gift baskets. I had the opportunity to go tell all my friends of the past 15 years so long for now for they have been such an amazing group of friends that did help me especially during Norm's travel. I loved the drive to the port for it gave me time to refleck across so many things and my personal talks with God. I loved seeing the same scene yet different everytime I went. I even knew the gentlemen that worked the canal bridge and they never failed to wave or I waved back. I have lived here for over 52 years and have seen many changes, some I like and many I don't. Whatever happens, nothing can be speculated cause sometimes thing just happens without a reason.
I wish for everyone to have a wonderful and precious Holiday and always love and blessings from us. Me from here and Normie from conch heaven.
Always with love and affection
Shirley and Normie too

 

[snelsonbrown]

Appreciated Shirley and John's response.

I've been on this site for a long time and I can remember each time Shirley and Norm have helped out DCL cruisers.

I'm a little speechless. If I do ever sail again out of the east coast, I will call Shirley. Norm is missed.

Thank you pizzieduster for you are so right and I sincerely appreciated. I won't go into personal details of all that ocurred while Normie was so sick and the afterward end results, but all I can say is it was not easy and I am blessed that I can still get out of bed and put my 2 feet on the floor even when I didn't feel I had the "wants to". Email me anytime sweetie if you ever in town and let me know. It would be a sincere pleasure.

 

[LeslieG]

Shirley, we were on the Dream getting back into port on Monday, Dec. 15th. Our OV stateroom was directly above the crew gangway. We saw someone (you I assume?) delivering the next cruise's gift baskets that morning. My son got a kick out of watching and waiting to see who was going to come pick up that pallet of gift baskets and load it onto the ship. We booked with DU for that cruise, and it was the second time we received one of the gift baskets. Always enjoyed receiving them, and they were very nicely done.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Well that is a bummer for me about the DU bags, since our 12/27 sailing is the first one for us since DU started doing this. But more importantly, I am sad for Shirley. I had a delightful talk with Norm when we ordered our Easter baskets a couple of years ago and the kids absolutely loved them. I know Disney is a business out to make a buck, but I also know that I personally have never been tempted by what Disney offers in terms of baskets but have been a client of Shirley's in the past. I hope that this roadblock brings new opportunities for Shirley to share her special light with the world.

Laurie

 

[disney1990]

Shirley, we have enjoyed receiving several of your gift baskets and appreciate everything that you and Norm have done for cruisers over the years.

Please take care.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Shirley, we have enjoyed receiving several of your gift baskets and appreciate everything that you and Norm have done for cruisers over the years.

Please take care.

It has always been our sincere pleasure and thanks to each and all for all your love, help and support.
May the New Year bring each everything good in your life and may it be full of joy and happiness.
If you ever need us, I am always just a phone call away.
Many blessings always to each of you my friends and know you are loved.
Always
Shirley

 

[Amunet]

No!

I am very upset about this! I wanted to surprise DH with a basket for a very special cruise that means a lot to both of us. I was going to order

We need to contact Disney and request them to bring Shirley back!

 

[snelsonbrown]

No!

I am very upset about this! I wanted to surprise DH with a basket for a very special cruise that means a lot to both of us. I was going to order

We need to contact Disney and request them to bring Shirley back!

Wish it was possible but all avenues have been tried and I need to follows their wishes. maybe someday they will change their minds and let me go back for I sure miss not only going to the port, but all the friends Norm and I have made over the past 15 years.

Anyhow I am still available if you have any issues while a guest here in Brevard County and I will still help. Keep my cell phone number close for "just in case" ok? 321-508-2246
always with love
Shirley