Something about Nothing, come join in........ Part 2

[bubba's mom]

Jodie, Jodie, Jodie.....calm down sister....we're here for you Do ya feel better now??? I was just curious how UPS was handling things cuz we had a UPS "situation" at work once and I believe (iirc) UPS was very accomodating getting money paid and things fixed.

Tricia...Jodie is right....to get the BEST rate, you have to shop DCL, AAA, DU and such rates....(we found the best rate w/ AAA). And you HAVE to BOOK EARLY ---like when they open the schedule ...NO doubt (especially if you want "early" seating for dinner --i found out those go quick...but no worries...we got ours ) Here's an interesting tidbit from the DCL DISboards... I happened to mention this was our first and last Disney cruise. Everyone told me it wouldn't be...we'd be hooked and we'd book another one. Lemme tell ya, after awhile, I got tired of actually defending myself saying we would NOT be taking another Disney cruise....other lines, yes....Disney no. (Having a hard time justifying this one to DH...but, he's a gem and going along with it for me

) ...but I don't understand how they think they *know* me so well, that I'll be hooked. I can get a much better category room on another line for less money!! Anyhow, Tricia...get the Passporter Book...it has everything and it's great for planning a cruise...trust me


So, does anyone know if Universal provides transportation to/from MCO like Disney? TIA!

 

[KStarfish82]

Evening everyone!

Just got back from Walmart (you really can never get enough) !

So we hit up Wet n Wild this morning. We could only do about half the rides because it was just enbearable hot to stand on the lines anymore. We jumped into the Lazy River and "chilled" for a good hour or so. By 12:30, we had had enough! It was sooo hot!!!!

We went back to the room, showered, and changed, and then went to the Olive Garden for lunch (yummy!)

After being stuffed to the gills, we went back to the room where my dad and bro took a nap.

I went downstairs to visit some of the natives around Vistana. By natives, I mean the mallards, ducks, and turtles that were hanging out by the pond behind us. One had a little family with four ducklings....adorable!

After, we decided to head to Downtown Disney to use the little boats. Of course, they were closed Who knew Disney could disappoint?

After that, we hit Walmart to get some keepsakes for the DF.

Oh I also bought my wedding cake topper at Arribas Bros. at Disney!

I'll see if I can post some more pics soon.

Mac: Of course I don't get the king bed! My parents would never have that! But a nice double all to myself will do just fine!

Keisha: We are in the Cascades section, right by the General Store. The pool is sooo cute, we were there last night. I didn't find any mulch in the pool, just alot of screaming children!

Todd!

 

[marciemi]

I guess we're the only ones who've done a Disney Cruise and would never do another one?

Overall, we just weren't that impressed, particularly for the cost. DH & I have done (I think) 11 cruises, and we've done 3 with the kids. Big Red Boat (Premier) in 1998, Disney in 2000, and Royal Caribbean in 2004. We loved BRB and it was incredibly inexpensive compared to the others - only wish it was still around. We had some bad experiences on our RCCL cruise, but that was the fault of the hurricanes we went through and around, not the cruise line itself.

We just found DCL to be unsatisfying. Some reasons:

1. There were just too many kids for the facilities. You could not go to the pools without being overrun by probably 300 kids at a time (our kids were 5, 7, and 8 at the time so we couldn't go to the adult pools). On our sailing (which incidentally was the first week of December, a non-peak time), almost 1000 of the 2500 people on board were children. Compare this to 100 out of the over 3000 on our RCCL sailing (an early Sept cruise).

2. Following on to that, we just weren't happy with the child-care facilities. Just too many kids so they never knew your kids by name and you never saw the same counselors twice. Guess the "scan your kid in and out" kind of turned me off too - everything just seemed so impersonal. On both other cruises with the kids we were far more impressed with the kids' club staffs. We also found that frequently when we took the kids for a specific activity - say "tour of the bridge", they'd do what it said for a short period of time, then dump the kids in front of Disney videos. My kids can do that at home, for a whole lot less money!

3. Similarly, I guess for the money, we were expecting the cruise line to kind of be like Disney, but without the crowds. Boy were we wrong! Mickey would appear and in 10 seconds there'd be 200 kids lined up to see him. You still had to get to the shows early to have any chance of getting a good seat, etc. On BRB the characters came (Warner Bros) around during every dinner to all the tables - we have tons of pics with the kids with them. On Disney, I don't believe they ever did.

4. We were very disappointed in the food. It seemed like much of it was just, well, strange. Even DH ended up ordering off the kids' menu a lot of the time in order to get something like chicken soup for an appetizer instead of the beet broccoli (or something equally wacky) on the adult menu. Most other cruise lines we've been on usually offered your choice of several different appetizers, several soups, & at least 2 salads, in addition to entree choices. Seemed like Disney offered mostly one of each of those and it just usually wasn't something we liked.

Not trying to be completely negative here - we loved Castaway Cay and overall the experience was okay, but I guess I was probably biased by the little voice in my ear the entire cruise reminding me that we were paying nearly 3 times as much for this as we had for our BRB cruise and we just didn't enjoy it nearly as much. I certainly can't imagine taking another one just for the cost issue alone, but probably wouldn't consider it anyways with the kids at this age, and would never consider it for DH & I alone. Maybe someday with grandkids if money wasn't a factor, but you know what the odds of that are!

I know I'm in the minority on this - I was on these boards back then and you can imagine the reception I got to these views. Even people I've met in person over the last 7 years that I've expressed this to have told me basically I must be wrong - EVERYONE they know LOVES DCL. So obviously the odds are that you will too, but just thought I'd give an alternative viewpoint for a change!

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks for the review Marcie. I know we are going at an expensive time of the year, but we're doing the cruise "while" down in Fla. for vacation...(not making a special trip). DH is not thrilled at the cost, but I've been "workin' my dust" and let's just say Bubba's cruise will almost be free I know he DID ask me if it "had to be Disney" and I said "yes it does" (Mainly because DS will be 9.5 yrs old at the time and you're only 9.5 yrs old once! ) Being an "older" kid that makes friends easy, I'm sure HE will have an awesome time and that is what I'm goin' for. I am expecting a TON of kids...it IS Disney! However, like I mentioned, this will be our last, I'm sure, and I'm okay w/ that. Friends of ours (from the beach) usually do Carnival, and their kids love the kids club! So, I look forward to many more cruises with the boy, just not Disney. Kinda "you have to do it at least once type of thing "

On another note....off to work...have to pay for that cruise

Hope everyone has a great day!!

 

[RVGal]

I'm looking at our (possible) cruise on DCL in 2009 as a splurge. It will be our 10th anniversary, after all. My reasons for thinking of DCL for this particular cruise are:
- It will be the first cruise for the boys, who would be 4 and 7.5 at the time of sailing. I want to make their first experience on a cruise a fabulous one. Brad & I love to cruise, so I want to make sure that we can take them on lots more in the future.
- Because it will be their first cruise experience, I want to keep it short (3 or 4 days). I don't want them to decide they've had enough after 3 days, but we are stuck on the boat for a week. My experiences on short cruises on other cruise lines is that they are party cruises. I don't want to deal with small children and boat full of party people.
- I like the setup for Brad & I to have a "date night" at the adults only restaurant while the kids are being cared for. It would be a great way for us to have a real anniversary dinner.
- I almost always love any Disney experience that I have.

I could be way off base, but those are the main reasons why I'm considering DCL for this particular cruise.

I don't know if I can pull off convincing Brad yet. Knowing that we would have to book early is actually a bad thing. He's not going to be willing to commit to that kind of money any time soon. Because of the school schedule, I know we would have to pick a July sailing date. With 2 of his best friends and former college buddies working for Carnival, trying to get him to consider another line is really going to be tough. I can hear it now, "We can book a bottom-of-the-boat cabin and Barry will get us free upgrades." or "Why don't we wait until the Friends and Family rates come out?" (F&F are always last minute empty cabins they don't think they have a prayer of booking)

So, I'm with you Barb... if I CAN convice hubby to do this cruise, it'll be a one & only type deal.

KStarfish - Sounds like you are having HOT fun! Woo HOO on finding a cake topper! I still have mine... somewhere...

Jodie - I don't see how anyone could be offended by your vent. There have been a lot of noobs with the same types of questions lately.

And does anyone know if there is a shuttle bus that runs from Disney to Universal?

 

[yankeepenny]

SINGLE DIGITS 9

 

[yankeepenny]

In honor of Gemma's football team winning, I ate brownies last night

Gemma- 3 more years until the world cup!

 

[RVGal]

SINGLE DIGITS 9

YAY for Penny! Just over a week to go!

 

[macraven]

Um, why can't I book a room for 2012 yet? Doesn't anyone know I have to plan my vacations 5 years in advance?????? Disney lets me!!!

Wha, wha, whattttt?? I have to pay for parking at Universal?! But, Disney does it for freeeeeeee!!!!! The injustice of it all!!! No wonder Disney has more magic than Universal and you Universal people are all just jealous!

I am going to Universal on a Tuesday in March in 2009. Will I need Express? Would it be better if I went on a Wednesday in August? What will the weather be like on those days? And, is it really true? There is no longer a FREE fast pass?

I'm soooo not into thrill rides. Not at all! Should I still go to Islands of Adventure? Why can't I book my character breakfast at Confisco's a year in advance? I need my ADRs!!!!

Ok, now back to your regularly scheduled thread ......

i see someone has been reading the UO forums again.......

just direct them to the FAQ

i love your sense of humor!

Yeah thats the new avatar- thought it was better for these boards than the old one of me holding a bottle of booze! lol.

i liked that pic with the booze

We need to have ours paid off by April 1st (yea, 2008) for our June cruise....early anniversary gift to ourselves too





(great DIS minds think alike)

how many years married then barb?

Don't even get me started on "How come Universal doesn't offer Magical Express like Disney?" Did I really write that? Or was it sleep typing. Can I just call midnight brain on that and get away with whatever I want to right now?!


I am sorry if I offended anyone. Ok, sorry. I lied. I'm really not sorry. Sorry as in sorry that I lied, but not sorry that I had to vent and if you were offended? Well, I could see "annoyed" at me. Maybe even exasperated. But offended? We all need to vent. It's healthy. If we hold it in, we're subject to paralyzingly high blood pressure. Which can be dangerous and result in necessary medical treatment. Or psychological treatment. Is "paralyzingly" even a real word? How many people have put me on his or her ignore list today?

you are a hoot. i loved the venting, you sound like my clone.
never could be annoyed at ya. you keep me in stitches jodie...
keep that thought if anyone on our tour tries to mutinize our house and scarezone plan.......

SINGLE DIGITS 9

i was waiting for your daily countdown penny.

 

[macraven]

just came back to say, i have read about the homies cruises and thoughts on it.


i have never been on a cruise, have no interest going on a cruise......

am i a weird-o or what.....

 

[tlinus]

Morning all!!!

Gemma - I tossed back a celebratory drink for your team last night!!

Penny - YAY.....SINGLE DIGIT DANCE.....

If anyone is interested - here is a play from football practice last night.....bean#3 was the running back:



and a picture of him playing defensive end -

Hope everyone has a great day!!

Oh, and how crowded is Universal during Christmas week? Will I need express passes?

 

[RVGal]

i have never been on a cruise, have no interest going on a cruise......

am i a weird-o or what.....

Not weird at all. Cruising is not for everyone. My father could never understand why I would want to trap myself on a boat for a week or more.

At least you know you don't want to. There are some who think maybe they would like it and then spend the money only to find out, nope, not a good vacation for them.

Tracie - What a cute Football Bean! Okay, I probably shouldn't call a defensive end "cute"... but darnit, he IS.

 

[tlinus]

Thanks Tricia -

Yea, he is cute....even has one of those cute football tooshies in the pants

He really enjoys playing - I figured he would give it up after the first contact practice, but he loves everything except the helmet (it hurts his ears coming off) After he made that play they had a water break and I told him good job!! He said "I was the run on someone's back" I lost it!!!

He has weigh in before every game and his first preseason game is this Saturday at 8:00AM

 

[AlexandNessa]

Hi! I have been to Disney 6,732 times since 1980, but I am completely new to Universal! We have DD6.5 Maddie who is a ENFP Myers Briggs Personality Type. We also have twin DSs, Tyler and Ryan, aged 4, who are INTJ on the Myers Briggs scale. We loooove the Polynesian, so it would seem we should try the RPR but I've read horror stories about how small the rooms are. I heard from Maddie's teacher's sister's neighbor that the HRH is loud and not family friendly. I do not want to listen rock music 24X7!!!!! And I've read that the PBH is about 12 miles away from the other resorts. Where should we stay? What kind of discounts are available? Can we really get the RPR for $110/per night with the Entertainment rate? How many days do we need? Should we consider the Nick Hotel instead???????

And, oh, I need to know which room to request and if we can get a suite upgrade at check-in. Thanks!!!!!


Ok, I'm done now. Really. This time I'm done. Promise.

 

[tlinus]

Jodie that ^^^^^^^is tff

 

[AlexandNessa]

OMG! BEST - PICTURE - EVER!!

Well, since I'm among friends, I suppose I should explain my recent loopy behavior and outbursts. Honestly, I've gotten 7 hours of sleep in 4 days. But, I know that at least most of you won't put me on your ignore list .....

Mac, cruising isn't for everyone. Mike and I enjoy it. We enjoy most any vacation that doesn't include following the Tour de France and biking cross country with my brother and sister-in-law.

Truth is, we're trapped into our 2nd Disney cruise, and it seemed like a good idea at the time ... Cruise #1: we were a little drunk, in a good mood, and having a great time. Stopped by the future cruise desk and signed right up. A $1000 non-refundable deposit? Sure, no problem! Now? Are you kidding me? Am I insane? Don't answer that.

 

[macraven]

Hi! I have been to Disney 6,732 times since 1980, but I am completely new to Universal! We have DD6.5 Maddie who is a ENFP Myers Briggs Personality Type. We also have twin DSs, Tyler and Ryan, aged 4, who are INTJ on the Myers Briggs scale. We loooove the Polynesian, so it would seem we should try the RPR but I've read horror stories about how small the rooms are. I heard from Maddie's teacher's sister's neighbor that the HRH is loud and not family friendly. I do not want to listen rock music 24X7!!!!! And I've read that the PBH is about 12 miles away from the other resorts. Where should we stay? What kind of discounts are available? Can we really get the RPR for $110/per night with the Entertainment rate? How many days do we need? Should we consider the Nick Hotel instead???????

And, oh, I need to know which room to request and if we can get a suite upgrade at check-in. Thanks!!!!!


Ok, I'm done now. Really. This time I'm done. Promise.

don't stop.



i double dog dare you to create a new thread in the forums with the above.

use an alias screen name.....



i bet 10 to 1 that it would get closed within the first page.....

 

[macraven]

i am so glad to see the beans back in the pictures.

the son is precious!! what a cutie !


and i really like the siggie with the family pics and all.....



hey momma bean, what is happening for the possible october trip?

 

[keishashadow]

hi guys!

keep those back to skool stories (you too mac on the "other side" of the fence) coming

tracie - luv the football pics! My oldest DS is head football coach of both: semi-pro Go Pittsburgh RiverRats and high school Go West Shamokin Wolves, having camp this week week.

gemma - the real football jk; my kids played soccer before segueing into football.

KsStarfish - i'm addicted to Arrabis lol; DH collects the swords; we're hopeless.

jodie - i was half-way thru the 1st post before i realized you were kidding . Embarrassingly, we have to book way too far in advance due to DVC (11 month ahead or we easily can get shut-out) and DH has to submit vacation time request next month...bizarre.

We luv to cruise, wish i could afford another DCL one...would be able to book 3 carnival western cruises balcony for what 1 Disney would cost. think we'll survive lol. Heck, i might even win the hairy chest contest.

Just found out one of our ports of call is GONE , costa maya is no more - got hammered; poor people living in those tin shacks, so sad. Belize, is still possible though. Hope they announce what the alternates are before that final payment is due next month...may just cancel.

 

[AlexandNessa]

don't stop.



i double dog dare you to create a new thread in the forums with the above.

use an alias screen name.....



i bet 10 to 1 that it would get closed within the first page.....

I would totally take that bet, but I think I'm in enough trouble. Good grief, what would I do with my free time if I were BANNED from the DIS?!

Janet, I totally hear ya on the cost ... before a certain someone (who shall remain nameless) screwed up her taxes, we had 14 days in a HAL suite booked for only $200 more than our suite on DCL for 7 days. Again ... AM I INSANE????? And, did I mention that you get free laundry and dry cleaning in a suite on HAL? Free suite brunches with drinks. Free cocktail parties with drinks? You have a few opportunities to meet the Capt on HAL. I have no idea who our Capt was on DCL.