Poohbr1965
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2001
- Messages
- 15
Warning...these posts will be long... and I copied this over from the cruise line trip report board so if you read it there please skip...
After many trips to WDW, mom (72) and I (36) thought we'd like to try the Disney Cruise one day. Our last trip to Disney was in early December of 1999 (our first time seeing the Christmas stuff) and we stayed at Port Orleans. Since a cruise trip is a little expensive, and we got a gorgeous Bichon Frise puppy (Belle) in May of 2000, we thought that a fall 2001 trip would be good. Give us enough time to save up, and the puppy would be with us for well over a year at that time...
Well, things sometimes change. I work with another Disney fanatic, whose 2 friends are also fanatics (and one is a DVC member). These 3 guys (plus sometimes a friend from New York) usually go to Disney twice a year. Sometimes, mom and I plan our trips to coincide with theirs in the fall, just because it's more fun to meet up and do things with other people. We always have a great time with them!
The friend from work said he didn't think they'd be interested in the cruise, as he likes to be "on the go" all the time, plus it's expensive and would take away from their time at Disney World. Well, one day in late June I walked in to work and he said "we're doing the 3 night Disney cruise in May...you guys are welcome to come along". Hmmm. I told him I didn't think we'd be able to go (money, puppy), but when I told mom, she said "let's do it...it will be more fun than by ourselves". Okay...
So ressies were made. Airfare purchased. We decided to cruise first, then do Disney. We booked a category 6 stateroom for mom and I (6066), late seating, asked to bo linked with our 4 friends. Also booked 6 nights at Dixie Landings. The "boys" (as they will be referred to from now on), booked a category 5 (7062) stateroom (for 4 of them...yikes), and then 6 nights at Old Key West (except for the person who actually owns the time share...he had to leave to go to work right after the cruise).
Around February, I asked on RADP if anyone had gotten any great rates for a deluxe resort in early May. I've stayed at Dixie before and liked it, but also at the Yacht Cluba and loved it! Someone sent me an email talking about an "upsell" rate that evryone on this board was getting at Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I hopped over here (and I never knew this board exisited...so glad I found you all). After reading some posts and about 3 phone calls, I snagged the $179 savannah view rate. Woo Hoo!
We decided to rent a car from the prot to WDW, as the DCL busses do not go to AKL. It was actually cheaper than 2 one-way transfers, and we'd have the added convience of a car for 1 day. The boys rented a car also (even better deal for them...).
After tons of planning sessions at work, lots of shopping on mom and my parts, and checking out different kennels (found a lovely "pet hotel" for Belle), we were ready. This board was great for all those last minute questions. Only myself and one of the boys were ever on a cruise before (not Disney), so there was a lot of excitement in the air. Worked half a day on Wednesday, May 2, came home, packed and took Belle to her resort.
Next up...Day 4, from the cruise to Disney World
Lynne
PS Feel free to ask any questions you may have at any time (LynneluvsWDW@aol.com)
After many trips to WDW, mom (72) and I (36) thought we'd like to try the Disney Cruise one day. Our last trip to Disney was in early December of 1999 (our first time seeing the Christmas stuff) and we stayed at Port Orleans. Since a cruise trip is a little expensive, and we got a gorgeous Bichon Frise puppy (Belle) in May of 2000, we thought that a fall 2001 trip would be good. Give us enough time to save up, and the puppy would be with us for well over a year at that time...
Well, things sometimes change. I work with another Disney fanatic, whose 2 friends are also fanatics (and one is a DVC member). These 3 guys (plus sometimes a friend from New York) usually go to Disney twice a year. Sometimes, mom and I plan our trips to coincide with theirs in the fall, just because it's more fun to meet up and do things with other people. We always have a great time with them!
The friend from work said he didn't think they'd be interested in the cruise, as he likes to be "on the go" all the time, plus it's expensive and would take away from their time at Disney World. Well, one day in late June I walked in to work and he said "we're doing the 3 night Disney cruise in May...you guys are welcome to come along". Hmmm. I told him I didn't think we'd be able to go (money, puppy), but when I told mom, she said "let's do it...it will be more fun than by ourselves". Okay...
So ressies were made. Airfare purchased. We decided to cruise first, then do Disney. We booked a category 6 stateroom for mom and I (6066), late seating, asked to bo linked with our 4 friends. Also booked 6 nights at Dixie Landings. The "boys" (as they will be referred to from now on), booked a category 5 (7062) stateroom (for 4 of them...yikes), and then 6 nights at Old Key West (except for the person who actually owns the time share...he had to leave to go to work right after the cruise).
Around February, I asked on RADP if anyone had gotten any great rates for a deluxe resort in early May. I've stayed at Dixie before and liked it, but also at the Yacht Cluba and loved it! Someone sent me an email talking about an "upsell" rate that evryone on this board was getting at Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I hopped over here (and I never knew this board exisited...so glad I found you all). After reading some posts and about 3 phone calls, I snagged the $179 savannah view rate. Woo Hoo!
We decided to rent a car from the prot to WDW, as the DCL busses do not go to AKL. It was actually cheaper than 2 one-way transfers, and we'd have the added convience of a car for 1 day. The boys rented a car also (even better deal for them...).
After tons of planning sessions at work, lots of shopping on mom and my parts, and checking out different kennels (found a lovely "pet hotel" for Belle), we were ready. This board was great for all those last minute questions. Only myself and one of the boys were ever on a cruise before (not Disney), so there was a lot of excitement in the air. Worked half a day on Wednesday, May 2, came home, packed and took Belle to her resort.
Next up...Day 4, from the cruise to Disney World
Lynne
PS Feel free to ask any questions you may have at any time (LynneluvsWDW@aol.com)
