Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
July 05, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - new sweeps, Florida resident ticket discounts, airfare to Orlando from $59, new combo ticket to parks outside Disneyland!
* The latest news from around the "World" - boy from Kentucky dies on Disney's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
* Mark writes about the problem he had using his old hopper passes
* Beth, our travel agent, continues her Disney Cruise trip report
* Money saving tip - these parks and hotels are offering travel incentives to offset gas prices
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
SPECIAL FOR AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBERS FROM OUR TRAVEL AGENT BETH!
Book any Walt Disney Travel Company package of three nights or more between July 1 and July 31 and receive a FREE copy of Passporter's Disney 500: Fast Tips For WDW Trips. This 113-page e-book will be emailed to you when you make your deposit, and is full of handy hints and ideas for getting the most from your Disney vacation. (Package must be booked through Beth no later than July 31. Offer valid for new bookings only.)
Coming soon! An exclusive deal at the WDW resorts for Affordable Disney Members this November and December! (Source: Become a member today so you'll be ready to pounce on this deal as soon as it's announced.
--------------------------------
NEW SWEEPS
* Win a 3-night trip for 4 to Universal Studios Hollywood!
* Win a 2-night trip for two to Orlando!
--------------------------------
Florida residents save over $13.00 per ticket to these theme parks!
--------------------------------
Airfare Sale: Book tickets by July 11, 2006, for travel through November 15, 2006. Travel to Orlando from $59!
--------------------------------
MORE CURRENT SPECIALS
* WDW Room Discounts for late summer: Value resorts - $25 off per night; Moderates - $50 off per night; Deluxe - $75 off per night; Cabins/Villas - $75 off per night!
* Kids go to SeaWorld FREE when you book this vacation
package!
* Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney
World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day
Expiration!
* More than 10 ways to win a FREE vacation to Walt
Disney World!
* Deals for the military, teachers, government workers,
nurses, Florida residents!
* Buy one, get one free tickets to Universal Studios and
Islands of Adventure!
* All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
* Special discounted rates for vacation packages at
Disneyland Paris!
* Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from $79 per night!
* Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person -
even during the holidays!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Admission to LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park (all four!): $139.95 for adults, $109.95 for kids (3-9)!
Unlimited Admission to LEGOLAND and SeaWorld and over 40 other attractions and tours from $49 per adult; $39 per child (3-12)!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Jack Sparrow Debuts at Magic Kingdom
"The anticipated reworking of Walt Disney World's classic ride Pirates of the Caribbean is complete and ready for a grand reopening Friday -- the same day Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, the second movie of the franchise, opens in theaters nationwide." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/04/06)
--------------------------------
"At Walt Disney World, Cinderella Castle is the backdrop for countless marriage proposals. Park managers recently created a $250 engagement package, which features a lunch or dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table, the restaurant inside the castle. During the meal, the engagement ring is presented in a crystal slipper, accompanied by a nonalcoholic toast. Then there's dessert -- chocolate slippers on a sponge-cake pillow." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/04/06) Call Guest Relations at the Magic Kingdom for details.
--------------------------------
Pirates and Princesses at the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney
"For the boys, there's the Adventure Room, which features a pirate theme. Girls reign over the Princess Room, complete with a spa-like salon, called the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique."
(Source: citizen-times.com, 07/02/06)
--------------------------------
"Disney acknowledges that a character in its kids' movie 'Cars' exhibits 'poor judgment' when it races a train to a crossing -- but the company says the dangerous stunt serves a purpose." (Source: suntimes.com, 07/01,06)
--------------------------------
Boy dies riding Rock 'n' Roller
"A boy from Kentucky riding Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster slumped over during the ride and later died though his Army Green Beret father attempted to resuscitate him. (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 06/29/06)
"A Kentucky boy who died after riding Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster had heart defects, a preliminary autopsy released Friday showed. Dr. Sara H. Irrgang, associate medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, also found no evidence of injuries." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona
"'The King's' signature NASCAR fantasy camp invites wannabe racers to take the wheel of an authentic stock car to run as many laps as they can afford, as fast as they dare. And the only prerequisites are a valid drivers license and a healthy appetite for speed." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/06)
--------------------------------
"Universal 360... has fireworks exploding, fire leaping, lasers spraying, music pumping and projected images dancing across Universal's lagoon, the building facades surrounding it, and the sky above." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/06)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
Mark writes:
"Dear John,
I wanted to take a moment and update you on our recent trip to Disney. First, let me say that Beth is one of the greatest travel agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She was able to masterfully guide me to a great place to stay for a reasonable cost. The shuttle service from the hotel was outstanding as were the meals at the hotel. The bonus was kids eat free so it ended up costing us very little for meals in terms of eating out in the Disney area.
We had an absolute lovely time and visited every park in Disney. This was my 16th time to Disney (a favorite spot of my parents while I was growing up) and was the 5th time that I took my family. Each time is magical and we are never disappointed in the new attractions that greet us. On that note:
Everyone needs to ride 'Soarin' in Epcot. Young or old, it does not matter. We were a bit concerned as we approached the ride with all of its warnings, but were we ever surprised by the ease of the ride and the relative little movement. This is an instant classic ride that will forever be a family favorite.
Nobody wanted to join me to ride 'Everest' so I went it alone. It was a long wait even with the fast pass but was well worth it. The attention to details leading up to the ride was phenomenal. The walking up to the ride was an event within itself. This alone was worth standing in line.
The only issue that I ran into was using our old Hopper passes. We had hoppers from five years ago, before signatures were required, and received questions entering the park. The attendant was reluctant to let us use these passes. I had bought these new years ago so I would definitely warn anybody that attempts to buy used tickets to not do it. The security around this was higher than a year ago. I went to guest relations and they issued me new tickets (with the signature spot) so I wouldn't have any other issues the rest of the week. They even gave me passes for free ice cream for my inconvenience.
We have no more days left on these tickets so we have established a 'bad behavior' jar in our house now that were home. If anyone does something that violates the family rules, they need to pay a quarter into the jar. As the money builds, we will be buying additional hopper passes.
I look forward to the Disney newsletters and to Beth's reports on different rides and parks."
Good advice, Mark. We've said it many times: do Not buy used tickets. Disney is checking tickets very closely. They are using finger scans and signatures. If you have old tickets without signatures, you might as well go to Guest Services before trying to use them at the gates and they will issue new tickets.
Seems to me that the bad behavior jar would encourage bad behavior since everybody wants to go back to Disney World, right? :) How about a good behavior jar where the parents contribute routinely to reward good behavior? If the kids misbehave, you don't add anything to the jar. They'll get the message.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, continues her Disney Cruise trip report:
"The monitors which usually show Disney movies to entertain the children were not working, so the hour-long wait for boarding dragged a bit. DCL now boards using a system similar to many airlines. When you arrive you get a card that tells you what group you're with, and then around noon they begin calling those groups. Although we arrived pretty early we were in group two - but groups one and two were boarded at the same time. We smiled for the photographers and then boarded the ship and were welcomed aboard with the announcement of our names. Then we headed up to the Parrot Cay dining room for a wonderful buffet lunch. (Lunch was also being served at the Beach Blanket Buffet.)
We were forced to drag along all our carry-on bags (camera, laptop computer, small duffle bag) since all of the cabin areas are roped off with signs that say they will be open at 1:30. They were serious. We spent about 25 minutes after lunch sitting on the steps outside the passage to our cabin before the ropes were dropped promptly at 1:30. Note to self: limit carry-on baggage next time.
Our category 9 oceanview stateroom was great for just the two of us... plenty of space and a huge, round window (think giant porthole), and it would be OK for three people as well, but if there are four of you then seriously consider the somewhat larger category 4 option if your budget can handle it - especially for a longer cruise.
I unpacked everything in our carry-on bag and then started looking through the printed materials left in our room while my daughter checked out what was playing on TV. She was thrilled to find out that the new Disney-Pixar movie Cars had opened in the movie theater at the same time it opened cross-country. Our status as repeat cruisers had also earned us a nice beach bag which she had fun checking out. Time flew and it wasn't long before the announcements for the mandatory drill started. When we opened the cabin door to head to our assigned position, there was our luggage! We tossed that inside and hiked up two flights of stairs to the main theater where we sat in our bulky orange vests until we were cleared (only a few minutes). Then back to the cabin to finish unpacking.
Then we went up to deck 9 to check out the bon voyage celebration and get a drink. It is SO nice to have that soda station up there now, free for all. Way better than having to buy a special mug. Before long we were underway, and after exploring the ship a bit more we headed back to the cabin to clean up for the evening. I'd have preferred early dining, but wasn't given an option and was assigned to the 8:15 seating. As we changed, the maitre d' called and informed me that he'd changed our table to accommodate a family that had been split up. So I corrected my dining card to the new table number and then we headed to the theater for the evening's big show.
On most ships, you need to show up about a half hour before show time if you want to sit front and center. You'd think that parents would be even more anxious to get those seats when their children are involved, but not the case here. We showed up at 6:00 for a 6:15 show and had no trouble getting great seats on the aisle near the front.
The opening night show, Hercules - The Muse-ical, was a big hit. It's a little bit slap-stick for my taste, but the kids love it and it's very well done. (This is an older show and I've seen it before, but I have to say I liked it better this time.) I find it amusing that Disney's managed to work some rather adult humor into the show in such a way that it goes right over the heads of the little ones watching. It's brief and subtle and it will throw you off a little when you first hear it, but once you realize your kids missed it completely you'll relax and have fun listening more closely to the dialogue.
After the show we had about 45 minutes to kill before dinner so we headed to the Oceaneer's Lab, filled out a little paperwork, and got a beeper assigned for the cruise. My daughter was given a wristband to be worn throughout the weekend as well as a badge that showed both her name and some codes that are apparently helpful to the staff. You're supposed to have these badges on your children whenever you bring them to play, and from time to time over the weekend they stuck color-coded dots onto the badge to further assist them in keeping the kids sorted out. (Nothing bad happens if you forget the badge; they will come up with something temporary.)
At 8:15 it was time to hit Animator's Palate for dinner. Our new table assignment paired us with another travel agent (from Virginia) and her 5-year-old son. Both children were VERY tired by then, and it didn't help that the service that evening seemed exceptionally slow. In fact, it seemed very slow to me all weekend - but I can't be sure that it wasn't tied to that piece of paper we all had to sign. Perhaps the servers had been informed of who the travel agents were (apparently there were plenty onboard) and were simply serving everyone else first. In any case, the food was excellent and Animator's Palate is always a fun restaurant to dine in.
It was nearly 10:00 by the time we left the dining room, and my daughter had a new burst of energy and begged to go to the Oceaneer's Lab to play for a bit. I conceded, and dropped her off there before heading to the internet cafe to sign up for the unlimited high-speed access plan ($39 for unlimited use on 3- and 4- night cruises, $89 for 7-night cruises). The ship now has wireless access in several locations as well, and I'd have loved to be using my laptop on deck instead of sitting at the sometimes crowded computer area; however, the wireless access is considerably more expensive and since I had to work while on board I went with the more economical choice. I have to say, though, that except for one time when access seemed to just crawl at a snail's pace, the internet speed was reasonably close to high-speed on land."
TO BE CONTINUED
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Businesses are promoting travel incentives due to high gas prices. Six Flags is offering $15 discounts to visitors with gas receipts. Best Western is including $50 gas cards when you stay three nights. (Source: USA Today, 06/30/06)
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Don't Leave Home Without It!
Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket with your first purchase! For more details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99! To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney Resorts as well as at hotels, condos and vacation rentals outside Disney property. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Car Rental
Just enter in your travel dates, select the kind of car you want, and receive a list of car rental prices at over 12 companies starting with the cheapest price! Click here.
Cheryl writes: "I saved over $200.00 on my mini van rental!!!"
--------------------------------
Affordable Airfare
This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here. Save 20% on the Fee and Frame, use code: combo20.
Expires: 7/15/06
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
July 05, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - new sweeps, Florida resident ticket discounts, airfare to Orlando from $59, new combo ticket to parks outside Disneyland!
* The latest news from around the "World" - boy from Kentucky dies on Disney's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
* Mark writes about the problem he had using his old hopper passes
* Beth, our travel agent, continues her Disney Cruise trip report
* Money saving tip - these parks and hotels are offering travel incentives to offset gas prices
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
SPECIAL FOR AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBERS FROM OUR TRAVEL AGENT BETH!
Book any Walt Disney Travel Company package of three nights or more between July 1 and July 31 and receive a FREE copy of Passporter's Disney 500: Fast Tips For WDW Trips. This 113-page e-book will be emailed to you when you make your deposit, and is full of handy hints and ideas for getting the most from your Disney vacation. (Package must be booked through Beth no later than July 31. Offer valid for new bookings only.)
Coming soon! An exclusive deal at the WDW resorts for Affordable Disney Members this November and December! (Source: Become a member today so you'll be ready to pounce on this deal as soon as it's announced.
--------------------------------
NEW SWEEPS
* Win a 3-night trip for 4 to Universal Studios Hollywood!
* Win a 2-night trip for two to Orlando!
--------------------------------
Florida residents save over $13.00 per ticket to these theme parks!
--------------------------------
Airfare Sale: Book tickets by July 11, 2006, for travel through November 15, 2006. Travel to Orlando from $59!
--------------------------------
MORE CURRENT SPECIALS
* WDW Room Discounts for late summer: Value resorts - $25 off per night; Moderates - $50 off per night; Deluxe - $75 off per night; Cabins/Villas - $75 off per night!
* Kids go to SeaWorld FREE when you book this vacation
package!
* Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney
World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day
Expiration!
* More than 10 ways to win a FREE vacation to Walt
Disney World!
* Deals for the military, teachers, government workers,
nurses, Florida residents!
* Buy one, get one free tickets to Universal Studios and
Islands of Adventure!
* All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
* Special discounted rates for vacation packages at
Disneyland Paris!
* Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from $79 per night!
* Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person -
even during the holidays!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Admission to LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park (all four!): $139.95 for adults, $109.95 for kids (3-9)!
Unlimited Admission to LEGOLAND and SeaWorld and over 40 other attractions and tours from $49 per adult; $39 per child (3-12)!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Jack Sparrow Debuts at Magic Kingdom
"The anticipated reworking of Walt Disney World's classic ride Pirates of the Caribbean is complete and ready for a grand reopening Friday -- the same day Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, the second movie of the franchise, opens in theaters nationwide." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/04/06)
--------------------------------
"At Walt Disney World, Cinderella Castle is the backdrop for countless marriage proposals. Park managers recently created a $250 engagement package, which features a lunch or dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table, the restaurant inside the castle. During the meal, the engagement ring is presented in a crystal slipper, accompanied by a nonalcoholic toast. Then there's dessert -- chocolate slippers on a sponge-cake pillow." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/04/06) Call Guest Relations at the Magic Kingdom for details.
--------------------------------
Pirates and Princesses at the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney
"For the boys, there's the Adventure Room, which features a pirate theme. Girls reign over the Princess Room, complete with a spa-like salon, called the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique."
(Source: citizen-times.com, 07/02/06)
--------------------------------
"Disney acknowledges that a character in its kids' movie 'Cars' exhibits 'poor judgment' when it races a train to a crossing -- but the company says the dangerous stunt serves a purpose." (Source: suntimes.com, 07/01,06)
--------------------------------
Boy dies riding Rock 'n' Roller
"A boy from Kentucky riding Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster slumped over during the ride and later died though his Army Green Beret father attempted to resuscitate him. (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 06/29/06)
"A Kentucky boy who died after riding Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster had heart defects, a preliminary autopsy released Friday showed. Dr. Sara H. Irrgang, associate medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, also found no evidence of injuries." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona
"'The King's' signature NASCAR fantasy camp invites wannabe racers to take the wheel of an authentic stock car to run as many laps as they can afford, as fast as they dare. And the only prerequisites are a valid drivers license and a healthy appetite for speed." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/06)
--------------------------------
"Universal 360... has fireworks exploding, fire leaping, lasers spraying, music pumping and projected images dancing across Universal's lagoon, the building facades surrounding it, and the sky above." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/06)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
Mark writes:
"Dear John,
I wanted to take a moment and update you on our recent trip to Disney. First, let me say that Beth is one of the greatest travel agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She was able to masterfully guide me to a great place to stay for a reasonable cost. The shuttle service from the hotel was outstanding as were the meals at the hotel. The bonus was kids eat free so it ended up costing us very little for meals in terms of eating out in the Disney area.
We had an absolute lovely time and visited every park in Disney. This was my 16th time to Disney (a favorite spot of my parents while I was growing up) and was the 5th time that I took my family. Each time is magical and we are never disappointed in the new attractions that greet us. On that note:
Everyone needs to ride 'Soarin' in Epcot. Young or old, it does not matter. We were a bit concerned as we approached the ride with all of its warnings, but were we ever surprised by the ease of the ride and the relative little movement. This is an instant classic ride that will forever be a family favorite.
Nobody wanted to join me to ride 'Everest' so I went it alone. It was a long wait even with the fast pass but was well worth it. The attention to details leading up to the ride was phenomenal. The walking up to the ride was an event within itself. This alone was worth standing in line.
The only issue that I ran into was using our old Hopper passes. We had hoppers from five years ago, before signatures were required, and received questions entering the park. The attendant was reluctant to let us use these passes. I had bought these new years ago so I would definitely warn anybody that attempts to buy used tickets to not do it. The security around this was higher than a year ago. I went to guest relations and they issued me new tickets (with the signature spot) so I wouldn't have any other issues the rest of the week. They even gave me passes for free ice cream for my inconvenience.
We have no more days left on these tickets so we have established a 'bad behavior' jar in our house now that were home. If anyone does something that violates the family rules, they need to pay a quarter into the jar. As the money builds, we will be buying additional hopper passes.
I look forward to the Disney newsletters and to Beth's reports on different rides and parks."
Good advice, Mark. We've said it many times: do Not buy used tickets. Disney is checking tickets very closely. They are using finger scans and signatures. If you have old tickets without signatures, you might as well go to Guest Services before trying to use them at the gates and they will issue new tickets.
Seems to me that the bad behavior jar would encourage bad behavior since everybody wants to go back to Disney World, right? :) How about a good behavior jar where the parents contribute routinely to reward good behavior? If the kids misbehave, you don't add anything to the jar. They'll get the message.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, continues her Disney Cruise trip report:
"The monitors which usually show Disney movies to entertain the children were not working, so the hour-long wait for boarding dragged a bit. DCL now boards using a system similar to many airlines. When you arrive you get a card that tells you what group you're with, and then around noon they begin calling those groups. Although we arrived pretty early we were in group two - but groups one and two were boarded at the same time. We smiled for the photographers and then boarded the ship and were welcomed aboard with the announcement of our names. Then we headed up to the Parrot Cay dining room for a wonderful buffet lunch. (Lunch was also being served at the Beach Blanket Buffet.)
We were forced to drag along all our carry-on bags (camera, laptop computer, small duffle bag) since all of the cabin areas are roped off with signs that say they will be open at 1:30. They were serious. We spent about 25 minutes after lunch sitting on the steps outside the passage to our cabin before the ropes were dropped promptly at 1:30. Note to self: limit carry-on baggage next time.
Our category 9 oceanview stateroom was great for just the two of us... plenty of space and a huge, round window (think giant porthole), and it would be OK for three people as well, but if there are four of you then seriously consider the somewhat larger category 4 option if your budget can handle it - especially for a longer cruise.
I unpacked everything in our carry-on bag and then started looking through the printed materials left in our room while my daughter checked out what was playing on TV. She was thrilled to find out that the new Disney-Pixar movie Cars had opened in the movie theater at the same time it opened cross-country. Our status as repeat cruisers had also earned us a nice beach bag which she had fun checking out. Time flew and it wasn't long before the announcements for the mandatory drill started. When we opened the cabin door to head to our assigned position, there was our luggage! We tossed that inside and hiked up two flights of stairs to the main theater where we sat in our bulky orange vests until we were cleared (only a few minutes). Then back to the cabin to finish unpacking.
Then we went up to deck 9 to check out the bon voyage celebration and get a drink. It is SO nice to have that soda station up there now, free for all. Way better than having to buy a special mug. Before long we were underway, and after exploring the ship a bit more we headed back to the cabin to clean up for the evening. I'd have preferred early dining, but wasn't given an option and was assigned to the 8:15 seating. As we changed, the maitre d' called and informed me that he'd changed our table to accommodate a family that had been split up. So I corrected my dining card to the new table number and then we headed to the theater for the evening's big show.
On most ships, you need to show up about a half hour before show time if you want to sit front and center. You'd think that parents would be even more anxious to get those seats when their children are involved, but not the case here. We showed up at 6:00 for a 6:15 show and had no trouble getting great seats on the aisle near the front.
The opening night show, Hercules - The Muse-ical, was a big hit. It's a little bit slap-stick for my taste, but the kids love it and it's very well done. (This is an older show and I've seen it before, but I have to say I liked it better this time.) I find it amusing that Disney's managed to work some rather adult humor into the show in such a way that it goes right over the heads of the little ones watching. It's brief and subtle and it will throw you off a little when you first hear it, but once you realize your kids missed it completely you'll relax and have fun listening more closely to the dialogue.
After the show we had about 45 minutes to kill before dinner so we headed to the Oceaneer's Lab, filled out a little paperwork, and got a beeper assigned for the cruise. My daughter was given a wristband to be worn throughout the weekend as well as a badge that showed both her name and some codes that are apparently helpful to the staff. You're supposed to have these badges on your children whenever you bring them to play, and from time to time over the weekend they stuck color-coded dots onto the badge to further assist them in keeping the kids sorted out. (Nothing bad happens if you forget the badge; they will come up with something temporary.)
At 8:15 it was time to hit Animator's Palate for dinner. Our new table assignment paired us with another travel agent (from Virginia) and her 5-year-old son. Both children were VERY tired by then, and it didn't help that the service that evening seemed exceptionally slow. In fact, it seemed very slow to me all weekend - but I can't be sure that it wasn't tied to that piece of paper we all had to sign. Perhaps the servers had been informed of who the travel agents were (apparently there were plenty onboard) and were simply serving everyone else first. In any case, the food was excellent and Animator's Palate is always a fun restaurant to dine in.
It was nearly 10:00 by the time we left the dining room, and my daughter had a new burst of energy and begged to go to the Oceaneer's Lab to play for a bit. I conceded, and dropped her off there before heading to the internet cafe to sign up for the unlimited high-speed access plan ($39 for unlimited use on 3- and 4- night cruises, $89 for 7-night cruises). The ship now has wireless access in several locations as well, and I'd have loved to be using my laptop on deck instead of sitting at the sometimes crowded computer area; however, the wireless access is considerably more expensive and since I had to work while on board I went with the more economical choice. I have to say, though, that except for one time when access seemed to just crawl at a snail's pace, the internet speed was reasonably close to high-speed on land."
TO BE CONTINUED
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MONEY SAVING TIP
Businesses are promoting travel incentives due to high gas prices. Six Flags is offering $15 discounts to visitors with gas receipts. Best Western is including $50 gas cards when you stay three nights. (Source: USA Today, 06/30/06)
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AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:38 PM
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