°o° °o° °o° 9/11/09 DCL Announcement Discussion Thread °o° °o° °o°

[amystevekai&bump]

I'd give him a prize if I could. I've appreciated all his posts all this time and his predictions WERE almost all completely accurate. Be nice!

me too and I am concerned this may stop him posting, which would be a shame considering all the great advice he gives to so many of us!!

 

[gmark2000]

We just got back from Alaska. We stayed at the Hyatt in Vancouver. It was very nice. Parking at the Pier is really strange. You park in this dirt lot that has a fence around the lot. At first we were a little worried about leaving the car. But, it was ok. The port is not very nice. We went on Royal Caribeen and did not like it. We missed Disney.

Things are quite under construction in Vancouver because of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Actually the port is gorgeous. Architecturally stunning with the mountains and harbor backdrop, facing Stanley Park, North America's largest urban park.

This photo shows the cruise ship terminal under expansion, which is now completed.

This one shows the completed expansion of the Canada Place pier and you can see the construction of the convention center expansion right next door.

The new convention center expansion next door with additional cruise ship terminal is now completed. It will be the media center for the Olympics.

 

[Happy99]

I just listened to the announcement again and at that point he had not mentioned the Dream. He was talking about the Disney Magic and was talking about the 10 & 11 Med cruises for the summer. Then he said

"During 2011 we'll offer 3, 4, 5 and 7 night sailings from PC in FL and we'll visit famous ports such as KW, ST, SM, GC and Cozumel and of course every sailing will include a stop at our own special island CC."

The only thing they said about the Dream after that statement was made was reviewing the keel laying ceremony and saying that the new ships would be bigger than the current ships and then of course they showed the new statue of Donald.

Now what is interesting is that he said that they would continue to cruise to the Bahamas and the Caribbean but he did not list Nassau with the ports. Of course that is where the ships are registered so they should have to go there, right? There was an image of the welcome sign at Nassau in the keel laying ceremony video...so who knows.

Can you tell me where you listened to the announcement again? I missed it yesterday due to a meeting and would love to see the actual announcement but I can't find it. I only see the videos where they talk about Alaska

 

[cmash95]

Van Couver is a great city. I took and alaska cruise about 5 years ago and really enjoyed it. Not sure about it being a family destination though. Alaska isn't like the carribean where it's warm and there are beaches to sit at and sip fruity drinks all day. IT's very different. You go to see the scenery and get a glimpse of wildlife. There were only a few families on our cruise, mostly older adults with binaculars aimed at the water alot. Our ship did have a covered pool but it was hardly in use. I will say it was one of the most memborable trips i have taken but be warned it was expensive. We had what would equate to a catagory 6 room for two people for seven nights and back then it was a bit over 8000 dollars. that didn't inclulde airfare and anyextras onboard. so be prepared to shell out bucks but I have to admit it is well worth the cost. and if you love wildlife it's work the trip. especailly the whale watching in juneau.

 

[dato63]

me too and I am concerned this may stop him posting, which would be a shame considering all the great advice he gives to so many of us!!

I agree. I do find I look for his input on topics, and would hate to see that lost.

 

[WiscBill]

I just read this on the DCL webpage:

To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Café will be added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Café is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Café is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Café with the existing Cove Café one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes.

Hope that helps.

I found this to be very interesting since there are two possibilities that I see to do this:

1) They could remodel the existing Teen Space and turn it back it to something that resembles the old ESPN Sky Box and then turn the conference rooms into the teen space, instead of Ocean Quest. I think that's unlikely. They really need Ocean Quest and why bother to tinker with the Teen Club.
2) More likely I think is a major remodel of the area where the Outlook Bar is now. I have only been on the Magic (3 cruises since 2006) and have never seen that Bar opened. But it leaves the possibility that a remodel could be done in drydock. There are a couple of options that I see. One would be to extend and enclose the Bar over the adult pool. 2500 sq feet is a lot, so by my rough estimate that would enclose an area almost to the far end of the adult pool. It also would be a major remodel that would allow for the installation of some sort of retractable cover that could extend to the spa area. Another possibility is to extend and enclose the bar area so that encircles the entire front stack. That is consistent with the viewing claims, seems to be about the right square footage, and right number of seats. it would also allow for covers to be placed over both the adult and family pools.

Another question is who would be allowed into this Outlook Cafe? The only mention of access is through Cove Cafe which is adults only. Seems like it would not be fair to only restrict it to adults

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I like these figures! I'd love a Cat. 9 and these rates would be doable! Although I'm guessing that the starting rates that they are advertising will be for the earlier cruises (in May when school is still in session and maybe the last one in late Aug?) and the prices will increase somewhat (hopefully not TOO much) in between...peaking in July. That seems to be the case with other lines...

Sounds good to me, I hope Disney is reading!!!!

 

[Grandma4ever]

I found this to be very interesting since there are two possibilities that I see to do this:

1) They could remodel the existing Teen Space and turn it back it to something that resembles the old ESPN Sky Box and then turn the conference rooms into the teen space, instead of Ocean Quest. I think that's unlikely. They really need Ocean Quest and why bother to tinker with the Teen Club.
2) More likely I think is a major remodel of the area where the Outlook Bar is now. I have only been on the Magic (3 cruises since 2006) and have never seen that Bar opened. But it leaves the possibility that a remodel could be done in drydock. There are a couple of options that I see. One would be to extend and enclose the Bar over the adult pool. 2500 sq feet is a lot, so by my rough estimate that would enclose an area almost to the far end of the adult pool. It also would be a major remodel that would allow for the installation of some sort of retractable cover that could extend to the spa area. Another possibility is to extend and enclose the bar area so that encircles the entire front stack. That is consistent with the viewing claims, seems to be about the right square footage, and right number of seats. it would also allow for covers to be placed over both the adult and family pools.

Another question is who would be allowed into this Outlook Cafe? The only mention of access is through Cove Cafe which is adults only. Seems like it would not be fair to only restrict it to adults

I do not believe this improvement will alter the teen area. I understand it will use the space that has been unused for some time now known as the outlook bar. There is a possibility that behind the space that we can see that there is storage space that too can be converted. I believe that this will be an adult only space. Althoiugh I do not use those spaces that often I believe that there is a need and hope that they move forward with the plans. I will check it out next fall.

 

[mmouse37]

I found this to be very interesting since there are two possibilities that I see to do this:

1) They could remodel the existing Teen Space and turn it back it to something that resembles the old ESPN Sky Box and then turn the conference rooms into the teen space, instead of Ocean Quest. I think that's unlikely. They really need Ocean Quest and why bother to tinker with the Teen Club.
2) More likely I think is a major remodel of the area where the Outlook Bar is now. I have only been on the Magic (3 cruises since 2006) and have never seen that Bar opened. But it leaves the possibility that a remodel could be done in drydock. There are a couple of options that I see. One would be to extend and enclose the Bar over the adult pool. 2500 sq feet is a lot, so by my rough estimate that would enclose an area almost to the far end of the adult pool. It also would be a major remodel that would allow for the installation of some sort of retractable cover that could extend to the spa area. Another possibility is to extend and enclose the bar area so that encircles the entire front stack. That is consistent with the viewing claims, seems to be about the right square footage, and right number of seats. it would also allow for covers to be placed over both the adult and family pools.

Another question is who would be allowed into this Outlook Cafe? The only mention of access is through Cove Cafe which is adults only. Seems like it would not be fair to only restrict it to adults

The Outlook Bar used to be open certain times...(this was on the Magic)....they served great wings and panini sandwhiches. We would always go get some from there but they had very limited hours. I think a lot had to do with how windy it was right there. You could not stand there and eat...thing would blow away. A few years ago they stopped opening up at all. I can see how they would want to remodel that area and make it useable space. I like the idea of the new Cafe and I would guess (since it is attached to Cove Cafe) that it would be an adult only venue....but we will see. I don't think it is unfair at all. DCL has the most kids space in the industry. Would be nice to have another area, other than a dark nightclub, to hang out!

MJ

 

[kaseyC]

me too and I am concerned this may stop him posting, which would be a shame considering all the great advice he gives to so many of us!!

IMO, if a few posts from strangers on a Disney message board affects one so much that they no longer post it may be time for a reality check. In the scheme of things, this is nothing. So his predictions were off this year, too bad, so sad, let's move on. It's time to enjoy the excitement of the new itineraries.

Back on topic, We've done Alaska twice but never with our children. In 2011, they will be at great ages to enjoy the more active excursions. We will be trying to book for our family on 9/21/2009.

 

[Pudo]

IMO, if a few posts from strangers on a Disney message board affects one so much that they no longer post it may be time for a reality check. In the scheme of things, this is nothing. So his predictions were off this year, too bad, so sad, let's move on. It's time to enjoy the excitement of the new itineraries.

I have been posting on these boards since early 2002, joined about the same time as you. I have seen this type of thing happen time and time again.

There are always those that spend a lot of time researching and helping others and the bottom line is at some point the outcome results in where we are today.

AndrewUK, for better or worse, has a good heart and wants to help. How people view that is up to them.

As I have a tendency to say, “No good deed goes unpunished”.

 

[All Things Simba]

I mentioned DCL's Alaskan cruise itinerary to a friend of mine who has sailed Alaska with Holland America cruise line. She was surprised that Disney would start and end at Vancouver. Seeing the same area twice with only 3 ports. I also read here that Glacier Bay is a must see with its calving glaciers.

Holland America starts at only $600 for an inside stateroom, $700 for an ocean view room for their 7 day northbound Glacier Discovery cruise on their ship ms Ryndam. Their itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Seward, Alaska. This gave my friend time, and money, to add on days and train rides to see Anchorage and Denali National Park.

Here's their itinerary:

Vancouver - debark at 5:00 pm
Day at Sea
Ketchikan - 7-3pm
Juneau - 8-10:30pm
Skagway - 7-9pm
Glacier Bay - 7-4pm
College Fjord - 5pm - 8pm
Seward, Alaska - 6:00 am arrival

I think we could do a 7 night Alaskan cruise with Holland AND add extra land days in Alaska for less that what DCL is going to charge for the cruise alone. I'm not saying NOT to cruise with Disney... it's our favorite way to vacation! I'm just saying you may get more of an Alaskan vacation for your hard earned money with another cruise line.

We are going to wait til 10/29 for the rest of the 2011 itineraries to be announced and hope for a long caribbean cruise on the new Disney Dream!

Happy sailing everyone!

 

[mickeyteachers]

Vancouver has two different piers. The Royal was at the other pier. Did they do anything with the second pier? Also the area around the pier is not in very good condition. We saw alot of homeless people. Very sad. We then drove a couple blocks and were in a very rich area for shopping.
The parking at the pier is not that great. Have they changed that situation?

 

[renda460]

When you look at this picture, it looks like the new ship has an area at the front of the ship (not the crew area down below, but above the bridge) with a hot tub and private tables and chairs. This looks like it could be a suite, and a nice one at that!

I wonder what those port holes in the front of the ship will contain? Staterooms?

Also, did anyone notice in this picture that several of the verandahs are overlooking lifeboats? I would be careful when choosing your room when we can eventually book for this ship!

If you look on the old ships, the lifeboats were tucked in more so they seem to clear the verandahs.

The new ship also looks like it will have quite a few rooms (maybe 10 on each side of the ship) with obstructed view verandahs that maybe will be "secret rooms" eventually. I dont see anywhere that may give us hope for secret porthole rooms. I had thought maybe down by the lifeboats, just above the yellow stripe, but it doesnt look like those are rooms. If they were, we would see portholes on the other parts of that floor.

Does anyone have any thoughts on if the new ship will contain more rooms that can accommodate a family of 5? I am hoping that maybe they will give us some inside room options, instead of just the one family suite on the older ships. I hate that I have to either book the category 4, or two adjoining rooms for my 1 year old that makes up the 5th member of our family.

 

[bellelinus]

I have been posting on these boards since early 2002, joined about the same time as you. I have seen this type of thing happen time and time again.

There are always those that spend a lot of time researching and helping others and the bottom line is at some point the outcome results in where we are today.

AndrewUK, for better or worse, has a good heart and wants to help. How people view that is up to them.

As I have a tendency to say, “No good deed goes unpunished”.

Sadly, I have also seen this happen again and again

 

[Pudo]

I mentioned DCL's Alaskan cruise itinerary to a friend of mine who has sailed Alaska with Holland America cruise line. She was surprised that Disney would start and end at Vancouver. Seeing the same area twice with only 3 ports. I also read here that Glacier Bay is a must see with its calving glaciers.

Exactly the reason we won't be going either. We were excited about Alaska for a few fleeting minutes until we heard the itinerary. We are hopeful they do it better in the future.

 

[pillow]

That's a great price out of BWI. Which airline was that on?

I can't remember. I used travelocity - from BWI to Seattle - next July. I think I used July 24th - August 3rd or something close to that. If you pull rates plus or minus 3 days, you should see it. Since we're so far out from next July, I'm assuming that those rates are standard and not a special fare. Lets hope they stick around!

Jodie

 

[RedSox68]

Alaska and Disney what could be better?!

Disney and Hawaii?

 

[renda460]

I too was shocked at the low rates from BOS to Seattle. Booking this far out to next June was only around $340 per ticket on Expedia. I plugged in dates in March for southwest (as far out as they are booking now) and I got $99 each way from MHT to Seattle.

 

[disneydreamerbelle]

Have any of you used Holland America? I have only done Disney, but with the new tiered booking (I am silver) and already high prices I am now looking elsewhere. I can do the PC or Alaska for half of what it is speculated Disney will be. I have two young kids DS5 & DS1 so I am concerned about being comfortable with them on board.

TIA