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Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Fri February 18, 2011 5:54am [ Post a Review ] 


Views: 17208

 Posted by: ldeglian Wed February 2, 2011 (moved to Disney Dream category)


We sailed the maiden voyage of the Dream Jan 26-30. We had a fantastic time. While we are Disney cruise vets, it took us some time to figure out where things were and how to get there. We met up with crew we have met on other cruises and met some new folks as well. We were told that 50% of the crew is new and that was apparent as there were some minor issues with service and attention to detail that we hadn't seen on other cruises. In addition, there are some weird things to navigate--like getting to the aft elevator through Cabana's or getting to Palo and Remy, but overall, we loved the ship and can't wait to sail again!!

Rating: 10
Product Details: "Disney Dream Overall Experience" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ********* 9.20

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Fri February 18, 2011 5:52am [ Post a Review ] 


Views: 17208

 Posted by: Ranger275 Fri February 11, 2011 (moved to Disney Dream category)


Just got back from a 4 day cruise on the Dream from Feb 6-10. It was amazing. The new ship is even better than the Magic and Wonder and I thought they were incredible. We have been on 5 cruises and this was the best yet.


We were told that all the restaurants were upgraded, and to us, they were. The food was great and they looked great as well. In fact, in the past, Palo just seemed so much better than the regular dinners but with the regular dinner restaurants being so much better, Palo while still great, didn't stand out as much. The new buffet is far better laid out and not nearly as crowded. The food was fantastic. This is one area that was just a lot better.


We were very impressed with the shows, even better with the new theatre. We didn't go to any movies in the new movie theatre, they just never seemed to work out time wise.


The shops, while carrying most of the same merchandise, were just amazing and looked great.


In the past, we always used the stairs, since you need the exercise after all the eating and it was faster. But now with the ship being so much bigger, we used the elevators a lot more. Our room was on the 2nd deck and to walk to the 11th was quite a climb.


Our room was a inside stateroom and we ended up with a handicap room which actually was great. It was bigger and more open and it was nice to have such a big bathroom. The virtual port hole was great even though the special guests on it were very rare. We did see Tinker Bell a few times. We just get inside staterooms since we are never in the room. We just save the money for other things on board.


The family and kid's pools are now together and that area is a mad house. We didn't bring our kids this time but it really makes that area loud and crowded.


The adult pool area right around the pool is smaller and shaded most of the day. They do have upper decks to use and they were great but you couldn't sit by the pool or in the pool at all and get sun. We just used the upper decks and had a great time.


They have given a pretty large area to just a teen area. Not sure why when they combined the kid's and family area and seemed to make the adult area smaller. But the teen area is large and very nice. If you were a teen you would be very happy to enjoy your area. We also looked at the kid's clubs and were very impressed. Even more to do and I almost wanted to stay and play.


The adult night club district is great and you have a large variety of clubs. This was Super Bowl weekend and it was very fun to watch the game with a lot of crazy fans. The ship had lots of parties going on for the game. Very beautiful areas to enjoy a drink


We were told that only 2,900 people were on board and the ship could hold 4,000 so it was nice not having it full.


The staff was great as always and we even ran into a few that we knew from before. We were told that have the staff is new and half from the other ships. I believe our server and definitely our asst server were new, not bad but not up to what we have had in the past.


The spa was beautiful and we used the Rain Forest room and had massages. I also used the work out room. The whole area was great though our massage wasn't as good as some we have had on the ship before. Locker rooms were great also.


Just an amazing ship! We loved it and booked another cruise for next year on board. It was hard to believe that they made it better but they did!

Rating: 10
Product Details: "Disney Dream Overall Experience" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ********* 9.20

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Fri February 18, 2011 5:50am [ Post a Review ] 


Views: 17208

 Posted by: gardajohn Sun February 13, 2011 (moved to Disney Dream category)


Returned this morning from a 3 night cruise on the Disney Dream. The ship itself is fantastic and the staff are very warm and friendly. This was our first cruise. Having to pay for non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on all decks other than Deck 11 sometimes felt a little like Disney was nickel and diming us. It wouldn't hurt the cruise line to provide free popcorn for the shows rather than sell bags as they do. Also, I really didn't like having an automatic gratuity added at meal times when I ordered a glass of wine. We prepaid our gratuities and it felt somewhat over the top that the server who kept our water glasses full received an additional tip for bringing me one glass of wine.

Rating: 7
Product Details: "Disney Dream Overall Experience" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ********* 9.20

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Sat May 22, 2010 6:59am [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 44362

 This review of Star Wars Merchandise was sent in 5/21/10 from Chris:


I am sending this in the hopes it can help out some of your readers who are going to be attending Star Wars Weekends. After going through this today, I think it would be good to spread the word about the ridiculous change Disney made to the merchandise area this year.


Attending Star Wars Weekends for another year is always fun, and basically everything that applies to previous years regarding autographs, character greetings, the shows, etc. remains the same.


The only change, and it is a big one, is how the merchandise is being handled, and today I saw a lot of people end up spending a long time waiting in a line they didn't have to be on.


To make things easier, I will break down the merchandise into three categories:


General Merchandise - These are the Star Wars and Star Wars Weekend items that are available to everyone, and in plentiful supply.


Passholder Merchandise - These are the items that are only available to Disney Annual Passholders (or, in one case, Vacation Club Members).


Limited Merchandise - These are the items where you are restricted in the number you can buy, and there is a limited amount available.


In past years, Disney set up the merchandise in the large, warehouse-like "Hot Set" area. All the General Merchandise was spread out on the floor. The Passholder Merchandise was available at the multiple (I think over 15) registers by request. Limited Merchandise was off to the side, with a separate line to purchase, and you could approach the line (not crossing into it) and see the items.


For whatever reason, Disney decided to ditch this method and go with a different setup. The "Dark Side Depot", which is outdoors in what is normally a merchandise area has the same Star Wars items that are always available at Hollywood Studios, along with the Star Wars Weekend Event Shirts and Caps.


For everything else, you have to go to "Boba's Bounty" which is located in the air conditioned exit area of the Studio Backlot tour. Here's where the problem begins.


There is a long lineup area outside, then a line that works it's way through the inside area before emptying into the surprisingly small shop area. At the head of the line, a cast member lets people into the shop area "nightclub style" meaning they wait until people have exited and they feel there is sufficient room to let in more shoppers.


Inside the small shop area, you have to get on a short line to see and select the "Limited Merchandise" while the General Merchandise is spread out on the store floor, and the Passholder Merchandise is again at the registers (of which there are six).


Obviously, them using a smaller area and less registers is already going to cause a backup, but it gets worse because only two people are manning the Limited Merchandise area, making for slow going.


On top of that, many people waiting on line might have no interest in the Limited Edition items, but they still end up waiting on this line, just to be able to go grab General Merchandise or go to the registers to get Passholder Merchandise.


To their (slight) credit, Disney did have a cast member occasionally come out and state that if someone only wanted General Merchandise, they could be pulled from the line and let into the store (this was only to those waiting on line on the "inside" not those still lined up outside the doors).


However, I saw this lead to at least once instance where a person was allowed in, and then they walked over and got in the line for the Limited Merchandise (hardly fair to the others).


There was also confusion over whether those who wanted Passholder Merchandise had to stay in the line, or if they could be "bumped up" and allowed in the store (which they could be, since that merchandise was at the registers, not the Limited Merchandise table).


To give you an idea of how bad the line got, we had a one hour wait outside (and this was DURING the only "Stars Of The Saga" talk show), then another hour-plus inside. I can only imagine how long the wait was earlier in the day.


Needless to say, the consensus of almost everyone I spoke to on line is that Disney made a mistake in changing the merchandise setup, and while I can understand the need for a lineup for the Limited Merchandise, they should make those items TOTALLY SEPARATE from the Passholder and General Merchandise... you know, like it used to be!
Product Details: "Star Wars Weekends (Disney's Hollywood Studios)" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ******** 7.63

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Tue October 14, 2008 8:21pm [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 90495

 This review is by: Victor


Just had Dinner at the new T-Rex cafe in Downtown Disney and wanted provide a quick review.


Today was the grand opening for the public and the ever present queue was long. Since I was alone I was able to stroll up the the bar and eat. The libations are interesting and include Cotton Candy martinis as well as various cretaceous and jurassic themed drinks that are available with or withour the keepsake glass.


The menu is extensive and varied. I enjoyed the tuna appetizer which consisted of lightly seared ahi tuna chopped and served on a thin wafer (think square tortilla chip) with mango, avacado and a mild teriyaki based sauce. It was very good.


I also had a gigantosauras burger which lived up to its name and was also great. I will not rehash the menu here but I will say no one I spoke to had anything bad to say about what they had ordered and all the portions were generous.
The service was friendly and conscientious.


The theming is amazing with various room concepts that range from the Ice Age, The Ocean and a general cave/grasslands. There are numerous aquariums and you can see that the overall design borrows from the Rainforest Cafes(same parent company) The ceiling periodically bursts into meteor showers (projected with sound effects).


There is a themed store with a Build a Dino area(about 10 different types) a la Build a bear workshop. There is a sand pit play area adjacent to the store.

Rating: 7
Product Details: "T-Rex" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ******* 7.42

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Mon June 9, 2008 9:40pm [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 6128

 This review is from Karen and her husband Gary, who were on the West Bound Panama Cruise May 2008.


Rated a 10 from both of us, great all around experience, highly reccommended


Requires confidence by the rider. Rider needs to trust the mount, due to changes in terrain, rocky, crossing shallow rivers, up and down climbs and descents, narrow sawitchbacks. Trail was dusty at times. About 1 1/2 hour ride.


Waterfall was low due to dry season so no swimming or wading in the water. We had 30 aminute break and bottled water at the waterfall stop. Once off the horses it was a 5 minute walk to waterfall


Ranch had clean bathroom. Pre-ride breakfast, tortillas and great cinnamon coffee. Safety lecture given, helmets available.


Post ride lunch on a nice shaded patio. Great lunch, cowboy rope tricks for entertainment.


Coach transportation with a very informative and enthusiastic guide. Ranch staff very friendly and helpful, pictures for sale, best of the 3 rides I took on this cruise.


Karen did 3 Horseback Excursions and rated this one the best, a 10. She also did Horseback riding in Accapulco (Rated 4) and Cabo San Lucas (Rated 7).

Rating: 10
Product Details: "Puerto Vallarta" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ******** 7.50

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Mon June 9, 2008 9:34pm [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 5983

 This review is from Karen who was on the West Bound Panama Cruise May 2008.


Cabo San Lucas - Pacific Side Horseback Riding. Good for a first time rider. Ride for about 1 hour, van ride to ranch. No helmets available.


Short ride through desert like area with all cactus, then onto the beach. Safety lecture pre ride. It was windy so you may want to wear a sweatshirt. Guides would take your picture using your camera if you wanted.


Beautiful scenery, clean ranch, photographer present, pictures for sale. Not a lot of time after ride. Given a bottle of water, then offered pictures for sale, then back in to the van for the ride to the ship.


Would have earned more points if the guides were a little better and we didn't feel rushed.



Karen did 3 Horseback Excursions and rated this one 7. She also did Horseback riding in Accapulco (Rated 4) and Puerto Vallarta (Rated 10).

Rating: 7
Product Details: "Cabo San Lucas" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ********* 8.50

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Mon June 9, 2008 9:30pm [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 4300

 This review is from Karen who was on the West Bound Panama Cruise May 2008.


Acapulco by horseback is good for a beginner or first time rider. Terrain is level. We went through poor areas of town then to the beach. Beach part was scenic, walking of horses only.


Ride lasted about 1 hour. The guide was on horseback, informative and helpful. Coach transportation guide was informative. Lunch was a box type, on a covered patio, with very nice surrounding gardens. Bathrooms on grounds, a little primitive but clean. Helmets available and pictures for sale.


Not recommended simply because of the rundown neighborhood and having to ride through those streets to the beach.


Karen did 3 Horseback Excursions and rated this one 4, the lowest. She also did Horseback riding in Cabo (Rated 7) and Puerto Vallarta (Rated 10).

Rating: 4
Product Details: "Acapulco - Possible Panama Canal Crossing Port of Call" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: *** 3.25

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Sun June 10, 2007 2:30pm [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 2999

 Maddalena Archipelago
Adults $159, Children $149


"Cruise through tranquil blue waters on a motorboat tour of the picturesque Maddalena Islands and immerse yourself in a relaxing beach break under the warm Mediterranean sun. Boat will anchor off beach."


SandyF:
This is what I consider the Med to be. It was a somewhat dull ride over. Once we got there and made the crossing to the Archipelago - it was gorgeous, absolutely stunning.


I would highly highly recommend it to anyone who has the image of buildings up the side of a cliff and the blue Med sea.

Rating: 8
Product Details: "Olbia, Sardinia" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ********* 9.00

Last Review Posted by allears - posted products and: Sun June 10, 2007 2:17pm [ Post a Review ] 
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Views: 5248

 Mt. Vesuvius Hike and Pompeii
Adults: $129


"Embark on a guided hike up the slope of Mt. Vesuvius for an intimate glimpse of the towering crater before exploring the ancient city remains of Pompeii. The hike at Mt. Vesuvius includes approximately 100 minutes of walking across a half mile of uneven and rough uphill terrain.


Rob and Keith:
Experience of what we saw, a 10 - no way to describe things that are that old. However, it was very misrepresented.


Weather was horrible and hike description did not come close to what it was really like. We were ill prepared for the hike as were others in our group due to the lack of accurate information beforehand.


The climb was more severe and grueling, people were not prepared for the intensity of the hike. Very cold at the top of the mountain. Did not have proper clothes with us. Conditions were bad and not properly presented.


Not many people can say they looked down into a volcano like Vesuvius - very thrilling to do.


Lunch very good, served traditionally pizza from Naples and wine and drinks, appetizers and dessert.


Rained in Pompeii - tour poorly organized and we didn't have as much time as described. We were rushed through. Our guide did have a Whisper listening device so you could understand the guide. She was very good, like watching the Discovery Channel.


The beginning of our day had a 1 hour detour to a cameo factory that was not in the description which shortened our time in Pompeii. Did not like the detour.


Again, the experience itself is beyond words, but the execution was not great.

Rating: 6
Product Details: "Naples, Italy" by allears - posted products and: - Rating: ******** 8.33

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