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The Key Benefits


Andrew72681

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Has anyone purchased The Key yet on a recent sailing. As odd as it sounds, considering purchasing it for our 3 night sailing on Navigator for May. The Chops lunch and internet are a nice feature, but hoping to gather more info on the semi-private hours for the Flow Rider. My eight year is a huge fan of it, so an hour or so a day with way fewer people would be nice. The private reserved hour in the cruise planner is quite expensive. 

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Just now, Andrew72681 said:

Also, does anyone know where The Key falls in boarding area. We are in a junior suite and even without would get priority embarkation as a result of my MGM Mlife status. Does the Key fall before or after suites?

I have read of much variety on this subject. Some have reported that the Key folks board at the same time as the suites and some have reported that they board after the suites. To be honest, there’s no more than a few minutes difference either way.

So far, with my very limited experience with The Key, I can only report one area where I believe that The Key impacted our Star Class cruises these past 2 weeks.  That area is lunch on embarkation day. On embarkation day for our first cruise, Chops was really super busy for lunch.  It did not really impact us other than the atmosphere was much more manic than it has been in the past. I guess service was impacted slightly as our server was very preoccupied. On embarkation day of our second half of the B2B we decided to try Jamie’s vs Chops but to our disappointment, by the time the second cruise rolled around, they had started using both Chops and Jamies for The Key So our result at Jamie’s was very similar to what we had experienced at Chops. What used to be a very quiet and laid back embarkation perk for Star Class has now become a busy and noisy event.  It was predictable and inevitable. Other than lunch on embarkation day, we have not been negatively impacted by The Key at all. It seems to be very popular and working well.

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Had the Key for our cruise last week on Freedom of the Seas. Best part of the program was disembarkation with a leisurely breakfast, and we were escorted to customs past the lines, and went through with the Suite customers. Speaking to some of the other Key cruisers, one family said they had the flow rider to themselves for a whole hour, and really got some personal assistance and coaching. We also enjoyed being able to drop off our carry-on luggage at the theater and having it brought up to our room early. We would definitely do it again if the price is right. 

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2 minutes ago, KLA said:

I'm really excited to try this on Allure in September and hope the perks stay about the same. Since we would have bought VOOM anyway, it wasn't really a huge jump at all for all the other perks.

My wife and I are too! We'll be on Allure in May and we were lucky enough to grab it when it was $19.99/day. 

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Just now, JohnK6404 said:

My wife and I are too! We'll be on Allure in May and we were lucky enough to grab it when it was $19.99/day. 

Nicely done - I had literally just made the comment to my husband the day before the price increase that "we should maybe look at getting it before something changes".... and then the next day it went up. We grabbed it on the recent sale when it went back down to $25. 

Also, enjoy the Allure! We spent two weeks on Allure for our honeymoon and love the ship. 

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3 hours ago, Andrew72681 said:

Also, does anyone know where The Key falls in boarding area. We are in a junior suite and even without would get priority embarkation as a result of my MGM Mlife status. Does the Key fall before or after suites?

When I sailed on Mariner in early Feb (it seems like months ago, it was only 3 weeks ago) The Key went in with the very first group called. This may have been because the terminal was still almost empty when they started boarding, though.   I believe there was one or two hours dedicated to the Flow Rider. They were pretty early in the morning. (Keep in mind that for me, anything before 11am is "very early in the morning" because I'm a night-shift worker).

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3 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

It’s not a bad idea but for a family of four it would cost us $700 for a 7 night cruise. It just seems like a money grab to me, and them taking more of “what’s included away”. 

I’m not sure any of this is something that was included, especially at the Non-star class levels. It’s more of an a la carte program. WiFi, specialty lunch, etc.. have always had costs. Carnival’s faster to the fun program is 54.99 a person on a three night cruise, and is really just earlier access on and off with no real tangible benefits. 

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3 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

It’s not a bad idea but for a family of four it would cost us $700 for a 7 night cruise. It just seems like a money grab to me, and them taking more of “what’s included away”. 

It's definitely not a program that makes sense for everyone or every cruise. But there are some where it's a great deal. I booked it again for my 4-night cruise on Navigator in December.  

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Went ahead and did it while it was 19.99. Too many people mentioning it went up to 24.99 for them. The way I figure it, when you back out the WiFi and lunch at chops, I’m basically paying about 6 dollars per day per person. Even if it’s just a flowrider with a couple of people that’ll be worth it for my daughter. 

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2 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

It's definitely not a program that makes sense for everyone or every cruise. But there are some where it's a great deal. I booked it again for my 4-night cruise on Navigator in December.  

Your right about that if I was sailing solo it wouldn’t be a bad deal but with when everyone over 6 has to purchase it, it gets quite pricey. I. Still not of fan that royal has turned to nickel and diming for everything now though. 

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6 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

It’s not a bad idea but for a family of four it would cost us $700 for a 7 night cruise. It just seems like a money grab to me, and them taking more of “what’s included away”. 

Sounds like you need to find another cruise line then. One not interested in making $. Been to Disney lately or Vegas or any other entertainment complex?  It's all about maximizing profit per customer. Can you blame them?   I don't. 

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Just now, twangster said:

It it was nickels and dimes they were asking, I would likely pay a nickel or dime.  

I learned a long time ago about breaking things down to the obscenely small. So instead of my original point of 6 dollars per day of questionable value, we can look at it as twenty five cents per hour. Would I pay twenty five cents an hour for priority seats, disembark, etc.. yeah probably. Would be an even easier decision if we weren’t in a Junior suite Andrew I didn’t have MGM Mlife status. 

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3 minutes ago, GlennGlenn said:

Sounds like you need to find another cruise line then. One not interested in making $. Been to Disney lately or Vegas or any other entertainment complex?  It's all about maximizing profit per customer. Can you blame them?   I don't. 

My Vegas stay last week at Mandalay Bay was “Free” and by free I mean they didn’t charge me for the room but then charged me $41.95 a day for resort fee? And that WiFi certainly was not worth 42 bucks a day. And definitely no one using the pool when it was 35 and snowing in Vegas. It did make for cool views though on the way out of town. 

C0FA82AE-A0EC-434D-873F-5BB4C95FD736.jpeg

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Just now, Andrew72681 said:

I learned a long time ago about breaking things down to the obscenely small. So instead of my original point of 6 dollars per day of questionable value, we can look at it as twenty five cents per hour. Would I pay twenty five cents an hour for priority seats, disembark, etc.. yeah probably. Would be an even easier decision if we weren’t in a Junior suite Andrew I didn’t have MGM Mlife status. 

I'll buy it for twenty five cents per hour but only for the hours I want it  ?   

No sense paying for it all night while I'm sleeping.  

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@Andrew72681 Thanks. You made my point!!  Why is P, as in Profit, a bad word? These ships ( or casinos) cost billions, with a B.  Add to that the cost of lodging,entertainment , fuel, insurance , etc. . I look at it this way. RC could literally give cabins away, but then charge ( nickel and dime) for everything from a resort fee to food to services rendered.  It all comes out in the wash. It's pay me now or pay me later. 

 

Those who complain. The solution is simple. Don't cruise or  better yet, take a staycation. It's really very simple. 

 

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10 hours ago, GlennGlenn said:

Sounds like you need to find another cruise line then. One not interested in making $. Been to Disney lately or Vegas or any other entertainment complex?  It's all about maximizing profit per customer. Can you blame them?   I don't. 

Yes I’ve been to those places, do they charge for things that used to be included in the fee already paid? But thanks for the lesson on business seems like you really have a handle on things haha or not 

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Just now, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

Yes I’ve been to those places, do they charge for things that used to be included in the fee already paid? But thanks for the lesson on business seems like you really have a handle on things haha or not 

Genuinely curious - which of the items included in the key are items that used to be free? I’ve seen this argument often and it baffles me, but maybe I’m missing something. 

* Priority embarkation - those who had this still have this and they are just allowing Key people to also partake 

* Luggage drop off - added feature for this program (I believe, though I admit I’m newer to RCI cruising)

* Internet - always been a fee

* Lunch on embarkation day at Chops (or Giovanni’s/Jamie’s now) - always been a fee 

* Private hours on zip line/flowrider etc - from what I’ve seen, these are hours in ADDITION to the hours for the general public. It’s not like you need the Key to still use these features 

* Priority seating at shows - those who had this still have this. This is one I could possibly see frustration from suite/upper tier C&A members that there are now additional people eligible for this perk, but I have been reading all the reviews I can about The Key and it doesn’t seem to be a huge issue. 

* Special debarkation lunch - not previously offered to everyone and I believe the others who used to have it still have it 

* Priority debarkation/tendering - those who had it still have it, 100 additional people just have it now.

 

I think the fact that so far they seem to be staying firm on limiting The Key to about 100 passengers per ship helps keep things from being too crowded to the point where it would impact and annoy suite/pinnacle guests. 

 

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41 minutes ago, spiralqueen said:

Genuinely curious - which of the items included in the key are items that used to be free? I’ve seen this argument often and it baffles me, but maybe I’m missing something. 

It's a perception.  The only item is exclusive hours at designated activities. 

The flip side is this - if Royal had changed the hours of the flowrider for example, made them 10am to 2pm instead of 9am to 2pm, few people would notice or complain.  The fact that 9am to 10am is now exclusive to the Key for two days out of seven has people proclaiming a loss.   

It was their god given right to use the flowrider from 9am to 2pm and now Royal has taken away their birth right and granted it to Key people at a cost.  

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4 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

Yes I’ve been to those places, do they charge for things that used to be included in the fee already paid? But thanks for the lesson on business seems like you really have a handle on things haha or not 

Yes, Vegas has made their decision and now an average resort fee is around forty dollars. It includes all things that were included before (pool,gym, etc)

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22 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

It’s not a bad idea but for a family of four it would cost us $700 for a 7 night cruise. It just seems like a money grab to me, and them taking more of “what’s included away”. 

I get the sense that, the longer the cruise (and more people you have), the less valuable it is

 

21 hours ago, KLA said:

Nicely done - I had literally just made the comment to my husband the day before the price increase that "we should maybe look at getting it before something changes".... and then the next day it went up. We grabbed it on the recent sale when it went back down to $25. 

Also, enjoy the Allure! We spent two weeks on Allure for our honeymoon and love the ship. 

See, you jinxed yourself by saying it out loud.  Book it first, tell your husband later.  That's how I roll. ?

(Besides, you can always drop it & get a refund if you change your mind later.)

I'm trying it out on our October trip on Mariner.  Seems worth it for the VIP show seating, wifi, lunch & breakfast.  Not sure we'll make use of the bag drop (we only carry on what we'll want before the luggage arrives--i.e. sunblock, passports, hat & sunglasses) or priority boarding (we have never not walked right on the ship at 11ish) but I guess the perks are there just in case.  We could get stuck in traffic on the way to the port and have to wait in a line like savages.

 

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5 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

Yes I’ve been to those places, do they charge for things that used to be included in the fee already paid? But thanks for the lesson on business seems like you really have a handle on things haha or not 

Seems like the complaints about nickel and diming are consistent from your end.  NO ONE wants to get ripped off or even feel like they are, BUT strictly from a business point of view, RC has to pay a whole lot of $$ to suppliers, crew, ship costs etc.  The list is endless.  This is true for any business, large and small.  I suggest that IF YOU can find a cheaper or less expensive cruise line, then by all means, go to that line.  I'm sure you'll be happy (or not??).

 

1 hour ago, Andrew72681 said:

Yes, Vegas has made their decision and now an average resort fee is around forty dollars. It includes all things that were included before (pool,gym, etc)

@Andrew72681  Yet, that did NOT stop many from going to Vegas or RC for that matter.

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Just me, and FYI we do balcony.  We get the DPB.  We get Voom Surf and Stream for 1.  We do dinner packages. We do RCCL excursions.  We rent bungalows or cabanas.  Point being I am not going cheap.  The cheap part of our cruise is the room.  

However, that being said I would not pay for the Key.

1. The key would be like the DPB.  We would need to book both of us.  Even though it includes Voom, we only book 1 device.  We unplug on our cruises.  We don't need 2 devices.  Thus, the Key is already costing me more money.

2. It has never taken me more than 15-20 minutes to get through the terminal and onto the ship.  I don't see how going through the Key line is really saving me a ton of time.  OMG it takes me 30-45 mins, oh well, is that worth 20 bucks a day to me? NOPE

3. Chops for lunch.  As Waaaytoo has stated the restaurants are now frenzied with the Key passengers.  We are more the type that grabs a bite to eat at the WJ, and hang out at the pool before they cattle call us for the muster drill.  We purchase the dining package and the Chefs table.  Maybe if you don't purchase that, than the specialty at Chops is a good deal.  However, you could get a Chops lunch at 22 bucks pp.  So you aren't really saving money in the end if you think about it.  

4. Luggage drop off.  Okay, but that is still a maybe.  We are doing Adventure in July for 8 nights.  I don't think 320 for the 2 of us is worth it.

5. I have been on different size ships.  Anthem has been the largest.  Anthem allows you to reserve for shows.  All of the seats in their theaters were good.  They had 3 specialty shows, if you reserve and show up early enough you will get great seats.  Even if you don't, this is not like Madison Square Garden in size.  You still will be able to see the show just fine.  Adventure does not offer this option.

6. I live to eat, not eat to live.  The breakfast/lunch for the last a.m. means nothing to me.  

Thus, when I do the costs, $320 for 8 nights is not worth it.  Now if they added something from the spa, I might re-think it.  $320 would pay for my Voom Surf/Steam (1 device), Chefs Table (2),  and just shy of a 3 night specialty(2 ).  I could run it another way.  It would pay for my catamaran excursion (2), my spa lime scrub and pedicure, our galley brunch (2).  

Just me, but I have a limited budget.  Room and excursions mean more to me than getting on the ship 15-30 mins faster or a "special seating" for shows, or even a breakfast the day I am getting off the ship.   We plan to do Symphony in 2020, and if it came down to costs, the Key would be at the bottom of my totem pole.

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Just now, Pima1988 said:

Just me, and FYI we do balcony.  We get the DPB.  We get Voom Surf and Stream for 1.  We do dinner packages. We do RCCL excursions.  We rent bungalows or cabanas.  Point being I am not going cheap.  The cheap part of our cruise is the room.  

However, that being said I would not pay for the Key.

1. The key would be like the DPB.  We would need to book both of us.  Even though it includes Voom, we only book 1 device.  We unplug on our cruises.  We don't need 2 devices.  Thus, the Key is already costing me more money.

2. It has never taken me more than 15-20 minutes to get through the terminal and onto the ship.  I don't see how going through the Key line is really saving me a ton of time.  OMG it takes me 30-45 mins, oh well, is that worth 20 bucks a day to me? NOPE

3. Chops for lunch.  As Waaaytoo has stated the restaurants are now frenzied with the Key passengers.  We are more the type that grabs a bite to eat at the WJ, and hang out at the pool before they cattle call us for the muster drill.  We purchase the dining package and the Chefs table.  Maybe if you don't purchase that, than the specialty at Chops is a good deal.  However, you could get a Chops lunch at 22 bucks pp.  So you aren't really saving money in the end if you think about it.  

4. Luggage drop off.  Okay, but that is still a maybe.  We are doing Adventure in July for 8 nights.  I don't think 320 for the 2 of us is worth it.

5. I have been on different size ships.  Anthem has been the largest.  Anthem allows you to reserve for shows.  All of the seats in their theaters were good.  They had 3 specialty shows, if you reserve and show up early enough you will get great seats.  Even if you don't, this is not like Madison Square Garden in size.  You still will be able to see the show just fine.  Adventure does not offer this option.

6. I live to eat, not eat to live.  The breakfast/lunch for the last a.m. means nothing to me.  

Thus, when I do the costs, $320 for 8 nights is not worth it.  Now if they added something from the spa, I might re-think it.  $320 would pay for my Voom Surf/Steam (1 device), Chefs Table (2),  and just shy of a 3 night specialty(2 ).  I could run it another way.  It would pay for my catamaran excursion (2), my spa lime scrub and pedicure, our galley brunch (2).  

Just me, but I have a limited budget.  Room and excursions mean more to me than getting on the ship 15-30 mins faster or a "special seating" for shows, or even a breakfast the day I am getting off the ship.   We plan to do Symphony in 2020, and if it came down to costs, the Key would be at the bottom of my totem pole.

Boom, well stated!!!   The beauty of it is, YOU can either choose to participate or NOT.  You choose NOT  and that's you're right.  I appreciate the fact that you don't complain about it or state that you're getting nickeled and dimed. 

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Just now, Pima1988 said:

Just me, and FYI we do balcony.  We get the DPB.  We get Voom Surf and Stream for 1.  We do dinner packages. We do RCCL excursions.  We rent bungalows or cabanas.  Point being I am not going cheap.  The cheap part of our cruise is the room.  

However, that being said I would not pay for the Key.

1. The key would be like the DPB.  We would need to book both of us.  Even though it includes Voom, we only book 1 device.  We unplug on our cruises.  We don't need 2 devices.  Thus, the Key is already costing me more money.

2. It has never taken me more than 15-20 minutes to get through the terminal and onto the ship.  I don't see how going through the Key line is really saving me a ton of time.  OMG it takes me 30-45 mins, oh well, is that worth 20 bucks a day to me? NOPE

3. Chops for lunch.  As Waaaytoo has stated the restaurants are now frenzied with the Key passengers.  We are more the type that grabs a bite to eat at the WJ, and hang out at the pool before they cattle call us for the muster drill.  We purchase the dining package and the Chefs table.  Maybe if you don't purchase that, than the specialty at Chops is a good deal.  However, you could get a Chops lunch at 22 bucks pp.  So you aren't really saving money in the end if you think about it.  

4. Luggage drop off.  Okay, but that is still a maybe.  We are doing Adventure in July for 8 nights.  I don't think 320 for the 2 of us is worth it.

5. I have been on different size ships.  Anthem has been the largest.  Anthem allows you to reserve for shows.  All of the seats in their theaters were good.  They had 3 specialty shows, if you reserve and show up early enough you will get great seats.  Even if you don't, this is not like Madison Square Garden in size.  You still will be able to see the show just fine.  Adventure does not offer this option.

6. I live to eat, not eat to live.  The breakfast/lunch for the last a.m. means nothing to me.  

Thus, when I do the costs, $320 for 8 nights is not worth it.  Now if they added something from the spa, I might re-think it.  $320 would pay for my Voom Surf/Steam (1 device), Chefs Table (2),  and just shy of a 3 night specialty(2 ).  I could run it another way.  It would pay for my catamaran excursion (2), my spa lime scrub and pedicure, our galley brunch (2).  

Just me, but I have a limited budget.  Room and excursions mean more to me than getting on the ship 15-30 mins faster or a "special seating" for shows, or even a breakfast the day I am getting off the ship.   We plan to do Symphony in 2020, and if it came down to costs, the Key would be at the bottom of my totem pole.

I agree, not worth it. 

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Just now, GlennGlenn said:

Boom, well stated!!!   The beauty of it is, YOU can either choose to participate or NOT.  You choose NOT  and that's you're right.  I appreciate the fact that you don't complain about it or state that you're getting nickeled and dimed. 

He just explained why it isn’t worth it. But I agree with you Boom

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4 minutes ago, Pima1988 said:

...the Key would be at the bottom of my totem pole.

Technically the bottom of the totem pole often contains better work from more skilled carvers. ? 

I agree with your assessment of the Key for my needs but like many things value is in the eye of the beholder. 

I have little use or desire for specialty dining and resent the insinuation that in order to have a 'proper' meal you have to pay more money over and above what has already been paid for food.   I'm not a foodie though.  To other people specialty dining makes the overall cruise experience better.  To each their own.

I've started flying Southwest more because it can be cheaper.  There is no first class cabin.  I don't find value in paying double or triple for a 3 hour flight to have a bigger seat.  Other's gladly pay for that experience.  To each their own.    

 

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16 hours ago, GlennGlenn said:

@Andrew72681 Thanks. You made my point!!  Why is P, as in Profit, a bad word? These ships ( or casinos) cost billions, with a B.  Add to that the cost of lodging,entertainment , fuel, insurance , etc. . I look at it this way. RC could literally give cabins away, but then charge ( nickel and dime) for everything from a resort fee to food to services rendered.  It all comes out in the wash. It's pay me now or pay me later. 

 

Those who complain. The solution is simple. Don't cruise or  better yet, take a staycation. It's really very simple. 

 

I will continue to cruise on Royal I don’t really care about your opinion. You clearly drink the Kool-aide and follow blindly, I do not if something doesn’t quit shake out in my mind I’m going to question it. 

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Wait, which cruise website am I on again?

100% this is a to each their own thing. What is valuable to one person may not be valuable to another. In the end, it's not going to affect my own cruise experience. The particular introduction of the key poses little impact to those who have chosen not to purchase the key. It is what it is. 

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We got the key for 3 of us for our April Symphony cruise.  I got it at $19.99, which is only a few dollars more pp than getting the surf and voom internet.  Being able to get on earlier and the chops lunch make it worth it too.   I don’t really care about dropping my carryon luggage off, it’s on wheels so it’s not a pain. 

One of the big perks I wanted it for was private times at the flow rider, zip line and rock wall, but have since found out my daughter isn’t tall enough to go on the flow rider or zip line so we won’t even be using those.  She lives rock walls though, at least she can use that one.

Vip seating and shows and not having to wait in line as long for shows is totally a perk we’ll use.  If you’ve ever waited in line with a first grader with ADHD, you would understand why.

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2 minutes ago, LindaN said:

We got the key for 3 of us for our April Symphony cruise.  I got it at $19.99, which is only a few dollars more pp than getting the surf and voom internet.  Being able to get on earlier and the chops lunch make it worth it too.   I don’t really care about dropping my carryon luggage off, it’s on wheels so it’s not a pain. 

One of the big perks I wanted it for was private times at the flow rider, zip line and rock wall, but have since found out my daughter isn’t tall enough to go on the flow rider or zip line so we won’t even be using those.  She lives rock walls though, at least she can use that one.

Vip seating and shows and not having to wait in line as long for shows is totally a perk we’ll use.  If you’ve ever waited in line with a first grader with ADHD, you would understand why.

I also like that I get a chance to use the flow rider - I felt that since I am going during the first week of August there will be some many families on board and that the line will turn me off from even trying - I don't mind now going to a 9 am time slot so that I can at least have a few times to have a run on the flow rider. And since I am going cruising with a group of people the MDR will the main place to eat but it is nice I get to have lunch at Chops with my wife on the first day (As long as they have a steak for me and fish for my wife than that's fine).

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