*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain-Taking the Magic Home

[granmaz]

Good line Marilyn!!

And i didn't even notice!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

My husband & I will be on the Disney Western Transatlantic cruise in Sept. So looking forward to it!

We went on the Disney Meditteranean cruise last May and had a blast! After the cruise, we stayed in Barcelona for 2 nights at the Renaissance Airport (quite a ways from everything but the bus service was very easy to navigate). We're hoping to stay this time at Le Meridien on Las Ramblas. The port is not far at all from Las Ramblas. We had a great time just wandering around seeing the churches, Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia, the market on Las Ramblas, etc. Just be aware of "pick-pocketers"! They are very good at what they do!

We would be interested in the fish extenders, candy swap, and secret mickey santa. We did fish extenders last time and it was fun! Haven't done the candy swap and secret santa so I will have to read the earlier posts to make sure what they are.

Hope everyone has a truely magical week-end!~

Debra

Welcome to the group, Debra!

As far as the candy exchange goes; basically it's a couple of us bringing along candy and/or chocolate that are more or less typical to the state or country we come from to exchange with others in the swap. If you want to participate; just sent me a PM with the info of your group, if there are any allergies be sure to let me know so we can make sure those don't have to be a problem.

 

[middleofamerica]

Hello Again! We are Matt and Mindi and will be cruising with our three kids who will be 9, 7, and 4 on the cruise. I did have a question that I haven't seen answered yet. On our previous cruises we have had things like the DCL lanyards with pins, the shoulder bags, etc., are they still doing things like that, or did they on the last WBTA? Just curious if we'll be getting any goodies! Thanks!

 

[birkner]

Hello Again! We are Matt and Mindi and will be cruising with our three kids who will be 9, 7, and 4 on the cruise. I did have a question that I haven't seen answered yet. On our previous cruises we have had things like the DCL lanyards with pins, the shoulder bags, etc., are they still doing things like that, or did they on the last WBTA? Just curious if we'll be getting any goodies! Thanks!

Welcome aboard again!! I will post my "Welcome Wagon" post to help you with answers to your questions:

We are Noel and John and this will be our 5th cruise on DCL. Our last cruise was the 2010 WBTA so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask or PM me.

Please check this first page link of the thread to orient yourself about the cruise, DIS members on the cruise and all the activities planned.

To help you with all the activities that are planned, here is some information to help you decide if you want to participate:

1. If you are interested in participating in the FE, please PM Pat (PFlamingo) with the following details:
Send her your stateroom number, Disboard name, first name of each person in the stateroom, realtionship to you (DH, DW, DD, DS, etc) ages and gender of children. You can cut and paste the format below.
Stateroom #:
Disname:
First name:
Age:
Disname:
First name:
Age:

2. If you are interested in the Candy Swap, please PM Jacqueline (goofieslonglostsis).

3. If you are interested in Secret Mickey Exchange, please PM Karen (karentan).

4. If you are interest in getting a WBTA lanyard, please PM Noel (birkner). See this lanyard link for example of the previous 2010 WBTA lanyard.

Hopefully, a group of DISers will volunteer to underwrite the lanyards as they did last year so they will be free to the rest of the DISers. We already have several people offering to be part of the lanyard underwriting group. If you wish to join, please send Noel (Birkner) a PM. If we get enough members, the cost should be $10 or less per member.

5. If you are interested in a WBTA lanyard pin, please PM Noel (birkner). See this pin link for example of the previous 2010 WBTA pin.Cost will be approximately 4,5 or 5 Euros per pin.

6. If you are interested in participating in a Mickey Mouse Club night, please check out this Mickey Mouse club post.

7. I am thinking of organizing the same tour I did last year in Madeira. Here is the Madeira link to a PDF file that gives more information about the 2010 tour. If you are interested, please send Noel (birkner) a PM.

 

[karentan]

welcome to all our new cruisers, and to those who have given us more info as to who everyone is!
i've updated the list on my computer, and will update the list on page 1 soon as too tired to do it at the moment.

only just got home from work, (at 1am), was supposed to be home at least an hour earlier than i was, but was just about to finish work when one of my managers (who has a severe nut allergy) had an allergic reaction. she ended up being taken to hospital by two of the girls i work with, i ended up staying behind late to make sure she was ok and went off ok, and to help the other (new) manager to finish cashing out properly.
so bit tired and off to bed now!
but heard from one of my coworkers that she's at the hospital, her mum is there now and she's ok. which is great news. i can go to bed now knowing she's ok.

 

[ebony]

Hi everyone,

Sorry I havent been around for well over a week.

Unfortunatley this can be quite a regular occurance, for me to have a week off from the boards every so often.
I have a 21 year old son with C.F. who sometimes needs a lot of my time and I have Chronic Pancreatitis. This last time it has been due to my son who is now a lot better.

'BUT' I always come back to the boards and try to read back, over the thread to catch up.

I love the new name/title for our group and am very impressed, at all the information posted already.
I dont think I have anything more to add, as Carl and I were another couple like John & Marilyn who spent a lot of time chilling and did very few activities etc on the lst T.A

I see that there have been some more people who have signed up for the cruise and I would like to say and big 'hello' to you all
and

 

[MandyGirl]

Hi everyone,

Sorry I havent been around for well over a week.

Unfortunatley this can be quite a regular occurance, for me to have a week off from the boards every so often.
I have a 21 year old son with C.F. who sometimes needs a lot of my time and I have Chronic Pancreatitis. This last time it has been due to my son who is now a lot better.

Hugs to your son! (And to YOU!) Chronic conditions really are crap, and it is awesome you are able to help care for him through the trying times.

 

[MandyGirl]

Thought y'all might like to see this deal...

Personalized fleece throws $12 at the disney store (free shipping and free personalization)

http://www.disneystore.com/home-decor/bed-bath/throws/mn/1000334+1001222/

WAS 19.50 NOW 12.00

Free Shipping and Free personalization with code FLEECE

 

[squitty]

Hello Again! We are Matt and Mindi and will be cruising with our three kids who will be 9, 7, and 4 on the cruise. I did have a question that I haven't seen answered yet. On our previous cruises we have had things like the DCL lanyards with pins, the shoulder bags, etc., are they still doing things like that, or did they on the last WBTA? Just curious if we'll be getting any goodies! Thanks!

Welcome for the first time from me Matt, Mindi & Family

Hi everyone,

Sorry I havent been around for well over a week.

Unfortunatley this can be quite a regular occurance, for me to have a week off from the boards every so often.
I have a 21 year old son with C.F. who sometimes needs a lot of my time and I have Chronic Pancreatitis. This last time it has been due to my son who is now a lot better.

'BUT' I always come back to the boards and try to read back, over the thread to catch up.

I love the new name/title for our group and am very impressed, at all the information posted already.
I dont think I have anything more to add, as Carl and I were another couple like John & Marilyn who spent a lot of time chilling and did very few activities etc on the lst T.A

I see that there have been some more people who have signed up for the cruise and I would like to say and big 'hello' to you all
and

Hi Jan

Sorry to hear you were not well....sending {{{hugs}}} to you and your DS.

Thought y'all might like to see this deal...

Personalized fleece throws $12 at the disney store (free shipping and free personalization)

http://www.disneystore.com/home-decor/bed-bath/throws/mn/1000334+1001222/

WAS 19.50 NOW 12.00

Free Shipping and Free personalization with code FLEECE

Disney have been redirecting us lot from the UK to the UK disney site for a couple of years now. I don't know why they do this, it's a bit of pain though.

We have bought from .com before but always get caught out with UK customs when the postman delivers the packages

They might have something similar on the .co.uk site, off to look.

 

[squitty]

They might have something similar on the .co.uk site, off to look.

Yes they do

http://www.disneystore.co.uk/blankets-bed-sets/c/300129/

 

[granmaz]

Hello Again! We are Matt and Mindi and will be cruising with our three kids who will be 9, 7, and 4 on the cruise. I did have a question that I haven't seen answered yet. On our previous cruises we have had things like the DCL lanyards with pins, the shoulder bags, etc., are they still doing things like that, or did they on the last WBTA? Just curious if we'll be getting any goodies! Thanks!

Hi. Yes there are still goodies 'given' away. You get DCL lanyards at check in, and a welcome gift for returning cruisers waiting in your stateroom. At the moment it is a nice bag with 2 metal mugs with spouts, 2 rice crispy treats and a key ring. If it is a couple of years since you cruised, the bag is different to the one you got then and much more useable. If you are eligible to go to the Castaway Club get together(6th cruise upwards) there were plastic printed Champagne flutes given out.

On the WBTA we also got a Ducky Lithograph and a cute miniature travel trunk decorated with the names of places visited, and dated with our cruise. Quite nice to keep little bits and pieces in. Not sure about special pins for this cruise as i don't collect them, but I don't remember any announcements about any at all. If you are a DVC member you can pick up pins and other little things every day though.

welcome to all our new cruisers, and to those who have given us more info as to who everyone is!
i've updated the list on my computer, and will update the list on page 1 soon as too tired to do it at the moment.

only just got home from work, (at 1am), was supposed to be home at least an hour earlier than i was, but was just about to finish work when one of my managers (who has a severe nut allergy) had an allergic reaction. she ended up being taken to hospital by two of the girls i work with, i ended up staying behind late to make sure she was ok and went off ok, and to help the other (new) manager to finish cashing out properly.
so bit tired and off to bed now!
but heard from one of my coworkers that she's at the hospital, her mum is there now and she's ok. which is great news. i can go to bed now knowing she's ok.

That sounds scary Karen. Does she carry an Epipen for these occasions? Glad she is ok.

 

[karentan]

yeah she carries an epipen (although not everyone knows she's even allergic so probably wouldnt know what to do if she had a reaction) and had to use it in the end. she's texted me this morning and she's still not 100% but she's at home and feeling better now which is great news.

but today is a new day and back to normality! at work later, then i've got a day off tomorrow, its mine and gary's 5th wedding anniversary so think we're going to go out for dinner or something.

 

[granmaz]

yeah she carries an epipen (although not everyone knows she's even allergic so probably wouldnt know what to do if she had a reaction) and had to use it in the end. she's texted me this morning and she's still not 100% but she's at home and feeling better now which is great news.

but today is a new day and back to normality! at work later, then i've got a day off tomorrow, its mine and gary's 5th wedding anniversary so think we're going to go out for dinner or something.

Congratulations Karen and Gary. I hope you find somewhere special to eat.

We have been married over 41 years now!!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Karen, good to hear your manager is doing fine. I'm sure it was a stressfull day for all. Never is standard, to see or have an allergic reaction that is more severe like a peanut one.


Jan, good to hear son is doing a lot better. Let's keep our fingers crossed he'll have a long period of little to 'none' symptoms for as far as that's possible with CF obviously.


Those personalisable fleeces are cute! Have to control myself, have to control myself. *chants this as mantra for today*. I've got a serious love for fleece throws and my nr 1 is the Fairies one I got through the US online disneystore. So really have to control myself and repeat I do not need one and it's better to invest that money into this cruise and postcruise stay first. Disney throws will always be there and be cute.


I'm so torn with trying to decide at which resort to stay after the cruise. I know it has to be onsite as that's making my life just too easy. Really loved our stay at SSR last year for the convenience of WPE as a neighbour and being able to walk to the Lynx busstop for my offsite shoppingspree. On the other hand; it aint the cheapest option, even through WDTC UK with free dining. Also that would be the regular dining plan and that doesn't really best fit my needs. Heck, I'm getting a feeding tube put in place because of some eatingproblems, so it's not as if I'm spontaniously going to make the best of the diningplan. On the other hand, that does make having WPE as a neighbour that much easier as somehow my body tends to stomach their food a bit better. But you can only spend each $ once. Budget isn't that great for this trip, so why not safe what you can and if it turns out have a nicer budget for the shoppingspree. WDTC UK offers a nice price on the mods+free dining, better than the free dining through the US. And it's with the QS diningplan, which fits me better although not "perfect". Turns out about 30% discount on rack rates + amount of $ I calculated in for food if I'ld be paying OOP and combine disney food with groceries. But; CBR aint in that pricerange and I love CBR.

Another option is to rent DVC-points. That would be cheaper, esp. when going for OKW and having WPE as an almost neighbour. Then again that comes with me trusting a renter and them mee, whereas with Disney you know what you get. I've even looked into the values with free dining. Was considering it because of the price -leaves more for fun things- but realised each time I even see a value when on the DME I get overwhelmed with the business and a bit of a down feeling I get from them. Not an option when needing to spend so much time at a resort/in the room, I decided. Sigh, if only I could just make up my mind or find the patience to not go half nuts with unrest as long as that's not booked. Spoiled brat behaviour......

 

[karentan]

congrats on 41 years!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Happy anniversary Gary and Karen!

 

[karentan]

Another option is to rent DVC-points.

i was just about to suggest renting points. i've done it through the disboards twice now and am going to do it again for next year. you can get SSR for $130 a night sun to thursday, or $150 friday to saturday.
works out soooo much cheaper, and you can decide to add dining plan later if you want. it gets paid at check in with DVC

good renters that have done it before have contracts and references, and will accept payment plans. its worth heading over to the rent/trade board just to have a look

 

[granmaz]

I'm so torn with trying to decide at which resort to stay after the cruise. I know it has to be onsite as that's making my life just too easy. Really loved our stay at SSR last year for the convenience of WPE as a neighbour and being able to walk to the Lynx busstop for my offsite shoppingspree. On the other hand; it aint the cheapest option, even through WDTC UK with free dining. Also that would be the regular dining plan and that doesn't really best fit my needs. Heck, I'm getting a feeding tube put in place because of some eatingproblems, so it's not as if I'm spontaniously going to make the best of the diningplan. On the other hand, that does make having WPE as a neighbour that much easier as somehow my body tends to stomach their food a bit better. But you can only spend each $ once. Budget isn't that great for this trip, so why not safe what you can and if it turns out have a nicer budget for the shoppingspree. WDTC UK offers a nice price on the mods+free dining, better than the free dining through the US. And it's with the QS diningplan, which fits me better although not "perfect". Turns out about 30% discount on rack rates + amount of $ I calculated in for food if I'ld be paying OOP and combine disney food with groceries. But; CBR aint in that pricerange and I love CBR.

Another option is to rent DVC-points. That would be cheaper, esp. when going for OKW and having WPE as an almost neighbour. Then again that comes with me trusting a renter and them mee, whereas with Disney you know what you get. I've even looked into the values with free dining. Was considering it because of the price -leaves more for fun things- but realised each time I even see a value when on the DME I get overwhelmed with the business and a bit of a down feeling I get from them. Not an option when needing to spend so much time at a resort/in the room, I decided. Sigh, if only I could just make up my mind or find the patience to not go half nuts with unrest as long as that's not booked. Spoiled brat behaviour......

We like SSR too, but also Port Orleans as they have the boat to DTD which is very nice. I love the theming of both FQ and Riverside, but FQ is my favourite.

congrats on 41 years!

Thanks. I still get a shock when I see it written down!!

 

[granmaz]

This is some info a fellow cruiser found on the last TA about WiFi spots. Not sure if they all work of course.


Gibraltar

Free wireless is available in the following places:

Fresh - a cafe/bar just down through the archway when leaving the main square towards the bus stops.
The Gibraltar Arms - about half way down the main street.
The Lord Nelson - just by the tunnel exiting the main square.
The Cannon Bar - behind the Catholic Cathedral.
The Clipper - on Irish Town near Tuckey's lane. Ask bartender for password.
Corks Wine Bar - on Irish Town near the Clipper. WEP key is written on a chalkboard above the bar.

Madeira

It appears there are several free wifi hotspots around the island

http://www.wifi-madeira.com/ing/Default_ing.html

St Maarten

From a blog page:
Many places now have FREE wifi. Be sure to carry your computer in something watertight as sometimes a dinghy ride in the Simpson Bay Lagoon can be quite wet depending upon your dinghy and weather.

Here's a few places accessible from Simpson Bay:

MacDonalds near Simpson Bay Bridge (use Palapa dinghy dock)
Bubble Tea in same building as MacDonalds (use Palapa dinghy dock)
Ric's Sports Bar near Simpson Bay Bridge (has dinghy dock)
Taco Macho - next to Texaco station (might be allowed to tie up behind gas station at Texaco dock, or use Palapa dock and walk towards airport, or use Portofino marina behind Gourmet Marche and walk just beyond the Shell station in the direction of the bridge)
Blue Martini, ex-Fathoms, (between Bobby's Boatyard and Turtle Pier) has dinghy dock

Jimbo's Mesquite Grill at the Simpson Bay Marina - use marina dinghy dock
Cappuccino Diner Bar & Restaurant (across from FedEx & Domino's Pizza) - use dock behind FedEx?
Turtle Pier restaurant at Turtle Pier Hotel (Airport road) & Marina (dinghy dock in the lagoon) Happy hour, too!

From another source (can't remember where I found it!)
By the way, many businesses on island and virtually all of Front Street, the Boardwalk and the Great Bay beach area are now (WiFi) Wireless as a service to tourism. So, if you have a laptop, you may be able to skip the cyber café and do your work or email from a restaurant or a bench on the beach

Tortola

The Pub
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: (284) 494-2608
thepub@surfbvi.com

Internet access available at a rate of $5.00 per half hour, with use of their computers. Free Wi-Fi available to customers.

Serendipity Bookshop & Internet Cafe
Main Street
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: (284) 494-5865
E: serendipitybooks@gmail.com
www.bvibooks.com

We offer free Wi-Fi with own laptop, our own computer, printing. Our machines are Skype enabled, all situated in a converted historic house above the bookshop. All full range of coffees, teas, cold drinks, sandwiches, wraps, paninis and home-made cookies & cakes.

 

[granmaz]

We did come across the Madeira ones quite easily. They have signs up where they are, and you only have to spot folk sitting with their laptops!!! Well done Madeira!!