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

[goofieslonglostsis]

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

You summed up precisely all the plusses of renting I've pun on my mental list. SSR would come down to $1970 for those 2 weeks when using a $10,- p.point price. Not that huge a difference from WDTC UK if you factor in the "free" standard diningplan price to that. OKW would be $1540,- which would definately make it more interesting to rent rather than go through Disney themselves. Just not sure yet what I find most important, what I am and aren't comfortable with etc. I guess I'm just being a combination of plan-control-freak and a real Libra. Surely I'll have something booked when september comes round, right?

 

[Pinky166]

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

Welcome back Jan, hope you & your son are feeling better today. Hugs to you both.

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.

Scary stuff, glad to hear she is feeling better today.

Happy Anniversary for tomorrow.

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......

Hope you manage to come to a decision, things like that drive me crazy until i've got it booked then I can rest.

I've rented DVC points a few times now & it is certainly cheaper.

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

I didn't realise you could add the dining plan at check in.....do you know how much is it for the 1 TS, 1 CS, & 1 snack option?

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!!

That's a very useful list....maybe Karen can add it to the first page?

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 Matt, Mindi & children.

I don't know the answer to your question, maybe someone on last years WBTA can answer......

 

[MandyGirl]

Yes they do

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

Yay!! I love the personalized stuff for my girls. For some reason Curt thinks they have plenty of blankets though

 

[MandyGirl]

its mine and gary's 5th wedding anniversary so think we're going to go out for dinner or something.

WooHoo!!!

 

[MandyGirl]

We have been married over 41 years now!!

Congratulations!

 

[granmaz]

Congratulations!

Thanks. Just look how young we looked.

 

[MandyGirl]

Thanks. Just look how young we looked.

Beeeee-you-ti-ful!!!

 

[Pinky166]

Aww that's a lovely pic Maz. My parent's have been married 45 (& a half) years & your photo looks so similar to one i've got of them.

 

[granmaz]

Aww that's a lovely pic Maz. My parent's have been married 45 (& a half) years & your photo looks so similar to one i've got of them.

It is funny how dated they look isn't it? Well done to your parents. It really is a Loooooong time.

 

[squitty]

Claire the DDP is $45.99 for that one, we will be adding it to our booking when we make it.

We're hoping to stay at the BWV after the cruise, just have to wait till our 7 month window though as our home resort is VWL.

Congratulations for tomorrow Karen and Gary

Marilyn that photo is great....I bet you don't look any different. Hope we make it to 41.

We've been married 23 years. It's actually our anniversary on the cruise 24th one. Our anniversary is the 19th Sept, so we'll be at sea.

 

[granmaz]

Claire the DDP is $45.99 for that one, we will be adding it to our booking when we make it.

We're hoping to stay at the BWV after the cruise, just have to wait till our 7 month window though as our home resort is VWL.

Congratulations for tomorrow Karen and Gary

Marilyn that photo is great....I bet you don't look any different. Hope we make it to 41.

We've been married 23 years. It's actually our anniversary on the cruise 24th one. Our anniversary is the 19th Sept, so we'll be at sea.

I am waiting for the 7 month window also!! We won't be adding the dining plan though after all that eating on the cruise. Last time all we wanted were small meals and snacks and pleasing ourselves. We did get a little fed up of good food to be honest and craved beans on toast!!! Also we like eating offsite too.

It will be great celebrating your wedding anniversary on the cruise. I hope you have mentioned it on your reservation.

 

[Pinky166]

It is funny how dated they look isn't it? Well done to your parents. It really is a Loooooong time.

They do look dated but in a good way, some era's are too funny!

My mum & dad were childhood sweethearts, they got together when they were 12 (mum) & 13 (dad)!!!! They have been through a lot together & I sometimes wonder how they haven't throttled each other as they are together 24/7!

Claire the DDP is $45.99 for that one, we will be adding it to our booking when we make it.

We're hoping to stay at the BWV after the cruise, just have to wait till our 7 month window though as our home resort is VWL.

Thanks Michelle, I might work out if it's worth while adding it to my January stay at AKV as we will be eating onsite quite a bit. I guess I need to do the .

I hope you manage to get BWV's, i've never stayed there but hope that one day I will get around to staying at them all.

We have got 3 nights at BLT but we won't have any park tickets after the cruise, I am hoping MNSSHP will be on one of the nights.

How fab to be celebrating your Anniversary on this cruise.

I am waiting for the 7 month window also!! We won't be adding the dining plan though after all that eating on the cruise. Last time all we wanted were small meals and snacks and pleasing ourselves. We did get a little fed up of good food to be honest and craved beans on toast!!! Also we like eating offsite too.

It will be great celebrating your wedding anniversary on the cruise. I hope you have mentioned it on your reservation.

What resort are you hoping to book Maz?

What offsite restaurants do you like? We are hoping to try a couple of new places in Jan & Sept.

 

[granmaz]

They do look dated but in a good way, some era's are too funny!

My mum & dad were childhood sweethearts, they got together when they were 12 (mum) & 13 (dad)!!!! They have been through a lot together & I sometimes wonder how they haven't throttled each other as they are together 24/7!

What resort are you hoping to book Maz?

What offsite restaurants do you like? We are hoping to try a couple of new places in Jan & Sept.

They really have known each other for a very long time. I was 19 and John 20 when we met. Now John is retired it is a bit more difficult being together all the time, but really we are the best of friends, and I think that is a bug plus.

I fancy either BCV or BWV, but we like BCV the best. In the end I don't mind if it has to be SSR as we both love there anyway, we just like being close to Epcot and DHS occasionally.

As far as offsite restaurants go our favourite is Seasons 52. Sweet Tomatoes if our very favourite cheaper place, even John loves it and he doesn't like salads!!! There is so much else to choose from though. We like the usual chain restaurants on the whole. Bahama Breeze is excellent but we have only been the once. We don't eat out much really, and we don't usually go for the Mexican or spicy type places. There are loads of fantastic places out there.

 

[MandyGirl]

Bahama Breeze is excellent but we have only been the once.

We lost our's here in the Dallas area, and so did Curt's grandparents in Oklahoma City. We also used to pass one in St Louis when driving from the airport towards the Missouri wine country, and I think that one closed as well. Loved that place though, especially their strawberry pina coladas! We even had a "bridal happy hour" there after my bridal shower at school. Such a happy, relaxed place with good food!!

 

[MandyGirl]

FYI... just have to share... my friend is at the port waiting to board the Magic. I had to hold back tears seeing her Facebook picture of her son hugging Mickey!! She said she has never seen her son so happy! I just can't wait to see my Sarah hugging Mickey... she's about the same age. I only hope the costumed characters don't scare her (she can be weird about that!).

I don't know if my friend looked at port of call stats... but they are docked with several other ships in St Thomas (pax count of 19,000+) and of course with Wonder at Castaway Cay. Going to be a crowded Thanksgiving week of cruising the Caribbean! We've done Turkey cruises twice - but on HAL - but still busy busy busy!

 

[granmaz]

We went to Disneyland Paris with our son and family when our eldest grandaughter was just 6. She was absolutely petrified of the characters and had a major meltdown, screaming, running, you name it. From then on we had to really keep a look out for characters or she just freaked out. She did manage to approach one of the princesses, but that is all. It was the animal ones really that were the problem. I just couldn't believe it and it was so disappointing. I think she still has bad memories and she is 12 now!!!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Marilyn, love your weddingdress. I'm a sucker for the high necklines on a weddingdress. Always sophisticated and can still be very femanine and sexy.

And I think you got the right era to marry. My mom and dad hit their 36th this year and let me tell you; wrong period fashionwise imho. Black and white pictures so easily give any look a lovely grace about it but let's just say the colorpicture didn't help much when it comes to my dads wedding custome and it's color.

 

[granmaz]

Marilyn, love your weddingdress. I'm a sucker for the high necklines on a weddingdress. Always sophisticated and can still be very femanine and sexy.

And I think you got the right era to marry. My mom and dad hit their 36th this year and let me tell you; wrong period fashionwise imho. Black and white pictures so easily give any look a lovely grace about it but let's just say the colorpicture didn't help much when it comes to my dads wedding custome and it's color.

I can just get the dress on one leg nowadays!!!

We do have just a few coloured photos taken by other guests. They really don't look quite as old as the black and white ones oddly!

So, what colour was your dad's wedding costume?

 

[squitty]

I am waiting for the 7 month window also!! We won't be adding the dining plan though after all that eating on the cruise. Last time all we wanted were small meals and snacks and pleasing ourselves. We did get a little fed up of good food to be honest and craved beans on toast!!! Also we like eating offsite too.

It will be great celebrating your wedding anniversary on the cruise. I hope you have mentioned it on your reservation.

I had never thought of it that way Marilyn. The only thing is that we are not hiring a car so can't get off site to eat. This will be the first time in 20+ that we will not have a hire car. I don't know how we are going to manage.

Yes, I think we mentioned when booking that it was our anniversary

They do look dated but in a good way, some era's are too funny!

My mum & dad were childhood sweethearts, they got together when they were 12 (mum) & 13 (dad)!!!! They have been through a lot together & I sometimes wonder how they haven't throttled each other as they are together 24/7!



Thanks Michelle, I might work out if it's worth while adding it to my January stay at AKV as we will be eating onsite quite a bit. I guess I need to do the .

I hope you manage to get BWV's, i've never stayed there but hope that one day I will get around to staying at them all.

We have got 3 nights at BLT but we won't have any park tickets after the cruise, I am hoping MNSSHP will be on one of the nights.

How fab to be celebrating your Anniversary on this cruise.



What resort are you hoping to book Maz?

What offsite restaurants do you like? We are hoping to try a couple of new places in Jan & Sept.

I would love to stay at BLT Claire, but we don't have enough points. BWV's are lovely, but the long walks to the rooms can be a bit off putting

We usually have AP's but we're not going to bother with them next year as we'll only be there a few days after the cruise. We have a few 1 day tickets to use up.

FYI... just have to share... my friend is at the port waiting to board the Magic. I had to hold back tears seeing her Facebook picture of her son hugging Mickey!! She said she has never seen her son so happy! I just can't wait to see my Sarah hugging Mickey... she's about the same age. I only hope the costumed characters don't scare her (she can be weird about that!).

I don't know if my friend looked at port of call stats... but they are docked with several other ships in St Thomas (pax count of 19,000+) and of course with Wonder at Castaway Cay. Going to be a crowded Thanksgiving week of cruising the Caribbean! We've done Turkey cruises twice - but on HAL - but still busy busy busy!

Aww it's great when they're young enough to do things like this.
My DD was 6 when we first took her to WDW and she had no trouble with the characters. I love looking back at all our photos with them being so cute cuddling and kissing the characters, queueing up for the autographs.
They grow up so quickly!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I can just get the dress on one leg nowadays!!!

We do have just a few coloured photos taken by other guests. They really don't look quite as old as the black and white ones oddly!

So, what colour was your dad's wedding costume?

Ssttt, our little secret. You must know that 70's brownish-orangish color.