No wbta 2013

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruiser Wannabes!

CORTE INGLES! Mecca! We finished every single day there, having tea in the 9th floor restaurant. AND they have fitters for 'boulder holders' that sold me the best ones I've ever had. AND bags oh my the BAGS. A whole art supply section. LOVED IT.

There is a little wine shop across the street from the hotel we stayed - the last morning, we were over there before she opened to get provisions for the cruise. I'm not a wine drinker (or a drinker at all, really) but was tempted into trying the local CAVA. Oh, my. I bought a bottle and wish I'd bought 6!

Happy Day, all!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

It took me awhile to figure out what "boulder holders" might be...but I think I've got it now!

It's been fun researching and passed some time as the weather has been so yucky here in Central Florida thanks to Beryl. I should not complain though as we desperately needed the rain.

LindaBabe, thanks for the tip on pre-ordering tickets for Sagrada Familiar. Saw a couple of places to order. Viator Tours with a tour guide - but it appear one can order directly and get an audio guide (headphones?) for far less money AND a bit more time.

And of course one must do tapas, right?

 

[youalleverybody]

Any suggestions for a party of seven? We have five kids. We usually just get two hotel rooms, but I've read that some hotel rooms only hold two people! I'll have to find one that sleeps three and four.

 

[annichan]

Must do in Barcelona is
Sagrada Familia. Get your ticket before, than you don't have to stand in line.
Parc Guell also from Gaudi.
Casa Batlo or Casa Mila also Gaudi.
Up to the Montjuich with cable car.
I loved the magical fountains. They played a lot of songs of Disney.
And so much more.

Also the Gothic Quarter (Carrer Gotic) off Las Ramblas, just go for a walk in the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere, we loved it!

 

[birkner]

It took me awhile to figure out what "boulder holders" might be...but I think I've got it now!

It's been fun researching and passed some time as the weather has been so yucky here in Central Florida thanks to Beryl. I should not complain though as we desperately needed the rain.

LindaBabe, thanks for the tip on pre-ordering tickets for Sagrada Familiar. Saw a couple of places to order. Viator Tours with a tour guide - but it appear one can order directly and get an audio guide (headphones?) for far less money AND a bit more time.

And of course one must do tapas, right?

Here is some advice I passed on to others after I started researching the options in Barcelona since John and I were spending more than a week in Barcelona each time.

Barcelona (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/)

If you are going to visit the museums on their list, I suggest you pre-buy the Barcelona Card to get the museum discounts.
http://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelona/Barcelona-Card-with-Guidebook/d562-2512BCARD?pref=02&aid=g1758

In Barcelona, we used Pepito Tours (http://www.pepitotours.com/) to do a two tours, one of Monseratt and one of Girona and the Dali Museum on sequential days with several other DiSers. Both those tours are more appropriate for adults.

We also used Spain Day tours (http://spaindaytours.com/flamenco-barcelona.html) to book a Flamenco Dinner show.

I would suggest you use the hop on hop off buses to see some of the sights which we did one day. We used the Viator site (http://www.viator.com/Barcelona-tours/Hop-on-Hop-off-Tours/d562-g12-c97?pref=204&aid=m10341) where we pre-purchased our tickets. We printed out the vouchers at home and exchanged them for the actual tickets at the Barcelona airport. Check out the Viator site for lots of information.

On the bus, we visited places like the Sagrada Familia, the Barcelona Cathedral and Museum (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/spain/barcelona-cathedral-la-seu) (http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/index.php)the Park Guell, (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/albums-en/gaudi-park-guell/)

We opted for guided tours everywhere we went and had paid online for the extra tours.

John and I also walked to the Picasso Museum (http://w3.bcn.es/V66/Home/V66XMLHomeLinkPl/0,4589,417470534_417617303_3,00.html) from our hotel.

At the end of La Rambla, we visited the Maritime Museum (http://www.mmb.cat/?idApartado=97).

Though we did not make it there, there is a chocolate museum (http://pastisseria.cat/en/PortadaMuseu) in Barcelona.

Also, a friend of our did a cooking class (http://www.cookandtaste.net/) and made gazpacho, omelette, paella, and crema catalonian.

Of course, you will want to see the Fountains of Monjuic (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/albums-en/magic-fountains-montjuic/)if you have time in the evening. Be sure to check website for times and schedule

We ate our anniversary dinner at Aqua (outside on the beach). I recommend it highly and the cost was not prohibitive. I made reservations online for 9:30 PM. Be aware most Barcelona restaurants open quite late.

Our favorite tapas bar was off La Ramblas called Taverna Basca Irati at Cardenal Casanas 17 which you pay one price as each tapa has a toothpick inside and they charge by the number of toothpicks you eat. Also we tried several of these tapas bars from the UK Site

Some of our friends took the train to and did some wine tasting. They took a regional train for just a few euros from Passeig de Gràcia or Sants to Sant Sadurni d'Anoia (about 1 hour trip, many trains per day, can't book in advance). Just across the station you have the Freixenet cava winery. Then, take a taxi (or walk about 20-25 minutes) to Codorniu cava winery. This is not only a great cava producer, the cellars are an Art-Noveau marvel.

Then, you may take the train to Vilafranca del Pendés (next town, 5-10 minutes ride). The medieval town center is nice and you can find many places to eat for a reasonable price. After lunch, you can visit the Wine Museum, or take a taxi to Torres (one of the biggest quality wine producer not only in Spain but internationally). Torres produce a wide range of wines and they offer short tasting courses so it may be something to investigate.

Another couple did the Viator Wine and Cava tour.

Last but not least, here are two websites which give lots of info on kid friendly type activities like the Aquarium, Zoo etc.
Kids in Barcelona (http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/2010/tourist-guide/families/barcelona-with-children-12660)
Kids in Barcelona2 (http://www.kidsinbarcelona.com/content/view/43/95/)

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Oh wow - thank you, thank you, thank you for this post!!!

I already know I HAVE to see the Flamenco show! I am definitely going to work to come to Barcelona many days early!!

 

[birkner]

Oh wow - thank you, thank you, thank you for this post!!!

I already know I know HAVE seen the Flamenco show! I am definitely going to work to come to Barcelona many days early!!

The flamenco dinner show we did in Barcelona was fabulous. I may still have some pics on FB.

 

[LindaBabe]

Any suggestions for a party of seven? We have five kids. We usually just get two hotel rooms, but I've read that some hotel rooms only hold two people! I'll have to find one that sleeps three and four.

GOOD LUCK! My experience trying to find one that slept 3 has shown you're probably going to need it.

Noel, WHAT a fabulous list!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Any suggestions for a party of seven? We have five kids. We usually just get two hotel rooms, but I've read that some hotel rooms only hold two people! I'll have to find one that sleeps three and four.

This link might help: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/hotels/genres/family-friendly-hotels-barcelona.html Family Friendly Hotels

 

[Skylarr29]

For those of you needing rooms for larger families I will find the hotel I was looking at, I must not have saved it. I found it on trip advisor while going through 100's of hotels to find something that would fit all of us. It was an apartment style hotel with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments but you booked like a hotel and there is a lobby etc. from what I understand.

 

[birkner]

GOOD LUCK! My experience trying to find one that slept 3 has shown you're probably going to need it.

Noel, WHAT a fabulous list!

Thanks, Linda, as you know I am an OCD planner!

 

[geffric]

Thanks for the Barcelona tips..I copy and pasted them into word for keeping for the trip.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Happy Saturday everyone! Just can't let this thread go into oblivion and hit more than the 7 pages behind mark.

I'm not sure if people on here read the Facebook thread or not, but someone posted that they sat next to the DCL VP on the Wonder. He commented that the WBTA should be announced in the next few weeks. Hope that is true!

 

[Skylarr29]

Happy Saturday everyone! Just can't let this thread go into oblivion and hit more than the 7 pages behind mark.

I'm not sure if people on here read the Facebook thread or not, but someone posted that they sat next to the DCL VP on the Wonder. He commented that the WBTA should be announced in the next few weeks. Hope that is true!

I wonder how long "in the next few weeks" means? At least that means there will be one!! At this point I've waited so long I was hoping they'd wait until September so I can get my placeholder while on the Wonder in August.

 

[bound2travel]

I wonder how long "in the next few weeks" means? At least that means there will be one!! At this point I've waited so long I was hoping they'd wait until September so I can get my placeholder while on the Wonder in August.

I feel the same as I cruise in Sept as well. But I will book when it comes out and then see what I can get onboard in Sept.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruiser Wannabes!

Well, that's a crumb to keep us going another few weeks. The last ship was 'full' but not at capacity. Although there are a few enthusiasts anxiously waiting here, i'm betting you'll be able to reshop it in September for a better price, if you don't have a placeholder waiting.

If this one comes through, that'll shoot our travel budget for next year, lol.

At least, the house next door has sold, so we won't be doing yard work for two any more.

The rain has stopped, at least temporarily and the place is as green as Ireland!

 

[sssteele]

Here is some advice I passed on to others after I started researching the options in Barcelona since John and I were spending more than a week in Barcelona each time.

Thanks for sharing so much information from personal experience. I've added many of the items to file I'm keeping for WBTA DH and I have booked for 09/13.

Although we aren't doing this particular cruise with Disney, we still keep an eye on this thread to see how things are progressing.

Happy sailing to all!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I know, that was such a fantastic post by Noel Birkner! Sorry you aren't going with us, but I hope you do enjoy the one you have booked. Be sure to let us know how it goes.

I too, am wondering how long "a few weeks is". But as long as it means there WILL be a WBTA in 2013, I am much heartened.

I don't think these cruises sell out, I know I read that one of them, maybe the 2010 one was nearly empty. So for those who can wait may score some really nice deals. For others, simply waiting awhile to get the discount and OBC shouldn't be an issue.

 

[poohs4me]

So I am in for the WB I think.

We just got off the Fantasy on Saturday and I booked the EB telling them I am transferring to the WB. They thought the WB would be announced at the end of June or early July. I did not think he sounded very confident though.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

So I am in for the WB I think.

Welcome! I am the official "she never shuts up" poster on here!