Back to the Med in 2013! More planning links added post 1

[mindelmouse]

Originally Posted by MinnieDiva

So I figure most of you out there sailing this summer are starting to really get in the throes of planning. For my cruise, Gold level cruisers got to book on Saturday. It's interesting...so much is sold out already. No Delos (Mykonos) excursions are left at all. No private tours in Athens or Turkey (so I'm told, BTW...I can't get in there until the 16th at 9pm). Which leads me to believe that there must be a ton of Platinum/Concierge on this sailing. So now this dilemma rears it's head: what to do about Delos? Because when you look at the schedule, there are only 3 ferries to the island each day. So....do I want to risk doing it on my own? Find a tour company? I can say with certainty that I would be most anxious to be on that last ferry back to Mykonos and not be on a DCL excursion.

Our group ended up booking private excursions in both Athens ($580 E for 12 people with guide) and Ephesus ($390 USD for 8 people including entrance fees except Terrace Houses and lunch included as well). Not bad, IMHO. And I don't remember if I already said this, but we booked Malta privately as well ($445E for 8 people with guide, no fees or lunch included). So all that is left is Villefranche and Delos. In theory, if we get skunked, both can be done on our own, right?

The one thing that's getting me though about having private excursions is that now I have all those Disney rewards points to apply to my onboard account. What, praytell, am I going to do with them all? Live in the spa? Hmmm.....

You didn't pay for all the tours already, did you? Last time they didn't charge us till we were there.

[MinnieDiva]

Originally Posted by mindelmouse

You didn't pay for all the tours already, did you? Last time they didn't charge us till we were there.

The only excursions I had to put deposits down on were Barcelona and Malta. $50E each, I believe.


I added the dates to my calendar today to remind me to book/reserve Pisa and the Vatican. Don't want to lose my mind and forget (yeah, right....). Sent out the really cool Mickey tie to my dad that I'd found at WDW....as well as a lanyard with his first pin...Grumpy!! LOL!!

[ame]

all caught up now subbing.

Awesome trip report and made me think about a few things I've overlooked! Going to look into a post-cruise excursion with that company. Disney refused us to go on their tour even if we didn't use DDs wheelchair. They said we couldn't even take it and leave it with our suitcases

I have swimming kids too! DS2 competes. DD is going to be classified later this year for MultiClass events.

[MinnieDiva]

Originally Posted by ame

all caught up now subbing.

Awesome trip report and made me think about a few things I've overlooked! Going to look into a post-cruise excursion with that company. Disney refused us to go on their tour even if we didn't use DDs wheelchair. They said we couldn't even take it and leave it with our suitcases

I have swimming kids too! DS2 competes. DD is going to be classified later this year for MultiClass events.

FYI the European. Union just had some law pass that makes them have to make reasonable accommodation for people with mobility issues. Contact your TA if you used one or call DCL and MAKE THEM TAKE NOTE!!!! I'll see if I can find the info for you.

That's exactly why I started this TR. I read so much prior to our 1st cruise that was so thought provoking and helpful I wanted to pass on my thoughts for anyone who wanted my perspective.

Swimming rules! Sitting here now at the pool. Home away from home.....

[MinnieDiva]

Ame (and anyone else this may pertain to):


Important Information Regarding European Union Regulations

A new European Union Regulation has been adopted by the European
Parliament and Council to prevent discrimination and offer
assistance to persons with disabilities and persons with reduced
mobility. This applies to cruise departures where the port of
embarkation is situated in a territory of a European Union
state.
For Disney Cruise Line®, this pertains to all cruise
departures from Spain and Italy in 2013 and 2014. If anyone in your
Clients party has a disability or reduced mobility that requires
special assistance, please notify the Disney Cruise Line
Reservation Center at the time of booking.
It is very important that the Travel Agent pass this information
along to Disney Cruise Line to allow us to assess the
Guests needs and address them appropriately.

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

There are limits to the law and it is not as extensive as the US version. Also, I don't think it requires them to assume liability for the chair and they will be within their rights to refuse it. Plus it's very new and the "phase in" period is just starting

Keep in mind Europe is by no means anywhere CLOSE to us when it comes to the accommodations. Some of it's physical limitations. (It's hard to put elevators in ancient buildings made of stone) but a lot of it is cultural... the push is not there to do things like "curb cuts", accessible transport etc... For example, I love Paris but am continually amazed that major subway stations are basically "off limits" to a large segment of the population.

[MinnieDiva]

Originally Posted by OrangeCountyCommuter

There are limits to the law and it is not as extensive as the US version. Also, I don't think it requires them to assume liability for the chair and they will be within their rights to refuse it. Plus it's very new and the "phase in" period is just starting

Keep in mind Europe is by no means anywhere CLOSE to us when it comes to the accommodations. Some of it's physical limitations. (It's hard to put elevators in ancient buildings made of stone) but a lot of it is cultural... the push is not there to do things like "curb cuts", accessible transport etc... For example, I love Paris but am continually amazed that major subway stations are basically "off limits" to a large segment of the population.

It boggles the mind when you think of all that could be restrictive....but what Ame was asking doesn't seem too much to me. Couldn't even BRING the wheelchair and leave it folded with the luggage? That seems excessive.

[MinnieDiva]

And the planning progresses. Saturday evening is the 90-day check-in mark!!! All I really need to do is jockey for 2 excursions and some spa time....

Finished DD's semi-formal dress today. Nearly ruined it yesterday...didn't realize DH had used the iron and had jacked up the heat. Yup. Burnt a hole in the fabric. Thankfully it was under dd's arm...hidden. In May I'll get her some new dress shoes. If I buy them now she'll have a growth spurt just to spite me.

[ame]

Originally Posted by MinnieDiva

It boggles the mind when you think of all that could be restrictive....but what Ame was asking doesn't seem too much to me. Couldn't even BRING the wheelchair and leave it folded with the luggage? That seems excessive.

We're pretty understanding of limitations, but the value of the chair would be less than what some people would have in their luggage. We're used to having to work harder for our DD to experience the same things as children without her physical limitation, but it is nice when small allowances are made for her inclusion. Which is why we love spending time in the US & Canada!!! It is so *easy* for us.

Originally Posted by MinnieDiva

Finished DD's semi-formal dress today. Nearly ruined it yesterday...didn't realize DH had used the iron and had jacked up the heat. Yup. Burnt a hole in the fabric. Thankfully it was under dd's arm...hidden. In May I'll get her some new dress shoes. If I buy them now she'll have a growth spurt just to spite me.

Forgot about semi-formal! What is your DD's dress like? My DD wants to wear a Disney princess dress for formal night, but we haven't gotten to semi-formal night. Thank goodness it was hidden!

[MinnieDiva]

Originally Posted by ame

We're pretty understanding of limitations, but the value of the chair would be less than what some people would have in their luggage. We're used to having to work harder for our DD to experience the same things as children without her physical limitation, but it is nice when small allowances are made for her inclusion. Which is why we love spending time in the US & Canada!!! It is so *easy* for us.
You must have boundless patience. I salute you . I work in healthcare...it's expected and standard of care to do all that you can for those who are differenly-abled. I'd be out of my mind if I were in your shoes!

Forgot about semi-formal! What is your DD's dress like? My DD wants to wear a Disney princess dress for formal night, but we haven't gotten to semi-formal night. Thank goodness it was hidden!

I will post a pic in a bit....

[MinnieDiva]

Ame...part of my previous post is within your quote....

[MinnieDiva]

Originally Posted by MinnieDiva

I will post a pic in a bit....

[mindelmouse]

Originally Posted by MinnieDiva

Love it

[MinnieDiva]

Originally Posted by mindelmouse

Love it

Thank you. Will address the shoe issue in May.

[MinnieDiva]

And so far so good. Got the excursions we wanted, but still have to wait for the 75-day mark for dad. I updated the first page with more details if anyone is interested. Got a few spa appointments, Jim took care of Palo when they were able to book, so that wasn't a worry. Got the new passport info added in for DD, so I was able to print out the signature form! Seems so tangible now!! Looking forward to that day when we get the "booklet" in the mail! Love me my Mickey mail!!