08/08/07 Well, Olbia Monkey's Uncle! We're cruisin' on the 10nt Med Cruise!

[sharonrs50]

Sharon...We are planning a trip to Italy ,which will include Florence with my sister and husband in two years I would love to see it this time but it's too far ,for us. With the heat and all the other tours we're doing, we had to take a break somewhere, and La Spezia seemed the logical place. Still unsure what we'll do, but are looking at Cinque Terre. Gina

Gina - your future planned trip sounds wonderful. I can see now why you are skipping Florence on this trip. We don't know when we will be back to Europe. It has taken me more than 20 years to get there, so we are trying to hit all the highlights on this trip. I know we can't see everything, and I am trying not to overdo it also. The hardest days for us will probably be Florence and Rome. Cinque Terre sounds like it would be a lot more relaxing to tour. Rick Steves apparently has made it famous in his travel books.

Sharon

 

[sharonrs50]

Hi Sharon,

We are in San Francisco. We'll fly into Chicago O'Hare and then to Paris for a day and then fly into Barcelona at 2:30pm the next day and take a transport to the ship so we'll miss all the activities that the group had previously arranged. I don't know if there's a message board on the ship so we could locate some of you guys. Would anyone want to make some T-shirts with special logos, patches or something else so we could identify the Pre-board Disney group? Just a thought. I remember there was a library on the ship and conference room. Would the late arrivals like us care to meet somewhere to get the latest scoops?

Robert

Robert - There is actually no official plan for us DISers until the first sea day, the day after Barcelona, when have a meeting planned - - "Dis Meet: First Sea Day 1:30 Deck 10 Port Side, in case of rain Promenade Lounge". Can you make that meeting? Have you also seen the link on the first page which lists all us DISers and the excursions we are on?

I have read that some of the other DISers on the other cruises do have matching T-shirts. Do we think that is a good idea?

Since this is all new to me, how do we meet the other DISers who can't make it to that meeting? Should we have a second brief meeting planned for one of the nights at sea?

Sharon

 

[d3boyz]

WELCOME CRUISIN PARKERS !!

Vailcruiser....It would be fun to get a group together to take the train to Pisa ! We'll have to see when everyone wants to go. We are DVC members, too ( Boardwalk, Beach Club Villas, Vero Beach ) and we will be going to the DVC meet. But isn't that also the same time as our DIS meet ? Maybe we could meet earlier in the day ?

Taking a train to Pisa sounds like fun! I'm sure my boys would enjoy that, and even more if they'd already found some buddies from the ship!

We are also DVC members (Boardwalk, Old Key West, and Vero Beach) and will be going to the DVC Meet. Seems like this is the place to be, eh?

Deb

 

[scrapycruiser]

Deb...We will be at the DVC meet, but I hope the meeting for the DIS group will be changed so we can meet everyone !

The train & Pisa does sound like fun. We'll have to play it by ear.Last night DH says he still wants to go to Florence !!!! BUT only if we're not all exhausted from the previous days ! Just when I thought I had everything figured out ! So now, DH wants to book the Florence on your own, and when the time comes, we'll either go or won't go. If we don't, we'll take the train to Pisa. Five hours going back and forth to Florence doesn't sound like fun to me

Has everyone read the blogs from passporter.com. I enjoyed reading the critic of the shows ! Sounds like Twice Charming and Mickey Dreams are the ones to see. They didn't like Art of Disney ???

Hint : We're bringing a small soft-sided cooler filled with ice and bottled water for our DCL and Private tours. Also fans and those cool neck straps I learned about from one of you guys. Also, several media cards incase our camera is lost or stolen we won't lose all our pictures. Also, a picture of my Grandson ,incase he gets lost. HEAVEN FORBID !!!!! Of course, if I go home w/o my Grandson, I might as well start digging my own grave !!

What hints do you guys have for traveling ?? GINA

 

[dlgrn3]

We are also on the 8/8 10-day Med. B2B with the Repo home.
We are in a Cat 3 with connecting Cat 4. Late Dining
We are a group of 7 -- Me, DH, DD13, DD10, DS9, DS7, and DD5 (at time of sailing)

Hi
I just wanted to "introduce" myself because we live so close together (we are in Brentwood) and have children the same ages. We have 9 going in our party a DD19, DD13, DD11, and then myself, my DH, my in-laws, my mother and the DD19 boyfriend. We also have late seating, so maybe we will "run in to each other"

 

[nordkin]

Deb...We will be at the DVC meet, but I hope the meeting for the DIS group will be changed so we can meet everyone !

Hint : We're bringing a small soft-sided cooler filled with ice and bottled water for our DCL and Private tours. Also fans and those cool neck straps I learned about from one of you guys. Also, several media cards incase our camera is lost or stolen we won't lose all our pictures. Also, a picture of my Grandson ,incase he gets lost. HEAVEN FORBID !!!!! Of course, if I go home w/o my Grandson, I might as well start digging my own grave !!

What hints do you guys have for traveling ?? GINA

We always bring a soft sided cooler and water on our excursions as well. The three things I never travel without, body glide for my feet so I don't get blisters, hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit. We have a nice travel first aid kit I bought a couple of years ago and I have used it on every trip we have taken.

It sounds like several people are going to the DVC meet so it might be a good idea to change the time of the DIS meet. Someone make a suggestion because we are free after our PAlo brunch and it does not matter to us.

Hi
I just wanted to "introduce" myself because we live so close together (we are in Brentwood) and have children the same ages. We have 9 going in our party a DD19, DD13, DD11, and then myself, my DH, my in-laws, my mother and the DD19 boyfriend. We also have late seating, so maybe we will "run in to each other"

Welcome to our group. I will add you to the list of cruisers which you can find either via the link in my signature or the link on page 1 post 1.

 

[scrapycruiser]

Donna, what is body glide ? sounds like something I'd like to try.

As far as our DIS Meet....what about either : 2pm 1st Sea Day OR

4pm Embarkation Day. Just a suggestion. Gina

 

[dlgrn3]

We always bring a soft sided cooler and water on our excursions as well. The three things I never travel without, body glide for my feet so I don't get blisters, hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit. We have a nice travel first aid kit I bought a couple of years ago and I have used it on every trip we have taken.

It sounds like several people are going to the DVC meet so it might be a good idea to change the time of the DIS meet. Someone make a suggestion because we are free after our PAlo brunch and it does not matter to us.



Welcome to our group. I will add you to the list of cruisers which you can find either via the link in my signature or the link on page 1 post 1.

thanks for the welcome.........and all the info, you have no idea how much it has helped to relieve some of my anxiety/questions about the MED. I look forward to meeting everyone in August.

 

[sharonrs50]

Hi
I just wanted to "introduce" myself because we live so close together (we are in Brentwood) and have children the same ages. We have 9 going in our party a DD19, DD13, DD11, and then myself, my DH, my in-laws, my mother and the DD19 boyfriend. We also have late seating, so maybe we will "run in to each other"

Dlgrn3, glad you said hi. We are located pretty close to you in Danville, CA. Is anyone interested in having a Bay Area meet prior to the cruise?

We are also DVC Members. We have Palo Brunch from 10:30 to 12:30 PM. Isn't the DVC meet at 1 PM? We can go to that if the DIS meeting is changed. Can we meet after the DVC meet? We are open. We have late seating, would like to make the show at 06:30 PM.

Sharon

 

[sharonrs50]

Has everyone read the blogs from passporter.com. I enjoyed reading the critic of the shows ! Sounds like Twice Charming and Mickey Dreams are the ones to see. They didn't like Art of Disney ???

Hint : We're bringing a small soft-sided cooler filled with ice and bottled water for our DCL and Private tours. Also fans and those cool neck straps I learned about from one of you guys. Also, several media cards incase our camera is lost or stolen we won't lose all our pictures. Also, a picture of my Grandson ,incase he gets lost. HEAVEN FORBID !!!!! Of course, if I go home w/o my Grandson, I might as well start digging my own grave !!

What hints do you guys have for traveling ?? GINA

My husband was planning on bringing a backpack with a camelback in it that my DH will wear on the excursions. The cooler sounds like a good idea, though. How do you deal with the cooler? Do you leave it on the bus? Can we bring backpacks with us on the excursions, or are we supposed to leave them on the bus?

I had purchased the neck straps from QVC. Glad to hear that they really work. I wear double layer socks to prevent blisters that I had gotten from a walking store. We also bring hand sanitizer.

Good idea to bring several media cards for the camera. My son also bought some sort of device so he can download the pictures into his I-pod, which is staying in the safe on the ship on excursions.

We got hats with SPF 30-50 fabric with neck covers and head vents. Can find at REI.

Thinking about bringing nonperishable snacks, but not sure if they will be allowed off the boat. Can we if they in sealed packages?

Sharon

 

[Vailcruiser]

Welcome Dlgrn3.

Has everyone bought their waste money belts yet? I found ours yesterday at Target for $6.50 each. Nothing special, but perfect for what everyone in previous European cruises recommended. I'll look and see if I can find a list of items to pack.

I am also interested to know if we can bring snacks off the cruise ship. My dd won't make it without them! Are the soft sided coolers you mention lunch size?

Does anyone know when DCL will assign our rooms? Does anyone know if the ship is full?

Passport arrived today Less stress DH tux is ready to be picked up More items off the list!

 

[sharonrs50]

Welcome Dlgrn3.

Has everyone bought their waste money belts yet? I found ours yesterday at Target for $6.50 each. Nothing special, but perfect for what everyone in previous European cruises recommended. I'll look and see if I can find a list of items to pack.

Does anyone know when DCL will assign our rooms? Does anyone know if the ship is full?

Passport arrived today Less stress DH tux is ready to be picked up More items off the list!

We also picked up money belt. Rick Steves recommends a plastic liner in the money belt so you don't sweat all over the money. Good price. We paid much more for ours.

I would also like to know when rooms will be assigned. DCL says 1 day - 2 weeks before. I am frustrated that they are not more forthcoming.

My DH and DS are wearing suits.

What are the women planning on wearing on formal and semi-formal nights?

Sharon

 

[scrapycruiser]

Vailcruiser....PASSPORT !!! Great news !

My cooler is maybe 5x8". Not sure about the snacks....but my DGS is very picky so I need to carry snacks. I am totally confused why Disney won't assign cabins !!! We have a Gty Cat 6. I know we won't get upgraded because there's only 3 of us and the higher catagory cabins accommodate more people. I just don't want a cabin next to the laundry room and don't want one too far forward. We booked May 5 2006.

As far as formal wear : DH and DGS wearing tux
I'll wear a long silvery/sage green dress w/ short jacket ( like a mother of the bride dress ?? )

GINA ......Sharon, thanks for the REI hat tip !

 

[sharonrs50]

Vailcruiser - yes, congratulations on receiving your passport. That is great news.

Sharon

 

[Vailcruiser]

This came from Tay's mother on the cruise right now http://tayandstephinmed.blogspot.com/

BUT fellow cruisers beware…it was hot (90+) with very little shade and this was June. They said it gets hotter in July and August. There are 2 pompeii, Sorrento, Capri excursions (one for families on not) and each starts in a different route. The families ended at Pompeii which was probably miserable for those kids, as it was around 3pm when they arrived

After reading a lot of the blogs we are really considering doing all the ports on our own, so that we can do it at our own pace and deal with the heat.

I am wearing a black dress on formal night and then a navy dress on the other (I think). My DD has a dress.

 

[nordkin]

Donna, what is body glide ? sounds like something I'd like to try.

As far as our DIS Meet....what about either : 2pm 1st Sea Day OR

4pm Embarkation Day. Just a suggestion. Gina

I buy mine at REI or any hgh end sporting goods store. You rub it on your feet like deodarant. I have one toe that I always got blisters on and since I started using this, I have not had a blister. It also works to prevent chafing on othe parts of the body as well.

BODYGLIDE Anti-Friction Skin Formula helps prevent blisters and chafing from any athletic activity. Bodyglide has all natural ingredients, is hypoallergenic and is water and sweat resistant. Bodyglide is easy to apply, contains no petroleum, and is not greasy or oily

I am fine with either of your suggestions for the DIS meet. What do otherss think?

 

[nordkin]

I don't know if any of you booked your air through Disney, but if you did, today was the magic day for finding out your flight arrangements. You can call them and they will e-mail your flight information. I booked through them and actually got the fare cheaper than I could have gotten myself on the airline I wanted. Leaving Washington Dulles 8/4 5:18 PM on United Airlines, arrive Frankfurt 7:10 AM, leave Frankfurt 9:55 AM on Lufthansa, arrive Barcelona 11:50. Coming back leave Barcelona 10:50 AM, arrive Frankfurt 1:00 PM, leave Frankfurt 5:00 PM, arrive Washington Dulles 7:43 PM.

 

[JeanieP]

I have been in Orlando on business this week, and haven't had a chance to catch up with all our new friends and new posts. Vailcruiser -- I believe your daughter sent my daughter a message -- so cute! We will have a chance tomorrow for my girl to respond. I won't be back until tomorrow.

On the DIS meet -- I can make the 4 p.m. time on embarkation day. I can't make the Sea Day meet, we have spa stuff from 12:45 - 4:30. I really, really, really want to meet you guys!!!! Hope we can work something out.

I notice so many of you are torn between Pisa and Florence. Not that it is ANY of my beeswax, but I can share with you my past experience. While seeing Pisa in person is a wonderful experience, including the other medieval buildings surrounding the Pisa tower, you can see these sites in twenty minutes. Okay, I know some of you are rolling your eyes -- this sounds like a very uneducated comment to make, right? But, as someone who practically minored in Art History and truly loves and appreciates architecture, if I had to choose between Pisa and Florence, I would say there is more to do and see in Florence. Pisa is not much of a shopping town either, I think if you go there with the knowledge that you may spend about an hour or so there and be "done", then go to Pisa. However, if you really want to shop, eat and see some sites, then go to Florence. Yes, it is a headache getting there, but you have so many choices (Uffizi Gallery - the BEST!), shopping (the handmade paper products and journals of FLorence -- the BEST!). The crowds of Florence -- yes, Florence can seem big, loud, busy, rowdy -- but heck, this is Italy in the busiest tourist month (AUgust) and you won't escape the crowds anywhere -- so embrace it.

We will be cruising Cinque Terre. No, we are not hiking the trails. Just taking the local train to the different towns. Starting in Monterroso for the beach and the old focaccia restaurant and wine shop, and probably exploring the fort at Vernazza, and maybe a stop at the other two towns. We have been to Florence and Pisa. If my bestest girlfriends were to ask me to choose between Florence and Pisa I would choose Florence every time. Pisa is great, but once you see the tower, you are pretty much done. But, maybe that is all you need -- go to Pisa, spend an hour, go back to the ship and swim the rest of the day, or check out La Spezia.

Sorry -- it is hard to hold the old opinion in and keep to myself. I like to blab....

 

[JeanieP]

I found this on the "Bringing Home the Magic" DIS Meet thread. Seems those folks had questions too on what exactly is a fish extender. Great history too and scroll through the entire thread and you will see awesome pictures of a so called extender. I don't believe ours will be this elaborate, but now I have some idea of what to hang. Enjoy!


The fish extender thread with directions

http://www.disboards.com/showthread....sh+ext enders

 

[JeanieP]

For some odd reason, I can't see to post the entire thread on the fish extender. So, here is how you can find it:

Go to the thread on the DIS Meets called "Bringing Home the Magic August 18 ..." Go to page 190 of that thread and scroll down to the middle of that page and you will see them talk about the fish extenders. One of those posts on that page has the link that I tried to post but somehow couldn't. The pictures are so cute of the decorated doors and fish extenders. The fish extenders look like what my daughter uses to store her barbie dolls, but only the envelopes are not doll sized, they resemble bigger folder sized envelopes, hung by a wooden stick. I am not great at describing, so go to the thread and check out the pictures. Sorry!