4/10/2010 eb ta "bound for barcelona"

[goofprincess]

First time for me. DH went to London as a chaperone for the seniors English class in 2006. I am enjoying reading everyones posts and gleening knowledge. We don't know what excursions to do. I'm so use to traveling to places I am familiar with so out of my comfort zone.

Brooklyn--think staying at Mariott Renisance near Barcelona on the 5th.
I'm bring cases of water too!!!!!

Lynne--aloha. Leaving Maui today. Enjoy your time at the Mariott. Tony and I strolled over there one afternoon for old times sake. Did a sub dive and that's about it. Very laid back week. I now have skeeball.

Welcome new families. This is a great group!!

 

[realfam]

Hi there everyone,
Were starting getting everything in order for this cruise. DW (Michelle) took in our passport renewals yesterday. Next is getting money! We've been watching the Euro lately and it seems to be dropping We just cannot decide how much we should bring (like its free).
Were a little frustrated with our TA and DCL though, we cannot seem to get any info regarding our flights. We keep getting the standard answer of they do not release that info until 45 days out. Our concern is direct flights. We know our Toronto to Orlando will be direct, but our concern is Barcelona to Toronto. Its my gut feeling that there is no direct flights and that we will be connecting. Thats OK, but when travelling with a 2 year old we would like to know where and how long of a stop over we'll have?
I'm trying to stay more connect with this thread now that were getting closer. Hope your all having a great weekend

Alex

 

[dizneyfan23]

Hi there everyone,
Were starting getting everything in order for this cruise. DW (Michelle) took in our passport renewals yesterday. Next is getting money! We've been watching the Euro lately and it seems to be dropping We just cannot decide how much we should bring (like its free).
Were a little frustrated with our TA and DCL though, we cannot seem to get any info regarding our flights. We keep getting the standard answer of they do not release that info until 45 days out. Our concern is direct flights. We know our Toronto to Orlando will be direct, but our concern is Barcelona to Toronto. Its my gut feeling that there is no direct flights and that we will be connecting. Thats OK, but when travelling with a 2 year old we would like to know where and how long of a stop over we'll have?
I'm trying to stay more connect with this thread now that were getting closer. Hope your all having a great weekend

Alex

That's weird about the flights, because we booked through Disney and they have already given us our flight info.

 

[FirstTimeCruiser]

Hi there everyone,
Were a little frustrated with our TA and DCL though, we cannot seem to get any info regarding our flights. We keep getting the standard answer of they do not release that info until 45 days out. Our concern is direct flights. We know our Toronto to Orlando will be direct, but our concern is Barcelona to Toronto. Its my gut feeling that there is no direct flights and that we will be connecting. Thats OK, but when travelling with a 2 year old we would like to know where and how long of a stop over we'll have?

I'm getting frustrated with this also! I'm getting the same answers from DCL regarding our flights and I don't like not knowing my plans... Good luck with them!

 

[emma'smom]

Hi there everyone,
We've been watching the Euro lately and it seems to be dropping

Here's hoping! We've made hotel reservations in Euros (for after the cruise) and are hoping for the best in terms of exchange rates.

 

[sdlong329]

Okay, so you booked the cruise, airfare, hotel, and excursions. You already packed the luggage, arranged transfers to / from the airport, put a hold on the newspaper, arranged for a pet-sitter, and you'll soon be on your way to the airport, or driving to Port Canaveral. You're soooo excited, you know exactly what you will do the moment you step onboard the ship.

You've entered the terminal, and are crossing the gang-way when your name is announced as you board the ship. You whip out the camera to get a few family shots in the atrium ... THAT'S when you realize ... your battery is DEAD!

Take a few days NOW, to charge all batteries for your digital camera and/or camcorder. In order to properly check quality and life of the batteries, make sure you take "practice" photos and/or video over a few days time. If your electronics die prematurely, make sure you get the batteries replaced ASAP, as SOME batteries may not be readily available at your local retailer. At the same time, make sure you have enough blank tape, memory or media for you camera or camcorder. Don't wait to check your equipment one week before the cruise!

Relax and enjoy!

--Steven Long

 

[woody73]

Take a few days NOW, to charge all batteries for your digital camera and/or camcorder. In order to properly check quality and life of the batteries, make sure you take "practice" photos and/or video over a few days time. If your electronics die prematurely, make sure you get the batteries replaced ASAP, as SOME batteries may not be readily available at your local retailer.

What a coincidence. Earlier today I bought some new batteries for the digital camera.

Woody

 

[realfam]

That's weird about the flights, because we booked through Disney and they have already given us our flight info.

I know it seems most people have received there info. The funny part of it is that we have received more details for our Sept cruise on the Wonder rather than this Transatlantic.. I wonder if there somewhat putting it together last minute.

We too are staying in Barcelona for a few extra nights after the cruise, but we booked them through DCL, therefore the price was in US dollars

 

[woody73]

Not yet. We figure there will be lots of trains between the two cities & so we may even buy our tickets the day we are traveling there.

Have you bought your tickets in advance?

We have not bought our Barcelona to Madrid train tickets yet, but will likely book them in advance.

We plan to take the AVE high-speed train.

Woody

 

[Brooklyn]

So there's a good chance that my mom is coming with us!

I'd like to do a little research for her flight home before I pass off to the travel agent because I'm OCD that way.

I'd be curious to hear what route/airline people are flying to LAX from BCN. TIA

We are not going back on the 24th but on the 6th DH and my mom are doing Air Berlin to JFK and then a nonstop on Delta to San Diego. Delta also had a nonstop to LAX

I think I have the record for getting the passports. Took a total of 6 days for us to send in the forms and receive them in the mail. WOW!

TiggerPU88, my DS sent your DS an email today. Hopefully we can get them "talking" before the cruise.

Does anyone know, if you have cat 12 gty, when do you find out what your room number is?

Can I please join the room tour as well? No problem if someone wants to see a category 12 (Im guessing not) so I will be just a nosey participant, if thats okay

QOTD: I have been to Denmark a couple of times, but I was a child. First time for DH and DS.

Countdown is on for us Disney newbies to book our excursions on Monday!

KrisannB I PM'd you regarding joining the Lanyard group. Thanks!

I'd like to send a great big THANK YOU! to everyone on this board. You guys are a wealth of knowledge. I really don't know how I would have managed without the advice I've gotten from all of you.

I found the Colour Catcher sheets, but no luck with the Purex 3 in 1 sheets. I think I saw on here that they are not available in Canada, so I'll just have to add it to my shopping list at Cape Canaveral.

Pirate Night: Is it what it sounds like? Everyone dresses up as priates for dinner?

AuntLynne can you please add us to the lanyard/official with Donald nametag list? Thanks.

Eleasa

That is great about the passports. I just sent mine in on Friday. I wonder how long it will take?!?!?!?!

You should know your room assignment at 30 days out if not sooner. We got ours last time at teh 45 day mark.

Pirate night is huge on DCL. Yes, a lot of people do dress up! DH and I don't really dress up but the girls LOVE to! Your waiters at dinner will be dressed up. They will give you a pirate bandana at dinner too. There is no reg show that night. The pirate deck party starts around 10:30. It is really cute. If the weather is right Mcikey will zip line across the ship. Then fireworks at sea!!!! It is great! DD 4 has never seen it bc she always falls asleep before the fireworks. We were FREEZING on our pirate night on the TA. It was SOOOOOOOOOO windy and FREEZING. That might be why they are opting to do it on a port day then across the atlantic. Who knows though?

 

[woody73]

We were FREEZING on our pirate night on the TA. It was SOOOOOOOOOO windy and FREEZING. That might be why they are opting to do it on a port day then across the atlantic. Who knows though?

On our WB and EB Panama Cruises, DCL would have the fireworks on a port day so the local people could enjoy the show too. It was good PR for Disney.

Woody

 

[mdvasquez]

My DD and I have started getting some things ready for the trip. We are soooo excited. We will be dressing up for pirate night!! I have not done that before, but for MNSSHP this year, I bought a pirate wench costume, just so I could wear it again on the cruise.

 

[kileybeth]

IMHO, it would be best if you first booked the cruise.

Woody

Thanks for being honest Woody, I think I was just so excited last night to see such a fun and organized group over here and the waiting is killing me!

I was early in on our first cruise and it was always fun to see new people come on board but I will definitely wait until I can give my money away officially. Sometimes working for the Gov't stinks! Should know for sure soon. I'll just lurk around and enjoy the chat for now.

 

[Brooklyn]

On our WB and EB Panama Cruises, DCL would have the fireworks on a port day so the local people could enjoy the show too. It was good PR for Disney.

Woody

Yeah I remember you posting that before. That could be why they switched it but it really was a rough night on the TA last time. With all the sea days it makes more sense to have it on a sea day. So even though it says 7:15 you think DCL is just going to hang out off shore to do the fireworks? The party does not start for at least 3 hours after that. Personally I would really rather be "out at sea" then just hanging around off shore for a port they only stop in twice for the year.

 

[kileybeth]

Hi! We too were booked on the WB. I actually made the logo in your signature. This cruise has worked out better for us and I am so happy we switched.

I can't see why it would be a problem if you were to let us know in a week or 2. It is not a problem for me. I think there are going to be a lot of new people, especially with the great rates they are offering.

Thanks for taking the time to come over and say hi and I hope you will be joining us!!!

Thanks Brooklyn, I am just so excited but a tad worried as well about how I will get everything done in such a short time frame. I had 9 months for our first cruise and I thought that was short!

I will be sad to give up the WBTA logo though, Great Job! Secretly hoping we can swing both and not ready to back out until the DH gives me an absolute no, it was to be our 25th Wedding anniversary trip.

We will cruise alone this time though and although I am looking forward to no kids, just the DH and I, I will miss having the twinkling little eyes of wonder full of magic along a wee bit!

Thanks for the "early welcome" Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[dizneyfan23]

We are not going back on the 24th but on the 6th DH and my mom are doing Air Berlin to JFK and then a nonstop on Delta to San Diego. Delta also had a nonstop to LAX



That is great about the passports. I just sent mine in on Friday. I wonder how long it will take?!?!?!?!

You should know your room assignment at 30 days out if not sooner. We got ours last time at teh 45 day mark.

Pirate night is huge on DCL. Yes, a lot of people do dress up! DH and I don't really dress up but the girls LOVE to! Your waiters at dinner will be dressed up. They will give you a pirate bandana at dinner too. There is no reg show that night. The pirate deck party starts around 10:30. It is really cute. If the weather is right Mcikey will zip line across the ship. Then fireworks at sea!!!! It is great! DD 4 has never seen it bc she always falls asleep before the fireworks. We were FREEZING on our pirate night on the TA. It was SOOOOOOOOOO windy and FREEZING. That might be why they are opting to do it on a port day then across the atlantic. Who knows though?

So are the dates for Pirate Night, Formal Night, etc. set, like it says on the EBTA website?

 

[kileybeth]

QOTD: Have you been to Europe or is this your first time?

Both Karen and I have been to England; all countries after The Bahamas are new to us.

My DH has been to England, Ireland, Germany and Grand Cayman all on buisness. Without me!!!

I just went to Grand Caymen in the rain, Mexico in the wonderful sun, and Castaway Cay ( is that technically Bahamas?) on our first ever cruise other then that, I am a travel virgin so far as out of the US goes. Well, Canada of course. . .

I am soooo looking forward to seeing a new part of the world!

 

[Happy Goofy]

Welcome to the BTB group. I am sure that with all the events this wonderful group has planned, the days at sea will go by quickly.

 

[kileybeth]

First time for me. DH went to London as a chaperone for the seniors English class in 2006. I am enjoying reading everyones posts and gleening knowledge. We don't know what excursions to do. I'm so use to traveling to places I am familiar with so out of my comfort zone.

Hi There! Fun to see you on this cruise! We fell in love with cruising back in Sept on the Western with you guys and re-booked onboard! We are leaving the 4 kiddos home this time and just DH and I are cruising to celebrate our
25 wedding anniversary.

Feeling same way about traveling someplace new. Overwhelming planning!

 

[Brooklyn]

Thanks Brooklyn, I am just so excited but a tad worried as well about how I will get everything done in such a short time frame. I had 9 months for our first cruise and I thought that was short!

We booked the last TA in 2007 with only 5 days to spare! You can do it!!!

So are the dates for Pirate Night, Formal Night, etc. set, like it says on the EBTA website?

Yes...as per DCL

4/12: Formal Night - Prince and Princess Theme
4/16: Villain’s Menu -- perhaps new show that night??
4/17: Transatlantic Formal Night
4/18: Pirate Night
4/22: Semi-Formal Captain’s Gala
tentative dates for Character Breakfast: 14, 15 or 16th