7/13/13 ~~ Eastern Mediterranean Mouseketeers!

[tinkerbelltwins]

Back on Post 328 we had our first Question of the Week

Who is your favorite Disney Character?

Here are the answers (please excuse if I missed a post!) ~~~

tinkerbelltwins: Tinkerbell
slg: classic Mickey
wdwprincess71: Eeyore
disney_fans: Tigger; DP-Mickey; DD12- Pluto; DS-Donald Duck
bonnielynn: Tinkerbell
scrapycruise: Minnie
Mrs.G: Mickey
goingsouth: Fairy Godmother
Stimpy: Figaro
DisneyDee27: Winnie the Pooh
dylan's mom: Mickey or Captain Jack; DH-Tiger; DS21-Pluto

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

And back on Post 354 we had our second Question of the Week

What is your favorite Disney Movie?

Here are the answers (please excuse if I missed a post!) ~~~

scrapycruiser: Lady and the Tramp, also the original Parent Trap; DH-Bon Voyage
slg: Enchanted
goingsouth: Mulan
Disney_fans: Escape to Witch Mountain; DP-the original Swiss Family Robinson; DD-Lion King; DS-Cars
tinkerbelltwins: Cinderella (Rogers and Hammerstein version)

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

I'm a bit behind the eight ball here. We are in need of a new Question of the Week.

How about....

What's your favorite ride -- or it could be a favorite place -- at one of the Disney Parks?

 

[trburks]

tinkerbelltwins,

Wow! I can't believe there are already 29 pages of posts for this cruise. We booked it last week while doing a back-to-back on the Disney Dream. Interesting enough, we are also from Northern Virginia and have the cabin next to you (7024). Since we will already be in Barcelona for this cruise, we also decided to book the 4-day leaving on 7/9; thus another back-to-back with only one repeat port. It's hard to beat the incentives given for onboard bookings; especially when you transfer those bookings to an agent for additional OBC (which will be needed for the extensive shore excursions I anticipate). This will be the first time our kids visit Europe, so we want them to get a good look. Please add us to the role call: Tom, Kimberly, Julia (13), and Nathan (10).

Tom

 

[trburks]

All,

While on the Disney Dream we spoke with a long-time staff member who worked the prior Disney Magic Mediterranean cruises. She stated that due to the long shore excursions involved, many guests returned late and very tired at the end of each port day. Normally, we book early dining, but this will be the first time we do second seating in anticipation of longer days. If you have first seating, keep in mind that some shore excursions you desire may not get you back in time to clean up and go to the main dining room. Also, almost all port sailaways are around 6:30pm, so unless you have a table next to the window, that experienced will be missed. I'm just throwing these thoughts on the table for those waffling between first and second seating.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

tinkerbelltwins,

Wow! I can't believe there are already 29 pages of posts for this cruise. We booked it last week while doing a back-to-back on the Disney Dream. Interesting enough, we are also from Northern Virginia and have the cabin next to you (7024). Since we will already be in Barcelona for this cruise, we also decided to book the 4-day leaving on 7/9; thus another back-to-back with only one repeat port. It's hard to beat the incentives given for onboard bookings; especially when you transfer those bookings to an agent for additional OBC (which will be needed for the extensive shore excursions I anticipate). This will be the first time our kids visit Europe, so we want them to get a good look. Please add us to the role call: Tom, Kimberly, Julia (13), and Nathan (10).

Tom

Welcome Aboard Tom and family! You have been added to our roll call. You and your family are now official Eastern Mediterranean Mouseketeers!

Beth

 

[pirateluv]

I think my favourite thing is walking though Cinderella's castle. I love all the pictures we have taken as a family in front of the castle over the years. Yes, also love Pirates of the Caribbean! Joan

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

All,

While on the Disney Dream we spoke with a long-time staff member who worked the prior Disney Magic Mediterranean cruises. She stated that due to the long shore excursions involved, many guests returned late and very tired at the end of each port day. Normally, we book early dining, but this will be the first time we do second seating in anticipation of longer days. If you have first seating, keep in mind that some shore excursions you desire may not get you back in time to clean up and go to the main dining room. Also, almost all port sailaways are around 6:30pm, so unless you have a table next to the window, that experienced will be missed. I'm just throwing these thoughts on the table for those waffling between first and second seating.

Thanks for the heads up on this issue. Even with sailaways at 6:30, I think my family is going to stick with the first seating. My kids just don't do well eating late and then hitting the pillow shortly thereafter. You might want to check out Lornak's trip report (I've got the link in post 4 on page 1). She had second seating and ended up wishing she'd had the earlier time. My kids will be nine next summer and I think we will be choosing excursions that aren't too lengthy so as to avoid the cranky/overly tired twin syndrome. If it were just me and my husband going it would be very different and we'd probably go for the second seating.

And somewhere in a trip report (I've forgotten which one!, or perhaps it was a comment on this thread?) there was mention that when an excursion ran late the dining people knew it and anticipated late comers arriving to the first seating.

But I'm a newbie to cruising the Med and there are others here who are tried and true Dis-Med veterans. I'm curious to know what they think. So everyone else, please wage in your two cents...

 

[pirateluv]

We have late dining and have always enjoyed it. This will be our fifth cruise and we did the Med in 2010. It's true the port days are long and tiring. I think on some of the longer port times early dinner was pushed back later to give the early diners more time to get back to the ship. We have always liked the late dining as it gives us longer to enjoy the ports and relax for a bit before dinner. I guess it is just a matter of what works for your family!! The Med cruise is exciting and tiring at the same time!! Joan

 

[bonnielynn]

My favorite ride or place:

Ride would be soarin. I absolutely adore it!!

Place.. Italy in Epcot with a glass of wine in one hand and chocolate in the other.. HEAVEN!!

 

[MrsG]

Thanks for the heads up on this issue. Even with sailaways at 6:30, I think my family is going to stick with the first seating. My kids just don't do well eating late and then hitting the pillow shortly thereafter. You might want to check out Lornak's trip report (I've got the link in post 4 on page 1). She had second seating and ended up wishing she'd had the earlier time. My kids will be nine next summer and I think we will be choosing excursions that aren't too lengthy so as to avoid the cranky/overly tired twin syndrome. If it were just me and my husband going it would be very different and we'd probably go for the second seating.

And somewhere in a trip report (I've forgotten which one!, or perhaps it was a comment on this thread?) there was mention that when an excursion ran late the dining people knew it and anticipated late comers arriving to the first seating.

But I'm a newbie to cruising the Med and there are others here who are tried and true Dis-Med veterans. I'm curious to know what they think. So everyone else, please wage in your two cents...

I would also recommend late dining. When we did the Med in 2007, we got back late most nights and they only had to hold our late dinner once for us.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

MrsG -- just noticed all of the captions under your Disname! Looks like the tag fairy has been following you around on the boards!

 

[Disney_fans]

We did the 11-night Western Med cruise in June 2011 and had no problems with early dining. There were very long excursion days, but the night before, our server would have a list of which excursion we were on and when we would be getting back. The servers told us that the goal was for us to have fun in port and not feel rushed, so we could arrive late for dinner. We arrived late several times, as did our table mates, and we were greeted with the same friendly service.

 

[Disney_fans]

Having grown up in Florida, I've been to Disney more than 100 times, including opening day when I was a child. Picking a favorite is really hard because the rides have changed over the years and some are no longer there. Those "E" ticket rides were always the best. I think right now I would say Thunder Mountain Railroad because it's fast. My DP likes the more peaceful Soarin', DD likes Splash Mountain, and DS likes Buzz Lightyear.

 

[Eleblanc]

Thanks for the heads up on this issue. Even with sailaways at 6:30, I think my family is going to stick with the first seating. My kids just don't do well eating late and then hitting the pillow shortly thereafter. You might want to check out Lornak's trip report (I've got the link in post 4 on page 1). She had second seating and ended up wishing she'd had the earlier time. My kids will be nine next summer and I think we will be choosing excursions that aren't too lengthy so as to avoid the cranky/overly tired twin syndrome. If it were just me and my husband going it would be very different and we'd probably go for the second seating.

And somewhere in a trip report (I've forgotten which one!, or perhaps it was a comment on this thread?) there was mention that when an excursion ran late the dining people knew it and anticipated late comers arriving to the first seating.

But I'm a newbie to cruising the Med and there are others here who are tried and true Dis-Med veterans. I'm curious to know what they think. So everyone else, please wage in your two cents...

I think you are fine either way. The late dining gives you more time to change before dinner if you choose, but the early dining gives you more time to relax after dinner.

If I remember correctly from the schedule we are leaving port every day except once before the early dining time, so the excursions would be planned accordingly to have you back before the boat leaves port!

As mentioned, the servers know what is going on and if you are late because your excursion gets back late, they will take care of you no matter what. Getting your food out to you quickly, finding another table, or even finding a spot for you at the later dinning slot.

It comes down to whatever works best for your group, what will make everyone happiest.

 

[dylan'smom]

I'm a bit behind the eight ball here. We are in need of a new Question of the Week. How about....
What's your favorite ride -- or it could be a favorite place -- at one of the Disney Parks?

Most of our trips have been to DL & we're partial to that one, of course!! Lately, our favorite there has been Toy Story Mania aka "Potato Head!" It brings out the competitive instincts in all of us... And I always loved Space Mtn back before it was "improved" & the music was changed...*sigh*
I know they have to keep changing & adding their new surprises, but we've lost some cool stuff over the yrs in the name of progress...!!

tinkerbelltwins,

Wow! I can't believe there are already 29 pages of posts for this cruise. We booked it last week while doing a back-to-back on the Disney Dream. Interesting enough, we are also from Northern Virginia and have the cabin next to you (7024). Since we will already be in Barcelona for this cruise, we also decided to book the 4-day leaving on 7/9; thus another back-to-back with only one repeat port. It's hard to beat the incentives given for onboard bookings; especially when you transfer those bookings to an agent for additional OBC (which will be needed for the extensive shore excursions I anticipate). This will be the first time our kids visit Europe, so we want them to get a good look. Please add us to the role call: Tom, Kimberly, Julia (13), and Nathan (10).
Tom

Tom & family!! If you are interested in FEs or Secret Mickey, the link is on page 1, post 4, I believe. You are free to fill in your information, if it sounds good.

We did the 11-night Western Med cruise in June 2011 and had no problems with early dining. There were very long excursion days, but the night before, our server would have a list of which excursion we were on and when we would be getting back. The servers told us that the goal was for us to have fun in port and not feel rushed, so we could arrive late for dinner. We arrived late several times, as did our table mates, and we were greeted with the same friendly service.

It really is different in the Med & they've done a good job getting it down, I think. In 2007 we did the really long excursions & while we were thoroughly pooped, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. At that time, the servers would encourage us to come in late, but honestly, some of the days it was close to 2nd seating & we just wanted to crash anyway...so did RS or Topsiders & it was fine. One time, DH & I went to Palo & DS happily had dinner w/ the Lab.

Last yr we did the Med again & it was really like night & day....they really had it down to a science!! As mentioned, they kept track of everyone's times & it was very streamlined if we were late - even encourage everyone to come in their casual (shorts!!) clothes if it got close, and dinner was blink-and-you-missed-it fast!!

So we will stick with early/main again, but maybe on the few nights that we know we will be super late, just make a Palo res or the quick stuff!! <-- sorry, doesn't mean anything, I just hadn't seen this one before...or ths one? lol

.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

I love hearing all of the opinions about the dining times -- so interesting!

Just asked the twins what their favorite ride or place was at the Parks. Hope asked if she could give answers for both Disneyland (we were just there last week) and Walt Disney World. Naturally I said yes! Hope (the daredevil) loves California Screaming at DL and Space Mountain at WDW. Skye listed Small World at DL and Splash Mountain at WDW. DH is on a business trip so I'll have to ask him what his favorite is when he gets back. As for me, I'm not one for roller coasters, so I have to go with a favorite spot at DL (spent lots of time there during my childhood): the small garden/fish pond to the right of the castle that has the statues of Snow White and the dwarfs. I never noticed if it exists at MK at WDW. Does anyone know?

 

[Amy Fran]

My favorite place in Disney World is the Conservation Station at AK. I can spend an entire day there, talking to the animal handlers and other CMs! My favorite ride is a little tougher, but I gotta go with Toy Story Mania.

I don't know about DL yet, but I can let you know in September! First trip ever for Steve, & it'll be my first in almost 30 years!

 

[Cousin Orville]

We did early dining last yr on the med and the yr before on the baltic. I never noticed a problem. We got back late once from Berlin and ate at 2nd seating. Even coming back from Rome it wasn't an issue. We didn't go into Florence last time, but that would probably be the one port you might come back to the ship late.

 

[Cousin Orville]

Favorite spot in WDW would be walking around World Shocase. Favorite ride would be Expedition Everest. Favorite spot in DL would be eating at the Napa Rose overlooking Grizzly Peak. Favorite ride is Indiana Jones. I'm much more of a WDW guy, having only been to DL a few times. However I'm looking forward to seeing the finished DCA. I probably won't get out there until next yrs D23 Expo.