7/13/13 ~~ Eastern Mediterranean Mouseketeers!

[disfreaks]

My DS will be 15. He will be wearing his band tux pants, a vest we bought for dances for him and he has a couple ties as well as a dress shirt. I will probably get him new black/gray Vans for shoes. He will wear those a lot and his feet grow to fast for dress shoes. He wears his band shoes to dances, but I don't want to pack those. I am fine with the Vans. I am not sure on the other nights in the dining room. I would like him to wear Khakis, but not sure he will. It will probably be nice jeans and a shirt. He doesn't mind that. I swear he grows an inch a month these days!

 

[dormouse7899]

Thanks so much for all our your suggestions. I was telling my DH how friendly and helpful everyone is. I can't wait to meet you all!

In an earlier post, I may have mentioned that my DS is 13 (will be 14 a few days before sail date) is about 6 feet tall already and size 11.5 extra wide feet. He is a bit of a bean pole these days. He outgrows everything so it is hard for me to keep up. I think we will go with a dress shirt and tie and black dress pants and black running shoes. My DH said, "who knows by then he may fit into my suits," which I had not thought of so that may be an option. Of course he does not fit into his last set of dress shirts, pants and shoes purchased at Christmas time but we can get new ones. I would love to see him in a tux but I think he would not agree to that.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[disfreaks]

For the day in La Spezia, we are looking at going to visit Pisa, then I would like to set up a cooking class for our family of four. The Disney one is 18 and up, and I don't want to leave my son behind (15). Does anyone know of a place/tour company we could set up a cooking class with? I am doing a little searching, but I was just wondering if anyone knew of anything that either they had done before or someone else had done. Thanks so much!

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

For the day in La Spezia, we are looking at going to visit Pisa, then I would like to set up a cooking class for our family of four. The Disney one is 18 and up, and I don't want to leave my son behind (15). Does anyone know of a place/tour company we could set up a cooking class with? I am doing a little searching, but I was just wondering if anyone knew of anything that either they had done before or someone else had done. Thanks so much!

That is exactly what we are doing. Except the opposite - cooking and then Pisa.

I had a pretty tough time finding a place near La Spezia - and I sent quite a few emails to different companies without response.

I have written about it in my pre-trip report (post 5 & 19) if that might help you at all. (The link is in my signature)

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

Hi everyone -- I've been reading through recent posts and it sounds like many of you are getting all of your plans firmed up. Hurrah for you! I so wish my family was going with all of you. I'll be thinking of you in July when the Magic pulls away from Barcelona! Do send me a PM if I have missed adding anyone to the Roll Call on page one. I try to check the thread regularly but it is very possible that a few pages have gone by that I have missed reading! Also, if there is anything you'd like me to add to the posts on great websites to check etc, send me a PM and I'll add them to those posts as well.

Take care!!

Beth

 

[LovesToRun]

Hello everyone,

I saw a thread on this on the main Dis boards, so I thought I'd bring it up here to see what you all have planned (if you've thought this far ahead).

What do you all plan to wear at the ports where it'll most likely be very hot, but then have to cover your shoulders and wear long pants/skirts to go into churches, the Vatican, temples, etc. etc. etc.

This is not my style at all, but I'm considering getting some of those convertible pants. They are light weight, work well in the heat, and they can be shorts, but also pants when you need them, so very versitile. But, I also might bring longer light weight skirts. As for tops (for me), I'm thinking of tank tops, but then have a light weight shawl to put over my shoulders when I need to cover up. Hmmmmm.....

As for the guys (my husband and boys), I might get the convertible pants for them, too, and they will just wear t-shirts.

But, just wondering what you all plan, and maybe I'll get more ideas this way!

We are trying to be economical with our packing because we are spending time in Europe before and after our cruise, so we don't want a lot of extra clothes or heavy clothes.

Also, does anyone have any good recommendations of GOOD walking shoes/sandals that work well in the heat, but you can go hours all day without your feet hurting or getting blisters? I'd love recommendations of what type of shoe you love (I'm fine paying a lot for a GOOD shoe... I think shoes will make or break your day. There is nothing worse than having hurting feet and you still have several hours to go)! For shoes, I'm kind of thinking of something light weight, airy (to help with the heat), but very stable, comfortable, durable and sturdy, and if possibly, fashionable (ie, for a female, can wear with both pants and a skirt/dress), that would be a bonus! Can you get all of these qualities in ONE shoe?!
Thanks!!

 

[Amy Fran]

Also, does anyone have any good recommendations of GOOD walking shoes/sandals that work well in the heat, but you can go hours all day without your feet hurting or getting blisters? I'd love recommendations of what type of shoe you love (I'm fine paying a lot for a GOOD shoe... I think shoes will make or break your day. There is nothing worse than having hurting feet and you still have several hours to go)! For shoes, I'm kind of thinking of something light weight, airy (to help with the heat), but very stable, comfortable, durable and sturdy, and if possibly, fashionable (ie, for a female, can wear with both pants and a skirt/dress), that would be a bonus! Can you get all of these qualities in ONE shoe?!
Thanks!!

As a runner, you probably already know this, but I would strongly suggest seeking out a specialty running store and getting fitted for a good walking shoe. Finding a shoe that doesn't hurt when you walk is entirely dependant on how it fits your foot (do you pronate? supinate? heel strike? etc...), and a popular sneaker from Foot Locker ain't gonna cut it. For avoiding blisters, I use Lanacane (a antichafing ointment you can find even at WalMart). Even with my good shoes and good socks, the friction of 13.1 or 26.2 miles of continuous movement used to leave me with huge blisters on the balls of my feet. Enter Lanacane & I haven't had a problem since.

I would not sacrifice comfort for fashion. Wearing sneakers with a skirt would be better than being in pain IMHO.

 

[dormouse7899]

Also, does anyone have any good recommendations of GOOD walking shoes/sandals that work well in the heat, but you can go hours all day without your feet hurting or getting blisters? I'd love recommendations of what type of shoe you love (I'm fine paying a lot for a GOOD shoe... I think shoes will make or break your day. There is nothing worse than having hurting feet and you still have several hours to go)! For shoes, I'm kind of thinking of something light weight, airy (to help with the heat), but very stable, comfortable, durable and sturdy, and if possibly, fashionable (ie, for a female, can wear with both pants and a skirt/dress), that would be a bonus! Can you get all of these qualities in ONE shoe?!
Thanks!!

I agree that everyone's feet and style choices are different but I can tell you that I love TEVA leather sandals. I have worn them on long hikes, white water rafting and with sundresses. Before the trip I would wear them quite a bit so you verify they are comfortable. I have worn keen leather sandals as well that worked well.

 

[LovesToRun]

As a runner, you probably already know this, but I would strongly suggest seeking out a specialty running store and getting fitted for a good walking shoe. Finding a shoe that doesn't hurt when you walk is entirely dependant on how it fits your foot (do you pronate? supinate? heel strike? etc...), and a popular sneaker from Foot Locker ain't gonna cut it. For avoiding blisters, I use Lanacane (a antichafing ointment you can find even at WalMart). Even with my good shoes and good socks, the friction of 13.1 or 26.2 miles of continuous movement used to leave me with huge blisters on the balls of my feet. Enter Lanacane & I haven't had a problem since.

I would not sacrifice comfort for fashion. Wearing sneakers with a skirt would be better than being in pain IMHO.

Thanks! Yes, I am the first person to know that comfort/proper fit trumps fashion!! I've been a runner for 20+ years and the biggest mistake "new" runners make is they go to the running shoe store and pick out the shoe that has the best colors or are "fun" looking or they just like the overall look of the shoe, and then they end up getting injured because it's the total wrong shoe for their foot.

I pronate, but I also have to factor in an old ankle injury that still haunts me. My good friend is a physical therapist, so I am also planning to get her input, because I can't be dealing with ankle pain (and will make sure I get shoes to prevent that from happening) on our trip, but I just was wondering if anyone here has any good sturdy and stable walking shoes/sandals that they love, and I might check them out.

But, I was just saying that "if" I could find a really good walking shoe that was cute, that would be a bonus, but that would not be my main reason for choosing a good walking shoe.

I was hoping to get some sort of really good walking sandal or slip on, like Keen's or Merrell, or Ecco, or one of those brands. BUT, I am going to go and try on all sorts of walking shoes/sandals and I do have specialty running shoe stores I have bought my running shoes at, so I do plan to go there as well.

I also like "The Walking Company", but the people who work there don't always know what they are talking about. But, I may see what they have there.

But, I TOTALLY agree with all you said!!! Thanks

(oh, and I am no longer running... threw in the towel about 4 months ago. It has been a great 20+ years of running, but my ankle is done running, and I need to keep my ankle healthy, and listen to my body! So, I am now officially a "brisk walker". And, I love it (and so does my ankle)!!!

 

[Amy Fran]

(oh, and I am no longer running... threw in the towel about 4 months ago. It has been a great 20+ years of running, but my ankle is done running, and I need to keep my ankle healthy, and listen to my body! So, I am now officially a "brisk walker". And, I love it (and so does my ankle)!!!

Oh good. I was a little worried that you WERE one of those runners that's more concerned about being cute and I was gonna haffta give ya the whatfor from my soapbox I'm a late-to-start runner (got inspired to start running at 35) and still use the run-walk method but am working toward just running. Listening to your body is SOOO important! and brisk walking totally counts still!

 

[LovesToRun]

Oh good. I was a little worried that you WERE one of those runners that's more concerned about being cute and I was gonna haffta give ya the whatfor from my soapbox I'm a late-to-start runner (got inspired to start running at 35) and still use the run-walk method but am working toward just running. Listening to your body is SOOO important! and brisk walking totally counts still!

The good news is that the running shoe companies are coming out with cuter colors, so unlike the way it used to be where the good stable running shoes were just plain looking, they now are making really good running shoes for all types of runners & feet in cuter colors. I was so excited when the running shoe I wear (the ONLY one I wear that works for me) FINALLY came out in some super cute colors, and no longer just plain white with maybe a little blue or orange on it. But, yes, I'd go for plain looking over cute to keep from having hurting/painful feet/injuries!! It's just not worth it.

Good for you... and run/walk is SO good for you. You are smart to start that way!!

My aunt started running at age 64! She just ran her first 1/2 marathon last year (she was 67). It's never too late (if running is something you want to try doing, and you train correctly and strength train regularly to build up your running muscles in order to support your joints better (that is so important!) ).

Ok, so now we are off topic.... sorry!! I could talk about running, etc, forever. LOL!!

So back on topic... any other walking shoe recommendations/or light weight clothes that work in hot weather as well as cathedrals?

Oh, and just a tip... given the hot weather and out walking/touring for 10 hours straight at some places, some people might deal with chaffing (ie, if you sweat, your clothes my stick and rub wrong, and then you can chaffe, and that can hurt so bad). I highly recommend Body Glide to keep from chaffing:

http://www.amazon.com/BodyGlide-AB4...UTF8&qid=1363540485&sr=8-5&keywords=bodyglide

When we travel to hot places, we always have this with us. I put it on myself, and my boys (and my husband uses it, too) before we leave for the day of being out and about (just put it where we tend to chafe, or could chafe to be preventative), and I keep it in my day bag to reapply if needed during the day. and it works SOOO well!!!

Thanks, Dormouse7899 -- TEVA is a good brand, too. I'll put that on my list to check out. Do you have an example (like a link that shows them) of the TEVA leather sandals you like?

 

[disfreaks]

I like Priva (I think that is the name) flip flops. They have a good walking sole and I wear them around Disneyworld. Are we able to wear sandals/flip flops in the churches or do we need close toed shoes?

 

[Eleblanc]

Hello! Just joined this cruise. Very excited but feeling a little guilty about leaving my husband and kids home. This is going to be a fun girls trip with good friends. I haven't been able to catch up on all the posts yet, but I wanted to join the roll call and see if it was too late to sign up for the FE?

You can still sign up for the fish extender on the first page, I have not done any of the assignments yet.

If you have any questions with signing up, just let me know.

 

[Eleblanc]

Ok, so I have a question for those of you who have cruised the Med before with Disney.

I read one person's post (I think on the main Dis boards) somewhere that on their Disney Med cruise there were women who were topless at the pools on the Disney cruise ship. Now, I TOTALLLLY get this is Europe, and I 100% am expecting to see topless women at beaches, etc, etc.... I mean, it's part of their culture, so I totally get that, and I have no issues especially since this is part of the European culture (ie, if we didn't want to even be around that, we would not choose to go to Europe)...

But, it didn't occur to me that women might be going topless on the pool decks of the ship, I guess because I associate Disney with a family oriented atmosphere (that is, North American-minded family oriented atmosphere, to be more specific).

Just wondering if any of you past Med cruises saw topless women often on the pool deck of the ship, or just a few, or none at all? Just thinking about the kids, is all. And, so we'll know to expect this, rather than be caught off guard when hanging out on deck 10. If we know to expect it, it'll be fine.

Only saw them going topless at the adult pool area, and it was more just sitting in their chair, never walking around any part of the boat.

 

[pennymike]

Hello everyone,

I saw a thread on this on the main Dis boards, so I thought I'd bring it up here to see what you all have planned (if you've thought this far ahead).

What do you all plan to wear at the ports where it'll most likely be very hot, but then have to cover your shoulders and wear long pants/skirts to go into churches, the Vatican, temples, etc. etc. etc.

This is not my style at all, but I'm considering getting some of those convertible pants. They are light weight, work well in the heat, and they can be shorts, but also pants when you need them, so very versitile. But, I also might bring longer light weight skirts. As for tops (for me), I'm thinking of tank tops, but then have a light weight shawl to put over my shoulders when I need to cover up. Hmmmmm.....

As for the guys (my husband and boys), I might get the convertible pants for them, too, and they will just wear t-shirts.

But, just wondering what you all plan, and maybe I'll get more ideas this way!

We are trying to be economical with our packing because we are spending time in Europe before and after our cruise, so we don't want a lot of extra clothes or heavy clothes.

Also, does anyone have any good recommendations of GOOD walking shoes/sandals that work well in the heat, but you can go hours all day without your feet hurting or getting blisters? I'd love recommendations of what type of shoe you love (I'm fine paying a lot for a GOOD shoe... I think shoes will make or break your day. There is nothing worse than having hurting feet and you still have several hours to go)! For shoes, I'm kind of thinking of something light weight, airy (to help with the heat), but very stable, comfortable, durable and sturdy, and if possibly, fashionable (ie, for a female, can wear with both pants and a skirt/dress), that would be a bonus! Can you get all of these qualities in ONE shoe?!
Thanks!!

Regarding 'dresscode' options in europe....I will try to attach some photos, but I remember it being tricky, so I'll work on it. In the mean time: our signature photo below #3 shows my DH and I in Tunis on our 2010 Med cruise. The top I wore here worked out GREAT, and it was, as they say, "Africa Hot" there! It was probably from Eddie Bauer, linen type, light weight, but 3/4 sleeve so as to be appropriate for the location. I also wore tank tops and brought a white linen like cap-sleeved shirt (also from EB) and put that on over the tank when needed. Another day, I had a light weight white 'scarf' that could be used as a shawl to cover shoulders. That worked great too.

My husband had a pair of the pants with the zip off legs, and IN THEORY they were a great idea, but the material they were made out of (which was intended to dry quickly, breathe well, etc) was TOO HOT for him! He hated them! He said he felt like he was wearing a plastic bag. SO....the design is GREAT, just be cautious of what material it is made out of.

NOW....SHOES. This was a tough one for me, too, since I had read that Europeans don't wear tennis shoes, and I was trying very hard to not stand out as a tourist. (Like as if the numbered excursion sticker and whisper system head phones didn't give THAT away!) Well, maybe at least we didn't want to look obviously "American"! However, I am also extremely dedicated to feet that don't hurt, so it was tricky. DH and I both wore Keene sandals, but be sure they don't give you blisters on the back of your heels in hot weather. I also got a pair of Merrill sandals that are leather, closed toe. Honestly, by the end of the ALL day excursions hiking around Pompeii, etc, I did end up with a blister on the top of my foot, but nothing a bandaid in my day bag didn't fix.

***BTW: FULLY support the Body Glide suggestion! Powder can help, too.

DH just gave me a brilliant idea....It's MUCH easier to post pix to FB, so I'll post some "fashion pix" (haha) there for you!

Penny

 

[FloridaMom3461]

That is exactly what we are doing. Except the opposite - cooking and then Pisa.

I had a pretty tough time finding a place near La Spezia - and I sent quite a few emails to different companies without response.

I have written about it in my pre-trip report (post 5 & 19) if that might help you at all. (The link is in my signature)

In 2011, we used Arianna and Friends for a day including a stop at an interesting castle, a pizza cooking class and a trip to Pisa. I see Heather (newfound sailer) is using them for this cruise. They are wonderful - just a bit pricey for us this time. If the price doesn't concern you: I would highly recommend them.
Randi

 

[MrsG]

Does anyone know what days are our formal, semi-formal, pirate nights? Just trying to plan ahead.

Thanks,
Maryann

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Does anyone know what days are our formal, semi-formal, pirate nights? Just trying to plan ahead.

Thanks,
Maryann

Randi posted on the Facebook page this week that she got these dates from DCL:

7/17 formal
7/21 pirate
7/22 semi formal

 

[CaptainandTennille]

You can still sign up for the fish extender on the first page, I have not done any of the assignments yet.

If you have any questions with signing up, just let me know.

Thank you! This is only my second time cruising Disney and my first time without my kids. This is still a bit new

 

[LovesToRun]

Regarding 'dresscode' options in europe....I will try to attach some photos, but I remember it being tricky, so I'll work on it. In the mean time: our signature photo below #3 shows my DH and I in Tunis on our 2010 Med cruise. The top I wore here worked out GREAT, and it was, as they say, "Africa Hot" there! It was probably from Eddie Bauer, linen type, light weight, but 3/4 sleeve so as to be appropriate for the location. I also wore tank tops and brought a white linen like cap-sleeved shirt (also from EB) and put that on over the tank when needed. Another day, I had a light weight white 'scarf' that could be used as a shawl to cover shoulders. That worked great too.

My husband had a pair of the pants with the zip off legs, and IN THEORY they were a great idea, but the material they were made out of (which was intended to dry quickly, breathe well, etc) was TOO HOT for him! He hated them! He said he felt like he was wearing a plastic bag. SO....the design is GREAT, just be cautious of what material it is made out of.

NOW....SHOES. This was a tough one for me, too, since I had read that Europeans don't wear tennis shoes, and I was trying very hard to not stand out as a tourist. (Like as if the numbered excursion sticker and whisper system head phones didn't give THAT away!) Well, maybe at least we didn't want to look obviously "American"! However, I am also extremely dedicated to feet that don't hurt, so it was tricky. DH and I both wore Keene sandals, but be sure they don't give you blisters on the back of your heels in hot weather. I also got a pair of Merrill sandals that are leather, closed toe. Honestly, by the end of the ALL day excursions hiking around Pompeii, etc, I did end up with a blister on the top of my foot, but nothing a bandaid in my day bag didn't fix.

***BTW: FULLY support the Body Glide suggestion! Powder can help, too.

DH just gave me a brilliant idea....It's MUCH easier to post pix to FB, so I'll post some "fashion pix" (haha) there for you!

Penny

Thanks for all the GREAT info!!! I'm definitely looking into Keens for shoes, and thanks for the info on the convertible pants (I keep on wanting to call them zip-off pants, but I realize that really doesn't sound right. LOL!!!). But, I didn't think about the material, but will consider that (if I look into them for my husband or boys even).

Does anyone know if it's acceptable to wear a skirt or shorts that hits RIGHT at the knee into the Vatican? Something like both of these?

http://www.rei.com/product/844011/novara-chelsea-bike-skirt

http://www.rei.com/product/844711/lole-pursuit-2-shorts-womens

Or, would it need to actually be below the knee? I love skirts the length of the skirt in the length above, but don't want to be turned away from cathedrals, churches and the Vatican only to find they need to actually be below the knee.

Thanks!!





Thanks!!