August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[luke]

Still searching for that elusive mix of price and quality for our Barcelona hotel...

 

[mikki.young]

Managed to get some wireless for my netbook so I can type a bit more than on the phone - LOL

The links work OK for me Annie. He is good at replying to emails - his email is Info@autosvilar.com Worth asking what he could do. i know there is more than 1 car, just not sure how many.

Tomorrow I ring DVC member services to try and book January accomodation for the first week. Suspect BLT will be difficult because of the marathon the first weekend but hopefully Kidani will be available.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The English link came up fine for me....

OK, the main page opens & I can get it switched to English but then none of the other links on the page will open!! I get this message on all of them:

The web address you entered could not be found.

Guess it's not my day today!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Still searching for that elusive mix of price and quality for our Barcelona hotel...

You'd better get with it dude!! What are your criteria?! The clock is ticking!! Are you going to meet up with us for the DIS meet??

Managed to get some wireless for my netbook so I can type a bit more than on the phone - LOL

The links work OK for me Annie. He is good at replying to emails - his email is Info@autosvilar.com Worth asking what he could do. i know there is more than 1 car, just not sure how many.

Tomorrow I ring DVC member services to try and book January accomodation for the first week. Suspect BLT will be difficult because of the marathon the first weekend but hopefully Kidani will be available.

OK, this is really weird. For some reason I can get the links to work if I leave the website in Spanish. THEN change it to English after the page reloads. How weird 'eh?! Anyway, so I used their "Contact Us" page and sent a message to get a couple of quotes.

Good luck with MS for your BLT ressie - I am sure Kidani will have availability - it's so big!! Got my fingers crossed for ya. Have you been there before? We stayed at Kidani on our last trip but decided we liked Jambo House better. We'd like to try BLT sometime too. I have been toying with the idea of trying to plan a little trip over spring break NEXT year. I am really wishing I could figure out a little trip sometime. This trip this summer is really draining us. I just can't seem to find a good date for us to go down where DS has a long weekend from school. Our schools don't really have any long weekends built into the calendar next year. They take a lot of miscellaneous days off but they're always on like a Tues, Wed or Thurs. Since DS is starting high school and is going to be in the AP (Advanced Placement) program I don't want to plan anything where he would miss school if I can avoid it. Even just a day seems wrong. The best scenario I can come up with is that they have a "professional day" on the Friday before their official spring break starts (March 30). So if we could go down on the Thursday night before for about 5 or 6 nights or so we'd actually be slightly ahead of the worst of the crowds I think. Easter is April 8. This is sort of what we did LAST year. We went on the EARLY side & it was BUSY but we left before it got to be the worst. That would put 3 nights in "Magic" season, including the more expensive weekend nights & then we'd have 2 or 3 nights in "Premier" & we could leave to come home on the Tues or Wed before Easter. I wish we could get a discount on regular park hoppers.

The English link came up fine for me....

Hummmmmmm

 

[Anal Annie]

Morning peeps! Just a quick bump up to page 1!! Another nice day here (low 80's for temps which sure beats upper 90's) so hoping to work outside some more. Still not done with my mulching!

 

[mikki.young]

Well I couldn't get BLT for all 7 nights but I am happily in Kidani for the begining of the trip - 1 bed savannah. We will try for BLT for a later bit of the trip and have a split stay. We are there from 4 to 24 Jan so plenty of choice.

 

[Anal Annie]

Mikki - Sorry you couldn't get your BLT days....were you open to anything they had available or did you only want a certain view / type of unit? I think IF we ever stay there I'd like a Lake View studio. Well, actually, I don't know if I'll like the studios there at all or not. I actually called Member Services yesterday to ask some questions & I asked if they were done re-doing the bathroom / kitchenette layout & the guy I was talking to didn't know anything about it AT ALL. But I was pretty sure I'd read that they were going to revamp the layout of that goofy sink & take it out of the kitchenette part & put it into the bathroom. This guy was clueless about it tho. Anyway, I was wondering what would happen to our points IF we booked a studio at SSR now for a few nights at Spring Break next year and then tried to switch to BLT at 7 months (end of August) and then what would happen if we had to cancel altogether later if we decide we can't afford to go. We have a December Use Year so we have to bank what points we have left by July 31. He said we'd have to bank them first anyway since the ressie is next year. We'd be OK as long as we used the banked points by Nov. 30 next year. We also want to try to book Aulani & VGC for next summer - but can't start that process until end of Dec / beginning of January. So if we book both trips and THEN decide we need to cancel the March trip we'd need to ask them to reallocate the points being used for the Aulani trip so they'd use the banked ones. I should probably write all that down huh?! ON PAPER I have it all worked out with a couple of different scenarios to where we could literally use every single point new and banked between the 2 trips. We could do 5 nights in a OV studio @ Aulani + a studio at VGC for 3 nights (paying cash on Maui) plus we could do 6 nights in a LV studio at BLT OR we could do 4 nights at Aulani in a Std. view 1 bedroom + 3 nights at VGC (S-Th) + 6 nights in a studio at SSR. NOW, if we can't get a studio at VGC & have to use a reg. hotel room at PP or something then that would mess me up. I haven't studied that one yet. But I think we'd be OK if we did SSR rather than BLT. I need to talk to DH about this idea so I can put it to bed. We could also try to get into BWV instead - we haven't stayed there yet. So many trips I WANT to do and so leeeetle time & money.

OK folks...sorry to go off on a tangent....shiny things distract me!

I wanted to let you all know that when I went to actually PRINT my own Mickey Ears Med Map I wasn't happy with how the font looked. It was sort of jagged looking. So I found another Disney Script Font & changed the Alias so that it would be smoother. SOOO, I re-did all of your Mickey Head Maps!! I'm gonna drop 'em in below & if you'd PM'd me I'll send yours that way. If you print both of them out you'll see a BIG difference between the two - more than you can see on the computer screen. The new one is MUCH smoother & looks MUCH better. Sorry for the inconvenience!!

 

[luke]

Very much looking at the Hotel Murmuri now, looks nice and not too bad a location

 

[Anal Annie]

You know what I forgot to post earlier?! The Mickey EAR pattern in case anybody wants that to put them on their door (around the porthole with the cabin number). Just right click on them & save them to your computer then open them & print them full size.

 

[Goofygoof]

thanka Annie for the ears super lovely we had a lovely half term week dh was off as well its been nice and sunny we all got a bit carried away too much in the sun spend yesterday on the beach no swimming though water here is still too cold . Finally managed to book the flights but still looking for the bcn hotel
hope everyone has a lovely weekend

 

[Kels Sem]

Hey LeeAnn, I got the transfer to the port booked with a confirmed pick up time of 10.15. Happy Days

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. It has been a miserable rainy day here today so different to the lovely hot sunny weather we had 2 days ago.

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey LeeAnn, I got the transfer to the port booked with a confirmed pick up time of 10.15. Happy Days

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. It has been a miserable rainy day here today so different to the lovely hot sunny weather we had 2 days ago.

That sounds PERFECT!!! Well, the shuttle time sounds perfect - your weather not so much!! Sorry to hear about the rain.

Does anybody know how the tipping should work for these shuttle services & taxis? Do you usually give them a few euro in tips too?? I really need to figure out how much cash we need to have on us so I can do an exchange one of these days!!

Well, I am in full planning mode now for a spring break trip next year! I ran the idea past DH this morning and have been trying to estimate park tix & airfare. (Trying to figure out if we should buy AP's, 5 day hoppers or what since we also want to spend 3 days at DL next summer). Spent some time snooping around on the Transportation board trying to find out when the el cheapo airlines (SW, Air Tran & Jet Blue) might release their schedules for next spring. The bigger carriers are already out. United has $227 round trip out of Dulles...but we prefer to use BWI which means waiting for the cheaper guys. Looks like I'll be able to find out schedules release dates around the end of July. Most likely looking at Sept./Oct. releases for March/April. Also set up a Fare Alert on Kayak.com.

I think I can buy our Vatican tickets later this week. Gotta double check on that...boy the time will surely fly by now!

 

[kerrykerr]

Thanks for the tip on autosvillars. We were able to get our transfer to the airport for 20 euros cheaper! And they won't be charging us extra for a booster seat like the other company we had originally booked with.

The weather is a beautiful 24 and sunny here. I don't know what that converts to, but it's warm enough for us Canucks to wear shorts and T-shirts!

Unfortunately, DD has developed a fever, so I'm hoping that passes soon before her dance recital later this week.

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Kerry

 

[Kels Sem]

That sounds PERFECT!!! Well, the shuttle time sounds perfect - your weather not so much!! Sorry to hear about the rain.

Does anybody know how the tipping should work for these shuttle services & taxis? Do you usually give them a few euro in tips too?? I really need to figure out how much cash we need to have on us so I can do an exchange one of these days!!

Well, I am in full planning mode now for a spring break trip next year! I ran the idea past DH this morning and have been trying to estimate park tix & airfare. (Trying to figure out if we should buy AP's, 5 day hoppers or what since we also want to spend 3 days at DL next summer). Spent some time snooping around on the Transportation board trying to find out when the el cheapo airlines (SW, Air Tran & Jet Blue) might release their schedules for next spring. The bigger carriers are already out. United has $227 round trip out of Dulles...but we prefer to use BWI which means waiting for the cheaper guys. Looks like I'll be able to find out schedules release dates around the end of July. Most likely looking at Sept./Oct. releases for March/April. Also set up a Fare Alert on Kayak.com.

I think I can buy our Vatican tickets later this week. Gotta double check on that...boy the time will surely fly by now!

I forgot to say that I confirmed with them that our carry on luggage is included.

Tipping is not expected in Spain but I would normally tip a couple of euros if the service is good. This would be the general rule and it says something to this effect on the website.

I'm also in planning mode for a trip WDW next summer! it will really depend on flights prices but if the prices are ok we should be good to book our flights when we get back from the cruise. I love planning

 

[Anal Annie]

Thanks for the tip on autosvillars. We were able to get our transfer to the airport for 20 euros cheaper! And they won't be charging us extra for a booster seat like the other company we had originally booked with.

The weather is a beautiful 24 and sunny here. I don't know what that converts to, but it's warm enough for us Canucks to wear shorts and T-shirts!

Unfortunately, DD has developed a fever, so I'm hoping that passes soon before her dance recital later this week.

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Kerry

Sending Pixie Dust for DD to get over her fever before her recital!!!
I think you must be talking about 24 C which is somewhere in the 70's F down here. That would be what we call "pleasant". Personally, I need UPPER 70's to wear shorts but I know you Canadians are a little more "hearty" as to what is tolerable for shorts! We are supposed to have another heat wave here Wed-Fri (upper 90's F which I guess would be almost 40 C). Good for warming up DS's outdoor pool water.

We are in our last week of swimming with DS's winter club. Going to practice tonight with his summer team as they having team suit fittings so I need to buy him a new team suit. We have "time trials" next Sat. AM so that will set his place for their first "A" and "B" meets & I wanted him to have 1 practice in this pool before trials. For you non-swimmer folks the "A" meets are the ones that count for the Division standings. "B" meets are more just for fun and are for the swimmers who don't qualify for the "A" meets. DS usually only swims freestyle & maybe backstroke at the "A" meets but it will depend on how many other 13/14 boys we have. Sometimes too if we're short on 15+ boys they will "swim up" which is sort of nice. Those are longer events which he does better at anyway and it doesn't penalize him for what he can swim in the Wed. "B" meets (they can only swim 3 events + the IM in one week). I think we've lost a lot of good swimmers for this year (several graduated & aged out last year) so his team may slip in the divisions for next year. We're currently in "C" division which is pretty good but I doubt we'll stay there. Hoping for a good summer season tho.

I forgot to say that I confirmed with them that our carry on luggage is included.

Tipping is not expected in Spain but I would normally tip a couple of euros if the service is good. This would be the general rule and it says something to this effect on the website.

I'm also in planning mode for a trip WDW next summer! it will really depend on flights prices but if the prices are ok we should be good to book our flights when we get back from the cruise. I love planning

Glad to hear that the carry-ons will be included. That's a relief to hear.

I figured a couple of euros for tips. Would that be per bag or per person or just in total?? (I sound like I've never been ANYWHERE! I don't get out much!!)

So do you know where you want to stay next summer at WDW?! How long will you get to go for?? Did you go last year too? (Sorry, I'm having a brain freeze!) I think I am going to call DVC back today to start this next vaca plan. It will seem more real if I actually BOOK some dates. I can book Saratoga Springs now then the week after we get back (Aug. 29) I can try to switch out to someplace else. While I am fine with staying at Saratoga we're trying to work our way thru staying at ALL of the DVC resorts & we still haven't tried Bay Lake or Boardwalk Villas so we'll probably try to switch to one of those. Since it's spring break time the ressie at SSR is just a backup plan.

 

[kerrykerr]

Ah, yes, we are a hearty bunch. We have to take what we can get up here! Actually, we're going to have a little heat wave starting on Wednesday too. It is going to feel like 40 C because of the humidity.

Speaking of weather, do we know what to expect in August on the cruise?

Another question, do any of our experienced DCL people know if it's cheaper to buy bottled water on the ship once you're there, or to have the 6 bottles delivered to your stateroom for $9! I've heard that bottled water is very overpriced in Italy and to make sure that we have some in advance.

I'm already nervous about the food situation because DD and I cannot eat gluten. We've been told by DCL to order from the dining room as often as possible to avoid cross-contamination from the buffet. They can't tell us over the phone if the quick-service stations have any gluten-free options. We have to wait until the embarkation dining session to get those details and meet with a dining representative. I'm packing gluten-free protein bars in case we are on an excursion and cannot eat the meal provided.

 

[criscoloo]

Hey Annie,
We're a day ahead of you in terms of Paris/Barcelona, so we won't be on the same flights with you. In any case, we're from NYC and flying out from there. You're not kidding about the greater number of hotels in Paris! I was going crazy reading hundreds of TripAdvisor reviews.

Thinking of booking a private tour operator for the 3 cities in Italy. I've heard of RomeinLimo and AcrossRome. Have you come across any other tour operators on these blogs?

Can't believe our 4th cruise is just over 2 months away!

 

[Anal Annie]

Ah, yes, we are a hearty bunch. We have to take what we can get up here! Actually, we're going to have a little heat wave starting on Wednesday too. It is going to feel like 40 C because of the humidity.

Speaking of weather, do we know what to expect in August on the cruise?

Everybody says it will be hot but I really can't imagine it will be worse than D.C. or FL in the summer (so I'm guessing maybe 90's). Jeff went to the Med last year....maybe he can chime in with temps. I think he had some rain too maybe.

Another question, do any of our experienced DCL people know if it's cheaper to buy bottled water on the ship once you're there, or to have the 6 bottles delivered to your stateroom for $9! I've heard that bottled water is very overpriced in Italy and to make sure that we have some in advance.

I do not know about in Europe...I know in FL it's cheaper to bring your own! I don't know anything about 6 bottles for $9. Last time we cruised they sold a case for $36 but it was Evian (which we don't LIKE but bought some of anyway to supplement the "normal" water we had leftover from WDW). From what I've read / heard it sounds like the Evian type of mineral water is pretty much what we're going to find in Europe rather than spring water like the bottled water we have for the most part at home. Not sure what we'll do for water yet. Might have to save some empty bottles & fill them at the drink station on the ship.


I'm already nervous about the food situation because DD and I cannot eat gluten. We've been told by DCL to order from the dining room as often as possible to avoid cross-contamination from the buffet. They can't tell us over the phone if the quick-service stations have any gluten-free options. We have to wait until the embarkation dining session to get those details and meet with a dining representative. I'm packing gluten-free protein bars in case we are on an excursion and cannot eat the meal provided.

Oh that sucks to have to deal with that type of situation. I've read that DCL is pretty good about it...but yes, you might want to bring an assortment of pre-packaged snacks that you know are safe for you to eat whjle off the ship. You could always start a new thread about gluten free in the Med to see if others have had any experience with this.

Hey Annie,
We're a day ahead of you in terms of Paris/Barcelona, so we won't be on the same flights with you. In any case, we're from NYC and flying out from there. You're not kidding about the greater number of hotels in Paris! I was going crazy reading hundreds of TripAdvisor reviews.

Mind boggling wasn't it? Where did you end up booking?? After 1 night at DLP we're moving to the St. Germain des Pres area to a reallllly old hotel. Should be interesting. Are you going to pre-buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower & the Museum Pass?! I am thinking of doing both before we go but not sure what TIME we'd want for the tower. But according to Rick Steve's Paris book pre-buying tickets could save 90 minutes of waiting in lines! Do you have a touring plan for Paris? I'm still working on ours.

Thinking of booking a private tour operator for the 3 cities in Italy. I've heard of RomeinLimo and AcrossRome. Have you come across any other tour operators on these blogs?

Can't believe our 4th cruise is just over 2 months away!

We have booked romeinlimo for Rome & Naples. I have read very good things about them on the DIS and on Cruise Critic and never anything BAD about them. For Rome we're doing the Highlights of Rome tour which covers just about EVERYTHING plus we've added private guides for the Coliseum and the Vatican and in Naples we signed up to do Pompeii, Sorrento & Positano with a guide for Pompeii - Mikki & Andrew have opted to join in with us on that port. There are several tour companies to be sure...I just decided to go with the one that seemed to be recommended most often. At some point the research gets overwhelming!

We leave for Paris 2 months from today!! I should start packing, right?! Air France's A380 airbus just made our 11:00 news! It is the world's largest airplane & they just started flying out of Dulles today (that's the type of plane we're on). That sucker is HUGE!! I am really regretting not snagging seats in the upstairs on it. Too late now tho. All full.

 

[Kels Sem]

Glad to hear that the carry-ons will be included. That's a relief to hear.

I figured a couple of euros for tips. Would that be per bag or per person or just in total?? (I sound like I've never been ANYWHERE! I don't get out much!!)

So do you know where you want to stay next summer at WDW?! How long will you get to go for?? Did you go last year too? (Sorry, I'm having a brain freeze!) I think I am going to call DVC back today to start this next vaca plan. It will seem more real if I actually BOOK some dates. I can book Saratoga Springs now then the week after we get back (Aug. 29) I can try to switch out to someplace else. While I am fine with staying at Saratoga we're trying to work our way thru staying at ALL of the DVC resorts & we still haven't tried Bay Lake or Boardwalk Villas so we'll probably try to switch to one of those. Since it's spring break time the ressie at SSR is just a backup plan.[/QUOTE]

Tip would be in total.

We are planning on going with my parents to their timeshare which is The Fountains resort on South IDrive. Gary, the kids & myself are also planning on staying onsite for a couple of nights. I fancy either the Beach Club (funds permitting) or the Dolphin. Last year we visited the Epcot resort area for the first time and we loved it. I may even consider renting some DVC points if I can. How did you rent yours out LeeAnn? Is there a website you can go to? We will be going for 2 weeks

 

[BWV Dreamin]

LeAnn, I am reading that Americans tip waaayyyy tooo much. I have a question on the tipping. I paid for Disney transfers. On my departure day back to the airport from my hotel, Disney is giving me a voucher for a taxi. Now this taxi is getting $60.00 for taking both my husband and I to the airport from Disney! Do I really need to tip him?