August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[SailingSeas]

" I am getting scared how much this will add up to if I say I want 100 euros per day that is over $2,000 USD!!! I really wasn't prepared to fork over that much cash right now!"

you could always return some of the extra swimsuits you were shopping for... that might cover it...

/grins wicked, ducks, and runs

yeah, i know, you asked for help.

 

[SailingSeas]

...as I was feeling completely guilty over teasing you, i decided to contact Disney Cruise Line Guest Services on the exchange issues, and this is awesome to me:

- there is no limit to the amount of USD you can exchange for EU
- exchanges take place at that day's actual rates
- there is no exchange fee
- you must use cash to exchange

You can cash a check for up to $200, however, if you turn in a traveler's check for cash, then you can use THAT for the exchange.

I am no longer worried about how much to bring - I am just going to bring traveler's checks, have a small amount on hand, and exchange as we need it.

phew...

 

[Anal Annie]

LeeAnn, I'm finding it really hard to estimate how much cash we will need also. I was going to take 600 euro but Dh said to take 700. This is for the 4 of us for 10 days. i will put meals etc on CC in Barcelona. I am really relucant to use an ATM anywhere. A colleague of mine lifted 200 euro from an ATM in Barcelona last year after his cruise. He was followed and then they picked it out of his pocket He said himself that it was partly his fault for putting it in his back pocket but it's a bit scary to think that he was followed.

When ordering currency in the bank I work at we get the rate the day we pick them up and not the day we order them. Not sure what way the US banks do it but to be honest it's really only going to fluctuate a few cents in the space of a couple of days.

If you want to pay me the money for your share of the transfer in Dollars that's fine with me. I can operate in either currency as it will never go to waste with me

Glad I'm not the only one having a hard time with this! DH is of course ZERO help once again with this decision. After Hope said she paid 1.51 I called my reg. bank, Capital One. They wouldn't tell me their rate over the phone. Said I had to come in THEN they would call Travelex to get the current rate. SOOO I went online to find Travelex. Turns out that I COULD order online from them directly & get it sent right to my house. But then of course I'd have to be home to sign for it. They charge $9.95 for anything under $500 USD & waive the fee for over $500. I think my bank just passes it all along...their online rate today was also 1.51 but she said it was higher in a Travelex Store (like at the airport). She said that rate was 1.61 today. I was figuring I'd pay you in Euros as you'd need some for your trip too...no need to confuse things with USD. OH I know! I could give you a travelers check!
(Just Kidding) How much is this fee again for our transfer?! Was it 55 Euros? I also have to sort out finances with Mikki. Sharing mugs & an excursion & a transfer!! It's all toooo complicated for my pea sized brain!!

" I am getting scared how much this will add up to if I say I want 100 euros per day that is over $2,000 USD!!! I really wasn't prepared to fork over that much cash right now!"

you could always return some of the extra swimsuits you were shopping for... that might cover it...

/grins wicked, ducks, and runs

yeah, i know, you asked for help.

Oh you're a funny one!! I suppose I deserve that 'eh?!
I bought 2 new bathing suits months ago already & was just thinking I would bring an old one as a spare. But now ya'll will make me feel over packed if I bring more than 2. One time we went to the beach for just a weekend & I had a wardrobe malfunction with the top on one and BOY was I ever glad I'd packed 2 even if it was just for the weekend!!

...as I was feeling completely guilty over teasing you, i decided to contact Disney Cruise Line Guest Services on the exchange issues, and this is awesome to me:

- there is no limit to the amount of USD you can exchange for EU
- exchanges take place at that day's actual rates
- there is no exchange fee
- you must use cash to exchange

You can cash a check for up to $200, however, if you turn in a traveler's check for cash, then you can use THAT for the exchange.

I am no longer worried about how much to bring - I am just going to bring traveler's checks, have a small amount on hand, and exchange as we need it.

phew...

Oh. Well, that's really good to know. I thought there was a $200 / day limit period, regardless of how / what you were exchanging. Perhaps there IS still a need for Travelers Checks these days!! At least we wouldn't get screwed on the exchange rate! Now...to decide how much additional to get in Travelers Checks!?



On a side note...feeling old today. DS and I went to the dentist today...I got my first cavity. Guess my teeth resented turning 50. But DS also has a cavity. I was especially NOT happy to hear that one!! He's only 14. Now I guess I have to go back to supervising the teeth brushing.

 

[rexalite]

Can anyone help with Barcelona hotel recommendations? I have been doing some searching, and it seems like all but the very expensive (400 euros and up) room that are not double occupancy. We will have our 3 year old with us, and will be staying one night pre cruise and 2 nights post cruise. Where are all you folks with kids staying?? We dont want to be too far from the action because we have such a short time in Barcelona. Thanks for your help!!

 

[CastawayJP]

Can anyone help with Barcelona hotel recommendations? I have been doing some searching, and it seems like all but the very expensive (400 euros and up) room that are not double occupancy. We will have our 3 year old with us, and will be staying one night pre cruise and 2 nights post cruise. Where are all you folks with kids staying?? We dont want to be too far from the action because we have such a short time in Barcelona. Thanks for your help!!

We were booked at the Novotel Barcelona City, but my parents who are meeting us in Barcelona were unable to get a room for the night before the cruise. So we canceled and booked with them at The Hotel Diagonal Zero. It is a little further out, but it is right next to a metro spot, and the tourist bus has a stop right across the street.

Finding the hotel in Barcelona was the hardest part of the planning for us!

 

[Anal Annie]

Can anyone help with Barcelona hotel recommendations? I have been doing some searching, and it seems like all but the very expensive (400 euros and up) room that are not double occupancy. We will have our 3 year old with us, and will be staying one night pre cruise and 2 nights post cruise. Where are all you folks with kids staying?? We dont want to be too far from the action because we have such a short time in Barcelona. Thanks for your help!!

Hi - affordable rooms that sleep more than 2 in Europe are hard to come by. We are booked at the Novotel for 1 night pre-cruise and at the Hotel Jazz for 2 nights after the cruise. Hotel rooms may be getting scarce by now as the date is right around the corner & they may have gone up a little since I booked (in January) but here's my "short list" that I used when I was looking for a "triple" to sleep a minimum of 3 / room. (I was trying to stay in the top 175 on Trip Advisor.)

Novotel Barcelona City (has a rooftop pool & rooms that sleep 4 - kids under 15 or 16 free). Across from Glories Shopping Center. Since JP cancelled his room maybe they still have 1 available. Worth checking IMO.

Hotel Jazz (has a rooftop pool & "triple" rooms). In L'Eixample district not far from Placa Catalunya.

Hotel EuroPark (has a rooftop pool and "triple" rooms)

Hotel Constanza (no pool but near Placa Catalunya). Has "twin suites"

Hotel Barcelona Catedral - in Barri Gothic district. Has a rooftop pool and can get a "triple". By the Catedral

Hotel Continental - on La Rambla - no pool. Rooms were decorated very pink on the website (decor not for us).

Praktik Rambla - in L'Eixample district. No restaurant in hotel & no pool. I think you have to book a "superior" room to have room for 3 (I think they bring in a rollaway or something.)

Diagonal Zero (per JP )

There's also a Marriott Renaissance by the airport that sleeps families for a reasonable price - but of course it's further out. (They do offer shuttles into the city & to the port.)

 

[SailingSeas]

what you may want to do is look at priceline.com, expedia.com or travelocity.com and plug in that you want a room for a party of 3; there are still some rooms available. I do suggest filtering for air conditioning and bathrooms 'en suite' as both are considered optional overseas. Once you hit either, then take a peek at reviews at either fodors or tripadvisor.com I've been double checking directly with the hotels and finding they also have inventory too.

If you click on the Map function. the port is pretty visible. The airport is located very near, just past the L'Hospitalet region. If you want to be closer to port, just search nearer to port vell

Also be aware that twin beds are very common as well.

I just did a quick search, and the following came up:

Wilson Boutique Hotel, $174 for junior suite
Aparthotel Bonanova, $175-$185 for a triple (looks like it'sat the top of las ramblas though

several others but i ahve to run for work. I wicked hope this helps

 

[ukwizard]

Im sure Priceline only guarantee to sleep two over here in Europe, but Hotwire usually have the option for more.

Is anyone planning to decorate their door with the magnets. Its our first DCL so I'm toying with the idea, but just wondering how many other doors are likely to have magents on them!

Andy

 

[Anal Annie]

Im sure Priceline only guarantee to sleep two over here in Europe, but Hotwire usually have the option for more.

Is anyone planning to decorate their door with the magnets. Its our first DCL so I'm toying with the idea, but just wondering how many other doors are likely to have magents on them!

Andy

We will do a little decorating. I started one door project that I never finished - bought all the supplies & got sidetracked with other stuff. Not sure if I'll get back to it or not in the next 3 weeks. But yes, am definitely bringing a door sign or two. With the help from someone on the Creative DISigner page I made some back around 20 pages ago that I posted here on the thread. A few peeps asked me to make some for them too so I did. So no, if you decorate you will not be alone!!! Especially if you're on deck 6!! I would like to make some more stuff for our door but priority wise it's not looking highly likely.

I was up 'till 2:00 am working on swim pics (comparing to & checking off against the roster). It is crunch time for us over the next 2 weeks to get finished before the banquet. Last regular home 'A' meet tomorrow!! Gots my fingers crossed for DS to finish strong - this meet will determine who swims at Divisionals next Saturday. Afraid to think about it too much tho. Long course meet on Sunday and "Super Stars" meet next Wed. I am stressing out big time folks over these pictures!! Pep Rally tonight... OY!!

 

[ukwizard]

Especially if you're on deck 6!!

Nope, we are on deck 7 which is a shame as it looks like decks 2 and 6 are the places to be!!

Not that I'm complaining, anywhere on the ship is good for me!!!

 

[chrssher]

Thanks for the welcome, Annie and all! We are very stoked about this trip; we are leaving for BCN in less than a month!

DH has had a really busy work year, and I have a huge inspection at work in the next few weeks, so the vacation will be a welcome change! Cross your fingers that we are ready for this inspection; I work in a small division (we run 12 programs with about 20 staff; we serve an entire community of about 10K and this is a once every 3 yrs thing) and we are in the throes of last minute details - ugh! At this point, we are all just ready for it to be over I think.

For those of you doing your own Rome excursion - if you wouldn't mind sharing the company or point of contact you are using? Thinking this will be the most economical and effective way for us. We have been to Rome before my mom and brother have not, so I am sure we will be trying to see a lot in that one day!

Thanks to everyone for sharing your planning tips! Looking forward to meeting you.

 

[Kels Sem]

Do any of our experienced cruisers know if you can get mickey shaped pasta at dinner for the kids? DD had some at Chef Mickey's last year and thinks that she will get it on the cruise. I want to prepare her if it's not available.
Also can you get hot milk through room service? DD likes her hot chocolate and i know you can get hot chocolate on board but it won't be the same as our cadbury hot chocolate. So i was going to bring my own if I can get hot milk.

 

[DoeWDW]

Sorry I've been MIA lately. Taking care of Casey the dachshund is taking up a lot of time. For those who want a quick update - Casey had a herniated disc 2.5 weeks ago and was paralyzed from his mid-back. With lots of meds and crate rest, his tail is wagging, he is doing his own bathroom duties, and his walking is slowly getting better (still looking a bit drunk in the backend but he can take a few steps). We are so very happy with his progress!

I finally found my sandals today - 2 pair of Merrell sandals at the local Merrell outlet. I didn't realize the same company also makes Hush Puppies - explains why Merrells are so comfortable. I was really stressing about my footwear so I'm thrilled!

As far as the bathing suit question, we'll each bring 2 suits.

Haven't even STARTED adding up how much we'll need in euros! EEK!!! Guess I need to add that to the "to do" list.

I did decide that I will bring some of my older clothes to wear so that if I over-do the souvenirs I will have some clothes that I don't mind throwing away so there is room in the luggage on the way home. My son was given this advice on a trip years ago and we've done it ever since. Can't tell you how many times it has come in handy. Don't worry, I won't look like a homeless person in rags, but I'm not bringing all really nice clothes either.

Four weeks from today we will be on the ship and probably enjoying a "drink of the day" - SO EXCITING!!! Can't wait to meet you all at the Promenade Lounge meet-up!

 

[Anal Annie]

Thanks for the welcome, Annie and all! We are very stoked about this trip; we are leaving for BCN in less than a month!

DH has had a really busy work year, and I have a huge inspection at work in the next few weeks, so the vacation will be a welcome change! Cross your fingers that we are ready for this inspection; I work in a small division (we run 12 programs with about 20 staff; we serve an entire community of about 10K and this is a once every 3 yrs thing) and we are in the throes of last minute details - ugh! At this point, we are all just ready for it to be over I think.

For those of you doing your own Rome excursion - if you wouldn't mind sharing the company or point of contact you are using? Thinking this will be the most economical and effective way for us. We have been to Rome before my mom and brother have not, so I am sure we will be trying to see a lot in that one day!

Thanks to everyone for sharing your planning tips! Looking forward to meeting you.

Hi - good luck on your inspection - sounds stressful.

We have booked our Rome tour with romeinlimo.com. I think everybody else has either booked something with DCL or are trying it all on their own.

Do any of our experienced cruisers know if you can get mickey shaped pasta at dinner for the kids? DD had some at Chef Mickey's last year and thinks that she will get it on the cruise. I want to prepare her if it's not available.
Also can you get hot milk through room service? DD likes her hot chocolate and i know you can get hot chocolate on board but it won't be the same as our cadbury hot chocolate. So i was going to bring my own if I can get hot milk.

Sorry, don't know about either so might prep her by saying the pasta MAY NOT be on the ship and that Mickey may only keep it in WDW. We only drink hot chocolate in the winter and I'm sure you're right that your Cadbury stuff would be the best.


So we had our last regular 'A' meet this morning & I can't seem to recover. I have a headache & can't stop yawning. DS did not drop on his free or back like I'd hoped but shaved a tad bit on his fly. Waiting now on the Divisionals roster to be put out. He may still get to swim backstroke by default. Because of the rules in place in our league the kid in 2nd place can only swim 3 strokes + the IM & he always swims the other 3 strokes so DS may get to swim it. He was off by .10 this morning. Tomorrow is a long course meet. I am tired just thinking about it. I want swimming to be done so I can focus on our trip!!

 

[DoeWDW]

Oh, one silly question for my UK friends, if I might.

At the end of the cruise we're flying from Barcelona to Heathrow and then Heathrow to the US (Baltimore Washington International). When we're in Heathrow, will we need British pounds? We'll have euros and US dollars but do I need to get some pounds to buy a quick meal or a bottle of water during our layover? Or will the airport shops take euros as well as pounds?

Thanks for any information you can help with.

 

[Anal Annie]

Sorry I've been MIA lately. Taking care of Casey the dachshund is taking up a lot of time. For those who want a quick update - Casey had a herniated disc 2.5 weeks ago and was paralyzed from his mid-back. With lots of meds and crate rest, his tail is wagging, he is doing his own bathroom duties, and his walking is slowly getting better (still looking a bit drunk in the backend but he can take a few steps). We are so very happy with his progress!

I finally found my sandals today - 2 pair of Merrell sandals at the local Merrell outlet. I didn't realize the same company also makes Hush Puppies - explains why Merrells are so comfortable. I was really stressing about my footwear so I'm thrilled!

As far as the bathing suit question, we'll each bring 2 suits.

Haven't even STARTED adding up how much we'll need in euros! EEK!!! Guess I need to add that to the "to do" list.

I did decide that I will bring some of my older clothes to wear so that if I over-do the souvenirs I will have some clothes that I don't mind throwing away so there is room in the luggage on the way home. My son was given this advice on a trip years ago and we've done it ever since. Can't tell you how many times it has come in handy. Don't worry, I won't look like a homeless person in rags, but I'm not bringing all really nice clothes either.

Four weeks from today we will be on the ship and probably enjoying a "drink of the day" - SO EXCITING!!! Can't wait to meet you all at the Promenade Lounge meet-up!

That is great news about Casey. I'm sure that's a relief to see him doing better. I know you will worry about him the entire time you're gone too so I hope he continues to mend every day.

With the poor exchange rate I don't see us doing much shopping so I'm not going to worry too much over making room in the luggage for souvies. At this point I just don't see affording too much. I am hoping to have enough room to pack an extra lightweight duffle in our largest duffle to have as a spare for the trip home if we should need it. I have a couple that don't weigh more than a couple pounds & hopefully they would survive the flight home.

 

[Anal Annie]

Oh, one silly question for my UK friends, if I might.

At the end of the cruise we're flying from Barcelona to Heathrow and then Heathrow to the US (Baltimore Washington International). When we're in Heathrow, will we need British pounds? We'll have euros and US dollars but do I need to get some pounds to buy a quick meal or a bottle of water during our layover? Or will the airport shops take euros as well as pounds?

Thanks for any information you can help with.

Hopefully maybe they will take credit cards since it's such an international airport?!

 

[mikki.young]

Great news on the Casey front!

Not sure about euros at heathrow, should do but maybe not. Credit cards for sure.

Been away again for visit with MIL taking her back to her home town to say goodbye to her friends as she is moving into a home up North near BiL. Went remarkably well and she is happy at the end of it which is all we could hope for.

I'm going to try just hand luggage for the quick trip to Bermuda. Not easy but just about doable, even with the small bag sizes UK planes allow. Definitely going to try and pack for barcelona/cruise before I go as only one full day between trips.

 

[west&east]

We also booked romeinlimo for private tour in Rome and for Pompeii/Postiano, Sorrento, etc on our Naples day.

Some craziness here this morning. Got a call from a subtenant in our office condo that it was flooded. Turns out the guy in the office on the 2nd floor installed a water filter on his fridge yesterday and it was not installed correctly so it just pumped water out all night. We have so much water in our office and the office units next to us. The disaster people said they pumped 800 gallons out of the 2nd floor before they moved down to us. What a hassle. Now to deal with insurance companies, repair people, etc. We take DD12 to sleep away camp on Tuesday so have a lot going on.

Is it happy hour yet?

 

[ukwizard]

Oh, one silly question for my UK friends, if I might.

At the end of the cruise we're flying from Barcelona to Heathrow and then Heathrow to the US (Baltimore Washington International). When we're in Heathrow, will we need British pounds? We'll have euros and US dollars but do I need to get some pounds to buy a quick meal or a bottle of water during our layover? Or will the airport shops take euros as well as pounds?

Thanks for any information you can help with.

Thats a good question, my niece works at Manchester Airport here in the UK so Ill ask her to check when she is airside as I'm sure it will be the same as Heathrow, but everywhere takes cards and you could always exchange some euros you have left to GB pounds at the foreign exchange desk as these are always available airside if the shops won't take euros directly and you don't want to use a card.

Andy