August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[luke]

Here's a map for the bus, I think it costs €2

 

[SailingSeas]

hahaha nice. Yes, you just cemented my plans. I think I see our ship now!!!!

 

[Anal Annie]

You might ask about the Blue Bus thing in a new thread...seems I've read that it gets full & you may have to wait on it for there to be room. I think it was "SayHello" I've seen post about it before.

I think I will start a thread to ask the previous Med cruisers what time boarding actually started. Maybe it will be closer to Noon than 1:00?! We got spoiled last time we cruised as 2 of the families in our DIS meet were staying in the Roy & Walt Suites so they hooked our entire meet up & were all able to board a little early (right after the other Concierge people). We did back-to-backs on the Wonder & I remember being at the adult pool on our port day & seeing new families start to walk by around Noon & they were looking at us like "who are they that they're already on the ship".

 

[luke]

Uhoh, I hadn't even thought about waiting for the bus!! Was it a recent thread or do I have to do a bit of digging?

Good idea on the thread about boarding, hopefully some recent cruisers can give us an idea of what possible chaos awaits

 

[Anal Annie]

Uhoh, I hadn't even thought about waiting for the bus!! Was it a recent thread or do I have to do a bit of digging?

Good idea on the thread about boarding, hopefully some recent cruisers can give us an idea of what possible chaos awaits

Since your idea of hot and my idea of hot are different I would guess that my idea of recent might be different than yours! Ummm...in the last 3 months maybe. Can we search for posts by SayHello? Or maybe start a thread "looking for SayHello"?! I am sure it was her who was talking about using this bus.

 

[luke]

Pah, 3 months isn't recent. Your idea of recent is as bad as your idea of hot, which in my book is known as melting point

I'll give it a search by username, thanks

 

[luke]

Got it, the DIS search was pretty efficient

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40618253&postcount=5

She even stayed at the same hotel as us! Fingers crossed it's not too bad a wait, but once we have had breakfast at the hotel at least it's only a short walk to the bus stop

 

[mikki.young]

Departure must be getting close as the chat is increasing! I'm getting my hair cut and coloured tomorrow ready for both trips. Packing for both trips will be over the weekend! Been out today delivering the village newsletter. Still got a few more to print but made big strides in the right direction.

 

[kerrykerr]

Question from a newbie:

We're in an inside stateroom (7063) and I'm wondering what the closet and drawers will be like. Do you find that you have enough space to unpack your suitcases, or do you have to keep some stuff in the suitcases. Do your cases fit under the bed? Any other tips for newbies?

 

[Anal Annie]

Pah, 3 months isn't recent. Your idea of recent is as bad as your idea of hot, which in my book is known as melting point

I'll give it a search by username, thanks

I had a feeling we'd have different ideas on that!!

Got it, the DIS search was pretty efficient

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40618253&postcount=5

She even stayed at the same hotel as us! Fingers crossed it's not too bad a wait, but once we have had breakfast at the hotel at least it's only a short walk to the bus stop

I knew I remembered reading she had to wait awhile for it. At least you know it could happen. I would start out early!!

Departure must be getting close as the chat is increasing! I'm getting my hair cut and coloured tomorrow ready for both trips. Packing for both trips will be over the weekend! Been out today delivering the village newsletter. Still got a few more to print but made big strides in the right direction.

DS and I go for cuts every 6 weeks so we went 2 weeks ago I think it was. I will be OK for the start of vaca but due again the week we get back so I may be looking a tab shabby by then! If I have time I may run thru to see my girl next Thurs. to have her shave my neck (since I have short hair). I will also need to pop into my nail place for a pedicure next week. I rarely do my fingernails except for vaca. so I was debating about doing them too then I broke one off all the way back last night setting up at the banquet so I may skip the fingernails.

 

[criscoloo]

Hi Annie,

Thanks for the info on the Verizon global cellphone and TSA locks (thanks to you, too, Luke!). Had no idea you could use locks as long as the TSA could get into them.

We're heading for Paris next Saturday and then going to Barcelona midday on Thursday, so just over a week before we leave. I'm totally freaking out. Used to be such an organized planner, but can't seem to plan anymore these days. I too am trying to figure out which days and times to buy advance tix online for (Eiffel Tower, museums, bateaux mouches, etc.). We're staying in the Latin Quarter, so we won't be too far away from you. Maybe we'll even bump into each other in Paris! Of course, you and I have no idea what the other looks like. DD really wants to drop by the Meet n' Greet, so we're gong to try to break away from the group after we board the ship.

 

[Anal Annie]

Hi Annie,

Thanks for the info on the Verizon global cellphone and TSA locks (thanks to you, too, Luke!). Had no idea you could use locks as long as the TSA could get into them.

We're heading for Paris next Saturday and then going to Barcelona midday on Thursday, so just over a week before we leave. I'm totally freaking out. Used to be such an organized planner, but can't seem to plan anymore these days. I too am trying to figure out which days and times to buy advance tix online for (Eiffel Tower, museums, bateaux mouches, etc.). We're staying in the Latin Quarter, so we won't be too far away from you. Maybe we'll even bump into each other in Paris! Of course, you and I have no idea what the other looks like. DD really wants to drop by the Meet n' Greet, so we're gong to try to break away from the group after we board the ship.

So you are just 1 day ahead of us heading to Paris and no, you will not be very far from us!! I did actually work on my plans for Paris a little bit today while I was waiting at the vet!! I pulled out my notes & the map of the city & started making an itinerary. We only have 2 days to see the city after we finish at DLP. I have not checked the metro website yet to verify any times between stops so I just ballparked 30 min. to get from one place to the next. Going to plan to stay on the left bank for the first day & then will plan out the right bank for the second day. How does this sound as a tentative plan?

8:00 breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 Notre Dame (it's the earliest thing to open & is within walking distance of our hotel)
10:00 - 10:30 metro to Invalides stop
10:30 - 12:30 Hotel des Invalides (Napoleons Tomb & the Army Museum)
12:30 - 1:30 lunch someplace
1:30 - 2:00 metro over to the Eiffel Tower
2:30 entrance tix for the Eiffel Tower (I'm allowing 2-2:30 for some extra time should we be "off schedule" due to a long lunch or getting lost or something)
2:30 - 4:00 tour the tower
4:00 - 4:30 metro over to Musee d'Orsay (Impressionist museum)
4:30 - 5:30 Musee d'Orsay (it is open until 6:00)
5:30 - 6:00 metro over to Jardin du Luxembourg
6:00 - 7:00 walk around the gardins & over to the Pantheon for a quick look
7:30ish dinner
8:30ish go over to the Pont Neuf to catch a twilight cruise on the Seine
Walk back to Saint Germain
BED!!! LOL...

Rick Steve's Paris says the Louvre is open from 9-18:00 (6:00) Wed.-Mon. It is closed on Tues. So he says the crowds are worse in the mornings and on Sun., Mon. & Wed. so we'll try to run by there sometime on Thurs. The other things on our list for Thurs. include the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre & the Sacre Coeur and maybe the Pompidou Centre.

The Museum Pass runs about $40 for a 2-day pass & it covers the Louvre, Orsay, Army Museum, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Pantheon & the Pompidou Centre. Not necessary for kids under 18 as most of these places are free for kids. Rick Steve's book says it's usually cheaper to buy it IN Paris but not sure where to get it (want it before we go to Notre Dame). I will look for it at the airport maybe if we have time before our transport company arrives.

 

[fongds]

I got some euros today. Found out we get an employee discount on foreign exchange since i work for a bank...every little bit helps!

Annie - you have a busy Paris day planned! i sort of have Paris mapped out...but only 1-2 major things a day. Museums spread out so the kids don't go crazy. We do have one long day planned to see some Loire Castles.

I have to do some serious packing this weekend since i have to work on mon/tue and it will be busy. Trying to figure out whether to bring the twin stroller. Our girls are six but they tire easily. However the Air France website is very unclear about whether they will gate check a twin stroller; we've never had any problem with united though.

Summer swim team ended on Sunday with the banquet but now my oldest daughter is in Honk (musical about the ugly duckling) for 4 nights.

Diane

 

[janetfk]

Excitement is mounting now!

We still have loads to do before leaving, but just 14d days to go!

 

[SailingSeas]

We're in an inside stateroom (7063) and I'm wondering what the closet and drawers will be like. Do you find that you have enough space to unpack your suitcases, or do you have to keep some stuff in the suitcases. Do your cases fit under the bed? Any other tips for newbies?

It all depends on what you bring with you, and how large your bodybags... uh... suitcases are. There are some great first-hand reports of your exact stateroom here:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/roomreport.cfm?Room=7063

I hope that helps - your location is great!

 

[esther1403]

Hi All!!

Been out of touch for a while.

Just 14 days for the cruise, I can't wait to heard "Wellcome aboard".

We are at deck 6 too. I have ready my FE, my door magnets,..., Now, waiting a couple of days for the weather to pack everything else.

Few questions.

What about the quick meet at the Promenade Lounge?, sill on? at what time is going to be?

Another one.

Does anyone know wich "Disney Princess" are comming to the cruise? And what day is gooing to be the princess meeting?

Pirate night is night 5? Love that one. ¡¡hohoho!!

Annie. Can I used your Mickey Head Maps? I would like to make a magnet.

Luke: Euromarina is a great hotel, we were there last year, close to the port, you can go to the ramblas walking. There were no place for us this year, ohh.. But we are going to park our car there. The blue bus is ok to go.

 

[kerrykerr]

Thanks for the information on our room! Glad to hear that it's in a good location. It will be tight, but hey, it's just for sleeping right? We plan to enjoy the ship as much as possible.

I think I've caught LeeAnn's packing/shopping bug. Went shopping today and bought one more sundress and a pair of comfy capris to wear on the plane. I'll wear my light sweater on the plane. If I need anything warmer than that, I'll just have to purchase some Disney wear on the ship!

I've been hearing good things about DCL and celiac, so I'm really happy about that. Apparently they make their own fresh gluten-free dinner rolls, waffles, and desserts! Unfortunately, they don't have French dressing for salads, so I'll have to pack a bottle for DD as that's the only kind she'll eat, and salad is a pretty big part of our diet. At least I'll be able to toss it before packing for home!

Packing Question: In your past experiences with DCL, what time do the bags arrive at your stateroom? Should I pack a bag with swimsuits etc... in case we don't get our bags until later? Any other tips?

 

[west&east]

West; the check-in time is not related to your boarding time. The check-in slot you can request when you process your online documents is the time to check-in at port. It is not related to the time you are allowed to board the ship. You will receive a card when you get to port that will have a boarding group number on it and when your number is called (after the boat is 'show ready') then you can board the ship.

I usually end up with an early check-in time, and despite being a Gold CC, tend to pull the higher boarding card number. If security isn't too bad and depending on the number we get, we may go stroll around for an hour or two before embarking the ship. I don't have a feel for how close things are to port so if anyone has been to barcelona and can advise, that would be wonderful.

Thanks for this info!

 

[SailingSeas]

Packing Question: In your past experiences with DCL, what time do the bags arrive at your stateroom? Should I pack a bag with swimsuits etc... in case we don't get our bags until later? Any other tips?

yes, definitely pack your swimsuits. The bulk of them are delivered during the safety drill around 4pm. Gotta getta dip before that! Also remember food is up on top deck; since you are working with a special diet, be sure to visit the buffet, rather than the quick service food stops.

Bah! no french dressing??!!! that is sacriligious!

 

[mikki.young]

Well, I am packed for Bermuda - all in hand luggage too! Tomorrow I see how much I can get done for Barcelona and the cruise. And Figaro gets his bath so he can look his best for any picture opportunities