August 18, 2010...Can't wait for the MAGICal Mediterranean!!!

[Vicky29]

Yes we have a Disney transfere. I have to call them tomorrow to change our plans. BTW what is a pram? LOL

I just called our transfer, they told me I didn't need to notify anyone. There are apparently continuous transfers from the airport to the port between 9.00a.m. and 3p.m. on the 18th - so as long as we show up at the airport between those times we'll be able to get on one. I asked if I should change my flight details on the website or if that would confuse things, he said it was fine to go ahead and change it to the 16th but still show up for the transfer on the 18th. If they tell you something different - please do shout - think I'm getting to the paranoid stage now.

A pram is a stoller - sorry I forgot we called them different things over here

Off to do some ironing now, after spending the afternoon on the phone organising things, that actually seems less dull than normal

Hope everyone else is managing to get everything sorted that they need to.

 

[jstin]

I just called our transfer, they told me I didn't need to notify anyone. There are apparently continuous transfers from the airport to the port between 9.00a.m. and 3p.m. on the 18th - so as long as we show up at the airport between those times we'll be able to get on one. I asked if I should change my flight details on the website or if that would confuse things, he said it was fine to go ahead and change it to the 16th but still show up for the transfer on the 18th. If they tell you something different - please do shout - think I'm getting to the paranoid stage now.

A pram is a stoller - sorry I forgot we called them different things over here

Off to do some ironing now, after spending the afternoon on the phone organising things, that actually seems less dull than normal

Hope everyone else is managing to get everything sorted that they need to.

Have fun with the ironining. BTW we have live in Germany and had British telly (SKY) for 5 years and I have never heard a stroller called a pram. I must not have been paying attention, I love learning new terms. As for being paranoid, you are not the only one

 

[K8T]

Ooooo its all going on here today!!!

Good news, the cast is off!!!! DD was so thrilled, all she kept saying was - I can go in the Mickey Pool, I can go in the Mickey Pool!!!

However, the Consultant has said to be careful for the next week or two and avoid anything that will put undue strain on it, or cause her to fall on it.

So, now I am doing a 'Mindy' and paranoid that something will happen and end up in plaster again!!! She is due to go to Sports Camp again tomorrow - the last day, but I am worried that she will get knocked. The kids are all varying ages, so it isn't just the 'little ones'. OH is thinking to take her to work with him, although she will have to play on the computer and do colouring. I am more inclined to play it safe

Vicky, we are on the same Monarch flight as you now - if you are going out of Manchester, I will look for the spotty 'pram'!!! I was going to suggest the Novotel, I don't know if they had the offer still, room was around £75 including breakfast for all of us. I am sure we could have added you to the transfer bus. However, you are sorted now.

Good idea about the change in flights, I found this, which confirms they start striking on 18th. http://www.nowpublic.com/style/spanish-air-traffic-control-strike-set-august-18-2646870.html Having said that, OH came home and said the airlines are really playing it down, don't think it will be a problem - which is a bit of a worry to be honest!! He is still saying that if the flight is cancelled at the airport, we can still get back home and get in the car and drive!

Going to print some magnets now - not long to go!!!!

Kate

Mike, is your Gladiator school a Disney one, or separate. I would be grateful if you could let me know. Not sure she would sit through 45 mins about Rome, but would love the Gladiator bit.

 

[susiemmfan]

We booked there too see you there

We are booked there as well. Hope to see you there. Hopefully we will have no issues with arriving on the 17th. Don't really care if we get delayed on the way home. Maybe there is still room on the Magic when it heads back home in September.

 

[MinnieDiva]

I posted this a day or so ago:

http://community.seattletimes.nwsou...&id=2012473910&st_app=ip_news_lite&st_ver=1.2

VERY relevant for some of us (from US flying non-domestic carriers...or those possibly making a connection), and as it's not common knowledge in the states, may end up being very useful. FYI. Some peace of mind, anyway, especially if anyone didn't book insurance...

kim

 

[MinnieDiva]

To help everyone think happier thoughts....here's the menu for the Villians dinner.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36493863&postcount=38

Yum!

 

[jel0511]

I posted this a day or so ago:

http://community.seattletimes.nwsou...&id=2012473910&st_app=ip_news_lite&st_ver=1.2

VERY relevant for some of us (from US flying non-domestic carriers...or those possibly making a connection), and as it's not common knowledge in the states, may end up being very useful. FYI. Some peace of mind, anyway, especially if anyone didn't book insurance...

kim

Kim I did read this. But I also read that if the delay is because of a strike action the airlines don't have to do anything for you. This is only for the European Union, my guess is because strikes are prevalent over there, they exclude them. Basically if falls into some sort of "item they can't control" or something like that...... I wish I could find where I read that one....

Also I called Air France and they were less than helpful.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Kim I did read this. But I also read that if the delay is because of a strike action the airlines don't have to do anything for you. This is only for the European Union, my guess is because strikes are prevalent over there, they exclude them. Basically if falls into some sort of "item they can't control" or something like that...... I wish I could find where I read that one....

Also I called Air France and they were less than helpful.

I'd look up the law... EC whatever it it. Kate, any input? The way I read this and interpret is that strikes are within an airline's control. Knowing our rights would be great...

And of course they were less than helpful! Remember when it was fun to fly?

 

[MinnieDiva]

I spent the past few days dealing with getting a few Euros prior to going (thinking that it would be my luck that every ATM would be broken or eat my card) and what a pain in the neck! If you're not a member of the bank...forget it! I looked at doing AMEx offices, but there aren't any nearby. In addition, most of the banks I called said that you also had to put in an order! That could take between 7-10 business days to be delivered! I ended up calling my dad to order them for me down in CA (as he banks at a bank that will do the exchange), so that they'd be delivered in time!

Is it that hard in Europe to get dollars prior to coming over here?

kim

 

[SettinSail]

......maybe I can leave early and join Shawn at the LV store in Paris

HA !! I WISH I was going to the LV store in Paris- that is just Lori and Mary, as far as I know. I'm actually flying back "home" to Germany next Tuesday the 10th and then from Germany to Barcelona (hopefully) on the 16th. I got my new LV bag on Canal St in New York...but you didn't hear that from me

Shawn

 

[SettinSail]

I spent the past few days dealing with getting a few Euros prior to going (thinking that it would be my luck that every ATM would be broken or eat my card) and what a pain in the neck! If you're not a member of the bank...forget it! I looked at doing AMEx offices, but there aren't any nearby. In addition, most of the banks I called said that you also had to put in an order! That could take between 7-10 business days to be delivered! I ended up calling my dad to order them for me down in CA (as he banks at a bank that will do the exchange), so that they'd be delivered in time!

Is it that hard in Europe to get dollars prior to coming over here?

kim

Wow, what a hassle...I was thinking I could get some Euros for you when I go back to Germany next week and you could pay me back...but then I realized, what would I do with the dollars

When we leave Germany coming to US, we don't bring a lot of dollars since we still have a US bank account and can just hit the ATM when we get there.

I wonder how hard it is for Europeans, good question!

Shawn

bringing $20 back in singles next week for room service tips!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Great idea!

 

[pixie08]

In terms of insurance Dan spoke to few insurance people and they said a strike is not covered because it is a "for seeable event" . He also found out it is European law that the airlines pay for food and hotel for every day you are delayed...is this true can any EU residents confirm that? It was also stated that it is EU law for them to schedule and state when they are going to strike...so they have to "schedule" it so to speak so it seems it will definitely not start before the 18th...can anyone confirm that?

Luckily it seems most of us are flying the day before (or earlier) to BCN so hopefully we will have smooth sailing. Now coming home is a different story....

 

[MinnieDiva]

I just took a look at my trip insurance and strikes have some coverage under the heading of of "trip delay" but it's limited to $200/per person per day to a max of $750 per person. At least it's something.....

 

[pixie08]

Well it looks like GTY rooms category 8-4 have been released. Seems Disney was holding back on some rooms as the rumors suggested. So most likely the cruise will not be sold out! Now it may be 3/4 full but not packed whcih I think is good news

 

[MinnieDiva]

Well it looks like GTY rooms category 8-4 have been released. Seems Disney was holding back on some rooms as the rumors suggested. So most likely the cruise will not be sold out! Now it may be 3/4 full but not packed whcih I think is good news

Maybe there is a balcony in my future.......

 

[crzy4dals]

dan said tomorrow is the official date for the release of the strike dates. The meeting and vote for the strike was today and it passed...so strike they will. Fingers crossed the strike is the 18th or later. I feel really bad for any families who are planning to arrive for the cruise that day. I have a feeling our boat is going to be delayed for embarkation.

Kate- yeah i think that's what we will do. Check tues morning (very early) the status, and if the flights are crazy we will head to gare de lyon and try to get a day train to barcelona.if not we try for the ellipsos. We have pre paid the hotel in barcelona but it was so cheap (like $125) so if we lose that i am fine...as long as we get to barcelona by 4:00pm on weds!

well it looks like gty rooms category 8-4 have been released. Seems disney was holding back on some rooms as the rumors suggested. So most likely the cruise will not be sold out! Now it may be 3/4 full but not packed whcih i think is good news

yeah!!!!

 

[mindelmouse]

DH informed that should the strike impact our travel, our insurance covers it. I guess that's why he insisted on buying an independent policy that cost me a fortune...I think we were covered even in the volcanic ash situation. I guess I had to trust him, he works for an insurance company. LOL

I would say...let's just wait this out and have a positive attitude. Many things can happen in the next 12 or so days.....the strike issues can be settled, the gov't can be true to their word and bring in military air traffic controllers....let's not spend the next week or so anxious....positive attitude...this will not effect....for gosh sakes....our cruise is almost here...YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

 

[MinnieDiva]

.for gosh sakes....our cruise is almost here...YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Too true! What did every one do today as preparation for the cruise? I did the online mail hold request, called banks/credit cards for notification, the Disney Rewards Card arrived today, so it led me to clean out my wallet and purse, and (most importantly) got my hair done!!
almost there!
kim

 

[Vicky29]

Getting Dollars or Euros here is very easy indeed - maybe because we're such a small country so virtually everyone goes on oliday abroad and therefore needs different currency. I walked into the exchange place on Saturday, came out minus my pounds and with my dollars and euros a couple of minutes later; I hadn't ordered them I just went in. For any of you coming to the UK prior to flying onto Barcelona, you'll be able to exchange dollars for pounds in the airport if that makes life easier. I'm not sure about the situation in mainland Europe - sorry

As far as strikes are concerned, whenever we've got caught up in one in the past the airline have put us up in a hotel, and organised a new flight for us. They've also dealt with transportation to and back from the hotels, and meals. (We were flying with Air France at least one of the times this happened so those of you flying with them may be able to relax a little easier). We were never asked for insurance etc. I've no idea what happens with the budget airlines, as ironically I've never had a problem when flying with those - but there's always time One thing that is perhaps worth noting, is that if you get checked in and pass security before a flight is cancelled - you don't always get your luggage to take back to the overnight hotel (I think we did get the option of getting it - but were told we would have to wait quite a while if we wanted it), so it's worth keeping a few extras in your hand luggage in case. For those travelling through Charles de Gaulle with Air France - there is nowhere to buy nappies or baby food once you've passed security - so if you have a little one be prepared

OK - no more strike talk - I promise. Just wated to reassure people that the airlines don't just wash their hands of you As for getting ready for the cruise, I've mended a tinkerbell and cinderella costume, packed FE gifts, packed costumes, wands and crowns (If anyone unpacks my luggage they'll think I'm crazy), ironed the shorts (no chance of needing them here, it's raining as usual), sorted the currency - next job printing the magnets for the door. Not long now