Bound for Barcelona - April 10, 2010 EB TA - Part 4

[disdel]

wow, good thing you are going on a cruise!!! You need a vacay.

bev

looks like that applies to more than half this board

Are you ready for this pathetic revelation? I took ds and dh to the passport office weeks and weeks ago to get their passports. Luckily mine was still valid since I've done a couple of medical tourism trips to Bangkok. And I knew just where it was stored...

I've been searching for it ever since. My house has never been so organized, as a result of my going through everything. I knew it was here, so didn't even consider declaring it lost.

Sunday my dd informed me that the time had come to bite the bullet and pay some extraordinary amount of money to get a new passport super-fast.

Yesterday I made one more effort, but still didn't find it. So today I spent the entire day assembling documents, getting photo'd, waiting in line at passport office where they put everything in a sealed envelope which I took to FedEx who overnighted it to Chicago where someone will hand-walk it through and overnight it to me in Kissimmee. I'll have it on Thursday.

Are you ready for how much this procrastination cost me? Sit down, and prepare to feel very very self-righteous for being so much better prepared and organized yourself....$250. on top of the regular passport fees!!!!!

Plus the entire day, which means the errands didn't get done. Oh well, there's always tomorrow until 2:00.

One suitcase packed. Lots of piles of stuff still on the floor ...happy evening to all,
Ann

I had thoughts of missing paperwork, including passport, on the way to the airport.

That's afact, Lynne - DW spent yesterday here in FL with ashopping list of stuff that was easier to buy than pack and ship, and, well, let's just say the Amex card got a workout

Is someone paying people to visit our thread and post so we can get to Part 5?

That's what I thought -

The good news is that Donna and I will indeed be sailing on the cruise.

That IS good news

 

[scottjm]

The good news is that Donna and I will indeed be sailing on the cruise. Our new stateroom is #7032. Please take a moment to note this on your Mini-Nav, as I understand changes are not likely to be made or added.

Having signed up as a participant for FE#1, we will indeed be distributing the 150 FE's we purchased previously. We'd also like to participate in the Stateroom Tag, which we had been signed up for, previously.

Welcome back. Glad you could make it. I noted the change for myself.

Not sure of the costs exactly but what we did in 2005 was bite the bullett and buy 10 day non expiring hoppers with the family fun package on it. That gave us a total of 20 days of parks (with 10 visits at theme parks and 10 visits at waterparks/disney quest, etc.) - we are still using them 5+ years later as we come and go before cruises! It was really a good deal for us in the long run - but hurt when we bought them. And the kids both have child tickets but are both over 9 years old now.

Krisann

I took your lead and bit the bullet. We will have 4 or 5 visits to WDW paid for now! Thanks for the advice. I had looked at 10-day non-expiring, not really looking at the Fun Days option. It does not cost that much more for a lot more vacation time. Great idea! Thanks!

 

[Michelle2]

oh.my.goodness. Thank goodness I'm a light sleeper because in the middle of the night I heard a pop. I thought it was the wind and then I heard running water. I peeked downstairs and it sounded like a water fountain in the middle of our home. Dh is out of town, so I ran downstairs and went straight to the dishwasher because it truly sounded like Splash Mountain in my kitchen. Sure enough the hose under the sink popped and water was *everywhere*. My first attempt at turning off the valve did not work... was fussing with another valve. ran upstairs to get my phone, ran back downstairs, dropped blackberry in water, and then was able to turn off the valve. Unbelievable! If this would have happened while we were away for the day ...I can't even think about this happening while we are crossing the Atlantic...it would have severely damaged our home.

Now I can't sleep and I have a headache.

So sorry this happened! BUT you are sooo lucky that it happened now instead of on the cruise! I had that happen with a root canal once. My nerve died and it killed me, but I was able to get it taken care of...imagine being in that pain on the cruise and not being able to do anything about it.

Mickeymowse, please take care of it before you leave, there is no pain greater.

Now we've really got something to talk about during our month at Sea. I love travel stories.

I love travel stories too. Mine are pretty boring, but I love talking about them. Jeanne has got some good ones. She is amazing!

Wow. only 2 more sleeps till we go, and sooooo much to do (not much time for DIS). Safe travels to those of you getting to lead and look for to meeting you all

Me too me too! You travel safe too and have safe travels as well. I don't know how much dising I can do anymore either.....

---I was asking people to note this on their Mini-Nav, since, apparently, no changes were being made online. I did not ask anyone to print or pack anything - just to make notes on their own Mini-Nav. I didn't think it was a big deal ... especially since I signed up months ago. My apologies, but I didn't screw up my reservation. Should I bring me FE's, or leave them at home. How do I find out if I still have reservations in group Palo's dinner?

Again, nobody contacted me about taking over any of the events. Who is handling Magic Fountain? Did someone else compile a list of attendees and stateroom numbers for the various / individual tastings? Most of the information I gathered (names and stateroom #'s) was via PM. I'm confused.

So, changes are being posted in Promenande @ embarkation, AS WELL AS Stephanie's stateroom? Would somebody please add this to those boards?

I am so happy that you are able to go Steven. I know how excited for this cruise you and Donna were.

On another note everyone, I did not know what to think of the FE list being left off of the mini-Navigator. I am assuming that we are supposed to print off our own FE lists from the master spreadsheet? I would have totally forgotten about that with all of the other things to print off.

Everyone participating on the FE group, please remember to print off the FE list(s) that you are participating in. Without it, I would not remember who all is doing it and what staterooms they are in....very very important because I will not be taking 53 copies of it, and it is different than the master list.
Thanks everyone!

 

[idrivealumina]

My parents (Bekaah + DH) are coming on this trip. I just thought I would drop in and wish everyone well and to have a great time. I can only imagine how excited everyone is!

HAVE AN AWESOME CRUISE!

 

[Donaldcp98]

So stayed up until 1am but finally have most of the stuff in the suitcases. Three suitcases for 2 of us. Yikes. But did not want to be cold. Three magnets printed, trimmed and in the suitcase. Three more to go. Another couple of late nights for me. Man I wish I drank coffee Things are finally starting to come together at work so hopefully I can leave here without worries.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Welcome Back Steven and Donnna

My husband is going into a panic about not seeing LOST= Maybe somehow they will show it on board.

Lynne= I am also a Survivor and an Amazing Race fan- and we are going to miss the best parts of them.

 

[ibouncetoo]

. I am at the point that I tired of explaining to people that I am infact not super wealthy for going on a 2 week cruise but in fact a bargain shopper.

~Ingrid

I know what you mean. Someone at work asked me the other day how I could cruise so much and I just said, "I don't spend my money on anything else! No cleaning lady, no regular massage/mani/pedi, $20 haircuts, color it myself, bargin clothes, no Starbucks habit, only do the weekend morning $5 movie theater visits, etc." Then I pointed out that I'm not always cruising, I'm just always TALKIING about cruising!

oh.my.goodness. Thank goodness I'm a light sleeper because in the middle of the night I heard a pop. I thought it was the wind and then I heard running water. I peeked downstairs and it sounded like a water fountain in the middle of our home. Dh is out of town, so I ran downstairs and went straight to the dishwasher because it truly sounded like Splash Mountain in my kitchen. Sure enough the hose under the sink popped and water was *everywhere*. My first attempt at turning off the valve did not work... was fussing with another valve. ran upstairs to get my phone, ran back downstairs, dropped blackberry in water, and then was able to turn off the valve. Unbelievable! If this would have happened while we were away for the day ...I can't even think about this happening while we are crossing the Atlantic...it would have severely damaged our home.

When I don't have a house sitter, I turn off all the water valves when I leave for a vacation (toilets, sinks, washing machine), because this is one of the things I worry about.

.

 

[grlzmom]

I love travel stories too. Mine are pretty boring, but I love talking about them. Jeanne has got some good ones. She is amazing!
On another note everyone, I did not know what to think of the FE list being left off of the mini-Navigator. I am assuming that we are supposed to print off our own FE lists from the master spreadsheet? I would have totally forgotten about that with all of the other things to print off.

Everyone participating on the FE group, please remember to print off the FE list(s) that you are participating in. Without it, I would not remember who all is doing it and what staterooms they are in....very very important because I will not be taking 53 copies of it, and it is different than the master list.
Thanks everyone!

What your travel stories are NOT boring, you are obviously vacation crazy at this moment because you have some great travel stuff to tell. I think we had a great getting to port experience together in December and looking for a repeat on Saturday!

Uh oh, I need to find the FE list, give me a hint so I can print it off?

 

[ibouncetoo]

Seriously thinking about having a (ahemmmm) doctor's appointment this afternoon, so I can bail out a little early. I haven't slept well the last two nights, so I'm not moving as fast as normal...which is pretty darn slow to begin with! At the least, I'll work through lunch so I can go an hour earlier. Now I'll just have to stay OFF THE COMPUTER!

.

 

[mishoe01]

Seriously thinking about having a (ahemmmm) doctor's appointment this afternoon, so I can bail out a little early. I haven't slept well the last two nights, so I'm not moving as fast as normal...which is pretty darn slow to begin with! At the least, I'll work through lunch so I can go an hour earlier. Now I'll just have to stay OFF THE COMPUTER!

.

GET OFF THE COMPUTER!!

 

[disdel]

GET OFF THE COMPUTER!!

I should, too, but it helps with the anxiety to know you're not alone

 

[mishoe01]

I should, too, but it helps with the anxiety to know you're not alone

That would be a plus for my work.....I sit at a all day, so I can DIS inbetween calls

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

For those who've been online for the past several months, many of you know I had to step down from DISboards, due to problems encountered on the part of DCL ... the second time in the past two cruises that problems developed just prior to cruising. In each instance, I was able to rectify the issue (with outside assistance), albeit, with less than one week prior to sailing date. No doubt, this has caused untold hardship and inconvenience on our end. For the most part, the many month of planning are all but shot, and in some instances, we'd had to rebook hotel, and air fare.

The good news is that Donna and I will indeed be sailing on the cruise. Our new stateroom is #7032. Please take a moment to note this on your Mini-Nav, as I understand changes are not likely to be made or added.

Having signed up as a participant for FE#1, we will indeed be distributing the 150 FE's we purchased previously. We'd also like to participate in the Stateroom Tag, which we had been signed up for, previously.

A month or so ago, I asked if there would be someone willing to take over my slot as organizer for alcohol tastings, as well as Game Day and the Magic Fountain event. I did not receive any messages on these topics, but believe others may have stepped up to lend a hand. Since this is not listed in the Mini-Nav, I am not sure who (if anyone) to touch base with, or, if anyone is actually taking over these positions.

Also, having previously signed up for the Group Palo Dinner (may have incorrectly indicated LUNCH in PM's), I am not sure if my reservation is still valid (I did not get a cancellation, or recent confirmation). If anyone has any information on these situations, please contact me via PM or e-mail prior to Friday afternoon. Donna will have her cell-phone in use until we board the ship. Are we still meeting in the terminal, off the the left of the escalators?

Lastly, having previously started the process for a meet-n-greet with DCL staff, it appears as though this will come to fruition. I am waiting for the confirmation (which had been put on the back burner, til the initial sailing issue was resolved).

***Please make sure you check for updates - either at the terminal, or at the Promenade Lounge (3:00 - 3:45PM), embarkation day.

Yes, it has been frustrating for us, but we have some satisfaction that we WILL be sailing. See y'all soon!


Oh, BTW ... we made a conscious decision to book our upcoming 2012 Baltic's cruise on ANOTHER cruise line.

Welcome Back. I am sorry you had so much difficulty with DCL.

oh.my.goodness. Thank goodness I'm a light sleeper because in the middle of the night I heard a pop. I thought it was the wind and then I heard running water. I peeked downstairs and it sounded like a water fountain in the middle of our home. Dh is out of town, so I ran downstairs and went straight to the dishwasher because it truly sounded like Splash Mountain in my kitchen. Sure enough the hose under the sink popped and water was *everywhere*. My first attempt at turning off the valve did not work... was fussing with another valve. ran upstairs to get my phone, ran back downstairs, dropped blackberry in water, and then was able to turn off the valve. Unbelievable! If this would have happened while we were away for the day ...I can't even think about this happening while we are crossing the Atlantic...it would have severely damaged our home.

Now I can't sleep and I have a headache.

This is terrible! I am so sorry you had to go through this and SO GLAD it happened while you were still home.

This vacation can not come SOON ENOUGH!

P.S. Today is my last full day at work.

 

[Donaldcp98]

I know what you mean. Someone at work asked me the other day how I could cruise so much and I just said, "I don't spend my money on anything else! No cleaning lady, no regular massage/mani/pedi, $20 haircuts, color it myself, bargin clothes, no Starbucks habit, only do the weekend morning $5 movie theater visits, etc." Then I pointed out that I'm not always cruising, I'm just always TALKIING about cruising!

Me too. I had someone comment that knew who had the real money around here. I know they meant it as a joke but it annoyed me anyway. My husband works for Disney and I am a glorified admin. Like we have money!! We worked our butts off doing overtime every week to pay for this thing and was able to get the cast member rate. We also cut back on all of extranious expenses to be able to afford it.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Good morning roommate! I talked to Pam last night and she was in a packing panic! I told her welcome to the club and just bring a variety of types and plan on doing laundry.

Off to the shower and into the office I go.....

.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Good morning roommate! I talked to Pam last night and she was in a packing panic! I told her welcome to the club and just bring a variety of types and plan on doing laundry.

.

Oh, and the first thing I said to her was "Where is your passport?" She laughed and said "In my hand, I just got it out of the safe!" When we cruised in '07 she discovered it was still home in her safe the morning we were getting on the bus to the ship!!! Fortunately one of her neighbors had a key to her house, got the passport and faxed a copy to the terminal. Which is not something that would work for THIS cruise!!

 

[brack]

Last day in the office. Working hard ..... at the DISBoard!

 

[mishoe01]

Last day in the office. Working hard ..... at the DISBoard!

I still have tomorrow & Friday too

 

[mishoe01]

Oh, and the first thing I said to her was "Where is your passport?" She laughed and said "In my hand, I just got it out of the safe!" When we cruised in '07 she discovered it was still home in her safe the morning we were getting on the bus to the ship!!! Fortunately one of her neighbors had a key to her house, got the passport and faxed a copy to the terminal. Which is not something that would work for THIS cruise!!

Good - 1 last worry

 

[Dishy24]

oh.my.goodness. Thank goodness I'm a light sleeper because in the middle of the night I heard a pop. I thought it was the wind and then I heard running water. I peeked downstairs and it sounded like a water fountain in the middle of our home. Dh is out of town, so I ran downstairs and went straight to the dishwasher because it truly sounded like Splash Mountain in my kitchen. Sure enough the hose under the sink popped and water was *everywhere*. My first attempt at turning off the valve did not work... was fussing with another valve. ran upstairs to get my phone, ran back downstairs, dropped blackberry in water, and then was able to turn off the valve. Unbelievable! If this would have happened while we were away for the day ...I can't even think about this happening while we are crossing the Atlantic...it would have severely damaged our home.

Now I can't sleep and I have a headache.

This is exactly why DH shuts off the water & drains the pipes before we leave for vacation!