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

[auntlynne]

BUNCO Status

For those planning out their Sea Day activities, here's where we are with BUNCO and Group Lunch (last sea day).

Steven Long directed me to the contact person for group space planning. I've given her our request for a space to hold the 40-person BUNCO game in the afternoon (around 1:00 pm) and warned her that it could be a noisy activity with all the dice rolling and people moving tables. I said Sea Day 4 or 5 or so, but not to conflict with a Ducky Williams presentation or anything of that magnitude.

For the Group Lunch, I requested Noon on April 22 in Parrot Cay.

We started this communication Friday, so I expect to hear back next week sometime.


CABIN TOURS

Cat 1 Walt/Roy Disney Suites
Cat 2 Suite 2 bedroom w/Verandah
Cat 3 Suite 1 bedroom w/Verandah
Cat 4 Family w/Verandah - Mrs. Gumdrop Deck 8
Cat 5 Verandah (Deck 7) - KrisannB
Cat 6 Verandah (Deck 6)
Cat 7 Navigator’s Verandah
Cat 8 Deluxe Oceanview - joius24 - deck 5
Cat 9 Deluxe Oceanview - Happy Goofy - Deck 2
Cat 10 Deluxe Inside
Cat 11 Inside - stlkeeler & ilovedale3 - Deck 6
Cat 12 Inside
Cat any Sideways
Cat any Handicapped (I'd love to see one w/Verandah)

I deleted the list of upgrades from the website, and just realized it had info on who was willing to open their cabins for tours. And if we get enough volunteers, perhaps we can utilize 2 cabins per category to keep the traffic down. ?

Who's up for opening your cabin?

Thoughts about whether just before lunch or just after or mid-afternoon, perhaps about Sea Day 3?

 

[ilovedale3]

We would be glad to open up our Cat. 11 room for a tour!

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

We volunteer our cat. 4 room for the tour.

 

[sdlong329]

...I currently might be able to WALK around the ship 2 or 3 times. But the good news is that I have 29 days 8 hours and 15 mins before the all aboard call, to heal.

-- Are any of your excursions of high impact, excessive walking? What about getting to a Doctor or physical therapist for expedite healing? It's either that, or the Cougars will have you pegged as an easy mark!

... bring alcohol onto the ship and sending it ahead ...

--In the past, we've picked two cases of soda (pop) or water, then duct-taped them together to make it easier to carry onboard. Remember, you have to lug it around, until your stateroom is ready. As for wine or alcohol, I used to throw a few bottles in my carry-on luggage (goes through DCL x-ray), but someone else pointed out that DCL has certain size restrictions (guessing @ 22" x 14 x 9 (?)), and advises against being packed within luggage. As far as shipping ... if you mean shipping it to the DCL warehouse, I thought there were restrictions against shipping alcohol via USPS (check with your carrier). DCL warehouse indicates they will refuse any food items received (or hit upon by the dogs) ... not sure if this is the same for alcohol. It's probably a good idea to call DCL warehouse (info on 1st 2 pages), to get first hand information.

So I was wondering if I should bring binoculars to use on my veranda. What is the chances of seeing dolphins and whales??

--We often see dolphins swimming alongside the ship ... just look down to the ocean. Binoculars are a good idea for looking at other ships, or when approaching or passing land.

--Steven Long

 

[KrisannB]

This sounds too cool.
Do you have to tell DCL you are leaving from airport & not WDW? We don't have vouchers in our docs, so had called to verify we still have transfers, lol, and they do have "a record of it." Not sure how that works since last cruise we had an actual voucher.
Thanks!!!

bev

You know they have never asked - I always just say from the airport - even though they know we are staying at WDW - so I guess you can call and tell them you want to leave from the airport and do you need to do anything special?

The trick is the ME to get you back to the airport at the time you want to be at the airport

You have to have a reservation and they base it on your "flight" time. The first time it was a hassle not having a return flight - so now I look up a flight that leaves that morning - and use it if they ask for flight info. I know I want to be on the bus that leaves around 8 am - so I wil have a "dummy" flight info that leaves around 11 am so I can be on the correct ME bus back to the airport. It can cause a few extra steps for me to do but it is worth it to me to get to the port early. I don't know - maybe it would be easier to take a car to the port - but in 5 cruises we have always done the disney bus - but then again checking in at the airport was really great!

Krisann

 

[Lori1035]

We're on the same flight with you. I don't know what sounds worse, having to get out of bed so early to get to the airport or sitting around for four hours in the airport with 3 tired kids!! Either way, definitely not looking forward to that day!!

Kim

I'm on flight 743 also but my time says 10:45. I guess that's the same flight y'all are on.

Lori

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Ouch! I could see that happening. The guys were spraying down part of the deck when I was out there a few times. I believe I remember a few eliptical machines in the gym. I recently had a *horrible* fall off a treadmill and don't think I can get back on one any time soon...so I may opt for the eliptical machine.

You know whats weird? Using an elliptical is actually a lot harder than a treadmill if the seas are bumpy - so I guess it depends on if the ship is moving a lot or not. I'm also going to do some of the classes onboard - yoga, spinning...whatever they have. It's fun to mix up the routine!

She's almost 32. We just aren't amusement park kind of people. We have a Six Flags in St Louis and we're lucky if we go once a year with "the office." I think there is so much more than roller coasters at WDW to do and see. My DGD really wants to see Cinderella castle. I think she might be disappointed in that. I have ordered the newest Passporter for WDW and plan to read up. I have been spending a little bit of time over on the WDW boards, too. When I have more info, I will make my pitch. I hope to get us all there for the first time before our Dream cruise next summer, if not before.

I am around your DD's age and I LOVE WDW!! It is no ordinary "theme park" to me, but I've always been a kid at heart so its in my nature to just have fun and enjoy the magic. I think your DD will like WDW if she gives it a chance & can let go to be a kid again.

I think this is what Brooklyn was trying to share

[/IMG]

Is it just me or does anyone else just want to jump right in the middle of that sandcastle?

Today's went ok. Things went smoothly this time. - now to get through the two next week.

Thanks to all who thought of me.
Kristi

I'm so glad to hear that it went alright.

Anyway, I couldn't make my own roux if I tried. I am not a cook so any shortcuts are greatly appreciated. I'm sure the homemade roux is better though.

Hey! I think you could make roux. If you can stir a pot for 15 minutes and if you know what color chocolate is, you can do it!

So we have the Movies, Music and Sports! Could they spread us out any more?

I would imagine we could leave our luggage somewhere. At least I hope we can!

See ya on the bus!
Eleasa

And someone else is at Pop Century so we've got all of the values covered!

Yep - when we get on the ME we tell them what we are doing and the last time they let us stay on till they got to the ME area - then we got off - handed over our luggage at the luggage place for DCL and went and checked in and got on a bus and off to the port we went. It was really easy. Now this last cruise, they actually had us check in at the airport - gave us a boarding number and everything - we were in group 4 which I thought was good especially since it was like 10:00 or so when we got to the airport - this time we are planning on getting there at 8:30ish and see how that goes.
-------
The trick is the ME to get you back to the airport at the time you want to be at the airport

You have to have a reservation and they base it on your "flight" time. The first time it was a hassle not having a return flight - so now I look up a flight that leaves that morning - and use it if they ask for flight info. I know I want to be on the bus that leaves around 8 am - so I wil have a "dummy" flight info that leaves around 11 am so I can be on the correct ME bus back to the airport. It can cause a few extra steps for me to do but it is worth it to me to get to the port early. I don't know - maybe it would be easier to take a car to the port - but in 5 cruises we have always done the disney bus - but then again checking in at the airport was really great!

Krisann

We were actually thinking of doing this same thing so thanks for the tips Krisann. I was wondering though, can we make our ME reservation when we check in? Our ressie was made through a CM relative so I don't know if I can just add ME online.

 

[KrisannB]

We were actually thinking of doing this same thing so thanks for the tips Krisann. I was wondering though, can we make our ME reservation when we check in? Our ressie was made through a CM relative so I don't know if I can just add ME online.

I never give them info for the return until we are at the resort and checked in - we are normally there several days and I will do it on the 2nd day - too much the first day.


Oh and I have done this out of neccesity in the past as the busses did not pick up at the "value" resorts. So that is how I learned to do it

Krisann

 

[slcmom]

BUNCO Status

For those planning out their Sea Day activities, here's where we are with BUNCO and Group Lunch (last sea day).

Steven Long directed me to the contact person for group space planning. I've given her our request for a space to hold the 40-person BUNCO game in the afternoon (around 1:00 pm) and warned her that it could be a noisy activity with all the dice rolling and people moving tables. I said Sea Day 4 or 5 or so, but not to conflict with a Ducky Williams presentation or anything of that magnitude.

For the Group Lunch, I requested Noon on April 22 in Parrot Cay.

We started this communication Friday, so I expect to hear back next week sometime.


CABIN TOURS

Cat 1 Walt/Roy Disney Suites
Cat 2 Suite 2 bedroom w/Verandah
Cat 3 Suite 1 bedroom w/Verandah
Cat 4 Family w/Verandah
Cat 5 Verandah (Deck 7)
Cat 6 Verandah (Deck 6)
Cat 7 Navigator’s Verandah
Cat 8 Deluxe Oceanview
Cat 9 Deluxe Oceanview
Cat 10 Deluxe Inside
Cat 11 Inside
Cat 12 Inside

I deleted the list of upgrades from the website, and just realized it had info on who was willing to open their cabins for tours. And if we get enough volunteers, perhaps we can utilize 2 cabins per category to keep the traffic down. ?

Who's up for opening your cabin?

Thoughts about whether just before lunch or just after or mid-afternoon, perhaps about Sea Day 3?

I don't care when it is, I'm just excited that we're going to do it (endless curiousity...). I'd be happy to have our category 9 on tour if that fills a hole. Thanks,
Ann

 

[sdlong329]

Does anyone in a Concierge level have an update on the entertainment? A month or so ago, there was discussion about Alfred & Seymour on the Magic, April 21 - 28 (Mediterranean Cruise). The 21st is when we are in Gilbraltar, so I imagine they are embarking in Gibraltar ... performing for the T/A crowd ... then staying onboard into the 1st Med cruise.

Their website (AlfredAndSeymour.us) lists them as being back on the Magic ... Aug 3-11, 2010 - Mediterranean Cruise, as well as Aug 23- Sept 1, 2010 - Mediterranean Cruise.

 

[stlkeeler]

Our cruise docs arrived today as well! Oh Yay!

I think our TA sprinkled us with a little extra pixie dust...did anyone else receive "gifts" with their package?

Me, too! Tomorrow is finally here! Now I can go with everyone! I didn't get anything extra. What did you get?

We would be glad to open up our Cat. 11 room for a tour!

I have a cat 11, too, if you need a second one. Lynne, we also need (or I would like to see) sideways and handicapped cabins. Maybe if anyone has a secret porthole, too. Any other special type of cabin?

For those who have air thru DCL, in the docs it says luggage goes from ship to Barcelona, ES. This is on page 13. Do you know if that means they get checked in at BCN through to a stateside airport (I'm going to ATL then STL) or will we have to pick them up somewhere and check them in ourselves? I'm hoping it's onboard check-in, like in Orlando. Where we don't see our bags until we pick them up at home.

 

[auntlynne]

...The trick is the ME to get you back to the airport at the time you want to be at the airport ...so now I look up a flight that leaves that morning - and use it if they ask for flight info. I know I want to be on the bus that leaves around 8 am - so I wil have a "dummy" flight info that leaves around 11 am so I can be on the correct ME bus back to the airport. ...

You should get an award for this creative thinking:

 

[sdlong329]

Here is the information I mentioned about carry-in alcohol. Just to clarify, I have no first hand experience with this information, as it was retrieved from DCL website: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faqs/prohibited-items/food-storage-containers/

Alcohol is permitted on board. However, be aware that any fragile items (including bottled alcohol) must be hand-carried on board in a day bag and/or carry-on bag, the dimensions of which cannot exceed 22" wide, 14" high and 9" deep. Guests who request a Wine Steward to open and serve a bottle of champagne, wine or liquor that has been brought onboard will be charged a corking fee of $15.00 per bottle.
=====================

additional information from the same URL:
Food coolers containing personal snack foods and drinks may not be brought onboard. They are only permitted if needed for medications, baby food or items related to special dietary needs.

Homemade, pre-cooked or other perishable items plus any open snack containers cannot be brought on board. Limitations on permitted food items are directly related to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention.

Disney Cruise Line regrets that the crew members on board are unable to provide food preparation, refrigeration or storage for personal food or beverage items. Disney Cruise Line cannot verify the cleanliness of the environment in which pre-cooked or homemade food items were prepared, and so for the safety of all Guests and crew, these items are not permitted aboard the ship.

Personal bottle warmers are not permitted on board due to safety concerns. However, a limited number of approved bottle warmers and bottle sterilizers are available upon request through Guest Services. In addition, Guests can request hot water to be delivered to their stateroom at any time from Room Service.

 

[DisneyHeather]

For those who have air thru DCL, in the docs it says luggage goes from ship to Barcelona, ES. This is on page 13. Do you know if that means they get checked in at BCN through to a stateside airport (I'm going to ATL then STL) or will we have to pick them up somewhere and check them in ourselves? I'm hoping it's onboard check-in, like in Orlando. Where we don't see our bags until we pick them up at home.

I have DCL air but I'm not seeing where it says that on page 13...perhaps I'm just missing it. That would be great if they do that though.

 

[thossink]

I know I read this somewhere but I cannot seem to find it back
What time will the busses start to leave the airport for cruise terminal?

Thanks T

 

[Dishy24]

Food coolers containing personal snack foods and drinks may not be brought onboard. They are only permitted if needed for medications, baby food or items related to special dietary needs.

Ha! On my last cruise, Dh & I bought a case of beer in Key West & didn't feel like carrying it, so we also bought a hard sided rolling Igloo cooler & pulled it back to the ship. We were permitted on with it without a problem!

 

[Happy Goofy]

We will be happy to list our cabin for the tour- Cat. 9 deck 2

I have a question- If you bring a case of water and have it labeled with your cabin number when you arrive at the port will the porters take it along with your luggage? I remember a while ago asking DCL that question and they said the porters would take it but reading one of the post it says you have to lug it around until your room is ready. Does anyone know the real deal?

Just finished packing my group 1 FE. There are a few people that their room numbers are not listed on the spreadsheet. Is there another place that they are listed besides Lynne' site?

 

[stlkeeler]

I have DCL air but I'm not seeing where it says that on page 13...perhaps I'm just missing it. That would be great if they do that though.

My page 13 (everyone's might be different) is labeled "Ground Transportation." It says
April 24, 2010 -for entire party
Pick up: Disney Magic
Drop Off: Barcelona, ES

Do you think that means they will drop it off at my airline? Surely, it won't necessarily be on the same bus as me since we have to put them out the night before. So, I won't be able to find it when I get off the bus. They would have to have a central place for everyone to go to find their luggage. What do you think? Anyone who had DCL air in 2007 remember?

 

[dizneyfan23]

My page 13 (everyone's might be different) is labeled "Ground Transportation." It says
April 24, 2010 -for entire party
Pick up: Disney Magic
Drop Off: Barcelona, ES

Do you think that means they will drop it off at my airline? Surely, it won't necessarily be on the same bus as me since we have to put them out the night before. So, I won't be able to find it when I get off the bus. They would have to have a central place for everyone to go to find their luggage. What do you think? Anyone who had DCL air in 2007 remember?

Mine is actually on page 14 and says:

You've included Ground Transportation in you Disney cruise vacation for your entire party.

You are responsible for ALL ground transportation and luggage handling NOT included in your vacation package (I'm not sure what that part means)

Details:
April 24th, 2010 - For entire party
Pick Up - Disney Magic
Drop Off - Barcelona, ES

 

[Tinked]

I'm on flight 743 also but my time says 10:45. I guess that's the same flight y'all are on.

Lori

Looks like the time was changed to 10:35AM. Same flight
Karen