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

[Happy Goofy]

"Anyone" being a DISer or someone from the hotel? I posted the managers e-mail address for you.

.

I meant that I did not hear from anyone on the DISboards. I did not want to overstep anyone. If there is interest I will go see Bud.

 

[dennisgirl]

When we go to Barcelona and want to ride the HOHO bus, do we pay for it when we get on the bus or should I buy my tickets on line? Sorry to be a pest but I can't figure this out?

Is anyone taking a private tour in Maderia? Any details? What company is reliable? How much does it cost? Does anyone want to go in with us (Dennis and Jennifer)?
Thanks, I'm starting to panic about excursions. I'd really like to not go on Disney's because some of the one's we have been on we felt like cattle, some were good but some not so much. Most of the time the Disney ones are fine but our experience has been both good and bad.

Jennifer

 

[TiggerPU88]

Eleasa, Elian is saying the same thing... We are so looking forward to seeing you -- and everyone else! -- at the Promenade Lounge at 3:00. And we're looking forward to meeting people before then around the ship. We're planning to arrive early by car service (after a stop at Walmart).

There's still so much to do to get ready, though! Eeks!

-- Adrienne : )

P.S. Jennifer, we are doing a levada walk with Madeira Seekers. It seemed really good and we're looking forward to stretching our legs after the six days at sea. PM me if you want more details.

 

[kileybeth]

Heard back from DU TA and hope I got this right!

Prepaid my gratuities online with them and also purchased some OBC as well. Did both of these things with my Disney Rewards Visa soooooo, hopefully that means the 6months 0% interest since I did this before we sail??? I know first hand it does not work that way once we are on the ship.

~Also contacted c.card companies.
~Also called about picking up my Euros (go in tommorow for p/u)
~Printed and added binding to my TA journal (thanks Stephanie, so adorable)
~Never did find the magnets I wanted to reuse from last years cruise but printed up all my new ones and calling that DONE
~Began to sort out my jewelry, really bad about minimizing this. I heart my costume jewelry! If it is to bulky to bring home? Oh well, I'll leave it behind, the beauty of $10 pieces!

A wee bit worried about the shoes. . . So 4-5 pairs is the count for me. . .not counting sandals for pool or beaches??? For right now anyway The DH has 2 pairs total

Have jewelry and shoes? Who needs to worry about the outfits is my motto! I'm a black t-shirt girl all the way!

Finally, something is getting done. Those darn empty suitcases just keep mocking me every time I walk by them. I'm with whoever on here keeps saying "baby steps, baby steps" .

AND last item for the day? Making 9 more sleeps countdown calendars for both my babies so they know when their Mama is leaving them and then how long I'll be gone (then they will mark of the 2 weeks) and when I return (they call this the "what did you bring me day"

 

[Ginamarie]

I will keep my eyes peeled for you. Our ADR is for 7:05 pm.

I just checked my ADRs. We have them for 6:25, so we should be there when you arrive!

Group Photo, Lunch, etc...

I got the first email back from DCL Functions. They have a spot for 100 of us in Lumiere's for Noon on the last Sea Day (April 22). We'll make a sign-up for this to get a better idea of numbers (onboard). We'll need to confirm # with the Dining Room Manager a few days before.

Photo suggestion: 11:45 outside Lumiere's, just before we go into lunch.

We would love lunch at Lumiere's. I love having lunch in the dining room on sea days

Called DCL CC line just before they closed tonight. I needed some intel.

Are we scheduled to have special fireworks in Barcelona (I need to know whether or not to plan on Magical Fountains). DCL: Only fireworks scheduled for the TA is on Night 9, Funchal (Madeira), Pirate Night. Drats, I really was looking forward to a fireworks extravaganza - but this isn't the first arrival of DCL in Europe.

What movies are showing? Here's the current listing (which could change before we head out to sea):

The Proposal
G-Force
The Surrogate
Old Dogs
The Princess & the Frog
When in Rome
Up in 3D
Toy Story 1 & 2 in 3D
Christmas Carol in 3D
Alice in Wonderland in 3D

Looking forward to seeing some movies onboard! At least we'll still have fireworks on pirate night

Euros and Pounds ordered. I did not get nearly the rates that some of you have cited though. Went to AAA and called some banks locally. AAA was competitive with the banks, but we got 1.43 on Euros and 1.59 for the pounds. Must be the not-so-metropolitan aspect of Raleigh, NC or something. Oh well, that is one thing off the list at least!

I went to AAA today. I think I got a better rate on Euros, but about the same on pounds. No worries, I'm just glad I'll have some currency before we go and can get some more onboard if I think we need it.

Hi all! Quickly trying to catch up on this thread and get re-excited about this vacation. I had such great intentions on what we'd have done this week, but I am also right on the RI/MA line and have spent the last 36 hours trying to help my husband keep the water under control in our basement. (Missymowse - we're one town up the road in Rehoboth. I was down in your neck of the woods yesterday morning trying to buy a second sump pump!)

We have a finished basement that we've only had issues with once before, but this time around it is totally trashed... need new carpet, new drywall,new tile in the bathroom. On the bright side, maybe now I can convince my hubby to paint the ugly color that's in there! Our main concern right now are trying to get any water removal company in here in the next week. DH was briefly wondering if we were going to have to cancel yesterday (when we weren't sure if we could save the furnace.)

So now I have 8 days until DMIL arrives, the contents of our basement family room are strewn in the living room, all my packing organization was shot in our rush to get everything upstairs, and I can't use the washer as it's sitting in an inch of water right now. (Hasn't gotten damaged yet but it makes me nervous.) So much for a relaxing Easter weekend - we're now so far behind that we'll be lucky not to be naked on the cruise!

Bumblebee - I had originally asked about running on the deck. I'm going to play it by ear depending on sea heights, but running too much on the treadmill bothers my knee.

Hope everyone is enjoying our final countdown!!!

Erin

Sorry about your basement!!

My basement has remained dry, but my brother had terrible luck. He found one basement wall leaking this morning, thought he got it under control when he went to bed and found a different wall leaking this morning My husband is going over there tonight to try to help him. His basement is finished too, so he'll probably have to call in the insurance adjuster. At least we're supposed to get some sun from here on out!

 

[susanowen27]

When we go to Barcelona and want to ride the HOHO bus, do we pay for it when we get on the bus or should I buy my tickets on line? Sorry to be a pest but I can't figure this out?

Is anyone taking a private tour in Maderia? Any details? What company is reliable? How much does it cost? Does anyone want to go in with us (Dennis and Jennifer)?
Thanks, I'm starting to panic about excursions. I'd really like to not go on Disney's because some of the one's we have been on we felt like cattle, some were good but some not so much. Most of the time the Disney ones are fine but our experience has been both good and bad.

Jennifer

WE bought our tickets online last time and had to go to a certain booth to have them redeemed. WE were told we could have bought them on the bus at any stop if we hadn't already paid online, so this time we plan to ride the blue bus to colon and walk a few meters to the bus stop and purchase our tickets as we get on the bus. Hoping our plan works! See you on the bus!

 

[scottjm]

Is anyone taking a private tour in Maderia? Any details? What company is reliable? How much does it cost? Does anyone want to go in with us (Dennis and Jennifer)?

Jennifer

We are using Daniel Madeira Taxi as are some others on this thread. (http://www.danielmadeirataxis.com/). We have a family of 4 going for 4 1/2 hours for 95 Euros.

We have an itinerary as follows:
Monte - taking the Cable Car up to Monte and the Toboggan ride downhill (10 euros and 12.50 euros per person respectively)
Pico dos Barcelos
Curral das Freiras
Câmara de Lobos
Cabo Girão

 

[dylan'smom]

All,

Here is an updated list of everyone in Fish Extender Group #3

susanowen27
disdel
KrisannB
Rtobe
dizmomof2
judy westberry
mike westberry
lois storc
disneyana'saunt
dylan'smom


One gift per cabin is the plan. We are scattered all over the ship so it may take a little time to make gift delivery. The spreadsheet is at this link (assuming I got it to work )
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ap-GbvR8vk7NdGtTRFlyczZrVnFoWVdINVpucjB6LVE&hl=en

Thanks! I printed it out...so far , so good!

I think that we are right above you. FE is new to us too. We're still trying to learn all about it. Have you heard how often you treat? Is it a one time/cruise thing, every day or what?

Thanks for this information. So we do one gift ( I assume a basket or something that includes everyone in the cabin), right? Now is there a specific day or time that we should deliver this? This is our 5th Disney Cruise, but our first FE participation, just want to make sure that we do this right. Thanks so much for the directions.

I'm afraid I don't know either..lol I found a link in this thread for more info, but unfortunately it didn't work (had dot, dot, dots in it)!! I found some pics on the main board and there were farely small items, not a basket, I don't think, because they go inside the "extender" that you hang from the little fish outside your door..... and i THINK delivered each day. (?)

Could someone please direct us to the basic, basics of remedial FEs?! lol

Is the ship a good place to purchase a Mickey Mouse watch? How about Downtown Disney?

Thanks

We like to check out the watches on board on each of our cruises - there is a commemorative DCL one for each year & they have always been really fun. I'm sure WOD does have more selection, but the DCL watches are unique to the cruise.

bev

 

[dizmomof2]

[/QUOTE]I'm afraid I don't know either..lol I found a link in this thread for more info, but unfortunately it didn't work (had dot, dot, dots in it)!! I found some pics on the main board and there were farely small items, not a basket, I don't think, because they go inside the "extender" that you hang from the little fish outside your door..... and i THINK delivered each day. (?)

Could someone please direct us to the basic, basics of remedial FEs?! lol

[/QUOTE]

FE 3 is giving one gift per cabin (or one gift per person that is up to you) ONCE during the cruise. You can put the gifts in anytime during the cruise, no set day or time for anyone. They are not big items, just small things. Some people make their own while others buy something. Some will be things for the cruise and somewill be from the hometown/area the DISer comes from. You can really be creative with it. Remember, it's all for fun, no marks are given out so no worries!

I hope this helps.

 

[joius24]

Which Philosophy lotion did you get? I'm addicted to the "Amazing Grace" fragrance

I Purchased a smaller sized combo set of shower gel and lotion of something called "flirty girl". I loved the smell of it and I figured ...heck if I am going to be a cougar I might as well wear it too!

I like amazing grace too but my FAV is "falling in love" so I got a small bottle for the trip and some "when hope is not enough" SPF face stuff too. My boss gave our team $50 Gift cards last week for a job well done ....so I went to Sephora and splurged!

There has been a lot of talk about the Rainforest Room - I'm out of the loop here...what is the Rainforest Room?

I love the rainforest room....its sauna's and heated tiled lounge chairs and different showers and some subtle aromatherapy... I try to get the onboard specials that add it whenever possible but I will buy it outright if I have to.

Prayers and good thoughts to those who are in the flooded area's

 

[dylan'smom]

FE 3 is giving one gift per cabin (or one gift per person that is up to you) ONCE during the cruise. You can put the gifts in anytime during the cruise, no set day or time for anyone. They are not big items, just small things. Some people make their own while others buy something. Some will be things for the cruise and somewill be from the hometown/area the DISer comes from. You can really be creative with it. Remember, it's all for fun, no marks are given out so no worries!

I hope this helps.

Oh thank you!! Too funny - here I was collecting stuff for every day...14 days! And it was getting sort of large.

One more question, do we put our name on it or is it anonymous? Or does it matter?

bev

 

[Bumblebee3]

My plan exactly; see ya in the gym.

I hope to be joining you too, if only so that I can eat fresh chocolate chip cookies before bed every night and still be able to fit into my pants!!

 

[KrisannB]

Just spoke to the image group ...(shutters photo company) ....

They said we could arrange onboard (with Prarag the manager on the Magic) for a group photo but it may cost 75$ ...but the fee may be waived if we purchase enough pics.
They would only sell 8x10's not the smaller sizes.
They may give a 10% discount per photo if we buy over 40 or so....
They could do a time we suggest but might want to pick the place because of lighting etc.....

So it sounds to me like "Brack" Photography Company might be the best choice here . It could be simpler .... but I will defer to the group for that choice...

Ummm guess I should get back to work

PS..I like Cougar Princess

On the WBPC in 2008 we did not have to pay for them to take them - and then the part that was really bad is they only printed a small number of the pictures and not everyone got one - I think you can ask now to have more copies made and they will do it.

I didn't know that sort of stuff let's you get the 6 months no interest. I've prepaid my tips back in February. I have my Disney rewards gift card that I'm going to use as OBC - should pay for excursions plus a bit more. I may have my TA charge some OBC on my Visa. Sure wish Disney had put my refund (from 11 to 12) as an OBC instead of refunding my Visa.

Kristi

yep I learned the hard way so every cruise since then I have pre-paid things and it works like a charm for me - even this time when I called in the CM said I really understood how it worked as many people do not know that. I find it easy to do it ahead of time and I am not shocked too much at the end!

DisneyHeather and I have been trying to get in touch with you. We want to dine with you if at all possible. I sent an email (same name as my screen name) and Heather sent you a pm. Let us know if we qualify as dining companions.

Kristi

oh let me go look into my junk mail! my filters are still not working right! I will figure it all out. Give me a couple of hours and I had not paid attention to my PM's - sorry - been trying to keep up here and get ready for DH's arrival this time tomorrow!

OK-- Totally OFF TOPIC... but...

I am the PTA Treasurer for my son's school also the Box Tops for Education Coordinator (plus I chair about a million different committees-- I'm sure all the other PTA Moms here understand what I mean!)

Anyway, I am asking all of you who are childless (or no longer have school age children) for your help. My son's class is in a neck & neck battle with another class in the Box Tops collection (winning class gets a pizza party in June)... If you wouldn't mind saving Box Tops for his class for the next 12 days or so & bring them to us on the ship, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!
Tricia

I will see what I can find - do you do the Tyson ABC?

I didn't know you could pre-pay gratuities. This is great - we usually pre-pay b/c it makes it easier. Can you just call the regular DCL number for this? How does it work?

I personally have just called DCL direct - even when I had a TA - anyone can put money on your account or send you a gift - so I do not think you have to go through your TA - I never have. to me it makes things much much simplier!

I'm scouring my kitchen for boxtops. Haven't had to do this in a few years.

Does anyone have the address for sending boxes to the ship handy or the thread it is on. I didn't think I would be doing it but now I'm sending our books and candy for the crew ahead.

Mary Poppins will be at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia next season if anyone is interested.

Look into the information on this as I do not think you can send food/candy items.

When we go to Barcelona and want to ride the HOHO bus, do we pay for it when we get on the bus or should I buy my tickets on line? Sorry to be a pest but I can't figure this out?

Jennifer

Everything I read said to buy it at the bus - it is about a 30 minute walk from the port to the place to redeem your "online tickets"

Oh thank you!! Too funny - here I was collecting stuff for every day...14 days! And it was getting sort of large.

One more question, do we put our name on it or is it anonymous? Or does it matter?

bev

It is up to you - but I always put my name on mine and I like to know who gave what!

Krisann

 

[rtobe]

I'm afraid I don't know either..lol I found a link in this thread for more info, but unfortunately it didn't work (had dot, dot, dots in it)!! I found some pics on the main board and there were farely small items, not a basket, I don't think, because they go inside the "extender" that you hang from the little fish outside your door..... and i THINK delivered each day. (?)

Could someone please direct us to the basic, basics of remedial FEs?! lol

[/QUOTE]

FE 3 is giving one gift per cabin (or one gift per person that is up to you) ONCE during the cruise. You can put the gifts in anytime during the cruise, no set day or time for anyone. They are not big items, just small things. Some people make their own while others buy something. Some will be things for the cruise and somewill be from the hometown/area the DISer comes from. You can really be creative with it. Remember, it's all for fun, no marks are given out so no worries!

I hope this helps.[/QUOTE]

Oh thank you!! Too funny - here I was collecting stuff for every day...14 days! And it was getting sort of large.

One more question, do we put our name on it or is it anonymous? Or does it matter?

bev

I think dylan'smom got the basics above- I don't know if there is a "rule" about putting a name or not (this is my first DCL cruise) I would think it is a way to meet folks on the cruise but you could just put a first name or family name and maybe your cabin. This is supposed to be fun.

All help welcome, newbie organizing a FE group here

P.S. not sure my "multi-quote worked right

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

You might want to check out this thread for some great gift ideas. Don't feel intimidated! Gifts don't have to be hand made, time consuming to make or expensive.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639&highlight=fish+extender

 

[realfam]

Questions for those staying at the Hyatt and taking ME in the morning. I know on our past cruises we have put our luggage in the hall early in the morning with the DCL tags on them and then they took them. Then we headed to the lobby where we were then assigned to a group and then escorted to a ME bus. I was reading our paper work sent to us by DCL and it says we are to head to the lower level ME desk in the morning (can't remember if it said we were to bring our bags). Anyone else read this or question it?

 

[adedward]

You leave your luggage INSIDE the door of your room. They will tell you on check in if they want you to go down to the desk in the morning to sign in, or if you can do it at Hyatt. Recently, all signing in goes on downstairs, at the DCL desk. They probably will check you in and give you your boarding number, then you get on the bus. Hope this helps.

 

[thossink]

Questions for those staying at the Hyatt and taking ME in the morning. I know on our past cruises we have put our luggage in the hall early in the morning with the DCL tags on them and then they took them. Then we headed to the lobby where we were then assigned to a group and then escorted to a ME bus. I was reading our paper work sent to us by DCL and it says we are to head to the lower level ME desk in the morning (can't remember if it said we were to bring our bags). Anyone else read this or question it?

I read the same, I figured I would ask the desk about our bags when we checked in.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

DH and I just put a major dent in our packing. Progress! I feel so much better. Now I feel like I have a handle on what still needs to be done.

This coming weekend is going to be a whirlwind! But it will all be for a good cause. Vacation here we come!

 

[brack]

I think we have heard that a couple of times from you Brack! We will believe it when you tell us they are done!!

I did download the form! Now to take the time to fill it out.