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

[dylan'smom]

...
How long does dry cleaning on the ship take? I wasn't able to drop my dress at the cleaners today (forgot). Kristi

We have always gotten it back the following day by mid to late afternoon, as long as it was picked up by dinner time. Pretty quick, usually.

We'll have one with us as well - we can post "weigh station" cabin #'s on Stephanie's board the last few days

Now, back to packing, since the car leaves for JFK airport at 5 AM.

Safe travels. We leave Thurs at 4:30 am...pacific time.

Has anyone prearranged a taxi/car service to go from the pier in Barcelona to the airport? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Cynthia

We took a cab to bcn in 2007 (when the euro was worth a bit more) and the driver happily took either US dollar or euros, so we gave him $40 US & that included a large tip (& luggage handling - there were 3 of us & 6 bags), if that gives you any indication... hopefully it is even cheaper now.

For those of you who have not experienced it before, you are going to LOVE going to Castaway Cay at the beginning of your vacation...

Sounds so cool. Hope we have great weather!!!

... and apparently it did change (one movie):
Well, that talk about "It's April, why are they still showing a Christmas movie" must have made it's way through the psychic channels. Now they've got the new Miley Cyrus movie, "The Last Song" to show us. Sort of limits them when they only have Buena Vista and Disney/PIXAR choices (I'm not complaining - just stating the obvious ).

Yep, sure was looking forward to catching a Christmas Carol in spring, but... it does make sense they dropped it.

bev

 

[obobber]

I did create a Part 5 for this thread, ready to go at the moment's notice if or when we hit page 250. Krisann made her contributation of posts already, so it's chock full of all that pre-cruise planning info you will need on Friday or Saturday morning.

You guys are the best. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all the work you've done.

I'm not anywhere near ready. But come Saturday morning, I'll be on that plane with whatever is in the suitcase. I've cruised quite a bit, but never been on a private island and I'm so excited about CC. The double dip sounds like a wonderful cruise.

I put in some overtime last week and since I'm on social security getting paid for it is useless because it reduces my benefit, they have offered to let me leave and hour and 45 minutes early on Friday if we're not crazy busy. Pretty nice. This is the kind of thing I used to do when I was the boss. And I now appreciate what a good practice it is. It's nice to know how much it means.

Kileybeth...I'll keep your son and your family in my prayers.

Safe travels to those of you on the move.

 

[obobber]

Has anyone gotten currency on board? Must you exchange actual currency, or do they just charge your shipboard account?

At this point, I'm thinking ATMs in ports.

 

[MissErin]

HOW SWEET IS THAT!?
what a great idea! .

Well, I could just call it 'bribery' but the trip fairy sounds cuter. We've travelled a lot with our kids, and back in the day (probably when my oldest was a toddler), having something brand-new to play with on the plane seemed like an insurance policy against a meltdown. Now, of course, they're all pretty darned good travellers, but totally think there is a trip fairy, so I'm stuck with the concept. (Much to DH's chagrin - we travel with them every couple of months so it starts to add up.)

The gifts, especially this trip, are small: these 'blendy' markers they are obsessed with and coloring books, some cars for DS, probably two new polly pockets for the girls... But they get a huge kick out of it, and who am I to deny them! (Ok, I get a kick out of it too!)

I have such a busy day today: three meetings, a presentation to our City Council to request funding tonight, and my first physical therapy appointment for an ongoing knee problem. I figured I might not be able to help get us to 250 later, so I'd better do my part now. I just wish it was next week and we were en route across the ocean with nothing of consequence to do.

As we are DCL newbies, thanks for the Palo info as I was getting anxious about that (we have dinner reservations, but not brunch). One other question: we are flying in to MCO Saturday am (flight lands at 11), so I figure we won't get to the port until 2ish (right? by the time we get to ME, get on a bus, make the trek, etc). Is it worth it for me to register the kids for the Clubs in the port or just do it onboard since we're getting there later? It's suddenly dawning on me that I've not paid a lot of attention to logistics questions people have asked on the main cruise board. We figure we'll bring snacks with us for the drive for the kids, but I know they'll be starving when we get there. I figure two grown ups will take the kids to get food while somebody (probably me - I'm not a big lunch eater) will run around handling the other 'stuff.'

Ok, DS is begging for breakfast and I need to be out the door with everyone in 45 minutes. Have a great "last Tuesday before the trip" gang!

 

[joius24]

And a few more prayers needed.

My DS's marriage is a mess and his wife of 10 years and his handcap son are moving out on Friday for a supposed "trial seperation" which is mighty well planned as far as I can tell. He and his son have spent 8 years with each other every single day and night. This is going to be very, very hard for him.

Lots of Prayers for your DS, you and the family too.

Way back there was some talk on scouting - are any of the scouts or leaders bringing badges to trade. I do have some Canadian ones that go back 30 years I could bring.
Mike

I asked my DS if he would like to bring some patches to trade....he looked at me like I had three heads ...I think because he is still working hard for them...he is unwilling to consider letting any of them go ...but thanks for the offer and will also be glad to talk scouting

OMG....I asked my boss yesterday if I could have Friday off.... She said YES!!!! PHEW now I can procrastinate some things a bit longer
I cannot focus at all at work! ....I am in departure mode.

 

[brack]

Off to work for my last two days

 

[DL1957]

DH and I are on the June 12th Baltic cruise. We wish you smooth seas and an awesome trip as you take the Wonderful MAGIC back to Europe!
Sue

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

This is a strange milestone, but we took the trash out for the last time before we leave! Silly but true!

We are down to just 2 1/2 days of work left for us. Please let them go quickly!

We are down to just the little things that are so easy to forget - Picking up dry cleaning, giving my brother keys, packing the tooth paste etc.

And it is going to be 87 degrees here in DC today! What the Heck?!?

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Almost there!

 

[KrisannB]

.
We spent DH's birthday at WDW last year. They gave him a button that said something like MY NAME IS TOM AND TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY. People all over the park wished him Happy Birthday--CMs AND GUESTS! It was great.
Maybe you can buy or make a button for her to wear all day on her birthday and then everyone will know and wish her Happy Birthday.

You can also buy those buttons at a party supply store!




Most likely my last post for the day - we begin our journey today!

The lanyards are on schedule to be delivered today - just checked UPS tracking.

I still have to print out forms for the Christmas Organizing workshop at Sea and finish laminating a few door signs.

We have all our bags packed but my laptop bag and are down to doing last minute things around the house.

I am so excited and ready to meet everyone!

Krisann

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Just wanted to wish you all a fantastic magical voyage as you bring the Disney Magic over the Atlantic. We will be following any reports and blogs with interest as we are doing the WBTA in September.

 

[annekevdbroek]

Sooooo Excited!!!!

It just kinda hit me this morning. I am mid-pack in three rooms right now. I think I have it pretty well figured out. I am not sure about the weather, which is making it harder for me to pack light. I hate being cold - we did one early spring trip to Europe many years ago and I froze (it was a unually cold and rainy spring) and eventually got sick and just refused to leave the hotel.

The dress clothes are killing me - we usually don't do anything dressy when we travel. It means at least one extra pair of shoes for the grown-ups. Auggh.

I am so looking forward to childcare and hot tubs!

Speaking of which, I did not reserve much time at Flounder's for my 3 year old (who I was hoping would be done with potty training, but isn't). Does anyone know if I have to make reservations well in advance, or can do it just a day or so out? There was plenty of time on the schedule still available. I just don't know what our ship-board schedule will be like well enough to guess when I will want him to go to the nursery.

 

[strawberryblonde]

So excited for you all!! I will read with interest how your trip goes. Hoping you get fab weather and calm seas

 

[brack]

This is a strange milestone, but we took the trash out for the last time before we leave! Silly but true!

Today was the last trash day for us as well.

Talked over the plans for getting to the port on Saturday with our friend this morning. She'll pick us up around 9AM in Orlando at the Rosen Center. Drive us to the airport to pick up our DS & DDIL at 10AM. Then .... off to the port! We should be there before noon.

I just wish that I could excited about this trip.


JUST KIDDING!

 

[DisneyHeather]

DH and I are on the June 12th Baltic cruise. We wish you smooth seas and an awesome trip as you take the Wonderful MAGIC back to Europe!
Sue

Just wanted to wish you all a fantastic magical voyage as you bring the Disney Magic over the Atlantic. We will be following any reports and blogs with interest as we are doing the WBTA in September.

So excited for you all!! I will read with interest how your trip goes. Hoping you get fab weather and calm seas

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. We're all very excited

Today is my last trash day too and I have 2 1/2 days of work left and hope I can stay focused by the 1/2 day focused on work that is I'm already focused on the cruise that's the problem

I need to pick a couple more things up, make a bank run and get my nails done on Thursday when I get off work but otherwise am ready to go.

 

[mrshart]

Hey Everyone,

MrsGumdrop posted pictures of a vacation planner that she made for the trip, and I've been looking for the link to download that. Can anyone help me with where it would be? The pictures show up around page 216, and people talk about how great the journal is on 209.

Thanks!

 

[kumquat88]

Is it worth it for me to register the kids for the Clubs in the port or just do it onboard since we're getting there later? It's suddenly dawning on me that I've not paid a lot of attention to logistics questions people have asked on the main cruise board.

If it's not too late, you should be able to log onto DisneyCruise.com using your reservation number, last name and DOB to pre-register the kids for the Clubs. Of course, this is where you can also reserve the Palo dining, spa and port excursions. I just don't know if the online stuff is still available. I seem to recall these reservations might be open until 3 days prior to sailing (or perhaps I was dreaming).

Will save you one time and stress. Our DDs can't wait!

 

[kumquat88]

Does anyone have any first-hand experience or knowledge on what Barcelona will be like on St. Jordi's day (the first day - Fri - we are in port)? I understand this is viewed as a "holiday" so many locals will not go to work....so will Barcelona be hopping busy with swarms of people? Am planning to do the HOHO Tourist Bus but have read a lot of reviews that lines can be long (even off-peak), and wondering if this and the major tourist sites in town will be busier than normal because of St. Jordi's day.

Also, any place in particular as a "must visit" during this special day? I assume Las Ramblas is the place to be / see. Again, need to keep our guards up for theft.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Hey Everyone,

MrsGumdrop posted pictures of a vacation planner that she made for the trip, and I've been looking for the link to download that. Can anyone help me with where it would be? The pictures show up around page 216, and people talk about how great the journal is on 209.

Thanks!

Hi Mrshart -- The journal was actually created by Stephanie (Brooklyn) and was a great job, huh? Here is the link:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...mMtNTAwZi00MWY5LWI4YzUtNGVlYzM0YWQ0OTkx&hl=en

 

[ibouncetoo]

Sooooo Excited!!!!
I am so looking forward to childcare and hot tubs!

Speaking of which, I did not reserve much time at Flounder's for my 3 year old (who I was hoping would be done with potty training, but isn't). Does anyone know if I have to make reservations well in advance, or can do it just a day or so out? There was plenty of time on the schedule still available. I just don't know what our ship-board schedule will be like well enough to guess when I will want him to go to the nursery.

I don't think you'll have any problems getting time in Flounder's on this particular cruise, as it's has such smaller amount of children compared to other itineraries.

Boy, I SO don't want to go to work today. At least it will be busy and should pass quickly. LOST is on tonight so that will cut into cruise prep time a bit, but Wed night has been left wide open for final assembly!

You, know, all we really need is passport and a pile of cash!

.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

What's up with the trash days?? Ours is today too!!

I'm doing laundry today and packing.

Oh and also working out for a long period - I have to fit 7 days of exercise into 4

Starting to feel real guys!! We sail in 4 days!!!

I've put in 3 long sleeve shirts and a light jacket? Do I need a sweatshirt too?

I'm running out of room!

I would bring one. It may be chilly on deck at night and I know at night in Barcelona it will probably be a little chilly.