Dis Exclusive Viva Italia 9/16 - 9/24/2014

[k5jm]

Google's photo looks strangely familiar

Funny how that works.

 

[k5jm]

I'm ready to get on a plane!

 

[OKW Lover]

Plainly you are Mike!

Val & I haven't even begun to prepare for this trip. Retired life is tiring.

 

[apurplebrat]

 

[DisneyKevin]

This information will also come in your pre-departure goodie box, but I though you might want to see it now.

Here it is!!!



Required Domestic Travel Documentation
U.S. Guests 18 and over are required to present a valid unexpired government-issued photo identification (i.e., driver's license or passport) for air travel. Note: Photo identification may be required throughout the trip. In addition, Guests 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the U.S Department of State at www.state.gov/travel/for information on documentation requirements.

Required International Travel Documentation
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter foreign countries and return to the United States. Your passport must be valid six months beyond your intended stay and have at least 2 blank visa pages remaining. Allow yourself sufficient time to have your application processed if you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport. Refer to www.state.gov for further details. In addition, Guests 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the government agency for the countries to which you are traveling for information on documentation requirements.

Passport Services
You can apply for a passport through CIBT, Inc., a third party travel document company servicing the travel industry (not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company). Please visit http://cibtvisas.com/ for more information or call CIBT at (800) 406-1523.


Please Note: Additional charges will apply for telephone calls made to access CIBT specialists.

What to Pack
Please limit baggage to (1) piece of luggage, (1) carry on and (1) personal item per person. If you are traveling on back-to-back Disney trips, you may bring (1) additional piece of luggage per person.

All luggage is subject to your air carrier's fees and restrictions. Due to frequent security changes, we recommend that you check with your air carrier as well as the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website www.tsa.gov for current restrictions.


For a suggested list of clothing and other items to bring, please visit www.adventuresbydisney.com and search for you trip under the "Destinations" tab. Once you have identified your trip, more information on this topic can be found under the "Trip Tips & FAQs" tab.

http://www.adventuresbydisney.com/europe/italy-vacations/#!tips-faqs

Tipping and Currency
Adventure Guide Gratuities
Gratuities for your Adventures Guides are not included. Based on the quality of service you have received, we suggest the following gratuity: Per Guest/Per Adventure Guide/Per Day $6-$9 USD. Adventure Guides accept cash and travelers checks.

All Other Gratuities
Gratuities have been taken care of on your behalf for all services included in your itinerary. There is no need for you to worry about tipping the bellmen, housekeepers, waiters, drivers and local experts.

Currency
When travelling abroad, you should have a basic understanding of local currency. Not all locations accept US dollars, travelers checks and credit cards. Should you have additional questions, your Adventure Guides and local expert can assist in most situations.

For more Adventure-specific currency information, please visit www.adventuresbydisney.com and search for your trip under the "Destinations" tab. Once you have identified your trip, more information on this topic can be found under the "Trip Tips & FAQs" tab.

Transportation
Adventures by Disney has arranged for all transportation needs during your trip. Transfers are included from the specified arrival/departure airports, major train stations and hotels. Transfer service is provided for all pre-night and post-night stays when confirmed through Adventures by Disney. You will have time to explore many sites on your own. Please ask your Adventure Guides for transportation recommendations. Additional costs may apply.

Flights
All flight changes or delays must be communicated to Adventures by Disney so we can properly arrange the pickup and drop off times. Please contact your Vacationista at (855) 223-4238 or your travel agent prior to purchasing your airline tickets if you have any questions.

Additional Information
Adventures by Disney strives to provide the ultimate Adventure experience. If you have additional questions, please contact your travel agent or Vacationista at (855) 223-4238 for further assistance.

 

[OKW Lover]

Ohhh, Getting Real!!!!

 

[khertz]

Thanks for these great tips, Kevin! In particular, I noticed the number available to call with any flight changes or delays. Since we are a special departure, is that still the number we should call? I know you said in chat you'd be available on a limited basis, so I want to be sure we have the right info just in case & I can program the number in my phone. I always like to be prepared!!!

 

[k5jm]

Thanks for these great tips, Kevin! In particular, I noticed the number available to call with any flight changes or delays. Since we are a special departure, is that still the number we should call? I know you said in chat you'd be available on a limited basis, so I want to be sure we have the right info just in case & I can program the number in my phone. I always like to be prepared!!!

I would have all of those numbers handy in your phone in addition to any numbers Kevin emails out later.

Not that this has ever happened to us, but if you cannot locate your driver at the airport in Rome, you need a way to contact ABD to let them know. When we get to Rome and meet the guides, the guides will provide us their cellphone numbers for emergencies.

 

[apurplebrat]

I love watching this when on tv


http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ_w2z64Z9o

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Saw this article about touring Pisa in a day and thought it might be interesting to those considering going -

http://www.discovertuscany.com/pisa/one-day-itinerary.html

Laurie

 

[k5jm]

Woohoo! Under 40 day chat!

http://host7150.123flashchat.com/disboards/

There is also an app for that...

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.topcmm.A123flashchat&hl=en

I-device - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/123flashchat/id517139646?ls=1&mt=8

The code for flash chat app is 135

Or the custom, K5JMH, link for any other device with a browser...

http://host7150.123flashchat.com/di...chat.com&init_port=21127&init_group=disboards​

 

[NYC MM]

I have missed a couple of chats ... did I miss anything exciting or important ?
I will not be at this coming weeks chat either as I will be at a Convention in LBV , going to stop over at EPCOT and MK to get my Disney fix before our trip.

Let me know if I missed anything -- so sad that we do not have records of the chat for people who have missed it ...oh wait !! better that we don't !

John and I will be back on the chat on the 21st OMG this is getting sooooo CLOSE.

 

[k5jm]

I have missed a couple of chats ... did I miss anything exciting or important ?
I will not be at this coming weeks chat either as I will be at a Convention in LBV , going to stop over at EPCOT and MK to get my Disney fix before our trip.

Let me know if I missed anything -- so sad that we do not have records of the chat for people who have missed it ...oh wait !! better that we don't !

John and I will be back on the chat on the 21st OMG this is getting sooooo CLOSE.

Oh Micki,

http://host7150.123flashchat.com/disboards/message/5414/chat.html

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Oh Micki,

http://host7150.123flashchat.com/disboards/message/5414/chat.html

Mike to the rescue!!!!!

Does anyone (Kevin) know if we will be visiting Santa Croce (where Galileo and Michelangelo and Machiavelli are buried) or the Pitti Palace in Florence as part of the tour? I am debating whether to go to Pisa. There's just so much in Florence I want to see!!

Laurie

 

[DisneyKevin]

Mike to the rescue!!!!!

Does anyone (Kevin) know if we will be visiting Santa Croce (where Galileo and Michelangelo and Machiavelli are buried) or the Pitti Palace in Florence as part of the tour? I am debating whether to go to Pisa. There's just so much in Florence I want to see!!

Laurie

We see Santa Croce, but we do not tour inside.

The Pitti Palace is not part of the tour.

These are things to do oyo.

Most ABD groups have about 3 -5 hours of free time in Florenec.

A great deal of time is spent traveling back and forth to the "Tuscan Villa".

This is why we asked to stay in Florence.

There is just so much to see.

 

[KathyTX]

I'm ready to go NOW.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

We see Santa Croce, but we do not tour inside.

The Pitti Palace is not part of the tour.

These are things to do oyo.

Thanks Kevin!!! This helps. You know I can't pass up a royal palace. This is a problem when there's one every 20 feet. I was looking at the hotel website today and am so excited to be right in Florence!

Laurie

 

[OKW Lover]

Should our ABD boxes be showing up soon?

 

[DisneyKevin]

From this website:

http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/italy-in-september.html


Temperatures in September vary depending on where you are in Italy, but as a general rule of thumb these are the ranges:

Northern Italy: 55-75°F (13-24°C)
Central Italy: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
Southern Italy: 70-80°F (21-27°C)

 

[k5jm]

Mike to the rescue!!!!!

Does anyone (Kevin) know if we will be visiting Santa Croce (where Galileo and Michelangelo and Machiavelli are buried) or the Pitti Palace in Florence as part of the tour? I am debating whether to go to Pisa. There's just so much in Florence I want to see!!

Laurie

I too want to find the rest of the Ninja turtles..