From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 5

[granmaz]

Looks a great place to visit right now Lynne.

 

[valbob89]

Pixie Dust: My Better Half posted a note about transaction fees on credit cards. She checked out a lot of them for our WTBA cruise. Your note that you're using traveler's checks is good. They also have a buyer's fee, probably one percent, at most banks. Some places offer them at no charge for holders of special card types, (double-rainbow gold plated latinum). AAA in California offers them free, as does our credit union.

Everyone, be sure to check, especially if you're getting lots of checks. We also found that many smaller stores will not accept traveler's checks, or reject certain brands. (Sorry I can't help further.) So having a credit card as a backup is a good idea. Especially when you find that must-have pair of huaraches.

bob

 

[MickeyMagic]

DD18 came home from college and guess what she brought me....... and more !!

 

[rotary2808]

Its FRIDAY.............. 3 more night and 2 days to work then 8 mights off.

I got the train to work and couldnt resist going to look at the xmas lights.

Edinburgh is so so so pretty near christmas time.(as opposed to all other times when its just the coolest city ever)

What a pretty sight!!!! Wish our town looked that festive. Instead the only lights I see are a sea of brake lights.

 

[LindaBabe]

Its FRIDAY.............. 3 more night and 2 days to work then 8 mights off.

I got the train to work and couldnt resist going to look at the xmas lights.

Edinburgh is so so so pretty near christmas time.(as opposed to all other times when its just the coolest city ever)

Glorious photo! I loved Edinburgh - wore out a pair of shoes there one January.

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

Question?

Anyone know the dining rotation yet? Concierge people? On the WBTA we were able to get it two months out and it only changed once. However, at three weeks out I think it was final.

Sitting here at the computer waiting to check my DH into Southwest. He's business select so I don't know why he cares about it being right at the hour...oh, well, gives me a chance to peruse the board and think of questions.

DH and I specifically requested our rotation through our TA. We like to eat in Triton's/Lumiere's on final morning, so we arranged that. This may be a solution for you. Good luck!

I don't think it's changed.

Thanks for posting this, Jeff. I just realized I need to change our Palo dinner as it conflicts with one of our Triton's nights. Thanks for all of your hard work coordinating everything!

Little Known Christmas Fact​

Not long ago and far away, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip...but there were problems everywhere.
Four of his elves were sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More Stress. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey. When he went to the cupboard, he found the elves had hidden the liquor and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration, he dropped the coffee pot and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the he kitchen floor.

He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw it was made from.

Just then the doorbell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said: "Where would you like to put this tree Santa?"

And that my friends, is how the little angel came to be on top of the Christmas tree.

Val you always have the cutest stories! Thanks for sharing this!

Its FRIDAY.............. 3 more night and 2 days to work then 8 mights off.

I got the train to work and couldnt resist going to look at the xmas lights.

Edinburgh is so so so pretty near christmas time.(as opposed to all other times when its just the coolest city ever)

This is a beautiful photo! How gorgeous!

 

[valbob89]

Thought I'd dig a little more into this $ issue. Here is what I found.
Found this on a travel site dated 6-10
While traveler’s checks are still a safe method of changing money whilst traveling, it is worth noting that it can be hard to exchange checks and you typically incur charges or lower exchange rates than if you were to use your ATM card in a local bank cash machine. Also, in some areas, such as Mexico, there are virtually no facilities to cash traveler’s checks.

Exchanging Dollars for Pesos in Mexico
New Rules for Currency Exchange
By Suzanne Barbezat, About.com Guide

New US Dollar Exchange Regulations
In the past travelers to Mexico could use US dollars for most transactions, and many people didn't even bother to exchange their currency into pesos. With new laws in effect since September 2010, however, the use of US dollars in cash for making purchases is limited, and the sums exchanged at banks and currency exchange booths are restricted. These measures have been brought into effect to combat money laundering and organized crime, unfortunately tourists and legitimate businesses are also affected.

Official Statement:
"Mexico Banking System Cap on Exchange of Dollars for Pesos:
In order to regulate the quantity of dollars entering the Mexican banking system, beginning September 14, 2010, the Mexican government will cap the amount of dollars foreigners can exchange for pesos in Banks & Money Exchange Establishments to no more than US$1,500 per month.

The measure WILL NOT AFFECT purchases made with credit cards or debit cards in Mexico.

The measure WILL NOT AFFECT the amount of cash (in Mexican pesos) an international tourist can withdraw from an ATM machine on a daily or monthly basis.

It is recommended that all travelers bring Mexican pesos as well as their credit and/or debit cards to minimize any inconvenience the exchange cap at banks may cause."

Exchanging Dollars for Pesos
According to the new regulations, casas de cambio (currency exchange booths), banks and hotels may exchange a maximum of $1500 USD in cash per person per month into Mexican pesos. Many financial institutions are limiting this to exchange up to $300 USD in a single transaction, and some banks are currently refusing to exchange dollars. It may also be required to present an official identification when exchanging dollars for pesos.

Purchases Goods and Services
Businesses may accept a maximum of $100 USD in cash per transaction, with no restriction on the number of transactions per customer. However, many businesses are choosing to not accept US dollars at all. Likewise, many airlines within Mexico will only accept Mexican pesos and credit cards for payment of fees (such as baggage fees). The most convenient way to pay for purchases is to use a credit card or withdraw Mexican pesos from an ATM. It is not advisable to carry large amounts of cash.

Other Currencies Not Affected
It is important to note that these new regulations regarding currency exchange do not apply to other foreign currencies such as Euros and Canadian dollars, and forms of payment other than cash, such as credit cards and travelers checks, are not affected by these measures.

Recommendations:

If possible, exchange a small amount of currency to Mexican pesos before your departure. Take enough pesos to cover your expenses on arrival (tips to baggage handlers, taxi, etc.)
Pay with a credit card when possible.
Take a credit card or debit card for ATM cash withdrawals.

 

[DCLCruzVet]

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to drop in to say "hi"
I'm the other half (the worser-half?!?!) of Trekygirl and can't wait for our PC cruise in just a few weeks!!

 

[TxMermaid1]

Its FRIDAY.............. 3 more night and 2 days to work then 8 mights off.

I got the train to work and couldnt resist going to look at the xmas lights.

Edinburgh is so so so pretty near christmas time.(as opposed to all other times when its just the coolest city ever)

That is BEAUTIFUL!!!

 

[TxMermaid1]

DD18 came home from college and guess what she brought me....... and more !!

Time to teach her how to do her own !!!

 

[Tami0220]

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to drop in to say "hi"
I'm the other half (the worser-half?!?!) of Trekygirl and can't wait for our PC cruise in just a few weeks!!

Welcome! But I highly doubt you are worser - we are all the better half!

 

[ACDSNY]

DD18 came home from college and guess what she brought me....... and more !!

That's what they do best! Bring home laundry and take off with all the food in the house when they leave!

Lynne - Beautiful pic!

Welcome DCLCruzVet

Anyone else have vacation on the brain?

 

[tinkryansmom]

Whew all caught up!

Lynne - fabulous picture. I cannot wait to get there some day!

Jenn - fab shoes! I want to see what you are going to wear with them!!

Officially moving into new house this weekend so waiting on getting too worked up on packing and all. It will hit me around the 26th!

Confirmed van to get us all to the airport on the 4th. And I think that is all I have left to do. Will confirm with limo company also but that can wait a bit.

Alan - so glad you liked Tron - you were so excited to see it! DH wants to see it onboard.

Excited Tangled will be playing also. Don't see us getting out to see that before Jan. 4th. Just too much going on. So yay.

Have to get postcards for postcard exchange - are we still adding a "regional" or favorite recipe to the postcards??

 

[tlungstrum]

If I can find that embossing tool while I'm at the world before the cruise, I'll buy one too - then there'll be two of us who can do it - the task will go faster.

Three weeks??? I'm so not ready for this trip.

I second that. I have no idea where the time went and I have so much to do.

Trying to get the rental jeep for Aruba set up. Need a car seat for Jack, so we're held up on that. Starting to work on the FE and FE gifts. Piling up everything to go to the dry cleaners (Jeff's tux really needs it!) The list goes on and on...
And we have less than 3 weeks!!!!

I don't know what you think about this, but we will be bringing a car seat and booster seat with a back. You'd be welcome to borrow one for the day if it would help. PM me and let me know if you want one.

Anyone want to do games like yahtzee, phase 10? I have them and will bring them with us if anyone wants to play. Finished my FE and am mailing the last packages for Christmas out today on the way too work! I am also going to get to meet the person who made my FE in Epcot before the cruise. So excited.

Dunno how much time I'll be able to get away. Depends on if the kiddos like the clubs and if they let DD stay or not. (She's 2 but potty trained...)

quick pop-in for me - I hope all is going well for you all... We're 7 days away from closing the front door for a month ! I am starting a travel blog - I'm not going to post the link publically, tho'. If anyone wants the link, you can PM me, or ask on the cruise. I still need to catch up with other people's Trip reports, too - Carmen and Belinda - anyone else ?

Today is blitz clean day - I have my side of the family coming for a Christmas BBQ t/row !

Have a great day / evening everyone.

Cheers,
Sally

Is there any interest in maybe keeping a post on page 1 to link to any trip reports? I may try to do one although I've never done one before.

That's the understanding I have also of a circle journal, but I can say, having participated in several of them - it does get very expensive because you are mailing a book every single round (each participant sends her book around.) Also, unfortunately, if life gets in the way for one member, you may possibly not get your book back. (That happened to both Bookwood and I on a circle journal group we were in on another board.)

We could run it like a page swap, though. Something like this:

a) pick a size - say 8x8 or 8.5 x 11 (simply because it's easier to mail those sizes than a 12 x 12),

b) each participant picks a topic (maybe off Tami's list?) and does a two page spread including mats for photos but not the photosthemselves.

C)make the number of copies as there are participants. (Sign and date the backs so everyone knows who made what page.) Digiscrappers - you get a break here - you only need to print off the same page x number of times

D) send all copies to the "point person" along with an SASE the same size

E) Point person sorts out 1 copy per participant and sends the new grouping back in the SASEs. If someone flakes and doesn't send in her pages - she doesn't get any back.

The benefits to this are - the Books themselves never have to be mailed. The pages only get mailed twice - once to the point person and once back to the participant.
Everybody gets all the pages.

what do you think about that idea?

Love this idea. Count me in to participate and/or help if we do this.

Ok, I lied. It took me a little bit of thinking about the problem, but I solved it. For those of you that care about SQL, here's the mathematically beautiful solution for Deck 8.

(select stateroom-9000 AS sort_col1, stateroom from staterooms where fishextender='1' and stateroom like '8%' and stateroom < '8200') UNION (select 9000-stateroom AS sort_col1, stateroom from staterooms where fishextender='1' and stateroom like '8%' and stateroom >= '8200') order by sort_col1

So now, the Fish list is by deck and you can just walk down one side and then back up the other with the same list. Enjoy.

I'm slightly scared to say that I understand that.

Its FRIDAY.............. 3 more night and 2 days to work then 8 mights off.

I got the train to work and couldnt resist going to look at the xmas lights.

Edinburgh is so so so pretty near christmas time.(as opposed to all other times when its just the coolest city ever)

That's a beautiful picture. I'd love to be able to walk around and see that at night!

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Pixie Dust: My Better Half posted a note about transaction fees on credit cards. She checked out a lot of them for our WTBA cruise. Your note that you're using traveler's checks is good. They also have a buyer's fee, probably one percent, at most banks. Some places offer them at no charge for holders of special card types, (double-rainbow gold plated latinum). AAA in California offers them free, as does our credit union.

Everyone, be sure to check, especially if you're getting lots of checks. We also found that many smaller stores will not accept traveler's checks, or reject certain brands. (Sorry I can't help further.) So having a credit card as a backup is a good idea. Especially when you find that must-have pair of huaraches.

bob

Travelers checks are free at AAA for members.

 

[Pixie Dust II]

The Festival of Lights is amazing this time of year!

 

[JenKatt]

Tammy, I told Jeff about the car seat. I will let you know. Thanks!!!

 

[jsails]

Good evening! My I can't believe the time is passing by so fast. We just decided last night to make a quick trip to AZ so will be spending tomorrow night in Bakersfield, Sunday afternoon, night and most of Monday in Kingman and then on to Phoenix. Anyone live along the way that's up to a quick meet n greet? I do not like that drive but it's a necessity. We will be returning Wednesday via Los Angeles and I-5 if anyone's on our route home.

Well now, this just takes five days out of my planning/preparing time!!

The day after Christmas I will have to get in high gear to get the FEs finished and the packing done.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.....no need to stress.....I'll be doing enough for everyone.

Judy

 

[danfromca]

Just snagged 2 rooms at the Hyatt Regency for the night of our arrival (Jan 1st) at $59+tax each.

Now it's getting real.....

 

[ACDSNY]

Good evening! My I can't believe the time is passing by so fast. We just decided last night to make a quick trip to AZ so will be spending tomorrow night in Bakersfield, Sunday afternoon, night and most of Monday in Kingman and then on to Phoenix. Anyone live along the way that's up to a quick meet n greet? I do not like that drive but it's a necessity. We will be returning Wednesday via Los Angeles and I-5 if anyone's on our route home.

Well now, this just takes five days out of my planning/preparing time!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.....no need to stress.....I'll be doing enough for everyone.

Judy

Have a safe trip to AZ and try not to stress too much, everything will all come together after Christmas.

Officially moving into new house this weekend so waiting on getting too worked up on packing and all. It will hit me around the 26th!

Yay, the house is completed and you get to move before your trip!

Just snagged 2 rooms at the Hyatt Regency for the night of our arrival (Jan 1st) at $59+tax each.

Now it's getting real.....

Nice score!

We're in for several days of rain here...where's my sunshine?