July 18 2009 Tortola - Part 2!

[BomaJack]

I've never heard of it until the meet was planned.........hmmmmmmmmmm

I've taken friends there who've come out slightly disappointed because I talk it up so much, so I'll try not to sound TOO ecstatic over it. But it's easily my favorite place to eat in DTD. Six bucks nets you an awesome sandwich (I like the fallback club sandwich, but you really can't go wrong with any of them), which is a pretty stellar deal considering the location. It's also always packed at lunch time, so either go slightly early, or a bit later if you want to avoid all that.

For anybody who needs a reference point for where it's located, it's on the far side of DTD. So basically if you're looking straight at the DTD complex from all the major entrances, it's about as far right as you can go, right near the Christmas shop and pin trading buildings.

And as a completely aside for anybody who's never really explored that area, there's a really neat photo op behind the building, wedged back near the scrapbooking/art building and shoved in the corner right before the bus parking. There, you'll find another dancing water location for splashing around in that isn't nearly as packed as the main one in front of Earl of Sandwich, as well as a bunch of Disney character snowmen for your all your Christmas/Holiday card needs.

 

[cinderella97]

Could someone out there let me know what the average and/or expected tip per person is? Our last cruise was in 2005 and frankly my mom paid for EVERYTHING. I just wanted to make sure I brought enough cash! And I am not sure where to find that info out.

In our travel documents it tell you how much to tip. there is also a tip calculator in the FAQ on the cruise line forum.

 

[AdventureBlondeBoy]

Thanks I knew someone out there could help me

 

[lwilliam]

I'd like to go on record as saying to those who've never eaten there that the Earl of Sandwich is probably one of the best places for a quick (and relatively inexpensive) lunch on Disney property. It's simple sandwich fare, but really, really GOOD simple sandwiches on a sort of homemade roll. I use the children as an excuse to drive to DTD all the time for the entirely self-serving purpose of eating there. Don't be surprised if you bump into me on Thursday, because it really doesn't take much of an excuse to get me out there.

you are SO RIGHT
whole family LOVES this place - don't even want to admit how many times we ate here when staying at Saratoga springs over Christmas 2 years ago.
This is a MUST stop for our family.

 

[gonecrusin]

I think with the water we will be purchasing the case once we get on board. i will be bringing our empty water bottles since we are flying. Does anyone know how the tap water is on board is? Could I just use the bathroom sink water to fill up on? I really don't want to spend $36 on a case of water, knowing I could get a case for $3 at Target. What a rip!

Keep in mind that we have well water at home! I think the water on the ship tastes like chlorine. The water that you can get at the drink station by the pool is very good (it must be filtered) if you want to fill up there.

 

[Dizzyworld]

We are celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary. But it is my parents and my aunt and uncle (mom's brother) that we will actually be celebrating - 50 YEARS!!!!

That's so worth celebrating! Congrats to all!

I think with the water we will be purchasing the case once we get on board. i will be bringing our empty water bottles since we are flying. Does anyone know how the tap water is on board is? Could I just use the bathroom sink water to fill up on? I really don't want to spend $36 on a case of water, knowing I could get a case for $3 at Target. What a rip!

I agree. Yet I never thought people would ever buy water in a bottle.

How many dresses/skirts are you ladies bringing? I was bringing one for formal night, one for semi formal, then a kakai skirt with a couple tops to wear. I'm looking for a packing list. Does anyone have one?

I made a packing list for my family and our little trips. I couldn't survive without my packing lists.


I'm really having a packing problem. We only have 1 medium size suitcase, and then we will each have a carry-on suit case then ,we were going to check a carry on. I really don't think we will have enough room, but dh says we will be fine. URG - I'm not sure how we can pack everything! DH is the packer in our family. certainly not me.

Don't forget a bag for just the FE gifts if you are playing along.

 

[BomaJack]

you are SO RIGHT
whole family LOVES this place - don't even want to admit how many times we ate here when staying at Saratoga springs over Christmas 2 years ago.
This is a MUST stop for our family.

I'm glad that I'm not the only one, then. My wife loves it, but she doesn't share the same... enthusiasm... over it that I have. My girls just love it because it means they get to go to DTD, and then butter me up for one of the surprise grab bags in the $10 section.

 

[gonecrusin]

Don't forget a bag for just the FE gifts if you are playing along.

I wonder if I could bring a flat flat rate box and mail my stuff home?

 

[cinderella97]

Don't forget a bag for just the FE gifts if you are playing along.

We are playing. I didn't even think of that. my items are small and do not take up alot of room. beware everyone - I just might be in the same short, tshirt, swimsuit just so I have room to bring the FE home!or I'll be doing instead of all the yummy tastings!

 

[disnutz]

We are playing. I didn't even think of that. my items are small and do not take up alot of room. beware everyone - I just might be in the same short, tshirt, swimsuit just so I have room to bring the FE home!or I'll be doing instead of all the yummy tastings!

Here's a thought - we'll have our own tastings in the laundry room!

 

[♥sassy♥tink♥]

We love it too! We are planning on going to DTD on the 25th for our "last bit of magic", doing some shopping and having lunch at EARL!! It is fantastic!!

 

[BomaJack]

We love it too! We are planning on going to DTD on the 25th for our "last bit of magic", doing some shopping and having lunch at EARL!! It is fantastic!!

Don't forget to hit the Goofy's Candy Company! I the fudge and the fudge-filled cookies you can have made for you. I'm not sure a trip down there would be complete without it.

 

[♥sassy♥tink♥]

Don't forget to hit the Goofy's Candy Company! I the fudge and the fudge-filled cookies you can have made for you. I'm not sure a trip down there would be complete without it.

We love all of the surprises at DTD!! It's like a "free" extention of the parks! Not sure we'll have room for fudge after the cruise...

 

[cinderella97]

Here's a thought - we'll have our own tastings in the laundry room!

now that is a thought!! it might be cheaper!

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

I think with the water we will be purchasing the case once we get on board. i will be bringing our empty water bottles since we are flying. Does anyone know how the tap water is on board is? Could I just use the bathroom sink water to fill up on? I really don't want to spend $36 on a case of water, knowing I could get a case for $3 at Target. What a rip!

How many dresses/skirts are you ladies bringing? I was bringing one for formal night, one for semi formal, then a kakai skirt with a couple tops to wear. I'm looking for a packing list. Does anyone have one?

I'm really having a packing problem. We only have 1 medium size suitcase, and then we will each have a carry-on suit case then ,we were going to check a carry on. I really don't think we will have enough room, but dh says we will be fine. URG - I'm not sure how we can pack everything! DH is the packer in our family. certainly not me.

I don't like the tap water, but we run up to 9 and fill up big cups and water bottles from the dispensers up there. We bring on water bottles for everyone and have never really needed to buy water when we do it this way.

I can e-mail you my packing list spreadsheet if you want it. I'm sure my husband will comment on that spreadsheet after many cruises and many red check marks in the columns. I usually bring two skirts, two dresses and a pair of black dress pants, and can mix and match for all occasions.

You should be okay with 4 suitcases depending on how big the three carry-ons are. Are they 3/4 day rolly bags? If it were me, and if you have it, I would use a garment bag in place of the checked carry on. Dressier clothes travel better in a garment bag and unpacking it takes 5 seconds. Plus, you can pack an awful lot in a garment bag, and can also throw an empty duffel bag in there for the stuff you're going to bring home with you!

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

I'd like to go on record as saying to those who've never eaten there that the Earl of Sandwich is probably one of the best places for a quick (and relatively inexpensive) lunch on Disney property. It's simple sandwich fare, but really, really GOOD simple sandwiches on a sort of homemade roll. I use the children as an excuse to drive to DTD all the time for the entirely self-serving purpose of eating there. Don't be surprised if you bump into me on Thursday, because it really doesn't take much of an excuse to get me out there.

No matter how much you post this in a public forum, I still need you to do laundry before the cruise and not eat at the Earl!

Could someone out there let me know what the average and/or expected tip per person is? Our last cruise was in 2005 and frankly my mom paid for EVERYTHING. I just wanted to make sure I brought enough cash! And I am not sure where to find that info out.

Tips are Per Guest per cruise:
Dining Room Server $28.00
Dining Room Asst. Server $21.00
Dining Room Head Server $7.00
Stateroom Host/Hostess $28.00
Dining Manager Your Discretion
Room Service Your Discretion
Palo Gratuity included
Vista Spa & Salon Your Discretion
Babysitting Gratuity not expected
Shore Excursions Optional; not included in shore excursion price.

Don't forget to hit the Goofy's Candy Company! I the fudge and the fudge-filled cookies you can have made for you. I'm not sure a trip down there would be complete without it.

 

[noahsmom]

Holy cow you've all been very very busy!!

We are going to Coral World also, I booked Sea Trek directly with Coral World. I'm starting to get a little nervous about that but Noah is SUPER excited. Bill is doing the golf excursion. I will be shoppin in the afternoon.

We've not eaten at the Earl of Sandwich, the lines have always been too long. We do enjoy Wolfgang Puck express. I LOVE Ghiradelli - best hot fudge sundae ever!!

I'm trying to keep us to 3 medium suitcases. This may be a challenge since park clothing is slightly different from cruise clothing. At least I will have a washer/dryer at both AKV and SSR. Laundry is in my future on the Magic also.

I will be bringing at least one dress, possible 2. Mostly for dinner I will switch off between a couple of pairs travel pants and asst tops. There's only so much you can pack.

We've never purchased any of the drink packages. We will be bringing beverages on board though.

 

[noahsmom]

Last week it was so hot and humid - temps in the 90's, humidity actually higher then Orlando a couple of days.

Today - cloudy with a high of 62

This is summer in Wisconsin.

 

[BomaJack]

But... but... I'm on vacation!

 

[Dizzyworld]

Here's a thought - we'll have our own tastings in the laundry room!

In 2004, I had the best time in the laundry room. I met a dad from England that was doing b2b cruises (it also turned into 14+ days cruise due to a hurricane), so he had to do laundry. Everytime he put money into the machine for change, he would yell "I won again! I love this machine!" He was a hoot. Also, there were two ladies in their 60s also from England that were very nice to talk. My DH wondered why it was taking me so long to do laundry.


That same cruise, one woman brought a blender and made her own drinks by the pool. I'm sure Disney loved that.