July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Oh boy... you and Jimmy are really going to get along great!!!!!!

POOR POOR JIMMY-I FEEL FOR HIM BIG TIME

PS All our tours are reconfirmed!!! start times etc.

Drivers will have a sign:-

MR PORTER and MRS PROPELLER HAT

 

[MrsJobba1]

You can buy stuff like that at W H Smith, but they give out clear bags at airport for free.
For our short flight you shouldnt need anything.



Electrical stuff chargers etc in suitcase not carry on, Laptop and camcorder only on flight. Documents you need in carry on but for our short flight you shouldnt need change of clothes etc

In May I found them more flexible than in August 2006, however we 'forgot' got the kids a drink and then went through security so had to ditch them, and buy again.
Pack as much as you can in cases, I suggest have one small one ofr everything like that so liquids etc do not spill. Remeber BA flights 23kg max or £60 fine.

Thanks Andrew,

I have actually added another bag already (thinking ahead).

We will have the two big cases and IM thinking of checking the other smaller case( Trolley dolley style). I might put all the liquids in that one :

Thanks I'll put the chargers in case (wasn't sure about that)

 

[Perdie]

Firstly you are very welcome to this thread and this 'British' Disney cruise, we have now taken over. You will really enjoy the fun of DCL, and most likley be hooked.

Everyone here is nice so keep dropping in.

Julie and Sallie where considering organising a beach break in Sardina, they live in New York so your question most likley will be answered later, say after miday here by them.

The ship will dock at the''Isola Bianca wharf'' the city centre is about a mile away, there should be a free shuttle but might have waits to board.

20 mins walk, Taxi Euros 15-20.

Beachs La Cinta, Costa Smeralda both clean and great views, local.Recommend taxi from ship, as if there are buses, you would have to go to the town first anyway and transfer and not know time far better to arrange a taxi in advance.

www.olbiataxi.com

Thank you for the info-I wish I could call myself a Brit (but I am just an American invader living here)

I looked on the website and I am having trouble understanding it-lots of repeating words on there-do you have to call in advance or will taxis be lined up at the dock?
12 more days!

 

[salliep]

PS All our tours are reconfirmed!!! start times etc.

Drivers will have a sign:-

MR PORTER and MRS PROPELLER HAT

Excellent!!!! Love the way the sign will read!!! We will be known all over Europe.. we will be famous- people will want our autographs... We will be known as the Propellor Tourists!!!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks Andrew,

I have actually added another bag already (thinking ahead).

We will have the two big cases and IM thinking of checking the other smaller case( Trolley dolley style). I might put all the liquids in that one :

Thanks I'll put the chargers in case (wasn't sure about that)

Yes thahts my idea albeit three large one small, heavy stuff/liquids/chargers/presents/books/guides/shoes in the small one, clothes in the large ones to keep to the 23kg. Previous years I had three only so all the 'extra's in the extra small one.

 

[salliep]

Thank you for the info-I wish I could call myself a Brit (but I am just an American invader living here)

Yeah !!! Another American.... we're catching up!!!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you for the info-I wish I could call myself a Brit (but I am just an American invader living here)

I looked on the website and I am having trouble understanding it-lots of repeating words on there-do you have to call in advance or will taxis be lined up at the dock?
12 more days!

Well like Madonna you are a honorary Brit, and thats enough for me!!!

Reading port guides Taxis will be lined up they only have a few cruise trips and I bet the locals will think its a great opportunity for making a few bucks quickly. There is a stand at the port and various places in town but you cannot ''hail'' them as if you were in London.

But, considering, the amount of cruisers the Disney Magic does hold, (less people on shore trips), I think they will have queues, for the taxis.

Might be best to team up with other people on this board and hire one in advance to guarantee your one.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Yeah !!! Another American.... we're catching up!!!!!

Either ,honorary Brit, or an American with good taste, (rare-''joke'').

 

[MrsJobba1]

Either ,honorary Brit, or an American with good taste, (rare-''joke'').

 

[MrsJobba1]

Has anyone heard from MAryJo?

I am very concerned about her

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Has anyone heard from MAryJo?

I am very concerned about her

Havent seen her post for a while now.

 

[salliep]

Has anyone heard from MAryJo?

I am very concerned about her

OMG- I was literally just thinking the same thing !!!

 

[Perdie]

Well like Madonna you are a honorary Brit, and thats enough for me!!!

Reading port guides Taxis will be lined up they only have a few cruise trips and I bet the locals will think its a great opportunity for making a few bucks quickly. There is a stand at the port and various places in town but you cannot ''hail'' them as if you were in London.

But, considering, the amount of cruisers the Disney Magic does hold, (less people on shore trips), I think they will have queues, for the taxis.

Might be best to team up with other people on this board and hire one in advance to guarantee your one.

Just call me Madge.......

Anyone out there want to join in on getting a taxi for a beach in Sardinia?

 

[Perdie]

Anytime.......



Welcome Perdie!!! Yes, I am planning on a spening half of the day on a beach in Sardina, but I think I will be playing it by ear when we get there. I still may chicken out and try to get on one of Disney's tours, but I really do not want to go that route.






Do you think you will taxi it? I was reading up on Olbia and the buses seem unreliable-well just limited really-not as frequent as I'd like!

 

[salliep]

Just call me Madge.......

Anyone out there want to join in on getting a taxi for a beach in Sardinia?

Hi Perdie...I would love to... do have the information on times, how many people and cost???? I also am not planning on staying the entire day,I wouldn't want you to feel confined to someone else's schedule- although we are very flexible and go with the flow. I also have an almost 13 year old- I will fully understand if you want just an adult group-!!

 

[AnnaS]

2000th post​

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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

FOR THOOSE STAYING AT MY HOTEL CRYSTAL PALACE.

The Cristal Palace Hotels is established at the head of the four-star hotels of Barcelona city. A completed thorough refurbishment in year 2000, makes availalbe to their clients very high standards of quality, comfort, service and above all, the Hotel's enviable location in the heart of Barcelona.

Hotel Facilities General Parking (fee required), Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safety Deposit Box, Valet Parking, Heating, Luggage Storage, Gay Friendly, Breakfast Buffet.

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Location City Centre, Shopping Centre, Museum Area, Near Train Station, University, Near Subway, Near Exhibition Centre, Old Town.

Hotel informationThe hotel offers first-class facilities in a privileged environment in the midst of Barcelona's prestigious cultural, shopping and business centre, near the famous Art Nouveau Passeig de Gràcia and only 5 minutes from and Las Ramblas.

Meeting and convention rooms represent the ideal place to celebrate business meetings and also personal events and banquets.

Any type of audio-visual material can be provided previous request and budget. Overhead slide projector, projection screen, video and monitor TV, PC projector VGA 350 Lux and Public-address system.
Food & beverageMediterranean cuisine is one of the most international and healthy ones. At our Pictory restaurant you can enjoy that pleasure. Imagination and tradition: all in one.

The elegant restaurant blends delicious Catalonian and international cuisines designed by our Chef Angel Hervás, including fresh fish and seafood, always acompained by a good selection of Spanish Wines.

Start your day with our Buffet Breakfast! Will give you the energy and optimism to start your sightseeing or business. A wide range of products and an exclusive Healthy Corner provided with dietetic products.

Restaurant Timetable:
Monday to Friday:
Breakfast: 7:00 – 10:30
Lunch: 13.30 – 16:00
Supper: 20:00 – 22:30

Saturday & Sunday:
Breakfast: 7:00 – 11:00
Lunch: 13.30 – 16:00
Supper: 20:00 – 22:30

Room informationThe hotel boasts 168 fully-equipped rooms with marble floors, decorated in a contemporary style. The size of the elegantly-decorated suites ranges from 30 m² to 40 m². The spacious suites have a bedroom and a separate living room.

Rooms with hydromassage are available on request.
Area informationLocated in the heart of Barcelona, the Cristal Palace is the ideal staring point to discover the city. The majestic Paseo de Gracia, main exclusive shopping thoroughfare, houses as well two of the main buildings of the Catalan modernism by Antoni Gaudi: La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

Plaza Catalunya, Las Ramblas and the romantic Barrio Gótico, with its cathedral, are only 5 minutes away from the hotel. Excellent public transport connections with other places of interest (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Museo Picasso, Puerto Olímpico, Montjuich or Tibidabo)

Close to Paseo de Gracia and PLAZA CATALUNYA & LAS RAMBLAS

The hotel is 200mt from Paseo de Gracia Rail and Metro Station and 2 km from Monjuic Park, Olimpic Stadium "Palau St. Jordi".
Some places to visit near the Hotel:

PARQUE GÜELL (GAUDÍ) 4,5km
SAGRADA FAMILIA (GAUDÍ) 3km
PICASSO MUSEUM 1,5km
CAMP NOU -FC BARCELONA FOOTBALL TEAM 3,0km
GRAN CASINO DE BARCELONA 4,0km
OLIMPIC HARBOUR, PUBS AND DISCOS / BARCELONA BEACHES 3,0 km
GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU (Opera House) 1000 mt
BCN CATHEDRAL - GOTIC QUARTER 1000 mt
FERIA DE MONTJUIC (Olimpic Stadium and Palau St. Jordi) 2,0km

 

[bellelinus]

Hi there - we are doing moving into DLP property on Sunday 8/12/07. We are doing the two parks betwee Sun -Tues. We have to vacate property before 10 am to get to CDG before 11 - Does anyone know if almost 3 hrs is cutting it too close for the international flight?

The flight from Paris to barcelona will not be a real international one, as we generally understand it. There are agreements between many European countries that allow easy border passings. Of course you will have your passport with you, but don't expect the big deal you have when flying from the US to Europe -- so 3 hours should be more than enough.

Anyway, just thought I'd mention that I got way OVERinvolved due to the good-natured conversation between you and Andrew. I thought - you know if you have as much fun as you sound - I want to have the same amount.

Like Andrew - I will just avoid those that I just don't connect as much too and still enjoy myself.

But my point was - I just wanted you two to realize that its people like you that spur others on to join in the fun! And I also agree - that we got a good bunch of people here!

Thanks for saying that -- it's nice to know that for all the people who probably found (or find?) us annoying, there was one who was amused!

DD turns 20 on Friday. She is frantically trying to convince DH and myself to go and pick up her copy of the book. Here's my dilemna:

1. I pre-ordered at 40% off from a self-standing major Borders bookstore.

I spoke with them yesterday to confirm that they had my order. They will be of course having the wonder Harry Potter celebration party from 9 -12 where they will be handing out wristbands for lines.

Today I went to another mall where they have a small Borders Express. They too will be having a HP party. However, the clerk recommended that people might want to come to the little one as the bigger stores will more likely have bigger lines. They will be having help from the closed mall security and they will be having cookies, games, costume contests where the winner will get 1st place in line. Anyway, he told me that it was too late pre-order as the books were already in the back.

He also practically guaranteed that someone could just walk in off the street as they had order 900 books over the pre-ordered amount just to be on the safe side.

I HATE CROWDS - this is me in a mall -

So, do I forgo the $40% discount, and go for the smaller mall store which probably will be less busy or should I try and gut it out and go to the one that I ordered the book from? Also, the smaller store told me that they should have plenty of limited edition posters to hand out which the bigger store may run out of?

The bad thing of course is that at the small store I have to pay full price - but books I don't mess around with - if I want it - I'll buy it. After all - the mind is a terrible thing to waste right?

I strive to instill in all my children a love of reading. I got one fanatic like me (although I have switched more to Books-On-Tape lately), 1 avid magazine and required school book reader and 1 (male) who scored off the charts in reading but HATED doing it!

Oh well, what's a mom to do? I will probably convince DH to go with me on Friday night as that is DD's 20th b-day!

UPDATE: As for me - I finally opened my iphone - I caved! and will be hooking it up to iTunes when the DIS goes down tonight.

Personally, I'd go where I know I already have the book -- the lines aren't that bad for a thing like this since everyone has already paid for the book.

Hi Maryann - It was a great night last night.

The castle was truly beautiful - (It is converted into a hotel)

(For those who missed it I went to an Elizabeth banquet.)

There were actors in costume.

We met in the dungeon bar ( Which really used to be a dungeon)

We were all led into the baquet hall -Long rows of wooden benches.

One party was selected to be the honary baron for the night (not us) They sat at the top table.

There was singing, music and a lot of mead (old drink made from honey)

We only had bread and dagger to eat with ( After a couple glasses of mead you didn't care)

Food was delicious - we had vegetable broth and wholemeal bread.
Fish pie ( cod with mash and cheese - yummy but very difficult to eat)
Lamb ribs -cooked in red wine
Roast Chicken, jacket potato and salad
Apple crumble and cream
(thankfully they gave us a spoon for desert)
After the banquet we were taken back to the dungeons where they had a disco (so I worked off some of the calories).


My head is a little worse for wear this morning if you know what I mean

Has anyone heard from MAryJo?

I am very concerned about her

Just call me Madge.......

Anyone out there want to join in on getting a taxi for a beach in Sardinia?

Wow! That sounds wonderful, I would have quite liked being there.

 

[bellelinus]

2000th post​

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CONGRATS!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Just call me Madge.......

Anyone out there want to join in on getting a taxi for a beach in Sardinia?

OK Madge, your first hit was 'Holiday' celebrate!

I am on a train that day with a DCL tour but will watch if you make plans as theres a chance I might swap.