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

[Aurora1959]

Hi Ian!

Welcome to the DIS & welcome to our cruise. Some of us have met on other cruises, some of us have met in small get-togethers (called meets), and others, like me, have only met virtually here in this forum (soon to be rectified in a little over 2 weeks).

On the first page, first post, you'll see links to an excel sheet with our names (those of us who shared), cabins we're in, etc., link to a powerpoint with deck plans showing what cabins we're in, and a link to a word document that has a packing list. Also on the first page, you'll see posts by Andrew Derek UK that has a lot of info about us - who we are with pictures, excursions we're going on, get-togethers (called meets), and more information.

I think it's safe to say that we're looking to make friends on this cruise, and make it a most memorable experience, so just jump in - a lot of people have excellent tips, friendly advice, humor, and friendship that they, errr, we... are eager to share.

Here is a summary of things we've discussed (most assuredly incomplete, but here goes)

Lime green: Official color of the DIS. People use ribbons, Mickey paint chips (Home Depot), t-shirts, etc., in lime green to recognize each other (this is done at parks and cruises

Recommendations:
* Lime green ribbons: Put lime green ribbons or have something lime green during Cruise and at meets prior to cruise (AnnaS - Anna)
* Glow necklaces: Preferred color lime green, however, any color would work - to wear when we meet Friday night and when we go to the Sailaway Party on Saturday night . (salliep - Sallie)
* Local gift bag worth $15-$20 with something from your area - to be exchanged at DIS meet (one per DISer/Family)... If you just want to come to the meet and not exchange a grab bag - that is fine! The idea is for us to get together and meet each other, and develop that friendship that makes going on a cruise even more special
* Decorate doors with artwork, images, etc., that will make your stateroom unique. No tape, however, doors are metal, so magnetic sheets are fine. Eeyorelvr10 had idea to have a plastic sleeve protector & attach magnets to it, then just put your decorated sheet of paper in it. MrsJobba1 is going to laminate hers. Some have shared their creations on this thread.
* Fish extenders outside staterooms
* Small, nominal gifts for fish extenders (optional & gifts can be anything - just for fun)

Here are a couple of samples what a fish extender looks like. Some people have been able to find these at the local dollar store, some people are making them. I got a couple of 6" canvas bags that I'm going to attach one on top of the other & we'll decorate & hang from the fish outside the stateroom door. (Different, but I couldn't find anything like the pics below & I'm not very creative)

DIS Meet: Sunday, Promenade Lounge (Deck 3) at 09:30
Group Picture: TBD (Suggestions: At DIS Meet, Pirate Night, or Last night of cruise)

Photos of fellow DISers cruising: Page 529, Post 7933 (disneylover5 - Lisa)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19165821&postcount=7933
Photos are also on Page 1, Post 12

Thank you Lisa, for compiling them, and Andrew for putting them on first page, as well as reorganizing first page

Lanyards: To be handed out prior to the cruise & during the DIS meet (Kyla - Jeanne)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19168700&postcount=7950

Nametags for the lanyards (disneylover5 - Lisa)
Lisa updates this list as she gets new information

Meet before the cruise
* Meet at the Magic Fountain for the 22:30 show.
.... http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/albums-en/magic-fountains-montjuic/
* Drink (or two) at the Grand Marina hotel near the ship before the Magic Fountain meet. Suggestion to meet in Grand Marina Lobby at 19:30
.... http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/eng/index.html
.... http://www.venere.com/hotel/?htid=131756&action=location&lg=en&tripref=34989
* Click to see info on 4Cats dinner and magic fountain meet. Reservations aren't going to be made - meet at the restaurant at 19:45. It opens at 20:00 (or 8pm) This a restaurant that Picasso used to frequent & he designed the first menu.
.... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...postcount=7160

List of Pirates (Andrew the Pirate Keeper)
There are several posts with the list, but you can find a good list at post #11469
(btw: WMRegina gave me that weebles wobble tag - she would laugh at knowing that is my pirate name)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1064311&page=765

Important components of the Packing List (Sandaneli - Sandra... made after weeks of ideas pouring out)
List of things to do:
*Make fish extender, buy fabric, figure out pattern actually sew
*Make door decoration, buy magnet, download pictures or "scrapbook" image somehow put image on magnet, test magnet with image attached
*Buy green glow necklaces
*Buy lime green ribbons to tie on clothes
*Buy extra TP to start rolling. Let's see 2 people times 6 shore visits = at least 12 rolls, then there is the supply for those not bringing or rolling
*Purchase/make or otherwise acquire hundreds of things for fish extender disboard gifts.
*Purchase extra luggage for said fish extender gifts
*Get part time job to pay for hundreds of fish extender gifts and overweight luggage charges.
*Purchase 2-4 white tshirts and iron on transfer sheets for printer to make 2 tshirts to wear on cruise to be identified by other dissers. (extra shirts are for mistakes)
*Make tshirts and then make them again when the first ones don't come out because I will have forgotten to reverse the printing. (I know me).
*Locate and purchase items of local interest for grab/swap at DisMeet.
*Print out family photos, coordinate with names and make booklet with names matched to faces so I don't totally blow it and call people by the wrong names.

Here are some documents that you might be useful:

Hopefully the attached lists & such are updated, if not, please post or send me a pm with your info, and I will add it.

Cruise Packing List (MS Word)
http://www.maryjomellado.com/Cruise_Packing_List.doc

List of DISers going on Med Cruise -we're up to over 270 people (MS Excel)
http://www.maryjomellado.com/MedMagicCruisingList.xls

Deck Plans with staterooms marked that have DISers in them (MS Powerpoint)
http://www.maryjomellado.com/MedCabins.ppt

Calendar with Ports, etc. (MS Powerpoint)
http://www.maryjomellado.com/calendar_vacation_spain2007.ppt

Map of Mediterranean & cruise route - animated (MS Powerpoint)
http://www.maryjomellado.com/MedCruise2007_DIS.pps



Other Notes:
JoAnn, I mean, Captain Provider, will be providing TP rolls to those who sign up. I imagine her stateroom will look something like this when she unpacks:

And we'll be well prepared for any church, right?

(This actually reminds me of the time that I got the bright idea to dress my ds as a mummy for Halloween when he was in 3rd grade (I think). I wrapped him up in toilet paper, and when I ran out, I used paper towels. I'll never forget the image of him sitting in the car on the way to school with his arms sticking out (think of the little brother in his snow suit in the movie "A Christmas Story"), and then shaking his head and saying, "I'm not very happy," with tears in his eyes. OMGosh, I felt like such a terrible mommy!! I called work & told them we had a domestic issue I had to take care of, and then went to the store & bought a ton of gauze. I dressed him up, and of course, as the day wore on, the gauze was falling off -- he got the award at school for the best homemade costume. He ended up a happy little boy that day... but the image of him sitting in my car w/paper ripping everytime he moved... it's really funny ....... now)

SPACE RESERVED FOR TP ROLLERS & TP BRINGERS

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I see that they've heard we'll be in Italy and are preparing the artwork just for us.

Mary Jo it's amazing all the stuff you have kept up on. Thanks to you it makes ketchingup easier.

 

[bridegirl]

I couple of people wrote asking about the tour we are doing, this is the one we signed up for.

Be a confectioner
Age: 4 to 12 years
Activity: workshop
Description: creation of a chocolate figure from the explanation of a professional on the characteristics and the manipulation of the chocolate.
Duration: 1h
Price: 6,50 € per person

 

[Aurora1959]

Sandra,

I just want to extend my sympathy for your friends. Last vacation I was on in December my cat came home with a slashed abdomen. Now he's a very expensive tabby cat - but I was very lucky to have someone look over him while we were gone and take good care of him. Even if he passes away when you are not there - the kindness you are showing now is surely felt and appreciated. I'm always amazed and the complexity of my dog's emotions and her capacity to love and feel. I know that I would want to be called if anything happens to my girl. I'm glad they have you and your family to look after him.

I'm danfromca's sister btw - been too swamped trying to finish work so that I can get away for vacation. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Roan

Hi Roan -

As a fellow owner of many aussies - I know what you mean. Aussies sense things, and their faces seem to show different emotions.

Can't wait to meet you.

 

[Aurora1959]

Hi, I did the online check in over several days. I had no problem doing part one day and part another. The only problem I have and still have is the flight info. DCL still has not fixed this. (ie we are flying into London and they do not have this as an option at all.)
Hope this helps!

When we leave the ship we are staying one more night @ the AC barcelona.

I've tried putting this down for the online checkin - but it wants me to fill in a state!!!

Anyone any advise?

These are the problems I have been complaining about for months now.

To fix the airline issue - call DCL and they will enter it for you. If you booked through DVC - call DVC, they will put you on hold while they call DCL. Stupid - yes, but the only way.

To fix the hotel issue - same thing, or ignore it.

I emailed their tech dept - and got back the standard reply of "I'm so sorry this affected you....blah....blah....blah please email me your info and I will add it." So I did that, letting her know I booked through DVC. She quickly had to back up and tell me what i already knew - call dvc. But not once was there any mention of fixing this. I even offered to do it for them. Or at a minimum I would gladly come work in thier QA dept.

 

[danfromca]

Thanks for the heads-up Suzy. Next step - the mall.

Does anyone know if you burn the images to CD and bring to the custom T-shirt store or will they upload from a flash drive??????? Dan?????



May be this is an attempt to make nice because they fouled things up for months!

Maryann

I called a local store. Normally they could take a CD or USB drive, but at our particular store the guy said he was having trouble with his hard drive. Didn't call the one in another local mall yet.

Might want to check into the AAA Travel Card again - I remember reading that it wasn't such a great deal. I did a quick google search and came up with this: http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?13@85.e05VbB2cu2s^0@.eed7de8

Good catch. I looked at the AAA site and couldn't find any information on the exchange rate markup even in the fine print.

I think I'll stick with my Bank of America ATM - it's always given pretty decent rates in the past.

 

[10yrann]

Lisa, in general the cars in Europe are smaller than here, but I have heard that there are some larger taxis. However, with your flight leaving at 10:55, you might want to think about reserving a car service, just for peace of mind (our flight leaves around 1PM, and is going to Paris, so no extra check in going overseas, either). Look at these:

http://www.barcelonataxivan.com/
http://www.bcntaxis.com/?gclid=CJOu4byHno0CFSAQgQodEDan1A

Thanks Julie, I will look into this..

 

[Sandaneli]

I called a local store. Normally they could take a CD or USB drive, but at our particular store the guy said he was having trouble with his hard drive. Didn't call the one in another local mall yet.



Good catch. I looked at the AAA site and couldn't find any information on the exchange rate markup even in the fine print.

I think I'll stick with my Bank of America ATM - it's always given pretty decent rates in the past.

Dan, have you used your BofA card in Spain or Italy? When I spoke to the Customer Service department they said it could only be used in France but many people seem to be saying that they have used it in other countries. Maybe they are like Disney, if you don't like the answer, call back, wait on hold for 20 minutes and maneuver through countless menus and try for a different rep with different answers.

I'm beginning to think we'll just try to purchase the right amount of Euros before we leave and then won't have to worry about getting more money while there. It's giving me a headache.

Sandra

 

[Aurora1959]

At least Im trying

Still no joy with on line checkin. No system keeps booting me out.

I have phoned DCL ( Which will cost a fortune, there advice was to put in anystate) They also told me to phone DVC with my flight details.

Just come of the phone with DVC - given them my flight details,

Its sooooo frustrating

sorry rant over

Rant all you want - that's what we are here for. It just annoys me that you should have to go through all of this, when I know a few people have complained, and the fix is quite simple.

OK - I have to put in that Disney is one of our customers. I have done work for them in the past, so i know what database system they are using. I don't know exactly where they get the software for the websites, as we are an enterprise software company. (ie. Payroll). But the bottom line is that if you gave me ten minutes this problem wouldn't exist.

They seem to forget about us Brits.

That was the exact basis for my arguement with them. I said "I personally know of many brits that will be on the cruise with me. Do you expect them all to take the train to Paris to fly to Barcelona?"

I agree from the UK its the only way I communicate and they often answer within 24 hours.

I agree their staff that gets the emails is much more helpful than their phone staff.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats.

Hi, today was productive as far as preparations for the cruise is concerned.
Ordered EUros
purchased 4 rolls of quarters for laundry
Pedicure and tan appointments for 7/25
Car windshield replacement appt. ( inspection sticker expires 7/31 and we won't be here so must be done early)
Final packing list complete

Not bad for 1 day

Also, DD13 got her braces today and learned she needs 2 teeth pulled in the next 6 weeks
5 loads of laundry
cleaned the bathroom

No wonder I'm tired.

Visa/Debit/Atm information???

I have a visa debit card with Bank of America and they told me it should work fine in an atm machine in Europe. Does anyone have 1st hand knowlege as to whether or not this is true?

Is the 4 digit not beginning with 0 accurate for the pin? BofA didn't say anything about the 0 just that it had to have 4 digits.


Now to vent. My friend still hasn't come home to take care of her dog. HE's very hot, it's 90 degrees and humid and he's an eskimo dog with lots of fur. She told me she was coming early. I'm very upset. HE's in pain and shaking. I know there is nothing I can do,but I'm mad about it. I don't understand how you can treat any pet this way. I know she's in denial but I was quite clear on the phone about the seriousness of the situation. I'm keeping him company when I can but it bothers me that she's not taking care of him.

OK, thanks for listening. I'm done now and I'm going back to sit with him for a little while now.

Sandra

Wow - you are a busy little bee. My son needs braces too. My MIL recommended getting them before school starts so he gets used to talking before then. I have just been too swamped, and he was supposed to be on vacation until the cruise.

I'm so sorry that your neighbor has not come home for their pet. You are in a really tough situation. When our Indiana Jones got sick, we rearranged all of our travel plans to take him with us. We knew we only had weeks left. So we knew those would be the best weeks we could give him. Our attitude was "what would I want, knowing I only have 6 weeks to live?" and then "ok - now, I'm a dog, and I only have 6 weeks, besides a gold fire hydrant, what do i want?" He got massages all the time at Petsmart. He got to go fishing, camping, long car rides. It also allowed us time to tell the kids and let them come to cope with the idea.

 

[Aurora1959]

We applied for the kids passports about 2 weeks ago (before you panic we don't need them for this cruise) and today we received letters from the Office of Customer Service
US State Department
Washington, DC

1. I didn't know the State Department had a customer service department!

2. Since when do you get notification that they have received your application. Is this new?

Sandra

#1 - Sorta Ironic isn't it?

#2 - Didn't happen for us. But we got the kids in January.

 

[danfromca]

Dan, have you used your BofA card in Spain or Italy? When I spoke to the Customer Service department they said it could only be used in France but many people seem to be saying that they have used it in other countries. Maybe they are like Disney, if you don't like the answer, call back, wait on hold for 20 minutes and maneuver through countless menus and try for a different rep with different answers.

I'm beginning to think we'll just try to purchase the right amount of Euros before we leave and then won't have to worry about getting more money while there. It's giving me a headache.

Sandra

I have not, however the card works on Interlink, Plus and Star networks - I have no doubt the card will work somewhere...

I remember the bad old days - my first visit to Japan. There were all of two ATM machines that would work with my card, one at the airport, one in a department store in Tokyo. Last time I was there they worked everywhere.

 

[Aurora1959]

I was glancing at my tags, and came to a startling realization.

I have to do all my back-to-school shopping BEFORE the cruise.


The boys start school the wed after we get back. I will be busy that weekend recovering, and going to a football fundraiser. Not to mention doing more

 

[Sandaneli]

Well, we are going to open another bottle of wine that will be on the cruise. DH gave me 5 bottles for mother's day. These are the wines that Disney has selected from Spain, France and Italy just for the Med Cruises. THe first 3 bottles were great, I'll let you know how it is tomorrow.

My neighbors came home at about 8:30. I haven't spoken to them yet, but they have taken Frosty to the vet.

Sandra

 

[alexcturner]

This is a reminder for the Group Brunch at Palo on Aug 3rd.
The time is 10:30 am and we are confirmed.

Here is the group:

Lisa and Dale Turner cabin # 2541
Mary Jo Willey, Nick and Kelly
Jon and Justine Southgate
Sandra and Gerry Darmetko
Penny and William (Hatch) Hatch
Dan Appleman and Roan Bear

I will re-confirm with Palo on the embarkation day. We look forward to having a great time with all of you on Aug 3rd.

 

[danfromca]

I was glancing at my tags, and came to a startling realization.

I have to do all my back-to-school shopping BEFORE the cruise.


The boys start school the wed after we get back. I will be busy that weekend recovering, and going to a football fundraiser. Not to mention doing more

Not at all - just imagine them going to school in the finest Italian leathers and wools, or French and Spanish... well, whatevers, and (of course), Disney cruise attire.

So you don't really have to do all your back-to-school shopping before the cruise, just the part that you want to be able to afford without taking out a third or fourth mortgage

 

[jlawall]

Thanks guys - sorry to rant but with one hand they will happily take our money, but forget that there is life beyond the states.

Im going to leave it for tonight - my back is sore with sitting @ this computer and also a 6 yr old child head butted me today - it was an accicent but it was full force -ow!

Going to get a cuppa - just a bit grumpy

Many have complained about the online checkin......it's not you......sorry you had a rough day........I think we're all feeling the pressure now!.....just think......in a few short weeks, we'll be "laughing our heads off" together!!

 

[jlawall]

Harole Ann - Thankyou for the PM with the fudge reciepe - boy could I murder something sweet- I cant wait for this cruise

Well done, Harole Ann!!!

 

[jlawall]

Don't say I didn't warn you all!!!

Welcome Ian

Good call, Lynn!!!

 

[jlawall]

T-shirt update:

OH WELL, IT GOT KICKED BACK FOR COPYWRITE.

I emailed them to see if they could print the back with the names If they could print the back , I would do an iron-on on the front. I'll keep you posted.


Maryann

I got rejected for the Tshirt as well......NOW WHAT DO WE DO???

 

[jlawall]

Dan, have you used your BofA card in Spain or Italy? When I spoke to the Customer Service department they said it could only be used in France but many people seem to be saying that they have used it in other countries. Maybe they are like Disney, if you don't like the answer, call back, wait on hold for 20 minutes and maneuver through countless menus and try for a different rep with different answers.

I'm beginning to think we'll just try to purchase the right amount of Euros before we leave and then won't have to worry about getting more money while there. It's giving me a headache.

Sandra

After reading everyone's suggestions and speaking to people who've gotten Euros in the past, I went to my bank today and paid for 350 euros.....they will arrive on Thursday............now, question.....is that enough? Is that too much?........if we run out, we will still be able to buy them onboard.......I hope ordering them ahead of time, will remove some of the pressure and worry about this issue!

 

[jlawall]

First..........my DH & I are 27 today!! It's a miracle!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I ordered my euros, stood in line for A HALF HOUR so that I could stop our mail during the trip, cleaned a few rooms and went shopping for toiletries........so the prep has begun.........

A few weeks ago, I purchased another set of lightweight luggage.......I'm not yet ready to pack........I plan to pack only 2 days early so it won't be hard to not wear the clothes!!

Most important, my DD22 (will be 23 on the 20th) created a blog for our trip.....http://romancingthemouse.blogspot.com/:cloud9: