July 6, 2010 - 7/6/2010 ~ Pounds to Rubles ~ Mickey invades the Baltic Sea

[babybear42]

can you help me with this - we're getting in on the 2nd & will be staying in London till the morning of the cruise, post cruise we're staying in Dover/Canturbury so I was thinking we'd be better off with the Oyster cards than Travelcards. I know with the travelcards there's free admission to some places but it seems like that wouldn't play too much into it since some places we're going like the British museum are free OR several places have a better rate for 'family' admission

I need to take a deep breathe I'm starting to stress too much!

Oyster Cards are more for people who live and work in London and have to be applied for and topped up regularly. Travelcards are valid for either one or seven days and can be bought at any tube station and can be used on both the tube and busses. The one day is valid on the day it is issued and the seven day, for seven consecutive days. We go to London every year and always buy the travelcards. Here's link to the official London Underground site which will explain it all. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2625.aspx But personally I'd go with the travelcard, there is no advantage to getting an Oyster card for the lenght of time you're here.

 

[babybear42]

Checked this morning, still couldn't find an assigned number. Think I am going to give them a call! Need to start working on those door signs!

I've had my cabin number since I booked our cruise way back in October 2008, it came up as soon as I started the process, I could even have picked where I wanted to be, but just went with what they gave me to make sure I got on.

 

[Scoobydoo76]

you're right, it might get a little out of hand with all of us on 1 night

I just hope they still let us in to the Ceremony of the Keys after the two of you visit!

 

[babybear42]

So,,,, i'm at a complete loss on hotels. 4 of us.. 2 adults and 2 kids but they are teenagers to in the europe world it's really 4 adults.

so... we get there the 4th. suggestions? I'm spending a fortune already but don't think i need 4 / 5 star in london. just convenient and definitely need at least king for wife and me or two doubles.

ideas?

There are loads of hotel chains in London including Marriott, Premier Inn, Novotel, Holiday Inn and Millennium Copthorne to name but a few. It all depends on how much you want to pay and where you want to stay as to which hotel you pick. We normally stay at the Millennium London Knightsbridge, which is just round the corner from Harrods and a twenty minute walk to the Natural History, Victoria and Albert and Science Museums. You can also walk to the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Picadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden are just a tube ride away, (the tube station is just a five minute walk up the road from the hotel and takes you directly there). The tube line also goes directly to and from Heathrow airport, so no problems with transfer in that respect. I just checked the Marriott website and notice that the rates will be going up on the 5th July, so best to book now if you choose to stay with them.

 

[aurorafan65]

wanted to mention that in the regular cruise forum - the person who does the mickey ears for the stateroom doors did one with a viking helmet

I've gotten some PM's on the one - here's a link to the thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2172891

if you look at the first post, it explains how to print them & scroll to the bottom to find the file. I copied the file to my computer so I can print it, I may personalize it a little before I make it a magnet

 

[aurorafan65]

So,,,, i'm at a complete loss on hotels. 4 of us.. 2 adults and 2 kids but they are teenagers to in the europe world it's really 4 adults.

so... we get there the 4th. suggestions? I'm spending a fortune already but don't think i need 4 / 5 star in london. just convenient and definitely need at least king for wife and me or two doubles.

ideas?

we had the same problem - we're staying at the Premier Inn - The City it's part of the Holiday Inn family so my husband gets points for it. We did the pre-pay option which saved us even more

 

[DW2DH&DS]

I've gotten some PM's on the one - here's a link to the thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2172891

if you look at the first post, it explains how to print them & scroll to the bottom to find the file. I copied the file to my computer so I can print it, I may personalize it a little before I make it a magnet

woohoo...a viking hat for sea days. I am going to see if the hubby can make some flag ears. If he can, he will post them here for anyone to use!!!

 

[aurorafan65]

DVR alert - tomorrow on the Travel Channel is Samantha Brown Passport to Europe Helsinki & Stockholm - they're on at noon Eastern

 

[DW2DH&DS]

DVR alert - tomorrow on the Travel Channel is Samantha Brown Passport to Europe Helsinki & Stockholm - they're on at noon Eastern

Copenhagen is on Monday as well!!!

 

[aurorafan65]

Copenhagen is on Monday as well!!!

thanks Beth - I'll set that one too

 

[denise]

my life has been upside down for the last week or so..

My Mom was taken to the ER, again, as was really bad off. She was sent to a rehab place today for the next 20 days. She lives in another state and needs full time care I believe. She doesn't want to come here. She is improving but has trouble walking now. She has heart problems, lung problems, leg problems...and dozens of other things too. If she continues to get better they may let her live alone, which is what she wants. I can only pray for her recovery....

Today I found out my job is ending on May 28th. I've know about it for a couple weeks now but the meeting today was like a slap in the face. My job will still be there but done by others (who get paid more). Downsizing they say. I just got my 30 years in January of the this year. I will have my pension but can't touch it yet without penalties. They are giving me a good severance package. My DH says we will be ok. They told over 500 of us today. I have been going to lots of financial planers to find out where to put my money that is safe. I signed up for the local college and will be taking some photography classes. I'm very excited about that. Plus I want a new camera!

ok enough of this and back to planning....

last year I bought lots of little items for the FE. Well they are really heavy when they are all put together! My smart DH came up with an idea. Mail them to the place we are staying in Dover! Well that place said no but the Marriott in Disneyland Paris said YES!!! They will take the package and hold it for me until arrival! Should make the suitcases lighter for sure! So I have to get that ready asap and send it on a slow boat to Paris....

Wish I could watch Samantha Brown...no dvr...

We were going to take in a play in London but there are really no plays on Sundays. The Monday we will be in Dover we have dinner plans with about 30 new friends....which will be so much fun...(thanks Beth)

So after all this drama settles down I have to get back to planning and catch up with all of you.....

 

[Deb T.]

my life has been upside down for the last week or so..

My Mom was taken to the ER, again, as was really bad off. She was sent to a rehab place today for the next 20 days. She lives in another state and needs full time care I believe. She doesn't want to come here. She is improving but has trouble walking now. She has heart problems, lung problems, leg problems...and dozens of other things too. If she continues to get better they may let her live alone, which is what she wants. I can only pray for her recovery....

Today I found out my job is ending on May 28th. I've know about it for a couple weeks now but the meeting today was like a slap in the face. My job will still be there but done by others (who get paid more). Downsizing they say. I just got my 30 years in January of the this year. I will have my pension but can't touch it yet without penalties. They are giving me a good severance package. My DH says we will be ok. They told over 500 of us today. I have been going to lots of financial planers to find out where to put my money that is safe. I signed up for the local college and will be taking some photography classes. I'm very excited about that. Plus I want a new camera!

Denise, we're so sorry to hear about your Mom. Sounds like she's a spunky fighter, though. We'll keep her in our prayers.

And, sorry to hear about your job, too. Thank goodness you're getting a severance package... but I know that's little consolation after 30 years of service and loyalty to your company. I'm holding my breath here on the job situation, too... last week, 68 positions were eliminated with no notice and no severance package --- one of my good friends that "got the call" had worked there 38 years! I had actually hoped to slide into that position when he retired, but now that job doesn't even exist! Rumor has it that there will be at least two more rounds of cuts, so we're all just waiting for the ax to fall.

Hang in there. The photography class sounds wonderful! And, just in time to learn some new tricks for all the amazing photo ops on the cruise!

 

[aurorafan65]

Denise - sorry about all your issues. Hopefully it'll all work out alright - you seem to have a great positive attitude so I think everything will be OK.

Take care!

 

[denise]

Denise, we're so sorry to hear about your Mom. Sounds like she's a spunky fighter, though. We'll keep her in our prayers.

And, sorry to hear about your job, too. Thank goodness you're getting a severance package... but I know that's little consolation after 30 years of service and loyalty to your company. I'm holding my breath here on the job situation, too... last week, 68 positions were eliminated with no notice and no severance package --- one of my good friends that "got the call" had worked there 38 years! I had actually hoped to slide into that position when he retired, but now that job doesn't even exist! Rumor has it that there will be at least two more rounds of cuts, so we're all just waiting for the ax to fall.

Hang in there. The photography class sounds wonderful! And, just in time to learn some new tricks for all the amazing photo ops on the cruise!

Thanks Deb I really appreciate your kind words and feel so bad for your friend.Thanks for the prayers for my Mom too.
I am lucky and I know it. If I don't take one of the packages then I would be gone in a few months with nothing. There are so many outside techs that this has happened to in the last few months. I don't understand the people who refuse to take a package. Since my job is going to a higher paid tech I think they are thinking they will be promoted to that position. A chance I just can't take. (I'm an inside tech for ATT)
The amount of work I have each day has gotten less so they forced one tech to another city and the other is on disability and took the package yesterday. That leaves 2 of us doing the work of 4, it has been crazy since Dec. Now it is crazy busy and they do this. Come June 1st it will be stupid crazy with people trying to do my job that don't know it....it would be fun to be a fly on the wall that day.

Just wish the photog classes were before our trip...want to get a new camera maybe before we go. Did get one after the Med cruise but you know how it is as soon as you get it a better one comes out!

well off to work....

 

[APinCA]

FYI - Stockholm Ice Bar has spaces for 1:30 pm on July 15

 

[babybear42]

FYI - Stockholm Ice Bar has spaces for 1:30 pm on July 15

Thanks for letting us know. I've just booked us two places for 1.30pm. Anyone else going at this time?

 

[Disney Rocks]

Hello Everyone. We just got our flight times and seat assignments today. It always seems so much more real once we have that information.

See ya real soon.

 

[goingsouth]

Thanks for letting us know. I've just booked us two places for 1.30pm. Anyone else going at this time?

We are confirmed at noon~~maybe we'll see you on the way out!

Hello Everyone. We just got our flight times and seat assignments today. It always seems so much more real once we have that information.

See ya real soon.

You did air thru Disney? Which carrier did they choose for you?


We leave in 53 days--is it too early to start packing?
I do not know how to reconcile my determination to pack light for this trip with my absolute need to bring 6 pairs of shoes. sigh.

joanne

 

[sshaw10060]

We are confirmed at noon~~maybe we'll see you on the way out!



You did air thru Disney? Which carrier did they choose for you?


We leave in 53 days--is it too early to start packing?
I do not know how to reconcile my determination to pack light for this trip with my absolute need to bring 6 pairs of shoes. sigh.

joanne

Joanne,

No one NEEDS six pairs of shoes. At least that is what I keep telling Pam. The first cruise we took I pick up a bag to put in the car and it was quite heavy for its size. When I ask what's in there she tells me it contains her 12 pairs of shoes. I reminded her that the cruise was only 7 days, but all dozen pairs still made the trip.

 

[goingsouth]

Joanne,

No one NEEDS six pairs of shoes. At least that is what I keep telling Pam. The first cruise we took I pick up a bag to put in the car and it was quite heavy for its size. When I ask what's in there she tells me it contains her 12 pairs of shoes. I reminded her that the cruise was only 7 days, but all dozen pairs still made the trip.

I like Pam already!