May 12, 2007 -- Taking the Magic to the Mediterranean -- 14 day Repo Cruise! Part 2

[NHdisneylover]

Deanna--I am so glad you booked this crusie becuase you can always make me laugh

 

[Michelle2]

Am I the only one that is planning to exchange money when I get there? I think most places accept credit cards anyway? Am I missing something? I don't want to be unprepared.

 

[AuntyBrat]

One catch about using an ATM card that I've heard is that the European ATM machines are setup for a 4 digit pin. So if you pin isn't four digit, it may not work. Can anyone else verify this info?Ken

Yes this is correct. I have read about this in Conde Nast Traveler magazine and online when looking up travel and banking info online. If your PIN is more than 4 digits long you need to go in and get a new pin before the trip

I will refrain from posting my thoughts on American Idol since once I start I find it difficult to stop and you'll all want to shoot me when you see me (Just ask Chris/Scoobypop.....he is subjected to my 12 page rants about each contestant every week! )




Erik

See, I knew there was a reason you should marry me and not Deaynn!! Besides knowing great seafood restaurants, I have never understood the fascination with AI!!! Or why people think they are all that and a bag of chips!!

Laura - Call the senators office or fax them! Did you see how fast they took care of Taxtracker's passport? They told her she would have it in a couple of days with no extra fees!

Oh, Laura, I'd be freaking out! If you congressman can't help, then definately go picket the main passport office in LA! You should write a letter to the newspaper and phone the television station too! tha'll get them moveing!

I feel your pain.

We applied for DD's on Feb. 15th, told us 6-8 weeks.
Called a few days ago and they told me rather rudely to call back at 14 days. Well, I called back last night and told a little fib and said we are leaving May 8th. They told me her passport is in step 6. There are 8 steps to clear. They will expedite it but can't guarantee I'll get it.
They told me to go to Miami by May 3rd if I don't get it by then.

My congressman's office just called me this morning and they are going to look into it. So hopefully, they will come through...

By the way, we got our doc's!!!

Well, I have spent this morning using my power for evil. After 12 tries of getting through to the phone center I finally found out the following:

The phone reps have sent 3 requests to expedite Jeannine's passport. On the 17th, 23rd & 24th. She is only at step 2 or 3 in the process, and from here it generally takes another 3-4 weeks!!! The rep I spoke with told me that Los Angeles is NOT responding to any of the expedited requests and that we HAVE to go in person if we want to get it in time. She told me exactly where it was and that it has been in the same place for weeks, and nothing had changed at all, and that there is NOTHING the phone reps can do. She also told me that the passport had not even been printed, so there was NO WAY it would be going out anytime this week. So, while I was not happy with the info, I was happy with an honest answer. 8 phone calls later I finally made it ALL the way through the passport appointment process and got an appointment for this Friday at 8am, which is EXACTLY 2 weeks before we leave. Of course Jeannine is thrilled to death to get up at the butt crack of dawn to get there, but figures if there is another SNAFU she has a couple of more days to get it resolved. I also faxed the congressman for her and a caseworker has all her information and is attempting to get it resolved that way. So hopefully one way or the other, she will have a passport in her hot little hand this Friday. Then we can update her information with DCL online and print out our DOCS.

Talk about needing a DOD as soon as we board!!! I swear I will be so happy when this is resolved. Then when we get back we can start harrassing them about getting her daughter's passport...

 

[juliekatie]

Hi,

I am certainly not an expert, but I would probably pay for the 12 to 6 upgrade if I were you. Here is my logic - it seems like a lot of people in GTY 12 are booking at that level and are also looking for upgrades, so your competition might be increasing. Also, to go from a 12 to a 6 for two weeks for $1,200 seems like a good rate to me. Good luck and I hope to meet you! Our son is 4 also, so hopefully he and Lauren will be friends!

-Susan

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

I think EEyore wants to be noticed. Just a feeling.

 

[CACruisin']

Getting serious about packing now. I know that knees & shoulders need to be covered when visiting Cathedral's, etc. (and in Italy, at least, this really is strictly enforced.) My questions is do you think this would also apply to DD3? I was setting aside shorts outfits for her and realized that might not be appropriate ?

For everyone with passport woes. It is definitely time to use the "don't mess with mommy!" voice.

 

[tig82174]

One catch about using an ATM card that I've heard is that the European ATM machines are setup for a 4 digit pin. So if you pin isn't four digit, it may not work. Can anyone else verify this info?

Ken

I wasn't aware there was such a thing as non-4digit pin. Are there ATM cards with pin numbers of more or less than 4 digits? All the ATM machines here in our area are for 4 digits, too.

Jason and I are not big shoppers but knew we would need a little cash in each port....so we figured if we would want $75-$100 in cash in each port....so we bought $350 american worth of Euros. It's all packed and ready to go in our trip binder as we speak!


Erik

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Hey now, Laura. I've got first dibs on Tig!!!! You just calm yourself down girl! I've never even seen AI-- I'm pure. I'm sure he would prefer an AI virgin.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Laura,
It's a good thing Jeannine has you there to help her with the passport debacle. We'll keep sending pixie dust your way until you post that a passport is in her hot little hands.

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Hadley, I'm looking forward to meeting you, too. I really do think it would be fun to go to Palo's!


Erik, if this "fighting over you" thing is bugging you, just let us know. It's really all in good fun! I think just about everyone on here would agree that you are going to be a really fun addition to the cruise!

 

[tig82174]

Yes this is correct. I have read about this in Conde Nast Traveler magazine and online when looking up travel and banking info online. If your PIN is more than 4 digits long you need to go in and get a new pin before the trip


See, I knew there was a reason you should marry me and not Deaynn!! Besides knowing great seafood restaurants, I have never understood the fascination with AI!!! Or why people think they are all that and a bag of chips!!










Well, I have spent this morning using my power for evil. After 12 tries of getting through to the phone center I finally found out the following:

The phone reps have sent 3 requests to expedite Jeannine's passport. On the 17th, 23rd & 24th. She is only at step 2 or 3 in the process, and from here it generally takes another 3-4 weeks!!! The rep I spoke with told me that Los Angeles is NOT responding to any of the expedited requests and that we HAVE to go in person if we want to get it in time. She told me exactly where it was and that it has been in the same place for weeks, and nothing had changed at all, and that there is NOTHING the phone reps can do. She also told me that the passport had not even been printed, so there was NO WAY it would be going out anytime this week. So, while I was not happy with the info, I was happy with an honest answer. 8 phone calls later I finally made it ALL the way through the passport appointment process and got an appointment for this Friday at 8am, which is EXACTLY 2 weeks before we leave. Of course Jeannine is thrilled to death to get up at the butt crack of dawn to get there, but figures if there is another SNAFU she has a couple of more days to get it resolved. I also faxed the congressman for her and a caseworker has all her information and is attempting to get it resolved that way. So hopefully one way or the other, she will have a passport in her hot little hand this Friday. Then we can update her information with DCL online and print out our DOCS.

Talk about needing a DOD as soon as we board!!! I swear I will be so happy when this is resolved. Then when we get back we can start harrassing them about getting her daughter's passport...

Oh don't get me wrong....I haven't missed a minute of American Idol this season...... .....I was just sparing everyone my long-winded thoughts!


Erik

 

[AuntyBrat]

Getting serious about packing now. I know that knees & shoulders need to be covered when visiting Cathedral's, etc. (and in Italy, at least, this really is strictly enforced.) My questions is do you think this would also apply to DD3? I was setting aside shorts outfits for her and realized that might not be appropriate ?

For everyone with passport woes. It is definitely time to use the "don't mess with mommy!" voice.

It is for ALL people who enter, including men. So if you want to bring a shawl for her to use and maybe a skirt she can pull up over her shorts?

Remember that most of these churches are still functioning and in use and require proper dress in keeping with the sanctity of the building, so I imagine that anyone, any age in shorts and a tank top would be turned away!!

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Ugh, well I played that AI thing wrong, didn't I? Darn.

 

[tig82174]

Getting serious about packing now. I know that knees & shoulders need to be covered when visiting Cathedral's, etc. (and in Italy, at least, this really is strictly enforced.) My questions is do you think this would also apply to DD3? I was setting aside shorts outfits for her and realized that might not be appropriate ?

For everyone with passport woes. It is definitely time to use the "don't mess with mommy!" voice.

I think I read that the dress codes are for everyone...of all ages and genders. And unless you are CERTAIN that isn't the case, I'd plan for it and err on the side of caution. YOu'd hate for a good day ashore to be ruined by a 3 year old girl's exposed shoulders!!


Erik

 

[cquick]

Ok, I don't know who's posts and problems I am answering to....but here are my answers

!. I saw Grass Skirt table skirts at JoAnn's fabric very cheap. just tie one around your waist.

2. tux: buy the wool one....we bought Patrick a poly/wool one for his graduation,and it wasn't very nice......Mike got one not that much more expensive for orchestra concerts and it was much nicer feeling.

3. Gibraltar is quite small. If you are having trouble walking, get a taxi to run you around. Also, are Disney excursions important because of the tour guide? In that case, go with them because I always like the history of a place.

4. I tested the TYVEK fabric for the banner and acrylic paint is great, I had to be very careful putting on an iron-on design, but a sew on would be great, because it sews up perfectly.

5. ATM's: we have been using our ATM cards in England for about 10 years. And credit cards at restaurants, pubs, trains, shopping almost all the time except a farmer's market or an outdoor market. We don't even buy travellers checks anymore. If you want to tip, you need money, if you want to go in a taxi, cash is best. You'll be surprised at how many places will take credit cards over there.

6. I hope you get that passport stuff straightened out. They should be paying you for it!

 

[misseulalie]

HEY!!! I NEED PIXIE DUST TOO!!!! Do I really want to count on my congressman to get me my passport? He can't do anything right in DC, what makes me think he can do this???!!!


I am bringing about 200 Euros. I'm thinking we might need them to get a taxi in Tenrife and we may not be able to get to an ATM before that point.


Sorry faithfullyeeyore, I think Kissimmee forgot about you!!!

Are we really gonna make a banner for the Med. cruise, too?
Has there been any talk about it on the other thread?
For some reason I haven't been posting lately on that thread.. I don't know why, maybe they are going so fast I can't keep up anymore!!!

Jen

 

[AuntyBrat]

Oh don't get me wrong....I haven't missed a minute of American Idol this season...... .....I was just sparing everyone my long-winded thoughts!


Erik

Oh dear, maybe you would be better off with a AI virgin you could convert!!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Anna--yes Rebecca will need her shoulders/knees covered as well (unless things have changed recently--I'll ask our German friend at lunch tomrrow). I'm packing capris with cap sleeve Ts for Marika on church visiting days.

$$$$--we are very lucky to be friends with two Europoean couple who are living here at the moment but make frequent trips back "home" They keep lots of Euros on hand rather than exchanging money every trip. They are loaning us some cash to get started with so we do not have to find an ATM immediately in Tenerife, but can just hop a bus (though hoping an ATM will be at the port anyway). Figuring we will only need cash for busses/taxis/soda in port (also some churches or what not which may not take credit). And, we haev to put down a cash deposit on our rental apartment, but that is on oddball situation not many will be in.

ATMs--I have never heard of one with anything other than 4 digits myself.

 

[Jeisur]

Getting serious about packing now. I know that knees & shoulders need to be covered when visiting Cathedral's, etc. (and in Italy, at least, this really is strictly enforced.) My questions is do you think this would also apply to DD3? I was setting aside shorts outfits for her and realized that might not be appropriate ?

They are strict about it even for the wee-ones. We bought our son some LONGER shorts that cover his knees when standing ... If he is sitting in his stroller I plan to just toss a blanket over his legs. Or toss in a nice pair of tights for a girl! That or lightweight pants. Good luck!

 

[txaggie94gigem]

so now you have made me paranoid even though the nice lady on the phone told me my passports would be here by may 2nd...i guess i should call my senators now.....