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

[milestogo]

Thanks for the info on the shuttle!

So exactly which DCL excursion did you book for the Amalfi Coast?

And tell me about how to catch the train in Rome so we can do it on our own.

Thanks!

Hi Linda,
We did Stunning Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast drive. Kathy did the Capri for families and it was semi cancelled due to bad weather. They sent everyone out in the boat and nearly the whole boat got very sick. I think Richard & Heloise were on that tour too.

I will go through my notes and receipts and tell you the blow by blow how to do Rome train when I get through the pile on my desk. It was pretty easy.

Take the shuttle to the end of the dock/port. Walk up to the main street and turn right. Go past the restaurants and the little kids rides. The train station is across the street in a big white building. We bought the BIRG ticket (approximately 12 Euros) which is good for the day till midnight... to use the train, subway, and buses. There was a cab strike in Rome when arrived, so watch your planning for little hiccups like that. You have to go to the yellow machine to validate the ticket. Once its validated you can use it for the day. Write your name on your ticket. When you arrive in Rome you take the Roma Termini station stop for the main terminal. The hop on hop off bus is a different fee. When we exit and turn/walk to the right to the taxi or hop on hop off at the corner. The track we arrived on was a remote track... We exited the door and ended up at the far end and walked 5 -10 minutes up the hill to get to the main station exit. Then it is a minute past that - you'll see the buses, a big traffic circle, lots of stands selling stuff. It will be hectic and ugly when you exit so don't let it surprise you. When you return it is the station that we came out of to return, so don't be worried if it seems like you are walking further than you think it should be.

You can also buy train tickets online and see train schedules online at Trenitalia. But we found it easier to buy when we arrived instead of trying to say that we purchased them online.

We went back to the Trevi fountain stop for the hop on hop off bus and didn't plan well, so missed the bus and had to wait. Pay attention to where you are dropped off because sometimes the stops are not well marked. If you need help you can ask for the "Stazione Termini"

One frustrating thing was that in both Italy and France we couldn't find any papers, brochures, timetables to tell us when the trains run throughout the day. So, bring a note pad and look on the wall before leaving the station and write it down. Also, pay attention to which track you need to go to. The time it takes to get there may be different from the return trip time. Be aware of any holiday schedules. We ran into several holiday and weekend issues with schedules.

Ken, check these notes and let us know if you have anything different. Ken and Shari went with a different group, but did the same thing, so he may have some good insight as well.
Don't forget about siesta! It goes on forever from 1-4 - everyday it became a frustration for most of us trying to shop or eat. Everything shuts down. If you see something especially food, buy it then, don't try to go back later to buy it. I can't tell you how many times we said "oh, that's the one I want - I'll go back there after I look at this... and 2 minutes later they were closed."

There were no toilet seats on any of the toilets in all of Italy and France (not Paris), so I brought little travel seat covers and tissue for Zoe and I. There was no soap in any bathrooms. There were many bathrooms that charged money to use them. Good luck. Kelly

 

[milestogo]

I didn't mean to imply that it is really inferior. The Disneyland Hotel has smaller rooms, but the hotel itself has great theming. I just would try to avoid the Bonita tower. We were not at all impressed with the room we had there - old and a very noisy elevator. Plus it is so much further away. The Sierra tower is closest to Downtown Disney and the Marina tower isn't much further. I would request one of those.

Erik,
I agree, avoid being booked into Bonita, but do walk over and see the stunning Koi pond and water falls while you are there. I like the DL hotel. It is so much older than the ones you are used to Erik, but the pool is sweet and there are 3 pools all salt water. Goofy's kitchen is the one we go to for all birthdays and will go there for Thanksgiving next year. Steakhouse 55 used to be called Granvilles is the little secret steakhouse that is our favorite. Blue Bayou is the best and love all the restaurants in CA Adv. DL is so very different than WDW it is truly a boutique Disney adventure. It is small and easy to manage. You may find it more relaxing than WDW.

 

[seaulater]

Thanks. I've copied and pasted into a word document. I've got helpful info posted from everyone from all the different ports, so hopefully we will be able to get the most out of our short time there!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Kelley--"boutique Disney experience"--I LOVE it. So true. It's great to have you back on the boards.

 

[NHdisneylover]

This has nothing to do with anything, BUT I know you guys will come to my rescue!
Okay New Yorkers (or those who travel there often). I just booked my mom's flights for her to come visit us this August. She woudl like to spend a few days in NYC as she has always wanted to and never went since my dad didn't want to go. This afternon I found a decent hotel for the money, but I am getting a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out the transportation. I'd like to drive close to the city (maybe somewhere in CT), leave the car parked somewhere reasonable and take the train in from there. Any reccomendations for what station to be looknig at to do this?
Any other advice would be appreciated also. We will have 3 nights (2 full days and 2 halves) and I know she wants to take a boat around Mahhatttan Island. We will be staying in the theatre district and plan on chekcing for 1/2 price tickets every night in the hopes of seeing a Broadway show. It will be me and my mom and Marika and Rio.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Pat! Those are amazing. I am so sorry I did not pack my monopod at least. I may ask for one or two from Gibraltar to replace some that I lost

The morning sunrise on Gibraltar is great. You were standing right next to me when you took it.

Debbie

 

[NHdisneylover]

Pat - your pictures are BEAUTIFUL! When I saw you with all your camera stuff, I knew you were serious. They turned out great and I hope you are still doing the Double Dip - get on the thread!!! We would love to see you and maybe this time I can get to know your wife better. I know she didn't feel that well from the seas. Hope all is well - we are thinking about you!

Hadley, lucky you - I hope you have a great time!!!!! Thinking of what I was doing one month ago today makes me sad -- boo hoo!

Pat--I didn't know you were doing the Double Dip also. Maybe I'll finally get to see a bit more of you.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Imagine that I am posting... "One month ago" pictures. And Kelly is just getting back from that cruise!!!!

So here we were one month ago:

Debbie

 

[kpros]

Hi Linda,

Ken, check these notes and let us know if you have anything different. Ken and Shari went with a different group, but did the same thing, so he may have some good insight as well.

Hi Linda and Kelly

The train into Rome was 9 euro each. We got off at the stop for St. Peters. I think it was 2 stops before the main terminal. The St. Peters stop was less then 1/4 mile from the Vatican - easy walk. We also did the hop-on/hop-off bus (red - there are several colors, all different companys) but didn't have much luck because of the taxi stike. The bus didn't follow it's normal route so we ended up walking more and used the subway. We did get a good map from the bus and that helped us while walking. The train runs twice an hour I think. We hit the 8:41am and 6:00pm trains. Standing room only on both. But problem free. Just check the list of stops and memorize the stops before the one you want to get off on. Walking around Rome was fine - with a good map.

I would do Rome again this way. Even with the wasted money spent of the hop-on/hop-off bus, we still saved a ton compared to a disney excursion and we saw everything we wanted to see.

Ken

 

[tazzmacd]

Debbie, e-mail me the ones that you want and I will get them out to you. OR if you want more then what is there I can send you then all

Hadley, right now we are thinking about it, I would love to do it, the wife is not so sure. The debate is on and I am not sure which one of us will win. But I think if we do it this time it will be just the 2 of us and no kids.

 

[seaulater]

Hi Linda and Kelly

The train into Rome was 9 euro each. We got off at the stop for St. Peters. I think it was 2 stops before the main terminal. The St. Peters stop was less then 1/4 mile from the Vatican - easy walk. We also did the hop-on/hop-off bus (red - there are several colors, all different companys) but didn't have much luck because of the taxi stike. The bus didn't follow it's normal route so we ended up walking more and used the subway. We did get a good map from the bus and that helped us while walking. The train runs twice an hour I think. We hit the 8:41am and 6:00pm trains. Standing room only on both. But problem free. Just check the list of stops and memorize the stops before the one you want to get off on. Walking around Rome was fine - with a good map.

I would do Rome again this way. Even with the wasted money spent of the hop-on/hop-off bus, we still saved a ton compared to a disney excursion and we saw everything we wanted to see.

Ken

Thanks Ken!

You know the tag fairy really needs to tag you as the "Lanyard King"

 

[mom_rules]

Helo I am still hier and looking at the postings.
How can I help you?????



Just wanted to say hi! and thank you for helping us get through the long wait in BCN and negotiating Frankfurt Airport. It helps when you have someone who knows what they are doing. A nice hello to your daughter and sweet little granddaughter.
It was nice to meet and talk with you and your lovely wife.
Maybe we will meet again.

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

My 17 year old's pageant was last night...she WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed so loudly, I gave myself a headache! I didn't want to go to sleep for fear it would all be just a dream when I woke up. I'm awake now, and she still WON!!!! She received a nice scholarship and a shiny crown to go with her pretty puffy dress. Honestly, with her long blond hair, puffy dress and wand, she looked a little like Glinda from the Wzard of Oz. I so much wanted to get her a wand to complete the ensemble!

Oh, and her talent???? DANCING, of course, 'cept she's a million times better than me--should be after 13 years of lessons (that I had to drive and drive and drive for)!!!!!! Hey, I get some credit for the talent portion of the competition --nothing like living vicaiously through your children!!!!

Just as an FYI, especially for all the LDS on the thread and those who know our standards...there was no swim suit competition, so I didn't have to worry about the modesty issue.


Anyway, I am just so proud of the delightful woman she is becoming. Thank you for letting me share my joy with you!

 

[milestogo]

Imagine that I am posting... "One month ago" pictures. And Kelly is just getting back from that cruise!!!!

Debbie

That is funny.

I agree with Ken. I would do it this way again. We did the green hop on hop off. The money we saved bought a very fine purse!

On another note, a couple of days after the repo'rs left. The glass case in shutters had an 8x10 of 4 gay, very dressy, pirates that we all know and love. I think it was from your dinner table. It made me laugh so hard, I almost bought it. There were a few of us who knew all of you, so it was like you were still on the ship. Your costumes were great.

Pat, was it your wife Joyce that I read about not totally enjoying the days at sea? I read so much to get caught up on the thread that I may have the wrong wife. I suggest that she gets involved with the threads/disboards. It will help her to cemet relationships and help with the planning and socializing that made every free second of time on the sea days fly by.

For all of you reading... Pat, his family and I shared a very funny moment...
We were watching the quiet cove clue for the mystery at sea when the elevator opened and Jo Jo and Goliath (from Playhouse Disney) came out unexpectedly. They jumped into the scene and threw the characters off so much that they couldn't pull it back together. We were all laughing so hard tears were coming out of our eyes.

What were your funny moments on the trip?

 

[lenzs4]

My 17 year old's pageant was last night...she WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed so loudly, I gave myself a headache! I didn't want to go to sleep for fear it would all be just a dream when I woke up. I'm awake now, and she still WON!!!! She received a nice scholarship and a shiny crown to go with her pretty puffy dress. Honestly, with her long blond hair, puffy dress and wand, she looked a little like Glinda from the Wzard of Oz. I so much wanted to get her a wand to complete the ensemble!

Oh, and her talent???? DANCING, of course, 'cept she's a million times better than me--should be after 13 years of lessons (that I had to drive and drive and drive for)!!!!!! Hey, I get some credit for the talent portion of the competition --nothing like living vicaiously through your children!!!!

Just as an FYI, especially for all the LDS on the thread and those who know our standards...there was no swim suit competition, so I didn't have to worry about the modesty issue.


Anyway, I am just so proud of the delightful woman she is becoming. Thank you for letting me share my joy with you!

Congrats to you and your DD!! What pageant? I like Cinderella - no make-up on kids, no swim suit at all and it is a college scholarship program which is nice.

 

[milestogo]

Which was your favorite cruise, Kelly? Is that an unfair question? There is a part of me that thinks I should switch to a med cruise with the kids instead of doing the return (they had to stay home for the crossing because they were too busy, so they haven't done either) Advice??? Recommendations???

Hi D. I can't say that I had a favorite because they were so very different. The crossing was more relaxing even though we were so very busy with stuff to do. The 11 night was a thrill every day because we were doing something new and exciting that I had waited a life time to do.

What ages are you taking?

Zoe (just turned 4) went on every excursion with us. We had the kid backpack of entertainment and munchies with us with the almighty Mclaren lightweight stroller (that I didn't want to buy, but turned out to be excellent)
She is NOT a sleeper, but did fall asleep twice on the bus. We planned our excursions so that she slept in (or got her needed 9-10 hours) and then a good breakfast in the room (keeping her quiet and unwound.) We took the back seat of each bus so she could stretch out.

Now here's how Kathy and Ted did it. They had a 6 and 8 year old. They loved, loved, loved the kids club and had no problem staying for 10 hours a day. So, they would switch off and take one or the other on some long days and both for the family type of excursions. She planned which ones she thought would be best for kids and they had a good time. The 8 year old fell asleep each night in his chair at dinner, so he was having a blast.

There is one important thing to remember... The tour guides kept telling us that the weather is going to be substantialy hotter in a few weeks and how lucky we were to be there at that time. So, for my kid I can tell you that is when the frustration and melt downs begin. So keep that in mind.

Food was not an issue for us on the tours because we have been lucky to have been training Zoe to eat one new food every day. Plus we eat Med style food as our main preference. But you can take the PB&J's (which we also did) to make sure the food isn't a problem. We always looked for apples and esp. bananas as well as bread at each port so that we always had fall back foods for her in the bag.

Hope this helps, Kelly

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Oh, she won the pageant for our town, so she's Miss (Insert Town name) She did wear make-up. She looks like a ghost w/o it. She is a strawberry blond and VERY fair, doesn't tan at all, very blond eyebrows. She looked like a beacon next to all those girls who tan regularly. It was kinda funny. She would tan if she could.

I'm not big into pageants, almost got sick with nerves before and during this one, but it has been a wonderful learning experience for her. Last year she did not make the top 8, so we improved her interviewing skills, speech, etc...which I think in the long run, will help her gain employment. There were lots of "mingles" as the pageant was sponsored by the chamber of commerce, so she gained experience handling herself in a business/social situation, which is way different that just a normal party, as you all know. Winning the scholarship was just icing on the cake.

 

[eller]

What were your funny moments on the trip?

Watching Johnathan, my 10-your-old, special olympian on stage with Mike Super. Mike was doing the card trick and had told Johnathan to concentrate hard on the card he had drawn from the deck. Mike draws a 2 of clubs (the card was the 3 of hearts) and Johnathan says, "I tricked you!"

I about died. I was laughing so hard I was crying. I think that was what got him is "Lavenous" t-shirt.

Lori

 

[eller]

My 17 year old's pageant was last night...she WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed so loudly, I gave myself a headache! I didn't want to go to sleep for fear it would all be just a dream when I woke up. I'm awake now, and she still WON!!!! She received a nice scholarship and a shiny crown to go with her pretty puffy dress. Honestly, with her long blond hair, puffy dress and wand, she looked a little like Glinda from the Wzard of Oz. I so much wanted to get her a wand to complete the ensemble!

Oh, and her talent???? DANCING, of course, 'cept she's a million times better than me--should be after 13 years of lessons (that I had to drive and drive and drive for)!!!!!! Hey, I get some credit for the talent portion of the competition --nothing like living vicaiously through your children!!!!

Just as an FYI, especially for all the LDS on the thread and those who know our standards...there was no swim suit competition, so I didn't have to worry about the modesty issue.


Anyway, I am just so proud of the delightful woman she is becoming. Thank you for letting me share my joy with you!

That is just so exciting! How fun!

Lori

 

[NHdisneylover]

Deanna--CONGRATULATIONS to your own lovely Glinda. I am so happy for her and you--her proud momma. You so ge tsoe of hte credot for rasing her so well and doing all that drving and waiting for dance classes