May 18, 2013 Magic EBTA Part Two - From Tejas to España

[StephenKay]

OMG I have no idea how European women pay for their undies... did that come out wrong? Lingerie is so much more expensive there!!!!

Same here.... we had some on WBTA that did not receive their luggage in time to depart Barcelona. Stevie might remember more of who it was but there was definitely no Walmart on our initial stops.

In fact, I forgot a neutral colored bra and had to go shopping for one in Barcelona. Most expensive bra I have ever bought!

LaLaLaLa, too much information ladies, please don't mention the spanx word either, that will put me right off my breakfast.

As for luggage, we didn't have our luggage till Madeira,4days in, it took some 6 months plus to get it back. It's simply horrible, many decided not to join the cruise others like us did and thankfully had packed the underwear and shoes in the hand luggage, well, with the help of DCL we had a 40 mins trip to a mall for teenagers and made the best of it. If it does happen to you, and it will to some poor people, then tell DCL GS and get the tailor onboard to fit you for a tux and evening dress. It took them minutes to sort at no cost, they were simply great and thankfully we got to Gibraltar and Marks and Spencers and Monsoon. If it does happen I will happily loan clothing to any 6ft 44R male.

 

[heatherb819]

Our luggage was nearly lost last EBTA, long story! Thank goodness we packed liquor so we had to retrieve that bag, while doing so DH found our other bags swirling around the luggage carousel. the DCL tags had fallen, torn, flew off of our bags so they would have never made it directly to the ship. Therefore, I have all of our clothes packed in our carry on bags. Toiletries are in checked bags due to TSA rules. I figure toiletries we can make due with what they provide to us if it did happen to get lost.
Moral of the story, pack liquor so you have to retrieve your bags lol

 

[birkner]

Hi Noel,
Thanks for all the useful advice and peace of mind. We're very appreciative. We look forward to meeting you in person. Disney should buy you at least, a couple of drinks for all the help you're giving the cruisers
Cheers,
Teri

You are very kind! There are many others here who have worked way harder than I have on this cruise!

 

[p17blo]

Crap. Now I am really confused. I didn't know there was overground AND underground! Guess I will need to spend some more time researching this.

Can't I just take the line and not express? If express is extra, I'd rather just do it the other way.

To Clarify, from London there are two ways to use public transport trains to get to Heathrow.

The first, and quickest (but most expensive), is Heathrow EXPRESS. It only runs from Paddington Station to Heathrow back and forth in 15 minutes with no stops. Details are here

The second option is to use the London Underground. Heathrow is on the Piccadily Line but you can switch to that line from most others are key stations. Full details of London Underground including maps etc can be found here

Full London Underground Map can be found here - But I know Jody is bringing some printed copies for you all. HEATHROW is in the left hand corner

You will notice some stations have the following symbol - This means they are both an Overground and an Underground station.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yep - check out the map here: http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/cruise/deck9.htm

Ladies' locker - where the showers are.
Fitness area - where the gym is.

You get to them both by following the corridor through from the spa reception area.

Another question. I have only been to the Rainforest on the Dream.
When we entered the spa area, we showed our key that had access to the services. Is there something like that on the Wonder? Do you need a sticker to get into the area that has the showers? Or do you just say that you are going to use the gym and showers?

Thank you.

 

[heatherb819]

Happy Mother's Day! I hope everyone enjoyed their day. I spent the day shopping for the trip & began the packing process. I'm very proud of myself, I always do it the night before. I'm a little thrown off this time, I've always sent my FE gifts ahead of time to the port & didn't this time so now it's thrown a kink in my packing.

 

[Kirbo]

Happy Mother's Day! I hope everyone enjoyed their day. I spent the day shopping for the trip & began the packing process. I'm very proud of myself, I always do it the night before. I'm a little thrown off this time, I've always sent my FE gifts ahead of time to the port & didn't this time so now it's thrown a kink in my packing.

for the Mother's Day wishes!

We packed today

 

[FarnMor]

I do hope you all enjoy your cruise... Due too some medical circumstances that were out of our control.... we will not be cruising with you . .... God bless each and everyone of you and have the wonderful trip we have all dreamed about... far n mor

 

[MandyGirl]

I do hope you all enjoy your cruise... Due too some medical circumstances that were out of our control.... we will not be cruising with you . .... God bless each and everyone of you and have the wonderful trip we have all dreamed about... far n mor

Jim and Vicky -- I am so sorry. I will add you to my prayers if that is okay.


Team Minnie -- you might need to make note of this (I think you guys were in just one FE group, correct?)

 

[queenbee99]

Wait I was told sterling was the currency to use in Gibraltar? Ok so I googled and it looks like sterling is exchangable for GOG currency. That's good because I ordered sterling Saturday from the bank.

No. Gibraltar Pounds is the official currency in Gibraltar.

Woody

 

[birkner]

Wait I was told sterling was the currency to use in Gibraltar?

I was told by my bank that though Gibraltar pounds may be their official currency that you can not purchase them in the USA or exchange them here in USA either. However, you can use British pounds there and I always ask if I can change in British pounds. If not, I either don't buy or use a credit card. However, I do not know if that the exchange policy is true in Europe or the UK.

 

[Tod&Copper]

Wait I was told sterling was the currency to use in Gibraltar? Ok so I googled and it looks like sterling is exchangable for GOG currency. That's good because I ordered sterling Saturday from the bank.

We've been to Gibraltar many times and sterling is accepted as legal tender. As Noel said, get your change in sterling too or you will have trouble exchanging back any Gibraltar pounds

 

[MandyGirl]

We've been to Gibraltar many times and sterling is accepted as legal tender. As Noel said, get your change in sterling too or you will have trouble exchanging back any Gibraltar pounds

I'm working on the DIS Navigator right now - is this an accurate statement to place for Gibraltar currency? Or tweak as needed please


• Currency – Gibraltar Pounds are the official currency although British Pounds and Euros are widely accepted. Kindly ask for change in British pounds. All major credit cards are accepted for payments over 10 pound or Euro.

 

[StephenKay]

I'm working on the DIS Navigator right now - is this an accurate statement to place for Gibraltar currency? Or tweak as needed please


• Currency – Gibraltar Pounds are the official currency although British Pounds and Euros are widely accepted. Kindly ask for change in British pounds. All major credit cards are accepted for payments over 10 pound or Euro.

Yes the above mentioned statement is correct.

 

[woody73]

. . . is this an accurate statement to place for Gibraltar currency?

Sounds good to me.

Woody

 

[p17blo]

Mandy, as I understand, shops etc in Gibraltar are obligated to accept GBP Sterling, but most will accept euros as a courtesy

I would be wary of paying in Euros as there maybe a premium for doing so.

 

[knabebug]

Another question. I have only been to the Rainforest on the Dream.
When we entered the spa area, we showed our key that had access to the services. Is there something like that on the Wonder? Do you need a sticker to get into the area that has the showers? Or do you just say that you are going to use the gym and showers?

Thank you.

On the old ships you get a sticker for the rain forest. Each time you use it you're supposed to either sign in at the front desk and/or turn in your key card. You do not need anything too get into the rain forest area. (other than having paid)
The sauna and showers in the changing rooms are freely accessible. I have often showered in the men's area. You should have no problem in the women's area either.

 

[David & Jane]

I'm working on the DIS Navigator right now - is this an accurate statement to place for Gibraltar currency? Or tweak as needed please


• Currency – Gibraltar Pounds are the official currency although British Pounds and Euros are widely accepted. Kindly ask for change in British pounds. All major credit cards are accepted for payments over 10 pound or Euro.

Yes, but be warned that the exchange rate between Euros and Pounds in shops and restaurants is a rip off so if paying by Euros you may be surcharged by as much as 50%. One British pound always equals One Gibraltar Pound

 

[bobbiwoz]

On the old ships you get a sticker for the rain forest. Each time you use it you're supposed to either sign in at the front desk and/or turn in your key card. You do not need anything too get into the rain forest area. (other than having paid)
The sauna and showers in the changing rooms are freely accessible. I have often showered in the men's area. You should have no problem in the women's area either.

Thank you.

We picked up our Euros today, and an electric adapter for Spain! Beginning to think about packing!

 

[David & Jane]

Hi

We get into George Bush Airport about 3.00 in the afternoon on Friday & are staying at the Marriott

Looking for something to do late afternoon early evening. Anyone got any suggestions what is worth seeing around the airport & is easy to get to & back from.

Only thing we can find is the Deerbrook Mall, any one know what taxi fare will be from airport to mall

David & Jane