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

[ramadden13]

Just booked my ground transportation from Hobby to Galveston through Disney. The $30 per person was the best I could find, plus I like that it is through them and takes out a third party element.

 

[Tink1987]

So slightly off topic...

I had a bike wreck in third grade and broke my two front teeth when biting the curb. As a result, one has since been extracted (implant now) and the other has had a crown or veneer or whatever it's called (that has lasted 19 years). My implant has only had my temporary crown that I kept making last until new insurance kicked in for 2013 But of course the temporary popped off right before church Sunday morning (for the first time) and the temporary cement they sell at the drug store isn't that great. I had a GREAT pirate costume going!!!!

Today was the day I went to get new impressions done for both those front teeth and get new temporaries. Luckily my dentist is in my Sunday School class at church, but he kept wanting to talk about cruises. I couldn't talk with his hand constantly in my mouth! I told him he needs to go on EBTA with us though as his kids' school ends May 17 where his wife also teaches. He was on the Carnival Triumph a few weeks ago (not the broken one), but still ready to book his next cruise! I told him with the cost of my treatment plan, he and his wife should have no problem booking the IGT rate!

Hahahaha! Glad you got your tooth sorted though

 

[Tink1987]

Galveston limo. Recommended by Dreams Unlimited. I didn't do any research on it. But I'm not upset with them. They dealt with it without being on hold for hours.

Talking about luck, I flew to London last night and Air Canada decided they didn't want to bother with sending my bag with me. They apparently figured my bag wanted to spend some time apart so sent it to Toronto. Brand new bag. I cannot wait until this cruise.

Oh no! You really aren't having any luck at all x that's got to change for you now!

We only went with Texas Airport Car because the Tremont recommends them.

 

[Tink1987]

Hey all, I'm new to this board / group, and I'm so excited to read stuff from other fellow travelers! I've been on lots of cruises before but never a TA one and never a Disney one. So I've got lots of questions (which I won't ask right now - can someone point me to an appropriate place to ask questions??) and I'm excited to learn more!

Melanie

Welcome!

 

[jaimelemer]

Reading this board, ie perusing topics that look relevant to your situation and reading cruise reports are a great way to learn. Also, please feel free to ask questions, there are a lot of helpful and experienced cruisers on here who are more than happy to help first timers if they have questions.

Also, welcome to the group, and check out all the information on the first two pages of this thread!

Thanks, I already pored through that info and it's awesome! I've also been going through the forum pages to see what's what - but I haven't gotten into the TR's here yet. Need to do that next!

And we'd be happy to try to answer any questions. We're a chatty bunch and seem to enjoy every topic

Thank you! I'm going to surf a little more and then will ask some questions - love all the chattiness in here! I saw the first thread that was over 200 pages and didn't attempt it, lol, that is a lot of pages! But I've read all of this thread, and am starting to get the hang of things!

 

[Yvet]

Hey all, I'm new to this board / group, and I'm so excited to read stuff from other fellow travelers! I've been on lots of cruises before but never a TA one and never a Disney one. So I've got lots of questions (which I won't ask right now - can someone point me to an appropriate place to ask questions??) and I'm excited to learn more!

Melanie

Welcome!!!!!

All question you have are more then welcome here in this thread.
If it are general cruise questions or general DCL questions then you could use the search option for the cruiseboards. Most o the questions you will find answer thru with the search function.
If not, ask it here and we will help you out, there is always somebody here that knows the answer!!!!

 

[kris3kid]

is it time to go yet? I can't wait!

 

[padalyn]

So, I have a weekend off, that we spent celebrating St Valentine's day, Cathy's mom came to visit (read we drove out to Pa to get her!) and then the whole wedding party was over on Sunday night...so did I get to read the Dis??? nope...and you guys decided to post 12 pages!!!! So, here are some shortened quotes with my responses:

WELL DONE It's sooo hard, isn't it? I was also hoping to lose around 17pounds before we leave, but I'm stuck at a plateau after losing 53 pounds and also we have a 4 night cruise just a few weeks before this one which won't help. Anyway, hope you reach you next goal, hoping for you.

it wasn't really that hard - Nutrisystem works really well for me. I lost 65 pounds a few years back, rebounded about 30 and now have lost most of that and am working on more!

Congratulations!!

thanks!

Well done on the weight loss padalyn. I definitely found your weight!!

sorry you found it...not sorry I lost it!

Yay!!!! You MUST brag!! Congratulations!!

thanks!

good job Cayla

I lose it then end up putting double back couple months later, I
Am the perpetual yo-yo dieter

I love my grub

me too...I just keep plugging away at it!

Congratulations!

Thanks!

GO YOU!

Thanks!

You have a right to brag, good job! Thanks for giving me motivation

Glad to help!

If I want to make Palo brunch reservations for 6 people, from 3 seperate cabins, do I have to call DCL or is there a way to do that online?

I think this was answered, but you need to be fully linked - thus you can make reservations for the other cabins. Your TA or DCL can link you - you can't do it yourself. You will need the reservation numbers for each person/cabin as well as names and possibly DOB.

Perhaps a stupid question...do you think the boys could bring a nerf-like football (actually Wilson, but a junior size) to play with on Deck 10? They absolutely love making plays and passing all day long. I wonder if this would be allowed?

yes, you should be able to - I have seen them before. I suggest you take it in carry on, this way your luggage won't get opened for that item. (I have had to pick up items a few times...no biggie - just annoying!)

You have every right to brag! Well done!

And good luck for the next 20

Thanks!

I read a few of the threads on the cords. I sure hope power strips aren't prohibited! We are taking a universal one since we'll be in several countries post cruise. Even if they were to take it with the intention of giving it back, I'm afraid I'll forget it. And I really want it for the cruise!

I have been taking power strips for all my cruises for years. And on all the ships...never had an issue or even a question. I also use a "three fer" to extend the plugs behind the TV's! Extension cords and blow dryers are usually a safety issue more than anything else. I heard (can't confirm) that they are now asking for NO curling irons, flat irons or blow dryers. (I hope not - since the classic ships have those lousy wand type dryers that don't dry my hair at all!)

Whew - I feel all caught up - let the posting begin again!!!!

Cayla

 

[padalyn]

Palo's Chocolate Souffle
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
3 TB butter, plus more for greasing the souffle cups
6 TB sugar, plus more for dusting the souffle cups
1 cup milk
3 TB all-purpose flour
3 TB Dutch-processed cocoa
2 oz. (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted
4 eggs, separated
Directions:
L Preheat over to 350°F. Set a full kettle of water on to boil.
2. Butter six 4-oz. souffle cups and coat with sugar; set aside.
3. Bring milk to boil in small saucepan. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium
saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cocoa to the butter and beat
with a whisk until it has a smooth, paste-like consistency. Reduce heat and
cook for one minute.
4. Slowly add hot milk, whisking until smooth, then blend in melted
chocolate. Let cool for five minutes, then stir in egg yolks.
5. Beat egg whites in separate bowl until frothy. Slowly add sugar, 1 TB at a
time until glossy peaks form. Stir a heaping spoonful of egg whites into the
chocolate, then fold in the remaining whites just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into prepared cups. Place cups in large baking dish and add
enough boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the souffle cups.
7. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately with warm vanilla sauce.
Vanilla Sauce
1. Bring I 1/4 cups heavy cream and 1/4 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) to a
low boil in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Combine 3 TB sugar and 2 small egg yolks.
3. Add 2 spoonfuls of boiling cream to egg mixture and stir well, then pour
back into the remaining cream and continue to cook over low heat, stirring
constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.

 

[Tink1987]

is it time to go yet? I can't wait!

I think this every single day

 

[Tink1987]

is it time to go yet? I can't wait!

Palo's Chocolate Souffle
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
3 TB butter, plus more for greasing the souffle cups
6 TB sugar, plus more for dusting the souffle cups
1 cup milk
3 TB all-purpose flour
3 TB Dutch-processed cocoa
2 oz. (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted
4 eggs, separated
Directions:
L Preheat over to 350°F. Set a full kettle of water on to boil.
2. Butter six 4-oz. souffle cups and coat with sugar; set aside.
3. Bring milk to boil in small saucepan. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium
saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cocoa to the butter and beat
with a whisk until it has a smooth, paste-like consistency. Reduce heat and
cook for one minute.
4. Slowly add hot milk, whisking until smooth, then blend in melted
chocolate. Let cool for five minutes, then stir in egg yolks.
5. Beat egg whites in separate bowl until frothy. Slowly add sugar, 1 TB at a
time until glossy peaks form. Stir a heaping spoonful of egg whites into the
chocolate, then fold in the remaining whites just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into prepared cups. Place cups in large baking dish and add
enough boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the souffle cups.
7. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately with warm vanilla sauce.
Vanilla Sauce
1. Bring I 1/4 cups heavy cream and 1/4 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) to a
low boil in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Combine 3 TB sugar and 2 small egg yolks.
3. Add 2 spoonfuls of boiling cream to egg mixture and stir well, then pour
back into the remaining cream and continue to cook over low heat, stirring
constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.

It's time like these that I wish I enjoyed cooking!

 

[kaseyC]

is it time to go yet? I can't wait!

I'm so ready!! Even though I still have so much to do.

 

[Ladyshopper]

padalyn - I might have found it, but I'm definitely going to lose it! 8lbs off for me in my first week, although I know it will slow right down after that first big loss! Still, a great start, now I just have to do the hard bit and keep going! Back to work tomorrow and I find it so much harder to stick to there, don't know why.

 

[NancyIL]

After I posted this on Facebook, Mandy's mom joined us. We still have room for 3 more people on the West Island tour with Daniel Madiera Taxis.

Our most common west side itinerary has the duration of about 6.5 hours and is as follows:

Camara de Lobos - a small and quaint fishing town.
Cabo Girao - the lookout on top of the highest sea cliff in Europe.
Ribeira Brava - a seaside village
Encumeada - mountain where you can see both coasts, south and north
Sao Vicente - lovely seaside village on the north coast
Seixal - interesting lava formations by the sea
Porto Moniz - famous for the natural pools
Santa - to have an overall look down to Porto Moniz
Paul da Serra - the plateau, this area is very different from the other parts of the island
Ponta do Sol - another seaside village

Price will be 30€ per person for 6 people. Lunch is extra.

If you are interested in joining us, please send me a PM.

 

[padalyn]

padalyn - I might have found it, but I'm definitely going to lose it! 8lbs off for me in my first week, although I know it will slow right down after that first big loss! Still, a great start, now I just have to do the hard bit and keep going! Back to work tomorrow and I find it so much harder to stick to there, don't know why.

I am exactly the opposite...easier at work. I am busy and can only eat what I brought. Home? not so good...too many choices

we will both do it! I am sure of it.

 

[Viking_53]

I know I've read it here before, but I can't find it.

Is there a dress code for Palo brunch? I'm assuming you don't need a jacket/tie for brunch - I'm guessing it's more casual (maybe no shorts, etc), but pants/polo shirt OK?

 

[twopeasonepod]

I know I've read it here before, but I can't find it.

Is there a dress code for Palo brunch? I'm assuming you don't need a jacket/tie for brunch - I'm guessing it's more casual (maybe no shorts, etc), but pants/polo shirt OK?

I tried looking as well, with no luck. I would like to know the answer, too!

 

[twopeasonepod]

Hey all, I'm new to this board / group, and I'm so excited to read stuff from other fellow travelers! I've been on lots of cruises before but never a TA one and never a Disney one. So I've got lots of questions (which I won't ask right now - can someone point me to an appropriate place to ask questions??) and I'm excited to learn more!

Melanie

Welcome! And yes, please ask if you have specific questions - way easier than reading all 5 billion pages!

 

[woody73]

Is there a dress code for Palo brunch? I'm assuming you don't need a jacket/tie for brunch - I'm guessing it's more casual (maybe no shorts, etc), but pants/polo shirt OK?

I think it's cruise casual -- no shorts or flip flops. Pants and a polo shirt are fine.

Woody

 

[queenbee99]

I found this on DCL website...
Dress Code
At Palo, dress pants and shirt or jacket is required for men and a dress or pantsuit is required for women. Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

I know I've read it here before, but I can't find it.

Is there a dress code for Palo brunch? I'm assuming you don't need a jacket/tie for brunch - I'm guessing it's more casual (maybe no shorts, etc), but pants/polo shirt OK?

I tried looking as well, with no luck. I would like to know the answer, too!