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

[EjeG]

When you fly international you won't have luggage fees for the domestic part.

But then the domestic part should be with the same airline or a partner ( as example: not United for the transatlantic part and Southwest for te domestic part).

And your domestic flight needs to be the same day, if you do a stop-over aka stay a day or a few days in the city when you arrive in the US.

If you just fly home then there is no extra luggage fee (1bag free sometimes 2 bags, depends on airline and class you fly in).

Bags will be labeled to the end destignation but when you arrive in the US you have to pick up your bags after immigrations and declare them, then after costums you hand the bags over and they will be transported to your domestic flight.

Hope this helps!!!

Just a fyi United forced us to pay fee for extra bagage last year when we flew to sweden and we had booked through SAS which allowed us 2 bags each (we had 5 bags between 4 people) and United was the domestic partner. We never managed to get it refunded later. However we didn't ever pay anything extra flying back.

When we checked in we showed print out of our booking that started 2 free bags, they claimed it just meant there was no penalty fee for second bag, once we muttered we would just dispute the charge if we couldn't get a refund since it really was to be free according to SAS booking info, we where informed very rudely that if we did they would just incinerate one of our bags. Of course we didn't do anything while they had the bags in their possession.

Just want to point out things will vary by domestic partner airline and if they normally charge, do not plan on getting your bags on the plan for free on the outbound domestic leg. Been there done that and based on the wording on our flight booking confirmation we should had it free in our opinion which was not shared by the domestic carrier.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Thanks Mandy. I will be great to meet you and everyone else on this cruise..I am looking forward to it..Now to start planning. Does anyone have hints??

We have previous trip reports uploaded to the website here. I found them really useful.

If you find something else interesting that you think others would like to see, paste them in here and mention we should get it up on the website and I'll get it up there. This applies to everyone of course. I've been away lots and think I've gotten to the really obvious stuff, but if anyone else has found some interesting stuff please let me know.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I have never met anyone who is a bigger penny pincher than my husband! It is insane, he scrutuzes every bill and keeps every receipt. I have to justify everything I spend. It had ruined shopping for me. He is always going on and on about value and cost. His spreadsheets are insane!

BackstoryH and I didn't live together before marriage.

About a month into our marriage, we ran out of TP and I asked DH where the TP was stockpiled and he couldn't believe there wasn't any left in the bathroom because that was the allotment of TP for 2 months and it was gone in less than a month! I had to explain (in depth) that just doubling a guys amount of TP was not going to work with a women since we need to use more than a guy. Yes, not only does my DH price out TP per roll, he also rations it!

I need to print this out, laminate it, and then stick it in my wallet so that I can whip it out when my DW is getting annoyed at my money-saving ways. thanks so much for sharing.

 

[kaseyC]

I have never met anyone who is a bigger penny pincher than my husband! It is insane, he scrutuzes every bill and keeps every receipt. I have to justify everything I spend. It had ruined shopping for me. He is always going on and on about value and cost. His spreadsheets are insane!

BackstoryH and I didn't live together before marriage.

About a month into our marriage, we ran out of TP and I asked DH where the TP was stockpiled and he couldn't believe there wasn't any left in the bathroom because that was the allotment of TP for 2 months and it was gone in less than a month! I had to explain (in depth) that just doubling a guys amount of TP was not going to work with a women since we need to use more than a guy. Yes, not only does my DH price out TP per roll, he also rations it!

Too funny!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi! I've bought my postcards and my candy and have made the FE for those exchanges. Can't wait!

Welcome to all of the newcomers to the cruise!

Bobbi

 

[Kirbo]

About a month into our marriage, we ran out of TP and I asked DH where the TP was stockpiled and he couldn't believe there wasn't any left in the bathroom because that was the allotment of TP for 2 months and it was gone in less than a month! I had to explain (in depth) that just doubling a guys amount of TP was not going to work with a women since we need to use more than a guy. Yes, not only does my DH price out TP per roll, he also rations it!

I think the airline might have an employee walking around to help you through it. They did this weekend, but at the same time they were explaining that due to recent government cutbacks there were 250 of waiting to go through customs/immigration with a reduced staff and would probably miss our connecting flights.

Fort Lauderdale was the worst ever for me this weekend. After rechecking bags, they had no special "connections" line for TSA from that area so we had to walk clear down to the far end of the terminal, out the door, and along the sidewalk to join the one and only TSA line for that terminal. It snaked back through the terminal -- connecting passengers and those arriving 3 hours early. It was a scheduled 1:10 connection, and for FLL, no big deal. But at 6:00am was the worst line I have ever had to wait in.

But yes - I hate that whole claim, recheck and go through security *again*, especially after getting off a redeye flight just to connect on the same airline two gates down from first flight. (Yes, I am whining)

I hope that JFK isn't that nutty

 

[geffric]

We have previous trip reports uploaded to the website here. I found them really useful.

If you find something else interesting that you think others would like to see, paste them in here and mention we should get it up on the website and I'll get it up there. This applies to everyone of course. I've been away lots and think I've gotten to the really obvious stuff, but if anyone else has found some interesting stuff please let me know.

Thanks. Being a latecomer, I am still trying to figure out airlines and hotels. Who knew that Galveston was so hard and expensive to get to, and there is only one rental car place.. who knew?? Besides, I am coming from Chicago..should be easy, but no..

If anyone knows a Hoston hotel with shuttle to and from airport, let me know.

 

[Viking_53]

Thanks. Being a latecomer, I am still trying to figure out airlines and hotels. Who knew that Galveston was so hard and expensive to get to, and there is only one rental car place.. who knew?? Besides, I am coming from Chicago..should be easy, but no..

If anyone knows a Hoston hotel with shuttle to and from airport, let me know.

We are flying Southwest to Houston Hobby, and then staying at the Hampton Inn at Hobby airport. They have a shuttle back/forth to the airport. We are using Disney transfers from Hobby to Galeveston on Saturday morning.

 

[WVURunner]

Thanks. Being a latecomer, I am still trying to figure out airlines and hotels. Who knew that Galveston was so hard and expensive to get to, and there is only one rental car place.. who knew?? Besides, I am coming from Chicago..should be easy, but no..

If anyone knows a Hoston hotel with shuttle to and from airport, let me know.

We are flying Southwest to Houston Hobby, and then staying at the Hampton Inn at Hobby airport. They have a shuttle back/forth to the airport. We are using Disney transfers from Hobby to Galeveston on Saturday morning.

We are flying into Hobby via Chicago on Southwest late Friday night and are staying the night at Springhill Suites near the airport, they offer a shuttle to/from Hobby and free breakfast. I was going to use points but the room was so cheap ~$70 that we just paid for it. DH will be picking up the rental from Hobby Saturday morning so we will be taking the shuttle to the hotel on Friday night and DH will be taking it back to the airport early Saturday.

 

[MandyGirl]

I hope that JFK isn't that nutty

Me too! We have a 6-hour layover coming home on Iceland Air (from Iceland post-cruise) so I have some breathing room this time.

Thanks. Being a latecomer, I am still trying to figure out airlines and hotels. Who knew that Galveston was so hard and expensive to get to, and there is only one rental car place.. who knew?? Besides, I am coming from Chicago..should be easy, but no..

If anyone knows a Hoston hotel with shuttle to and from airport, let me know.

Here's a list of who's staying where that added their locations. Might give an idea of hotels to check on. As others have posted - many are either staying by an airport and using DCL transport, or Enterprise for one-way car rental to Galveston. I told my husband he should just rent a van for the day and wear a cute little chauffeur hat.

 

[binkytell]

DCL doesn't seem to be wanting to work with us this week

Below is reply regarding mojito tasting:

Hi Sarah,



Thank you for your inquiry about reserving a private Martini Tasting for $18.00 per Guest!



Mojito is not offered, but we have Tequila & Margarita Tasting for $15.00 per Guest.



We can definitely arrange those tasting for your group, to be considered, you must have at least a minimum 25 participants, to the maximum of 40 Guests per session. 41 or more Guests we will need to schedule 2 sessions on a 2 different times during the day. (1 full hour)



I will need names or each reservation #’s, whether they show-up or not, charges will appear on their onboard account.



Once you confirmed the number of participants per Tasting/Class, I will send those requests to the Disney Magic for confirmation of the venue & get back with you to finalize everything.



Let me know whats everyone’s thought are!



Thank you,



Alma

 

[binkytell]

please recheck your fe groups, all groups have a new addition

 

[birkner]

DCL doesn't seem to be wanting to work with us this week

Below is reply regarding mojito tasting:

Hi Sarah,



Thank you for your inquiry about reserving a private Martini Tasting for $18.00 per Guest!



Mojito is not offered, but we have Tequila & Margarita Tasting for $15.00 per Guest.



We can definitely arrange those tasting for your group, to be considered, you must have at least a minimum 25 participants, to the maximum of 40 Guests per session. 41 or more Guests we will need to schedule 2 sessions on a 2 different times during the day. (1 full hour)



I will need names or each reservation #’s, whether they show-up or not, charges will appear on their onboard account.



Once you confirmed the number of participants per Tasting/Class, I will send those requests to the Disney Magic for confirmation of the venue & get back with you to finalize everything.



Let me know whats everyone’s thought are!



Thank you,



Alma

Sarah, Alma is the same person who I am dealing with about champagne girls. By the way, she still has not responded to my email after her phone call yesterday

 

[binkytell]

Sarah, Alma is the same person who I am dealing with about champagne girls. By the way, she still has not responded to my email after her phone call yesterday

I won't hold my breath for quick reply then Noel lol

 

[birkner]

I won't hold my breath for quick reply then Noel lol

She is the one I have been dealing with since my first contact and did call me yesterday when the price was raised. She also knows that I am thinking of cancelling so I would suspect she will return my email fairly soon.

If she doesn't return my email by Monday, I am calling her.

 

[geffric]

Here's a list of who's staying where that added their locations. Might give an idea of hotels to check on. As others have posted - many are either staying by an airport and using DCL transport, or Enterprise for one-way car rental to Galveston. I told my husband he should just rent a van for the day and wear a cute little chauffeur hat.

that is spill you diet coke out you nose funny.

 

[Ladyshopper]

binkytell I have added the additions on to my FE list, as had already printed them off! Have had a lovely day today making and sorting FE stuff - couldn't do much as had a new front door fitted, so had to stay in.

Mandygirl, I just wanted to check the pj breakfast is still going ahead, as I know Tink was organising at decided to leave the boards. Preumably it doesn't need someone to "organise" it as such, as we were all just going to turn up in our pyjamas? If any organising does need doing I would be happy to do it. Kids have already got their pj's sorted, its just me now!

 

[birkner]

binkytell I have added the additions on to my FE list, as had already printed them off! Have had a lovely day today making and sorting FE stuff - couldn't do much as had a new front door fitted, so had to stay in.

Mandygirl, I just wanted to check the pj breakfast is still going ahead, as I know Tink was organising at decided to leave the boards. Preumably it doesn't need someone to "organise" it as such, as we were all just going to turn up in our pyjamas? If any organising does need doing I would be happy to do it. Kids have already got their pj's sorted, its just me now!

May I just answer the question? I think someone needs to coordinate and be sure we can all sit together at the restaurant. Plus, that person may want to arrange for a DCL photographer if people are interested.

 

[geffric]

We are flying Southwest to Houston Hobby, and then staying at the Hampton Inn at Hobby airport. They have a shuttle back/forth to the airport. We are using Disney transfers from Hobby to Galeveston on Saturday morning.

We are flying into Hobby via Chicago on Southwest late Friday night and are staying the night at Springhill Suites near the airport, they offer a shuttle to/from Hobby and free breakfast. I was going to use points but the room was so cheap ~$70 that we just paid for it. DH will be picking up the rental from Hobby Saturday morning so we will be taking the shuttle to the hotel on Friday night and DH will be taking it back to the airport early Saturday.

I called DCL and the very nice CM said that Disney only has transportation from IAH - Busch intl..not hobby? Is that right?? SW has a $90 one way fare, which sounded good to me..

 

[Ladyshopper]

May I just answer the question? I think someone needs to coordinate and be sure we can all sit together at the restaurant. Plus, that person may want to arrange for a DCL photographer if people are interested.

Ok, well I am more than happy to do that if thats ok? I will just need pointing in the right direction of who to contact though, is it just dcl themselves and can I do it by email, or is there a specific contact (such as the person the ladies have been taking to about mixology etc)?