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

[Grandma x3]

I don't think Stevie was implying it would be bad... just quiet in comparison to the WBTA cruises he has been on with DCL. Compared to the one we were on, yes, this EBTA is definitely quiet in comparison, and also quiet in comparison to WBTA 2014 thread/FB. With fewer people onboard our EBTA, hopefully the kiddos will have even more attention from CMs and characters, adults have more room to spread out, and the upgrade fairy is placing pixie dust upon many who booked GTY cabins. It's a really nice thing to walk around on Castaway Cay and have a plethora of choices of lounge chairs or hammocks to choose from

I was on the WBTA 2007 - and EBPC 2008 - but this is my first EBTA! The reason I chose this cruise was that I needed time to re-energize - I've been home schooling and caring for my special needs grandson - and I'm very tired. And after this cruise I will be traveling with my husband and older grandson (for his high school grad present) through Italy and then over to Greece to visit family. I'm looking forward to re-energizing in the Disney Cruise "party" manner. I am so looking forward to meeting y'all !!

 

[Msaxon]

Can you PM me on what information you need? I am new to this and would love to start participating in the fun.

 

[Msaxon]

So excited for this trip. I can say that every day til we leave.

 

[Msaxon]

This is looks like so much fun

 

[padalyn]

I wonder if anyone in the US might be prepared to do me a favour?

My mother in law has asked for a specific moisturiser for her birthday:

http://uk.shopping.com/st-ives-st-i...sturizer-timeless-skin-295-ml-jar-3-pack/info

It seems like it isn't available here in the UK, and the only decent place to buy it is amazon, where it is imported in and postage costs a lot.

I wondered if anyone had seen this in say Walmart/Walgreens etc, and how much it was there? If not too expensive, I also wondered if someone might be kind enough to get some for me, and I could reimburse them when onboard?

Even if I order if from amazon its unlikely to get here from the states for her birthday, and she isn't someone who is too worried about things being late (plus I have got her a couple of other bits and ordered her some flowers, so she will have something on the day).

I would like to get this for her if I can, just trying to do it a cheaper way!

If anyone could help with prices that would be fab!

She is actually my ex mother in law, but we still get on really well and I see her loads! I am very lucky to have such a good relationship with her and my ex-father in law - we all went to Florida together, and also go on camping holidays together. When I think how some people don't get on with their inlaws I am very thankful!

I told her today that someone had got the moisturiser for her, and that her present would be a couple of months late (I have got her something else so she has something on the day!). She was really pleased, and then said "well, if its so cheap over there, could you get me a couple?" Arghhhhh!! So, if the offer still stands, if you could get me another jar that would be fab, but if its a hassle then really don't worry, as I already have the one that heather has got me!

If you still need some, let me know. Walmart has it for 4.67 (USD) plus NJ 7% sale tax the total would be 4.36 per jar. Just let me know how many jars you want.

I will ask my hubby and see what he says but I am thinking his reaction to a 6.5hr night tour would be horror as he would be trailing along behind as a non-photographer! what sort of time are we talking as we already have plans for seeing Parc Guell and dinner at the HRC and I need to see if it is feasible.

You may want to rethink Parc Guell - I spent 6 hours (yea 6!!) walking/climbing all over it. I was not super impressed. I love all the gaudi buildings, but the park isn't what we think of as a park in the US. The area is undeveloped for the most part. There are LOTS of steps (most flights are over 30 steps) that climb up a mountain. The views are interesting, but until at the top mostly you are seeing the city at that level. I also found that it was very hot (I was there in mid May). I managed to get sunburned - so plese remember your sunscreen! The entrance was the most interesting and the first level is actually the roof of the entrance way.

I am a big fan of history and archetecture (but not spelling!). This "parc" is more of a mountain climb with a few interesting pieces of art placed in some of the areas.

I've got a question about using Disney gift cards on the cruise.

I've read that you can apply gift cards to your on board account to help pay your bill. However, I'm a bit confused about billing.

I'm assuming that all of the charges are going to be in US dollars, even though we are going to be heading over to Europe. On the Disney gift card website, it says you can use gift cards on Disney Cruise Lines (as it says on the back of the cards too).

However, the FAQ on the gift card web site also states:
"Can I use my Disney Gift Card at Disney locations outside the US?
Disney Gift Cards are only valid for purchases in the US"

So, for those of you who have taken the EBTA or WBTA crossings before, have you been able to use Disney gift cards? I'm looking at this possibility, as opposed to bringing cash.

Thanks!

You can take the card to guest services and they will apply it to the account. We did this with an Amex gift card (they don't work in Europe either) without any issue last Nov. They bill in USD and all the charges are processed through Florida so it is a US transaction - even in the Med (found this out in 2005 on the first Med cruise)

 

[StephenKay]

I don't think Stevie was implying it would be bad... just quiet in comparison to the WBTA cruises he has been on with DCL. Compared to the one we were on, yes, this EBTA is definitely quiet in comparison, and also quiet in comparison to WBTA 2014 thread/FB. With fewer people onboard our EBTA, hopefully the kiddos will have even more attention from CMs and characters, adults have more room to spread out, and the upgrade fairy is placing pixie dust upon many who booked GTY cabins. It's a really nice thing to walk around on Castaway Cay and have a plethora of choices of lounge chairs or hammocks to choose from

Mandy,

Of course your quite right I only meant say that it looks to be a quieter cruise, which I myself will like for most things. For instance, being able to get a seat in the middle of the afternoon outside the Cove Cafe, or a lounger in the Rainforest room later in the afternoon, however when boarding comes I am sure the massed hoardes will make that thought a distant memory. It can't be busier than the Dream at Christmas! which was great anyway.

This reminds me of the WBTA 2010, when I got up at 8am for a stroll round deck 9 for a coffee, only to "bump" into my sister who I had invited along for a restful cruise. She told me, she got up at 5am to "reserve" loungers. I had too laugh, firstly I told her to drop the Med fortnight holiday mentality and then I told her you didn't need to do that on DCL, she thought that the WBTA was the most restful and enjoyable holiday ever!

 

[StephenKay]

Hi there,

For those who are continuing on to visit Barcelona or other parts of Europe and have a modern "mobile" such as an Iphone, you may want to download for free the Rick Steve's Audio Europe app. This app gives you the oppurtunity to get the most out of visiting Europe's historical cities and sites. I am off visit Venice in a few weeks and this app gives you a lot of easy to take in audio tours and at no cost, which can easily cost 15 euros in Pompei or the Coloseum. Just thought you may wish to check this app out.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I need to change the hotel in Barcelona. I mistakenly put the address, not the name of the hotel on the new page!

I'm assuming you mean for the Roll Call? Just PM me or throw it out here in the thread and I'll update it.

That applies to anyone else that wants to change anything on the roll call. Just PM me.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

THis is our first TA and now I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you!

Mine too and me too.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm assuming you mean for the Roll Call? Just PM me or throw it out here in the thread and I'll update it.

That applies to anyone else that wants to change anything on the roll call. Just PM me.

OK..the hotel in Barcelona is...Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel.

Thank you!

 

[dee slack]

so, if this is looking like a 'quieter' cruise (ie less people aboard) is there a down side? Will there be less activities planned by DCL? Or is it just that there will be a greater ratio of CM's to guests?

 

[MandyGirl]

so, if this is looking like a 'quieter' cruise (ie less people aboard) is there a down side? Will there be less activities planned by DCL? Or is it just that there will be a greater ratio of CM's to guests?

Nope - quite the opposite I think regarding activities. DCL plans so many activities on sea days you have a hard choice. On WBTA we had a 15-month old with us. Poor kid never got a proper nap in 14 days - she had this crazy mom who kept dragging her from event to event not wanting to miss all the cool stuff happening. I have a great picture of her asleep on a deck chair on Deck 4 as we are going around the coast of Africa leaving Gibraltar, watching schools of dolphins down below. Another pic of her asleep in her stroller in the Promenade lounge. She got to sit and watch a movie on Deck 9 while the dads were working on Goofy's Boat Building contest. And those weren't actual activities of the day - just things we were doing around the ship. I never once got to go lay by the adult pool area (on WBTA or my cruise on the Magic this past November). Hoping to get to do that this time - and make it to flubber making!

Look on this page for past Transatlantic Navigators. Those will give you an idea of activities that will be hard to choose from.

But yes - a greater ratio of CMs to guests can be expected with fewer onboard. Every CM wearing a blue shirt with the character knew both of my children's names by the end of the cruise - and one was onboard again this past November and surprised the heck out me when he leaned up and said "I cannot believe how big Emilie has gotten!". I turned around and immediately remembered him from 14 months prior on the WBTA - amazed he remembered my child AND her name! The lower CM to pax ratio enables things like that even more.

 

[MandyGirl]

Mandy,

Of course your quite right I only meant say that it looks to be a quieter cruise, which I myself will like for most things. For instance, being able to get a seat in the middle of the afternoon outside the Cove Cafe, or a lounger in the Rainforest room later in the afternoon, however when boarding comes I am sure the massed hoardes will make that thought a distant memory. It can't be busier than the Dream at Christmas! which was great anyway.

This reminds me of the WBTA 2010, when I got up at 8am for a stroll round deck 9 for a coffee, only to "bump" into my sister who I had invited along for a restful cruise. She told me, she got up at 5am to "reserve" loungers. I had too laugh, firstly I told her to drop the Med fortnight holiday mentality and then I told her you didn't need to do that on DCL, she thought that the WBTA was the most restful and enjoyable holiday ever!

I'm hoping that is me more this time! We are just a week shy of a third birthday, so hoping to utilize Kids Club some versus Flounders. Plus my mother-in-law is joining, so I hope I can snag an hour here or there to venture to the adult portion of the ship

 

[StephenKay]

Hi there,

Some of the "slack" is taking up by staff training, DCL like to train train and train some more, especially in Youth Activities and the serving staff. They generally don't stop doing anything, however instead of mixology class one a day in the afternoon they may make it every 2nd day. The captain can increase his level of staff inspection routine for example, which takes more prep by the CM's of course, however outwardly to the passengers you probably wont see much change, unless your last cruise was a capacity cruise such as easter, thanksgiving or during the holidays etc.

Its actually the most relaxing journey I have ever done, twice now, and just love the sea days to catch up on reading and enjoy the view. One of my favourite thing do some day is just to stare out to sea and watch the flying fish, seems silly, but great not to see another ship or land for days and forget about time.

 

[MandyGirl]

Can you PM me on what information you need? I am new to this and would love to start participating in the fun.

Welcome aboard! Just go back to the first page of this thread, and each event is detailed on who to send a PM to in regards to registering. There are deadlines coming up (or have past) so you may want to do this immediately. Be sure to click on the link for rollcall to add your info there as well! There is also another link for DIS Nametags to complete, plus various DIS activities. Some will need your reservation number, cabin number, legal name as they are ticketed private events that cost money with DCL - and to register for those, DCL requires those pieces of information. Each activity has complete details and who to contact for that specific activity.

 

[MandyGirl]

I was on the WBTA 2007 - and EBPC 2008 - but this is my first EBTA! The reason I chose this cruise was that I needed time to re-energize - I've been home schooling and caring for my special needs grandson - and I'm very tired. And after this cruise I will be traveling with my husband and older grandson (for his high school grad present) through Italy and then over to Greece to visit family. I'm looking forward to re-energizing in the Disney Cruise "party" manner. I am so looking forward to meeting y'all !!

It really is a great cruise with all of the sea days and good people onboard!

 

[MandyGirl]

A few things crossed my mind as items to share here... hope they might be helpful suggestions to some.

This weekend I tested a new app (for me) called "Postcard on the Run". We were in the Great Smoky Mountains for a trip, snapping pics with my phone like normal, and my post card beat me home! I plan to use free wifi locations on the cruise (like Madeira, Gibraltar) and send my parents a postcard. Here is the website.

Filtered water. I always keep a Bobble with us. Unfortunately we lost one in Gatlinburg but I had spares at home (whew). Great if you are in port and want a drink of water, but are not sure about the quality of the water in your specific location. It was great when my daughter was a baby knowing she had filtered water no matter where we were (camping in a national park, in a foreign country, or just at the mall...)

And lastly - packing cubes. I swear by these things! There are various brands available, and we have even bought some cute ones from Pottery Barn Kids. We also have the packing folders for shirts. If I have already laid out who is wearing what on each day, then I can pack the cubes by day - which is very helpful when we are changing hotels (our trip this week was only 4 nights... but we stayed in three different places so were having to repack - these cubes make it super easy)

 

[kaseyC]

It really is a great cruise with all of the sea days and good people onboard!

Yes!! I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone and the total relaxation of the large number of sea days. If you don't see me at some activity, you will find me in the cove area with a cold drink, my iPod and my Kindle... reading and napping the day away.

A few things crossed my mind as items to share here... hope they might be helpful suggestions to some.

This weekend I tested a new app (for me) called "Postcard on the Run". We were in the Great Smoky Mountains for a trip, snapping pics with my phone like normal, and my post card beat me home! I plan to use free wifi locations on the cruise (like Madeira, Gibraltar) and send my parents a postcard. Here is the website.

Filtered water. I always keep a Bobble with us. Unfortunately we lost one in Gatlinburg but I had spares at home (whew). Great if you are in port and want a drink of water, but are not sure about the quality of the water in your specific location. It was great when my daughter was a baby knowing she had filtered water no matter where we were (camping in a national park, in a foreign country, or just at the mall...)

And lastly - packing cubes. I swear by these things! There are various brands available, and we have even bought some cute ones from Pottery Barn Kids. We also have the packing folders for shirts. If I have already laid out who is wearing what on each day, then I can pack the cubes by day - which is very helpful when we are changing hotels (our trip this week was only 4 nights... but we stayed in three different places so were having to repack - these cubes make it super easy)

I LOVE packing cubes. It makes packing and unpacking SO easy. The girls each have their own cubes. Since they are all the same color, I use duct tape with a different pattern for each girl on the handles.

Sierra Trading post carries discontinued colors at times. I've been lucky to get most of mine using discount coupons from Backcountry.com.

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Evening Everyone,

I can't help thinking that this EBTA cruise will be the quietest TA crossing DCL have ever done, certainly the WBTA's are more popular, however the lack of chat on the boards and the fact that the cruise does not depart from Port Canaveral and of course the time of year for school kids. It could good for those hoping for upgrades and easy to get spa appointments and such, however it is noticeable when you get on board.

Is anyone else thinking the same thing?

I know for me one of the reasons I quit posting so much is that there was so much dissension.

Also, this is our first TA ever. I personally got tired of hearing that if it was not exactly as it had been on the last one, or the one two years ago, that it wasn't going to be as good.............

Sorry, flame me if you want, but that's just the way I feel.............

 

[WVURunner]

Evening Everyone,

I can't help thinking that this EBTA cruise will be the quietest TA crossing DCL have ever done, certainly the WBTA's are more popular, however the lack of chat on the boards and the fact that the cruise does not depart from Port Canaveral and of course the time of year for school kids. It could good for those hoping for upgrades and easy to get spa appointments and such, however it is noticeable when you get on board.

Is anyone else thinking the same thing?

I think it will be a magical cruise no matter what and a vacation is what you make of it. We picked this cruise because I was hoping it wouldn't be full. I like having an empty ship as I don't do well with crowds. On the EBPC in December, they did not have to use every dining rotation. The ship felt perfect, no lines and plenty of chairs!
I've been quiet lately as I was training for a half marathon and putting in some long runs and lots of miles, I have also been studying for the CDT test which I have to take in April. The half is tomorrow so hopefully I will have more free time soon.