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

[MissAndrea]

That is exactly how I felt last time. We were extra aware of our surroundings, did all the suggested things, etc. We loved Barcelona though! Knowledge is power. Being aware helps immensely. You are taking all the right precautions. Just like in life, no 100% guarantee, but you are doing the right things IMHO.

One thing that did help me feel better was that our first experience in Barcelona, we were with others. We had the red-eye flight but several of us were on the same flight together and went to Placa Catalunya together before splitting up to get to our respective hotels.

We are going on a group tour then flying to Paris that evening. I did that purposefully so we would be in a group. But now I have read Paris is getting bad. Either way, glad you think we are doing the right things. That makes me feel better too.

 

[EjeG]

Okay - to add to post #1 calendar - May 20 sunrise shoot to meet at 6am on deck 10 forward by the World Wide sports deck. Is that correct?
Any specifics for sunset shoot?

This is correct for sunrise shoot... Thanks Mandy..

Stay tuned for sunset shoot.

 

[MandyGirl]

We are going on a group tour then flying to Paris that evening. I did that purposefully so we would be in a group. But now I have read Paris is getting bad. Either way, glad you think we are doing the right things. That makes me feel better too.

Haven't been to Paris but same strategies apply. Now to just watch out for that crazy family you are on tour with in Gibraltar...

This is correct for sunrise shoot... Thanks Mandy..

Stay tuned for sunset shoot.

Updated!!

 

[EjeG]

I received my cruise documents today, still no room assignment!

Yay for documents.. boo for no assignment...

I'm finding so little time to prepare for this trip these days but I did manage to squeeze in a lens purchase as I'm excited too about the photo walk like Birkner.

I still have to get a uncut-able camera strap. I figure I'm going to use the SLR in Barcelona no matter what but will try to keep it safe. And switch memory cards often.

I got the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS lens. Happy with it so far but I've only played with it a little. I like the speed of it. I hope it'll compensate some for my amateur-ness.

I got a Sigma 24-79 F/2.8 and love it. I'm sure you will be very happy with that 17-70

For a strap, I can't recommend BlackRapid enough. it's of sling type with nice padding for the shoulder and it crosses over your chest, no more raw rubbed neck. The strap attached to the tripod mount hole on the bottom of the camera with a clasp that provides a secure connection. If your worrying about getting the strap cut by a thief in a crowd they offer the Protectr attachment that contains a lightweight steel cable.
http://www.blackrapid.com/products/protectr-regular

There are a numerous different straps. I really like my RS-5 which have nice pocket to store memory cards, room key, credit cards etc and a cell phone pocket (my Galaxy S3 is to big, but I use it to store my sunglasses).
I bought a Womens strap for my DW a few years ago (I do believe she likes it when she do bring her camera), the nice thing with the Womens strap is that it's designed and curved to comfortable go across the chest area with the mammories.

For a while I wanted to get a RS-Sport and a DR-2 but their new Yeti strap looks even better and gives the best of both the RS-Sport and DR-2 strap..

My only complaint on the RS-5 is when you have a lot of stuff in the pockets and your using your camera the shoulder portion tend to not want to stay up on top of the shoulder but slides down in front of you. Wish they had some rubber style backing material so it would stay better.. But that is where the RS-Sport and Yeti with their Brad strap (that goes under your arm) helps out.

Cruise docs came today, they sent mine to the TA but my friend that used the same TA got hers at home ???

Yay....

 

[kris3kid]

I sat down and read my docs yesterday. We did the air with Disney that came with ground, boy did the docs get me even more confused on what I should do. First I am told to "attach the luggage tags before your flight". Then I am to collect the bags when I land and have them travel with me to the Marriot where I am to identify I am with Disney. Hmmm, thought Disney took care of bags so I read farther in the book... Ground transportation said pichk up at the marriott and drop off at the hotel... same place but different part of the airport. So they are picking us up, cool. Continue to read On "embarkation day based on the flight info you have provided to us (Disney did the air I provided nothing), a DCL representative will meet you in the baggae claim and will provide further instructions at that time". HMMM, flying in the day before do I now return to the baggage claim the next day to meet DCL person? or does Disney meet me the first day?

Call Disney.....

Say this is the first time I have purchased air with Disney. I am told I will be very happy, Disney will take care of my bags so I wont have to deal with them and it is so easy. Cool.

Then I read the pages in the book and ask what am I to do?

HMMMMM

DCL will be there to meet you, put your bags in carts for the cruise. But I fly in the day before and the book said to bring the bags to the hotel with me..??..

Put on hold for 4 min.

Okay I am now told the following

Do not put the luggage tags on the bags before the flight. When you get to Houston you need to collect your bags and bring them with you outside of the luggage claim building and find the Marriott curtisy phone and call the hotel for a shuttle to pick us up. When we get to the hotel tell them we are with Disney to check in. The next morning put the tags on and you will be met by a DCL CM.

So I won't be met by Disney? right
So I need to do my own bags? right
I need to find a phone and call for a shuttle? right
How do I know what to do in the morning? Marriott will give you a letter when you check in.

ummmm so much for easy and so much for Disney taking my bags the whole time which was the biggest selling point for doing the air with them, attach a tag and Disney does the rest.

Hope this may help for others flying in as to what to do when you land.

 

[MissAndrea]

Haven't been to Paris but same strategies apply. Now to just watch out for that crazy family you are on tour with in Gibraltar...

Hahahaha!!!!!!

 

[MissAndrea]

Hubby just texted me and cruise docs have arrived!!!! Yay!!!!!!

 

[p17blo]

The chocolate tasting class (with beverages) is hopefully May 27 (not on Palo brunch thank goodness!). We are trying to keep the calendar on post #1 updated at all times - even showing when something is "tentative" or being proposed to DCL.

My own Palo Brunch (rather than a group one) IS the 27th which is why I can't sign up for the Chocolate Tasting - I'd sign up in a heartbeat if another date was offered.

 

[EjeG]

Pac Safe makes one which we have. Camera strap

However, I have heard of a new twist about camera theft in another thread.

"Ooh and the latest craze around some tourist destinations is SLR lens theft - OFF YOUR CAMERA whilst it is round your neck - They talk to you and release the lens and off they go. Again, never any malice (as in violent behavior) from the perpetrator, just opportunity, so those of you with SLRs, maybe don't have them around your neck?"

Right, I read a few reports that this is become fairly common out in California at fairs and on boardwalks (read tourist traps).
The "advantage" here is all it will feel like when they remove the lens is that someone bumped into you. You will still feel the weight of the camera so you might not suspect much since there is still weight on the strap... It is highly recommended to NEVER sling your camera in a position so it's behind you at any time when in crowds because that makes the thiefs task much easier. This is one reason why I like the sling strap, camera is on your side, it's easy to rest your hand on your camera or over your camera. Due to the way the camera is attached and the location of the camera it becomes very hard to access the lens release button without raising to much suspicion..
When I get into very crowded areas I press the camera into my side with my forearm between lens hood and camera body, or I grab hold of the lens with my right hand (camera hangs on my right side). Not only does this make it harder (almost impossible) to steal anything but also it protects my camera from people/things bumping into or into the front of my lens since I almost guaranteed does not have the lens cap on.

Maybe we can do two of them. I would love to do a sunset walk with the moon somewhat full. I am in for the 22nd

Sure why not... Not like it will cost us much besides our time...

Updated!!

Thank you Mandy.

 

[EjeG]

My own Palo Brunch (rather than a group one) IS the 27th which is why I can't sign up for the Chocolate Tasting - I'd sign up in a heartbeat if another date was offered.

Right now the first chocolate tasting is full and IIRC we have 3 people on waiting list and need 7 more people to do a second tasting which will be on a different day. Sooo might want to sign up to join in on the second tasting (if we can gain those last 7 people to split it into 2 tastings, granted I'm sure there might be a few that might be interested in doing the tasting twice so might just need a few more people to join the tasting to get close enough )

 

[WVURunner]

Haven't been to Paris but same strategies apply. Now to just watch out for that crazy family you are on tour with in Gibraltar...

I already warned the tour company about BOTH of the familes on tour C!

 

[p17blo]

Right now the first chocolate tasting is full and IIRC we have 3 people on waiting list and need 7 more people to do a second tasting which will be on a different day. Sooo might want to sign up to join in on the second tasting (if we can gain those last 7 people to split it into 2 tastings, granted I'm sure there might be a few that might be interested in doing the tasting twice so might just need a few more people to join the tasting to get close enough )

Well that's what I want to do, hence my question is signing up a commitment, as if people drop out and I am slotted into the 27th, I can't go. Catch 22!

 

[MissAndrea]

I already warned the tour company about BOTH of the familes on tour C!

Hahaha!!! Tours will be so much fun with other families! I am SOOO looking forward to it!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Is there a list of participants for the chocolate tasting. I have not received anything regarding confirmation. We think it will be great fun!

Bobbi

 

[MandyGirl]

My own Palo Brunch (rather than a group one) IS the 27th which is why I can't sign up for the Chocolate Tasting - I'd sign up in a heartbeat if another date was offered.

Ahhhhh. I was just in there online this morning to tweak some things, and if you have wiggle room with your other activities there were still several available sea day dates of brunch. (I also booked a personal brunch as a placeholder -- DCL will delete that brunch reservation I made if/when they approve the group brunch -- so if the group brunches go through then we know more openings will become available)

I already warned the tour company about BOTH of the familes on tour C!

 

[MandyGirl]

Hahaha!!! Tours will be so much fun with other families! I am SOOO looking forward to it!

Yes!! I am really looking forward to it!

 

[Msaxon]

Secret Mickey:

I have send out the Secret Mickey assignments today, so if you haven't received an email let me know.

Please if you at time of signing up for Secret Mickey didn't had a cabin # or don't have a stateroom number yet, let me know your roomnumbers as soon as you get them.
Your Secret Mickey need to know to which stateroom the need to deliver the gifts....

Thanks

Thank you for the email. I read it off to Tyler (DS) and he was very happy reading about his Secret Mickey. Maybe a new friend onboard if they can keep the secret

 

[p17blo]

My Docs arrived here in the UK today

 

[gonecrusin]

Sure did - you are good to go!

We are now up to 42 - so we only need 8 more to do a second class! LOL!

Thanks! Just mention chocolate and you get people's attention. Chocolate gives me a migraine but sometimes it's so worth it! Note to self, pack medicine!

 

[heatherb819]

5 WEEKS!!! but who's counting right?!?!